Neuroethology

Full course description

Neuroethology is the branch of science that studies the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of natural behaviours in (non-human) animals. After a short recap of the basics of neurobiology and an introduction to the history of the field of neuroethology, we will dive into case studies that illustrate the core findings in this field. We will look at the use of sensory information for orientation and localization, how sensory information is processed, the neuronal control of motor output and sensorimotor integration. Other topics include: motivational changes through neuromodulation, circadian rhythms and biological clocks, large- scale navigation, communication through song, and the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. Many of the case studies we discuss are considered classics in the field, and are expected to be understood in detail. Examples of such case studies are; the jamming avoidance response in weakly electric fish, central pattern generators in decapod crustaceans, production and perception of cricket song and the sensitization of the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia.