Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide concepts and skills needed to measure and analyze the behavior of animals either in the field or in the laboratory. To this end students observe captive and wild animals. They also design and execute an independent project. Films will augment understanding of the kinds of questions scientists ask about behavior of animals as well as the techniques used to answer these questions. The text explores conceptual issues surrounding the measurement of animal behavior. A final poster symposium provides experience with one of the major methods scientists use to present the outcome of their research.
Previous attendance in Animal Behavior is optional.
Note that the class 'Animal Behavior' and the lab alternate years.
Time and Place
Tuesdays: 1-3:50 pm; Sabin-Reed 205.
Required Text
Martin, P & Bateson, P. 2007. Measuring Behaviour, Third Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
The following syllabus is an example of the readings and topics that will be covered.
Assigned Reading
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|---|
| Date | Chapter | Subject |
|---|
| week 1 | ch 1-2 | General issues |
| week 2 | ch 3-4 | Getting started |
| week 3 | ch 5-7 | Measuring behavior |
| week 4 | ch 8 | Reliability |
| week 5 | ch 9 | A-C Analysis |
| week 6 | ch 9 | D-F Analysis |
| week 7 | ch 9 | G-N Analysis |
| Date | Topic | Films/Other |
|---|
| week 1 | What is behavior? | Water walkers, Carnivorous plants, Unicellular animals |
| week 2 | Classical questions | Questions about behavior |
| week 3 | How to find answers | Conflict of interest |
| week 4 | Observation 1 | Fruit fly: Behavioral biology |
| week 5 | Analysis 1 | Hearing the call, Why do birds sing? |
| week 6 | Observation 2 | A pageant of grouse |
| week 7 | Analysis 2 | The nature of sex: A time and a place |
| week 8 | IP proposals due | Brain: Rhythms and drives, Signs and signals, Animal imposters |
| week 9 | IP data collection | Sexual selection |
| week 10 | IP data collection | |
| week 11 | IP data collection | |
| week 12 | IP analysis | |
| week 13 | Poster Presentation | Peer assessment |
Assessments
40% Quizzes on the text.
27% Exercises: in class work, film assignments, check sheet.
10% Independent Project: Proposal, Data, Analysis, Poster, Paper
10% Field book.
13% Participation: attendance, attention, focus.
