BIOL 5650 - Animal Behavior

Goals: To investigate how and why animals have developed their particular solutions to problems of life such as finding food, shelter and mates, avoiding predators and disease, and producing offspring; to develop skills in observation, experimental design and analysis; to enhance oral and written communication skills; and to develop an appreciation for the alien nature of animal experiences.

Content: Evolutionary theory, behavioral genetics and behavioral ecology will be used to develop methods for exploring the immediate causes, development, adaptive value and evolutionary history of behavioral traits. We will discuss and critique various ethological models and current controversies in the field. Laboratory sessions will stress appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis. Students will gain further skills in experimental design and analysis while conducting independent research in the field or in the laboratory on a topic of their choice.

Taught: Alternate years, spring term

Prerequisites: BIOL 1800 and 1820 or permission of the instructor; BIOL 3050 and 3060 strongly recommended

Credits: 4