ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue
Course details
Course code: BBS10302f16Semester: 2016/2017 summer
Name: Parrot Behaviour
Major: Biology
Study Type: first cycle
Course type: optional
Study Semester: 4
ECTS points: 3
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 30 / 0 / 0
Lecturer: dr Adam Urantówka
Language of instruction: Polish
The course taught in English if the group has ≥6 students. The course taught in Polish with a possibility of support in English if the group has <6 students.
Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student: W1 –knows the phylogenetic position of parrots in a group of birds [KB_W11; KB_W12]; W2 - has a general understanding of the parrot behavior complexity in their natural environment [KB_WX]; W3 - has a general understanding of the parrot behavior complexity in the case of birds bred in captivity or kept as pets in the home [KB_WX]; W4 - knows and understands the impact of changing environmental factors and human activities on the parrots behavior in their natural environment [KB_WX]; W5 - knows the mechanisms and techniques to allow to modify parrots behavior disorders - birds bred in captivity or kept as pets in the home [KB_WX]; Skills: Student: U1 - provides a parrot kept in captivity optimal living conditions taking into account the complexity of species-specific behaviors [KB_UX]; U2 - observes, analyzes and modifies the influence of "breeding environment" factors in the comfort of emotional and intellectual living of owned parrots [KB_U11]; U3 - provides parrots kept as pets optimal living conditions taking into account their emotional and intellectual needs [KB_UX]; U4 - distinguishes major groups and species of birds belonging to the Psittaciformes order [KB_U10]; U5 - skillfully avoids potential behavioral problems, which often occur in parrots kept in captivity [KB_U10].
Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 - is sensitive to the intellectual and emotional demands of captive parrots [KB_K07]; K2 - is aware of the responsibility for the quality of captive parrots life [KB_K07]; K3 - understands the importance of biodiversity in a Psittaciformes order [KB_K04]; K4 - is interested in methods of active protection of endangered parrot species [KB_K05]; K5 –pay attention to quality and the future of the environment [KB_K04].
Prerequisites: animal physiology, fundamentals of animal nutrition
Course content: Classification and status of different parrot species; endangered species protection; social behaviour of wild living parrots of chosen taxonomic groups; the influence of feeding on anatomy, physiology and behaviour; behaviour of parrots during reproduction; feeding the parrot nestlings by human – advantage and disadvantage; behavioural development of nestlings bringing up by natural parents and humans; intellect of parrots and their communication and abstract thinking skills; emotional needs of parrots; behaviour analysis and learning skills; prevention of behaviour problems; clinical fundamentals of behaviour disorders; aggression of concomitant birds; the basis of parrots fear; disorders of sexual behaviour of concomitant birds; pharmacotherapy of behaviour disorders.
Recommended literature: 1. Doane B.M., Qualkinbush T.: My Parrot, My Friend: An Owner's Guide to Parrot Behavior (Behavior Modification Techniques and Their Role in Contemporary Aviculture), Howell Book House, 1995; 2. Athan M.S.: Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior, Barron's Educational Series, 1999; 3. Luescher A.: Manual of Parrot Behavior, Wiley-Blackwell, 2006; 4. Gallerstein G.A.: The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook, Avian Publications, 2003; 5. Glendell G.: Breaking Bad Habits in Parrots: How Responsible and Sympathetic Parrot Care Can Prevent or Remedy Problem Behaviors, Firefly Books, 2007;
Assessment methods: Students write a test (60 one-choice questions) during the examination session. The test lasts 45 minutes. 60% positive answers is sufficient to pass. If the test will be failed on the first term, student has the right to correct the negative result in the second term (also course credit- written test).
Comment: Necessity to show multimedia presentation reach in audio and video files.