Universität Wien
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300067 UE Communicative behavior in animals (2026S)

10.00 ECTS (6.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 10 participants
Language: German, English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The course will be conducted as a block course this semester. The preliminary meeting is scheduled for 14 April at 9:45 a.m. at UBB Vienna (room 1.3.). Afterwards, there will be three lecture dates, which we will coordinate together. The group work can then be carried out flexibly during the zoo’s opening hours.

On 9 June at 9:00, a talk by Zoo Director Stefan Hering-Hagenbeck will be held as part of the course.

  • Tuesday 14.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1 (Kickoff Class)
  • Tuesday 05.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.2, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.004, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 02.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.2, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.004, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this practical course, we examine different aspects of behavior and communication in animals. We ask: Which basic behaviors do animals exhibit? How do animals communicate, and how do they perceive and interpret signals? How do animals in zoos behave compared to their wild counterparts? And how can observations in the zoo be placed in broader ecological contexts?

The practical component takes place at Tiergarten Schönbrunn (in groups of two).
Content:
- Fundamentals of ethology: concepts and methods of behavioral research
- Forms of communication in mammals
- Bioacoustics: recording vocalizations, analyzing acoustic signals, the role of acoustic communication in social and reproductive behavior, social structures, mating behavior, territoriality, and conflict management
- Introduction to observational methods: ethograms, sampling methods, ZooMonitor app
- Practical data collection and analysis at Tiergarten Schönbrunn
- Presentation and group discussion of project results

Learning outcomes
• Understand the fundamental principles of animal behavior and communication.
• Distinguish between different communication modalities and their functions across species.
• Apply observational and analytical methods used in ethology.
• Demonstrate basic skills in bioacoustics (data collection and analysis; e.g., recording, visualizing, and interpreting animal vocalizations).
• Critically analyze, interpret, and present data in a scientific manner.
• Reflect on how behavioral research contributes to animal welfare, conservation, and the management of zoo animals.
• Practice the responsible use of AI in scientific research.

Assessment and permitted materials

Oral: Students will design and deliver a group presentation on their topic. The presentation may be creatively supported by AI (for example, AI‑generated videos can be included that explain basic concepts or data‑collection methods).

Electronic: A digital folder must be submitted that documents the workflow, includes metadata, any scripts and figures, and a brief, concise written report. The folder must also provide detailed information on how and where AI was used (this will be explained in a short lecture). The use of AI is permitted in principle; however, rules must be followed and all AI use must be documented.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimum requirements: Each group must give a presentation and submit the project folder.

Examination topics

There is no formal exam.

Reading list

Eine vergleichende Studie zur Rolle von Zoos im Spannungsfeld von Arten- und Tierschutz, vonStahl, Daniel,
ISBN 9783668650824
Verhaltensbiologie, von Kappeler, Peter M, Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012
Observing Animal Behaviour: Design and Analysis of Quantitive Controls 1st Edition
ISBN-13: 978-0198569367
Exploring Animal Behaviour Through Sound: Volume 2
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-83460-8
Von singenden Mäusen und quietschenden Elefanten, Angela Stöger | Patricia McAllister-Käfer, ISBN:
978-3-7106-0530-7
Elefanten: Ihre Weisheit, ihre Sprache und ihr soziales Miteinander, Angela Stöger | Patricia McAllister-Käfer, ISBN:
978-3-7106-0731-8

Association in the course directory

MZO4, CoBeNe W2

Last modified: Fr 29.05.2026 15:27