EEB3811W

In this course we will learn general principles governing the evolution of animal behavior. Being conducted at a field station, the approach is hands-on experiential learning through the application of the scientific method to the study of animal behavior. Thus, we will learn animal behavior by becoming animal behaviorists. Animal behaviorists communicate to one another through written reports in peer-reviewed literature and through oral talks at meetings. We will do both of these. All of these experiences culminate in the design, execution, and presentation (written and oral) of an independent research project. Therefore, it is appropriate that this course is designated as writing-intensive. Writing comprises 90 points out of the course total of 140 points, representing 64% of the course grade. This is course meets two days per week from 8AM to 12N and from 1PM to 5PM over a 5-week period in May/June at the Itasca Biological Station and Labs.

prereq: Undergrad biology course