Universität Wien
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300199 UE Exercise on behaviour observation and behavioural genetics using the example of Japanese macaques (2023W)

5.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
ON-SITE
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. 16 participants
Language: German, English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Our preliminary meeting will take place online on October 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

You can use this link to join the Zoom meeting for the preliminary meeting:
https://univienna.zoom.us/j/67791196473?pwd=YnE2L2lEL2FvK0c2Y3dhYnhqZ0dqZz09

You can also participate via the Zoom client using the following data:
Meeting ID: 677 9119 6473
Identification code: 774570

Participation in the preliminary meeting is mandatory (in person or via representative). Failure to attend will result in your de-registration from the course. Participants on the waiting list can only move up after attending the preliminary meeting.

The exercise consists of 9 days, divided into two parts: 7 days on-site at the Affenberg (monkey park) and 2 days online afterwards.

For the WS 2023 semester, you can choose from three blocks:

1st block: October 25 – October 31, 2023 (online on November 01 & 02)
2nd block: November 14 - November 20, 2023 (online on November 21 & 22)
3rd block: February 13 - February 19, 2024 (online on February 20 & 21)

Block allocation occurs after the preliminary meeting. The assignment of blocks is based on participant preferences and is not determined by points.

The course will be conducted as on-site teaching, with the exercise/excursion taking place at the Affenberg field research station (www.affenberg.com).

Accommodation:
Starting from the winter semester of 2023, accommodation will be provided at the dormitory of the School for Health and Nursing, located at Europaplatz 3, 9500 Villach. Rooms are offered free of charge, with a one-time cleaning fee of EUR 57,- per person.

  • Monday 02.10. 18:00 - 19:00 Digital (Kickoff Class)
  • Wednesday 01.11. 09:00 - 18:00 Digital
  • Thursday 02.11. 09:00 - 18:00 Digital
  • Tuesday 21.11. 09:00 - 18:00 Digital
  • Wednesday 22.11. 09:00 - 15:00 Digital
  • Tuesday 20.02. 09:00 - 17:55 Digital
  • Wednesday 21.02. 09:05 - 15:00 Digital

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this comprehensive course, participants will gain a deep understanding of conducting scientific behavioral studies with semi-free-living Japanese macaques, featuring a 7-day excursion to the Landskron Monkey Mountain, followed by 2 days of online instruction

1. Behavioral Observations
Developing a research plan, setting clear objectives, and formulating hypotheses, implementing different behavior observation techniques, gathering behavioral data and organizing it for analysis, interpreting findings and drawing conclusions based on collected data, presentation of findings in accordance with research questions and relevant literature

2. Introduction to Molecular Techniques
Hands-on experience with DNA extraction techniques, assay design, performing real-time PCR (qPCR) experiments, applying gel electrophoresis techniques for DNA analysis, writing of a short scientific report on the laboratory part (short intro, methods, results, discussion)

Assessment and permitted materials

Immanent exam
Participation in study design, data collection in the field and in lab work
Participation in professional discussions
Analysis of behavioral data and presentation of results
Laboratory final report (1-2 pages short scientific report in manuscript form)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Attendance on at least 8 days (1 day off possible)

The following must be fulfilled during the lecture:

Fieldwork (Mini-project): ethogram & study design, systematically recording and analyzing behavioral data, interpretation and discussion of the findings in accordance with research questions and relevant literature, short presentation of the final results

Laboratory work: DNA isolation, assay design, performing qPCR and gel electrophoresis, evaluation of lab results, writing a short report on lab results

Examination topics

continuous practical coursework (data collection, lab report, oral presentation) will be graded instead of a final exam

Reading list

Relevant literature and other information will be made available via Moodle after the preliminary meeting.

Association in the course directory

MAN 3, M-WZB, UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04, MZO4, CoBeNe W1

Last modified: Tu 20.02.2024 09:26