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.
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.
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
Martin, P & Bateson, P. 1993. Measuring Behaviour, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
Assigned Reading | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Chapter | Subject |
| 10 September | ch 1-2 | General issues |
| 17 September | ch 3-4 | Getting started |
| 24 September | ch 5-7 | Measuring behavior |
| 1 October | ch 8 | Reliability |
| 8 October | ch 9 | A-C Analysis |
| 15 October | ch 9 | D-F Analysis |
| 22 October | ch 9 | G-N Analysis |
| Date | Topic | Films/Other |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Sept | What is behavior? | Water walkers, Carnivorous plants, Unicellular animals |
| 17 Sept | Classical questions | Questions about behavior |
| 24 Sept | How to find answers | Conflict of interest |
| 1 Oct | Observation 1 | Fruit fly: Behavioral biology |
| 8 Oct | Analysis 1 | Hearing the call, Why do birds sing? |
| 15 Oct | Observation 2 | A pageant of grouse |
| 22 Oct | Analysis 2 | The nature of sex: A time and a place |
| 29 Oct | IP proposals due | Brain: Rhythms and drives, Signs and signals, Animal imposters |
| 5 Nov | IP data collection | Sexual selection |
| 12 Nov | IP data collection | |
| 19 Nov | IP data collection | |
| 3 Dec | IP analysis | |
| 10 Dec | Poster Presentation | Peer assessment |
10% Observation 1 and analysis (1, 8 Oct).
10% Observation 2 and analysis (15, 22 Oct).
55% Independent Project.
25% Class exercises, participation, attendance.