Animal Behaviour
This course provides you with a broad overview of the field of animal behaviour, covering key concepts, theories, and studies. You will gain vital hands-on experience by completing supervised group research projects on animals at Tovetorp research station.
During the initial five weeks of teaching, you will obtain rigorous knowledge of the broad theory of animal behaviour. After this teaching component, the course concludes with a practical project, during which you will be divided into small groups to carry out a behavioural study on real animals (deer, birds, fish, and insects are possible study organisms). This provides the opportunity to apply the methods and concepts covered during the lectures in practice.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to spring term 2025 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for spring 2025
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 7th January and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts.
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
During the initial five weeks of teaching, you will obtain rigorous knowledge of the broad theory of animal behaviour. After this teaching component, the course concludes with a practical project, during which you will be divided into small groups to carry out a behavioural study on real animals (deer, birds, fish, and insects are possible study organisms). This provides the opportunity to apply the methods and concepts covered during the lectures in practice.
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Course structure
Teaching format
The first part of the course consists primarily of lectures and readings. Note that you can borrow the text book from us free of charge. The second part of the course consists of a behavioural study that you plan, perform and then present in groups of 3 - 4 students. Before the behavioural studies begin, we will have preparation days, covering the research systems and questions, how to plan and conduct experiments, and how to analyse data.
The behavioural studies will be performed at Tovetorp (the Zoology Department's research station ca 90 km SW of Stockholm). We will be at Tovetorp for a total of 5 days (see schedule). Teachers will be on site during the project. These projects provide students with invaluable experience of how behavioural research projects are carried out all the way from idea to scientific report.
Assessment
Two written examinations (completed before project preparations begin), a written project report and an oral project presentation.
Examiner
David Wheatcroft
E-mail: david.wheatcroft@zoologi.su.se -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Closed Thursday November 21!
Study counsellor for basic level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315d
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
