SC 313 - Animal Behavior

Credits: 4
Why do animals do what they do? Animals have evolved a remarkable diversity of behavioral patterns, used in wide ranging ecological and social contexts. Our goal in the first part of this course will be to examine the mechanisms that underlie the expression of behavior such as bird song, juvenile play and learning. To do this we will turn to neurobiological, hormonal, genetic, and developmental perspectives. In the second half of the semester we will examine the evolutionary bases of behavior, exploring why animals move, forage, hide, communicate, and socialize as they do. We will study a variety of behaviors and species, including ourselves.

Course Restrictions: Junior standing
Liberal Arts Perspective(s): Scientific