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 2 modules: Biological Bases of Behavior and Psychobiology of sexual behavior.
Full programme
A. Behavioral Biology (prof. P. Palanza, 5 cfu)
1. Evolution, genes and environment: “Nature via Nurture”. Introduction: Human Evolution, genes, Hormones, neurotrasmitters. History and scope of ethology; Tinbergen's 4 questions. Ethograms and the comparative approach; methods of behavioral observation, fixed action patterns and releasers. Individual and social learning. Genetics of behavior. Konrad Lorenz and the Imprinting Theory.
2. The useless instinct-learning debate.: Genetic and epigenetic factors in behavioral development. Epigenetic effects of maternal cares in animal models and their implications for the theory of Attachment and developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
3. Sex differences in behavior: expression, development and adaptive significance. Parental Investment, sexual selection and mating systems: ecological pressures and neuroendocrine mechanisms.
4. Social systems, ecology and neuroendocrine basis: “The social brain” hypothesis and the role of oxytocin. Aggression, social hierarchy and social stress. Cooperation, altruism and eusociality. Parental cares and Parent-offspring conflict.
5. An evolutionary approach to neuro-psychiatric disorders: Darwinian psychiatry. Experimental models of psychiatric disorders.
B. Psicobiology of sexual behavior (Prof. S. Parmigiani, 3 cfu)
1. Evolution of sexual reproduction and sexual selection. Conflict and cooperation between sexes. Evolution of male and female reproductive strategies and of mating systems.
2. Evolutionary Psychology. Clinical and psychological implications.
3. Analysis of “case studies”.
Bibliography
TText book
-Alcock. Ethology: un Evolutionary approach.
- Palanza e Parmigiani. Appunti di Biologia del Comportamento e psicobiologia della sessualita'. Libreria Santa Croce
-Buss.Evolutionary Psychology.
- Scientific papers as suggested by the teacher and posted on the course website (Elly)
Additional 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
A final comprehensive exam for all the integrated course will be written with 30 multiple choice questions and 4 open questions.
Students attending classes can take a a partial in April followed by an oral exam on specific parts of the program. 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.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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