209508 Research Module A: Evolutionary Ecology of Behaviour (Pj) (SoSe 2021)

The graduate students will work on a project in the following research areas: (1) Evolutionary ecology of acoustic communication in insects, (2) Sexual selection, (3) Theoretical ecolutionary biology of behaviour. Methods to be learnt: (1) Molecular techniques (PCR, microsatellite analysis, population genetics); (2) recording and analysis of acoustic signals; (3) statistcal analysis of experimental data; (4) modelling the evolution of behaviour.

Research Module A can be used as preparation for the Masters Project.

Important note: The Supplementary Module and the two Research Modules must be taken in at least two different departments. Research Module A may be taken in fields related to the graduate program in other Biology departments, but also in other faculties. A weekly seminar (Thursday 17:15 - 18:45) for all students of the Graduate Programme Systems Biology of Brain and Behaviour will be an integral part of the Supplementary and the Research Modules. This seminar will have the following goals:

• Scientists from other research institutions will be invited to give talks and to discuss their results with the graduate students.
• The students of the Graduate Programme will present the project plan and results of their research projects and discuss these with the other graduate students and the supervisors. Discussions will focus on the projects themselves, but also on presentation techniques.
• Conceptual, methodological and statistical issues relevant in all research areas participating in the Masters Programme will be discussed.
• General issues of science management, such as designing scientific projects or writing a grant application, will be trained.