Master module "Behavioral biology in zoos"
The module consists of a seminar, an internship and excursion. Fundamental aspects and current issues of Zoology are taught in the seminar at the beginning based on original work, which will be presented by the students and then discussed as a group. The excursion to various zoos and a research internship in the 'Opel Zoo' serve to solidify theoretical principles.
The students acquire basic principles in the field of zoo biology (behavior research in the zoo, enrichment, husbandry, conservation aspects), as well as the application of modern techniques. They will learn methodology for the implementation of behavioural studies and how to address scientific problems while bearing in mind current concepts in the relevant literature.
For further informations click here.
It is widely accepted that zoos are an important source for research on animals, biodiversity and conservation issues. Additionally, educational work at the institution zoo have become a new subject of research in the past years. Our department wants to integrate interdisciplinary objectives and fields of research and introduce zoo biology-specific courses in the academic education at the Goethe University in Frankfurt. Studies of zoo animal behavior, mixed-species exhibits, chronobiology and environmental enrichment are part of our work. Furthermore, educational research is carried out on the evaluation of teaching concepts in zoos, visitor studies and the efficiency of zoos in knowledge transfer and attitude change regarding conservation learning.