Learning objectives
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- Describe the main concepts related to canine cognition and behavior, including differences and similarities between species.
- Analyze existing scientific studies using critical criteria to evaluate their validity and applicability.
- Formulate research hypotheses based on scientific evidence and direct observations.
- Clearly present the results of a scientific study.
Prerequisites
Good English skills
Course unit content
This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the cognition and social behavior of canids, focusing on comparative approaches across different species. Throughout the course, key themes such as adaptation, social dynamics, and ecological influences will be explored, providing students with the tools to critically analyze the behavior and cognition of canids in diverse contexts. The course has a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of canid behavior, cognition, and ecology.
Full programme
The course is divided into four main theoretical parts, complemented by practical exercises and field activities:
1. Introduction to the canid family
The initial lectures introduce the canid family, highlighting the remarkable adaptability of this group. Topics include their responses to climate change, colonization of novel habitats, and urbanization. Differences and commonalities among canid species will be examined, with a special focus on red foxes, coyotes, wolves, and dogs as the most extensively studied members.
2. Domestication
This section explores theories of dog domestication, focusing on the evolutionary and ecological processes that contributed to their transformation from wild ancestors into human companions.
3. Socio-ecology of wolves and free-ranging dogs
These lectures investigate the socio-ecology of wolves and free-ranging dogs, emphasizing their complex social structures and behaviors, while highlighting their similarities and differences. A novel ethological approach to studying wolf behavior in the wild will be presented. Field studies on the social behavior, ecology, and cognition of free-ranging dogs from two key research sites in Morocco and India will be discussed.
4. Cognition and behavioral comparisons between wolves and dogs
The final lectures analyze the cognitive and behavioral differences between wolves and dogs, linking these findings to their socio-ecology and the domestication process. These discussions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how domestication has influenced the behavior and cognition of dogs compared to their wild counterparts.
The practical component of the course includes:
Seminars: Students will participate in seminars where they summarize and present seminal papers related to the topics covered in the course. These sessions are designed to develop students' ability to critically analyze, present, and discuss scientific research in a professional setting.
Field activities: Students will gain hands-on experience using camera traps to conduct behavioral and cognitive tests on wild species. These activities are intended to familiarize students with techniques for observing and analyzing wildlife in natural settings.
Bibliography
Students will find the PDF slides on the Elly platform. The primary study material consists of the scientific papers that form the basis of the lectures, as referenced in the slides.
Additionally, two textbooks are recommended for further reading:
Mech, L. D., & Boitani, L. (Eds.). (2019). Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. University of Chicago Press.
Range, F., & Marshall-Pescini, S. (2022). Wolves and Dogs: Between Myth and Science. Springer Nature.
Teaching methods
The lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, which are available to students on the Elly platform. To download the slides, students must be enrolled in the online course. The slides are not a substitute for the course or textbooks but are an important part of the learning material. Both attending and non-attending students are encouraged to regularly check the available materials and other instructions provided by the instructor through the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam consists of a written test covering the topics addressed in the course. The results will be communicated within one week of the exam date. Students may review the exam by scheduling an appointment with the teacher.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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