Course Description

Hands-on field study of animals living in diverse habitats. Illustrates behavior principles and provides experience with methods and techniques used in animal behavior research. Emphasis on data analysis and written communication of results.

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Athena Title

Field Animal Behavior

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Non-Traditional Format

Taught as Study Abroad.

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Prerequisite

BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L

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Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every year.

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Course Objectives

(1) to learn various approaches and methodology used in field studies of animal behavior (2) to have first hand experience with diverse organisms, many of them unique (3) to explore a range of concepts fundamental to the field (4) to learn basic non-parametric statistical procedures commonly used in behavioral data analysis (5) to hone skills in written science communication

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Topical Outline

1. Animal behavior sampling methods 2. Foraging behavior 3. Courtship/Mating behavior 4. Territoriality 5. Predatory behavior 6. Preening behavior 7. Intraspecific and interspecific communication 8. Ethograms 9. Learning/conditioning 10. Spacing patterns 11. Data analysis

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