ETH-20306 Behavioural Endocrinology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

EZO-10306 and HAP-20306

Contents:

Behavioral endocrinology refers to genetic, molecular, cellular, psychological, and social influences on behaviour. This course reviews the current state of knowledge at the interfaces of hormones and behaviour in mammals. The focus of the completely renewed course Behavioural Endocrinology is on 4 themes, namely:
1. female and male reproductive behavioural endocrinology;
2. social behaviour and its neuroendocrine regulation;
3. behavioral endocrinology of stress;
4. homeostasis and behaviour, including issues like energy balance and metabolism, body mass and the control of food intake.
The course addresses basic principles of behaviour and endocrinology, but especially outlines the interrelationships of hormones, behaviour and nervous systems. Contemporary knowledge is presented from diverse perspectives taking into account the historical background and findings that laid the foundations for modern studies of behavioral endocrinology.

Learning outcomes:

After following this course:
- students understand the basic principles of behaviour and endocrinology,
- students are able to explain basic mechanisms that underlie the interrelationships of hormones, behaviour and nervous systems;
- students are able to relate the effects of hormones to the behavioural outcomes in relation to reproduction, sociality, stress and homeostasis.

Activities:

Lectures, practicals, problem oriented education classes.

Examination:

A written exam with partly multiple choice and partly essay questions.

Literature:

An Introduction to Behavioral Endocrinology (Third Edition) By Randy J. Nelson, Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts, 2005, 822 pp.