Ornithology Course Code : 2001WETORN Study domain: Biology Bi-anuall course: Taught in academic years starting in an odd year Semester: Semester: 2nd semester Contact hours: 40 Credits: 4 Study load (hours): 112 Contract restrictions: Exam contract not possible Language of instruction : English Exam period: exam in the 2nd semester Tutor(s) Erik Matthysen Marcel Eens   1. Prerequisites At the start of this course the student should have acquired the following competences: An active knowlegde of : English A passive knowledge of : English General notion of the basic concepts of: General background in biology. Basic knowledge of behaviour, ecology, evolutionary theory Note: this course is not taught in 2012-2013 2. Learning outcomes Students gain insight in a number of fundamental aspects of bird biology, with a focus on the integration of research disciplines (morphology, fysiology, behaviour, ecology). They become familiar with the specificities of research on birds, as illustrated by several examples. 3. Course contents The course starts with a brief overview of typical characteristics of birds and addresses some new insighs in evolution and taxonomy of birds. An excursion offers an initial training in species identification. A number of typical elements from the lifestyle of birds are discussed such as migration, navigation and orientation, communcation and cognition, and sexual selection. Finally the course addresses the conservation of bird populations, and the use of birds as indicators of biodiversity and environmental quality. 4. Teaching method Class contact teaching: Lectures Seminars Excursions 5. Assessment method and criteria Examination: Oral with written preparation Continuous assessment: Assignments 6. Study material Required reading Syllabus Recent publications Optional reading The following study material can be studied on a voluntary basis: - 7. Contact information erik.matthysen@ua.ac.be, tel 03 265 3464 marcel.eens@ua.ac.be (+)last update: 21/01/2013 15:40 erik.matthysen

Inhoudsverantwoordelijke(n) : Facultaire administratie