Online

MOOC Introduction to Animal Behaviour

Explore the amazing range and complexity of wild animal behaviour. Discover how animals learn, communicate, find food, avoid predators, and interact socially.

Organised by Wageningen University & Research
Duration 6 weeks, 4-6 hours per week

Enrol now on edX®

Why follow this course?

Do you want to understand how and why animals behave the way they do, and how we test hypotheses about behaviour scientifically? This biology and life sciences course provides an introduction to the complexities of wild animal behaviour, and how it is studied.

Over six weeks, learners will explore the various behaviours animals adopt in order to meet the challenges of their daily lives. We begin with how animals learn and communicate with each other, then move on to discuss how they find food, avoid predators, choose their mates, and rear their offspring.

Is this course for you?

This course is aimed at anyone looking to broaden their understanding of animal behaviour beyond nature documentaries or a typical high school education. No previous knowledge is required, only curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject.

What you will learn

  • Key concepts to understand animal behaviour
  • The fascinating range and complexity of behaviour in animals
  • How scientific hypotheses are developed and tested
  • How animals learn and communicate
  • Animals' reproductive behaviour
  • How animals function socially

Coordinated by

Enrol now on edX®