Neuroethology
Master in Life Sciences, ENS
BIO_M2_E23b | Neuroethology
Year and Semester : M2 | S1
Where : Biology department, ENS
Duration : 2 weeks of courses / TP
First and last day of class : November 25-December 6, 2024
Maximum class size : 16 students
—2024-2025 planning to come—
Coordination
Credits
3 ECTS
Keywords
Neurogiology | Behaviour | Quantitative ethology | Instinct | Learning | Spontaneous activity | Neuronal circuits | Non-animal models.
Course prerequisites
Basic knowledge in neurobiology
Course objectives and description
Aims : From ethology to modern neuroethology, this course will teach main concepts in the field, from behavior, cognition and neuronal circuit dynamics. Emphasizing the use of a variety of animal preparations, usually considered as non animal models.
Themes :
- Ethology
• Quantitative ethology
• Main concepts in modern ethology
• Innate behaviours
1. Fixed action patterns.
2. Innate release mechanism and Sign or releasor stimulus
3. Interlocking releasers (fap releases fap, reaction chain, courtship)
4. Releasing value of stimulus
5. Supernormal stimulus
• Learned behaviours
1. Classical, operant conditioning, and working memory
2. Imprinting and critical period.
• Classical neuroethology - Neuronal basis of learning & memory
• Aplysia facilitation
• Long-term memory - Auditory world
• Physical properties of sound (near field, far field)
• Intra species communication : crickets
• Auditory-motor transformations : zebrafish
• Inter species interactions : bats vs. Moths, Owls vs. Mice
• Cockroach escape response
• Dolphin communication
• Bees communication - Decision making
• Sensory based : leech, monkeys and zebrafish
• Internal decisions : cray fish and zebrafish - Ongoing spontaneous brain activity
• Biological meaning and underlying mechanisms
• Cats, ferrets and fish
Course material
30h / Powerpoint presentations.
Assessment
Written examination (2 hrs)
