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Academic Year 2001/2002

Introduction to Ethology
PSYC 103 FA

Ethology is the study and description of the behavior of animals (and humans) by direct observation and quantitation of their behavior in a natural setting or as close to it as possible. This course will briefly review the history of ethology and the contributions of Nobel Prize winners Niko Tinbergen, Konrad Lorenz, Karl von Frisch, and other notables. It will then go on to explore the ethological approach for studying behavior and such concepts as the ethogram, fixed action patterns, releasing mechanisms, signs and signals, displays, rituals, animal communication, migration, social organization, instinct and learning, and principles underlying the causation of behavior. This will be done through examination of the natural history and behavior of a variety of animal species on film and around the campus.

MAJOR READINGS

J.B. Slater: AN INTRODUCTION TO ETHOLOGY Other texts will be optional.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Read and discuss several papers, as well as write several short papers throughout the course. Final grade for the course will be derived from the grades obtained from these papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This is an entry level course. The writing workshop's services will be available. Small-ground study encouraged. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM PSYC    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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