Learning objectives
1. A good understanding of the ethological approach to behavioral studies and of genetic, epigenetic, hormonal and neurochemical basis of behavior in an evolutionary perspective as well as of their implications for clinical and psychological practice.
2. Capability to integrate the different levels of causal and functional analysis of behavior and to apply a scientific observational method to behavioural analysis.
3.. The ability to fully understand and criticize scientific and technical literature in the field of behavioral biology and to develop critical reasoning of behavioural data and their interpretations.
4. To develop their ability to present scientific work in a clear and concise manner and to effectively communicate scientific
advances in the field of behavioural analysis to a non-specialist or to a professional audience as well as their ethical and social implications.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Biology, genetics and neurosciences
Course unit content
The course of is an integrated course comprising a module of modules of Classic Ethology, Biological Bases of Behavior and Psychobiology of sexual behavior.
Full programme
1. Classic Ethology (Prof. P. Valsecchi, 3 cfu)
History and scope of ethology; Tinbergen's 4 questions. Ethograms and the comparative approach; methods of behavioral observation.
Control of behavior: istinct, reflexes, fixed action patterns and releasers, stereotyped behaviors, conflict and displacement activities.
Motivation and decision making. Individual and social learning. Konrad Lorenz and the Imprinting Theory.
Genetic and Evolution of behavior.
2. Biological bases of behavior (prof. P. Palanza, 3 cfu)
. Evolution, genes and environment: “Nature via Nurture”.
2. Genetic and epigenetic factors in behavioral development..
3. Hormones, neurotrasmitters and behavior regulation.
4. Sex differences in behavior: expression, development and adaptive significance.
5. Social systems, ecology and neuroendocrine basis: “The social brain” hypothesis.
5. Parental Investment, sexual selection and parental care. Cooperation and conflict.
6. Maternal functions and offspring psychosocial development. Epigenetic effects of maternal cares.
7. Imprinting and attachment.
8. An evolutionary approach to neuro-psychiatric disorders: Darwinian psychiatry. Animal models of psychiatric disorders.
4. Psicobiology of sexual behavior (Prof. S. Parmigiani, 2 cfu)
Evolution of sexual reproduction and sexual selection. Conflict and cooperation between sexes. Evolution of male and female reproductive strategies and of mating systems: Clinical and psychological implications. Analysis of “case studies”.
Bibliography
Text book
-Alcock. Ethology: un Evolutionary approach.
-Sovrano, Zucca e Regolin. Il comportamento degli animali: Evoluzione, Cognizione e Benessere. Carocci editore.
-Buss.Evolutionary Psychology.
- Scientific papers as suggested by the teacher and posted on the course website (Elly)
Readings:
-- Ridley M. Nature via Nurture. The Agile Gene: How Nature Turns on Nurture. Harper Perennial.
Ridely M. The red queen. Harper
Hrdy S. Mother Nature. Ballantine books
Teaching methods
During lectures the state of the art, concepts and experiments in the research field of Ethology and Psychobiology, by stressing out the specifics of ethological approach and methods. The lectures will be in an interactive format and students are strongly encouraged to ask questions and insert comments. We will watch and analyse videos on animal behaviour (including humans) to practice behavioral analysis methods. Group discussion of scientific papers and specific issues.
Assessment methods and criteria
During the course scientific papers will be suggested to read and discuss in class to verify understanding of experimental hypothesis, methodological techniques and data interpretation (20%). A final comprehensive exam for all the integrated course will be written with 30 multiple choice questions and 4 open questions.
Other information
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