"Secrets of Animals – Decoding Animal Behavior" is a comprehensive and in-depth academic course offering a fascinating insight into the complex world of animals and their behavioral patterns. The course begins with an extensive historical overview of the development of ethology, introducing pioneering researchers who shaped the field, such as Konrad Lorenz, Niko Tinbergen, and Karl von Frisch, recipients of the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of groundbreaking studies, from classic research to contemporary discoveries at the forefront of science, demonstrating the complexity of animal behavior.

The course will delve into topics such as feeding strategies of seabirds, cultural information transfer among primates, and complex cooperation systems between different species in nature. Additionally, students will learn and apply advanced research methodologies in ethology, including observation techniques and behavioral analysis, use of advanced tracking technologies, and statistical data analysis.

A central component of the course will be dedicated to a practical project, where students will experience planning and conducting ethological research using webcams to document animal behavior in their natural habitats and in zoos. The course will combine theoretical lectures, classroom discussions, practical workshops, and educational field trips, providing students with a deep understanding of ethological principles and their practical applications in fields such as nature conservation, animal welfare, and human behavior research.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.