Universität Wien
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300230 UE Zoo Biology and Animal Behaviour (2026S)

Practical course at the Vienna Zoo

3.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work

Die Unterrichtssprache ist prinzipiell Deutsch. Wenn Studenten teilnehmen deren Muttersprache nicht Deutsch ist, kann in Englisch unterrichtet werden.
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. 12 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 10:30 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)
  • Wednesday 29.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.6, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.011, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 05.05. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.3, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.005, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 23.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.2, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.004, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Short description: This hands-on course introduces methods of behavioral research and key concepts in zoo biology. Students work in small groups on projects at Tiergarten Schönbrunn. In addition to systematic behavioral observations and their analysis, the course addresses the role of modern zoos as scientific institutions, the design of species-appropriate enclosures, and enrichment concepts. (in groups of three)
Content:
• Introduction to zoo biology and modern zoos
• Methods of behavioral observation (ethograms, data collection, analysis)
• Enclosure design and environmental enrichment
• Fundamentals of breeding and population management (e.g., EAZA programs, genetic diversity)
• Project work: literature review, data collection (using the ZooMonitor App) and analysis
Learning outcomes:
• Apply behavioral research methods in practice
• Understand the functions of modern zoos and their role in conservation
• Critically evaluate husbandry and enrichment concepts
• Competently handle research data and scientific communication
• 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.
Each person is required to observe a certain number of hours at the zoo.

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 3, MNB6

Last modified: We 10.06.2026 09:07