Animal Behavior

Bio 450
Course Syllabus
Fall 2017
Lecture: Tues, Thurs 10:00-11:00 AM
Kelly Auditorium
Jesse Balaban-Feld
Office: Biology Building Room 1
Phone: 555-555-5555
Email: professorjesse@gmail.com
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 4-530 PM or by appointment
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Structure and Function, Genetics
Required Textbook: Nordell and Valone. Animal Behavior: Concepts, Methods, and
Applications.
Course Description
In this course we will explore how biologists study various animal behaviors, and how
these behaviors are selected for via the evolutionary mechanisms of natural and sexual selection.
We will examine the different methodologies used to study behavior in the lab and field. Topics
include foraging, predation (and avoidance), habitat selection, mate choice and competition,
signals and cues, parental care, social behavior, the role of genetics, and finally how the
environment leads to behavioral adaptations. We will study behaviors across the animal
kingdom, from single-celled organisms to insects to fish to mammals.
Goals
1. This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of animal behavior
2. This course will examine how ecology and evolution affect animal behavior
3. This course will provide students the skills necessary to critically examine real-world animal
behavior research
Learning Objectives
1. Students will be able to define signals, cues (and who the signalers and receivers are) in a
given animal interaction
2. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of experimental techniques by comparing and
contrasting observational, experimental, and comparative methods
3. Students will be able to explain how a certain behavior (foraging, mating etc.) has evolved via
natural (or sexual) selection
4. Students will be able to summarize the methodology and results of primary literature
5. Students will be able to create a list of criticisms when given a primary literature source

6. Students will develop the skills to generate a testable research question, and then design an
appropriate experiment
Assessments
1. Exams: The course material will cover three exams. Each exam will be 60 minutes long
and include a combination of multiple-choice and short answer questions. The exams
will not be cumulative.
2. Group Presentation: Students will be split into groups of 3-4. First, each individual
student will find and share a primary literature research paper with their group. As a
group, they will pick the most interesting paper and create a 10-15 minute presentation
explaining the research question, hypotheses, methodology and results of the paper.
Groups will be expected to answer questions and lead a 10 minute discussion following
their presentation.
a. Audience members will be required to submit one question (electronically)
following each groups presentation to ensure participation. A selection of these
questions will show up on the exams.
3. Research Proposal: Students will individually produce a proposal for an animal behavior
research project. The proposal will include an introductory section providing background
information (with proper citations). Next, students will provide a feasible methodology
including materials needed, and figures describing their experimental design. The
proposal will conclude with a preliminary budget and justification.
Grading
Exams: Each exam will count for 20% of the final grade (Total of 60%)
Presentation: Group presentations will count for 15%. Audience participation: 5%
Proposal: The research proposal will total 20% of the final grade
If you are sick for an exam, the instructor has the option to give you an alternative 1-hour exam.
Disability Services and Accommodations
Students with a documented disability that wish to request academic accommodations must
contact Disability Services to discuss requests and eligibility requirements. Once registered, the
student must notify the instructor that they wish to access accommodations in the course.
Please contact Disability Services, located ________, at __________@___.edu.

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is honest, truthful, and responsible conduct in all academic endeavors. All
acts of falsehood demean and compromise the endeavors of teaching, research, and community
service. The university strives to prepare students for lives of integrity, and therefore regards any
and all breaches of academic integrity as matters of serious concern.
Please see the university academic integrity policy at: ______________________
Attendance
Attendance is expected. Showing up to class is the single most important factor that will
determine your success in this course. Taking detailed notes is essential to your success in this
course. From your notes, you should be able to provide detailed knowledge of both the concepts
and examples discussed in class.
Please turn off any cell phones or other electronic devices when entering the classroom.
Contact Information
Email is the best way to contact me. I will try to respond to emails within 48 hours of receiving
them. I will not check my email over the weekend; emails received over the weekend will be
responded to on the following Monday.

Proposed Class Schedule Each week includes Tuesday and Thursday Lecture
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Final
Exam

Topic
Introduction [Ch 1] Scientific Method [Ch 1,3]
Evolution [Ch 2]; Genetics [Ch 4]
Sensory Systems [Ch 2]
Communication [Ch 6]
Learning and Memory [Ch 5]
Review; Exam 1
Foraging [Ch 7]
Antipredator behavior [Ch 8]
Fall break; Dispersal and Migration [Ch 9]
Habitat Selection, Territoriality, Aggression [Ch
10]
Review; Exam 2
Mating Behavior [Ch 11]
Mating Systems and Parental Care [Ch 12,13]
Social Behavior [Ch 15]; Thanksgiving Break
Social Behavior [Ch 15]; Final project due
December 6th 10:00-11:30 AM

Exam Dates: ____, ______, December 6th

Final Project Due: _________
This syllabus is subject to change