Topics in Biology (345-0-2)

Topic

Behavioral Ecology

Instructors

Gordon Smith

Meeting Info

Technological Institute M177: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

In the face of changing ecosystems and increasingly variable conditions, predicting how organisms are likely to respond within their lifetimes, as well as how those predictions were made, is becoming increasingly important. In this course we will examine the behavior of animals, plants, and other organisms through a lens of ecology and the scientific process. Using a combination of lectures and literature discussion, we will cover core theory and processes that drive behavioral responses to environmental conditions. In so doing, we will explore the mechanistic, functional, and evolutionary underpinnings of the instincts, learning, and cognition of individuals and groups.

Registration Requirements

BIOL SCI 203 or BIOL 241 or ENV SCI 212 or graduate standing or permission of instructor

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion

Evaluation Method

Participation in class activities / discussions, take-home assignments / reading responses, midterms, and a research paper.

Class Materials (Required)

Primary literature readings to be provided via Canvas

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 234-0 to register for this course.