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Timing, rhythm and synchrony in animal Signals (Week 10, 3 ECTS)

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In this module we will introduce the major temporal features of acoustic signaling in arthropod and vertebrate animals, including acoustic expression in human language and music. Particular attention will be paid to the role of rhythm in organizing signal features occurring in the time domain.  Having established this general framework, we will examine the ways in which the signal rhythms of multiple individuals displaying within animal groups interact and generate temporal patterns ranging from synchrony to counter-singing (alternation) and more complex ‘orchestral’ arrangements.  Physiological, ecological and evolutionary bases of signaling rhythm and rhythm interaction will be addressed.  Practical sessions will encompass study of current research reported in the primary literature, quantitative and experimental methods for measuring rhythm and rhythm interaction, and modeling approaches used to simulate and test the functions of signaling interaction in animal groups.

 

Learning outcomes:

 

By the end of the course, a successful student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the temporal features of signaling and signal interaction in arthropod and vertebrate animals and in the expression of language and music in humans.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of how rhythm interaction may function and of the various factors which may account for such phenomena.

3. Measure the various temporal parameters, and their variation, of signals and signal interaction.

4. Un derstand how modeling can be used to simulate signal interactions and test how and why these interactions function.

 

2025 provisional Schedule : See Classroom !

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Monday 17th November

 

Tuesday 18th November

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Wednesday 19th November

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Thursday 20st November

TBC

 

Friday 21st November

Oral presentations of scientific papers.

 

Assessment

The final mark will be based on the oral presentation of a scientific paper (duration = 10 min + 5 min questions).

 

Organisers: Michael Greenfield & Raphael Marquez 

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