Scienze Naturali, Scienze dei Sistemi Naturali,
Evoluzione del comportamento animale e dell’uomo

The course's aim is to present the main techniques of acquisition and analysis of behavioural data, including advanced statistical treatment. There is particular attention focusing on the formulation of experimental design, quantitative approaches in Ethology and Ecology, data analysis, evaluation of intra and interspecific variability and hypotheses,  and potential applications in the fields of behavioural biology, conservation and sensory and cognitive ecology. Using theoretical and theory-practical lessons, the student will have the chance to acquire and deepen knowledge of the essential tools and programs for behavioural research.

Master's degree graduates in the Evolution of Animal and Human Behaviour can pursue professional and managerial activities that require the contribution of a broader cultural background in behaviour and a high professional profile. The course comprehensively examines the most common techniques for approaching behavioural studies and sampling methods. Some case studies concerning the analysis of communicative signals in line with the profile of the ECAU graduate presented in the SUA sheet are examined in depth. The course also provides in-depth coverage of statistical approaches to the study of behaviour, both from a big data perspective (e.g. analysis of signals derived from passive acoustic monitoring or vocal or visual signals) and simpler tests adaptable to cases where only a limited number of subjects are available, as is often the case in environmental enrichment projects in zoos and farms, or studies of human-animal interaction. The course plays a decisive role in the training of graduates who will be competent in all those areas of work and research where a solid theoretical and applicative basis in the fields of behaviour is needed, particularly concerning the application of more modern and advanced quantitative techniques.

The scientific method, hypothesis testing, type I and II errors, data wrangling, exploration, correlation, regression, one-way ANOVA, and residuals. Experimental design: factorial design, randomized block design, nested design, repeated measure design (factorial, nested, repeated-measure ANOVAs; ANCOVA). Experiments with behaviour: manipulation of the animal and of the environment.  Ethogram, time budget, observations in the field (equipment and approaches). Data loggers. Communication behaviour: sound recording and analysis. Intraspecific variation in behaviour, natural physical marks, acoustic marks. Multivariate analyses: PCA, DFA, Clustering. Neural networks and Machine Learning Approaches (AI). Sequential analysis of behaviour. Advanced use of Praat (praat.org), Boris and Behatrix (www.boris.unito.it).

Frontal lessons with personal computers. All course materials will be available on Moodle (e.g., slides, scientific papers, videos, and manuals).

Lectures are given in the classroom. Attendance is optional and recommended, and the final examination will be the same for attending and non-attending participants.

The student's preparation will be tested through a written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. It will be done using Moodle. The total marks (31) will be divided based on the questions in the test by importance and extent and announced in the examination. The final mark will be the sum of the partial marks. There is no oral test. The duration of the written examination is approx. 35 minutes. The topics covered in the examination will reflect those covered during the teaching and in the syllabus to lead the students to reflect on the problems associated with applying ethological techniques and statistical tests. Questions may relate to the characteristics of the statistical tests covered during the course and their application. In addition to verifying knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, the written examination aims to test the above skills (cf. Expected Learning Outcomes): the questions include descriptive but critical elements. A correct understanding of terminology and a clear overview of the topics is necessary for passing the examination.

At least two exams are set in each exam period scheduled for January, February, March, and June, and only one exam is scheduled for September. Students are required to enrol using the University website. In the case of any problems or difficulties, students are invited to contact the teachers.