Virginia Hayssen
Animal Behavior Lab -- BIO 353a    (Fall 1998)

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide you with concepts and skills needed to measure and analyze the animal behavior either in the field or in the laboratory. To this end you will do observations of animals both in the Animal Quarters and on campus. You will also design and execute an independent project of your choosing. Films will augment your understanding of the kinds of questions scientists ask about behavior of animals as well as the techniques used to answer these questions. Your text explores conceptual issues surrounding the measurement of animal behavior and class exercises and will be an invaluable tool for your independent project. Finally, a poster symposium will give you experience with one of the major methods scientists use to present the outcome of their research.

Concurrent (or previous) attendance in Animal Behavior (BIO 352a) is optional.

Time and Place

Thursdays: 1-5 pm; Sabin-Reed 205. This class will normally meet until 4 pm with the additional hour to be self-scheduled during the week. Attendance is mandatory.

Personnel

Faculty supervisor: Virginia Hayssen, 236 Sabin-Reed, x3856

Email: vhayssen@science.smith.edu

Office Hours: Wed: 9-11 am; I teach a first year seminar Tuesday and Thursay mornings (9-10:20). My formal office hours are on Wednesday morning from 9 to 11, but I encourage you to drop by any other time Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If you prefer, you may phone for an appointment. Don't go away if the door is shut, just knock. I do my research on Mondays and Fridays, so please don't disturb me then. Thanks.


Teaching assistant: Joy Lapseritis, 241 Sabin-Reed, x3792

Email: joyous@science.smith.edu

Office Hours: TBA




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Required Text

Martin, P & Bateson, P. 1993. Measuring Behaviour, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK


Assigned Reading

DateChapterSubject
10 Septemberch 1-2General issues
17 Septemberch 3-4Getting started
24 Septemberch 5-7Measuring behavior
1 Octoberch 8Reliability
8 Octoberch 9A-C Analysis
15 Octoberch 9D-F Analysis
22 Octoberch 9G-N Analysis


DateTopicFilms/Other
10 SeptWhat is behavior?Water walkers, Carnivorous plants, Unicellular animals
17 SeptClassical questionsQuestions about behavior
24 SeptHow to find answersConflict of interest
1 OctObservation 1Fruit fly: Behavioral biology
8 OctAnalysis 1Hearing the call, Why do birds sing?
15 OctObservation 2A pageant of grouse
22 OctAnalysis 2The nature of sex: A time and a place
29 OctIP proposals dueBrain: Rhythms and drives, Signs and signals, Animal imposters
5 NovIP data collectionSexual selection
12 NovIP data collection
19 NovIP data collection
3 DecIP analysis
10 DecPoster PresentationPeer assessment




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Assessments

10% Observation 1 and analysis (1, 8 Oct).

10% Observation 2 and analysis (15, 22 Oct).

55% Independent Project.

25% Class exercises, participation, attendance.