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COURSE SYLLABUS
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
PAZ 2535
JOYCE B. KAPLAN
Office Hours:T &Th 2-4, W & F
10-1 (W/F may be held at zoo)
Office Location: Bldg..17, Rm. 1755
Office Phone: 484-1164
Email: jkaplan@pjc.edu
Course Website:
http://itech.pjc.edu/jkaplan/zootech/
PJC
information:
Biology Department Head---J. Brady 484-1168
_______________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
PAZ 2535. Animal Behavior. 2 credit hours. A discussion of the variety
of different behaviors in animals including instincts, learning, communication,
social interactions, migrations, and predator-prey relationships. Lectures will also investigate the causes and
motivations of animal behaviors both in the wild and in captivity, and the
methodology of studying animal behavior.
This class will primarily focus on the behaviors of vertebrate animals.
TEXTBOOK:
Halliday,
Tim (ed.), 1994. Animal
Behavior.
MAJOR
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon
completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.
Use the scientific
method and appropriate data collection methods for observational behavior
research.
2.
Discuss the various internal mechanisms which control behavior in animals and
how they are impacted by environmental stimuli.
3.
Understand the various categories of behaviors in animals.
4.
Understand how behaviors evolve in species and develop in individuals.
5.
Use proper terminology and methodology for training animals.
SPECIFIC
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
In support of these learning outcomes, during the course the student will: 1. Conduct observational behavior research projects.2. Correctly identify the internal mechanisms that control different aspects of animal behavior.3. Correctly identify the probable impact of environmental stimuli on animal behaviors.4. Demonstrate knowledge of the major aspects of each category of animal behavior and examples of animals engaged in these behaviors.5. Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral evolution and development.6. Model proper animal training, using correct terminology, methodology, training plans, and teamwork.
ATTENDANCE
/ MAKE-UP WORK:
Students
are expected to attend and be punctual for all scheduled classes. Students not attending more than 3 scheduled
classes will be withdrawn from the course as per PJC catalog. A student not in the class at its beginning
will be counted as tardy (three tardies = one
absence). In the case of missed exams,
students should notify or leave a voice mail message for the instructor prior
to the class being missed concerning their circumstances and must arrange
for tests to be made up before the next class session. The instructor will consider each case upon
its own circumstances. You are
responsible for material covered while absent and will be expected to be
prepared for tests and homework due the next class session.
NOTE:
The last day to withdraw from Spring courses this term
is April 3. No withdrawals are available
after this date; you will receive a letter grade (which will be an Early F in
the case of excessive absences).
Extenuating circumstances involve filing an appeal to attempt to get a
W. Please remember that completion of
all courses with a grade of “C” or better is required for continuation in the
Zoo Animal Technology degree program.
METHODS OF
EVALUATION:
Grades will
be based on a percentage scale of total points earned compared to the total
points possible. Points are earned by 2
lecture exams, a final exam, 2 behavior observation projects, and
attendance/class participation. No extra
credit will be given and no grades will be dropped.
40% of the
grade = 2 Lecture Exams
20% of the
grade = Final Exam
30% of the
grade = 2 ethogram / scan observation sheets
10% of the
grade = Attendance (grading within allowable absences as described by
instructor) + class participation (on a sliding subjective scale) may be taken
into account to adjust up or down
A = 90-100%
B =
80-89.99%
C =
70-79.99%
D =
60-69.99%
F = 59.99%
and below
+ grades in the top 2.99% of allowable categories
PLAGIARISM
/ CHEATING POLICY:
If
plagiarism and/or cheating occurs in this course, a
zero will be given to the student(s) involved for that exam or assignment, with
possible assignment of an “Early F” in the course.
PJC DSS NOTICE:
For
students with a disability which falls under the American Disability Act, it is
the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor and Disabled Student
Services to discuss any special needs or equipment necessary to accomplish the
requirements for this course.
TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT
SCHEDULE FOR ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
SPRING 2009-TUESDAYS
AND THURSDAYS, RM 1704---11:00-11:50am
(Schedule
subject to changes by instructor as necessary)
* by date = ethogram / scan
observation sheet due
DATE TOPICS READING
(pgs)
1/8 Intro to Animal
Behavior 8-9
1/13 Scientific Method /
Behavior Research
1/15 Ethograms
and Behavior Sampling Methods Handout
1/20 Practice: Behavior
Observation and Analysis
1/22 Mechanisms: Nervous System
1/27 Mechanisms: Hormones
1/29 Mechanisms: Biological Rhythms
2/3 Behavioral
Priorities: Survival 113-121
2/5 Feeding Behaviors 43-63
2/10* Habitat Selection
2/12 Home-building
Behaviors 65-77
2/17 **EXAM # 1**
2/19 Animal Courtship 13-19
2/24 Mating Systems 21-27
2/26 Mating Systems
3/3 Raising Young 29-39
3/5 Social
Organization 89-103
3/10 Social Organization
3/12* Communication 81-87
3/17 Communication
3/19 Inter-species
Interactions 105-109
3/22 - 3/28 SPRING BREAK---NO CLASSES
3/31 **EXAM # 2**
4/2 Evolution of
Behavior Patterns 133-139
4/7 Migration 123-129
4/9 Orientation and
Navigation 130-131
4/14 Behavioral Development
4/16 Instinct, Intelligence,
and Learning
4/21 Animal Training
Terminology
4/23 Animal Training
Videos & Practice
4/28 Animal Training
Practice
4/30 Final Exam Review
5/7 Final
Exam---11:00am - 1pm