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COURSE SYLLABUS
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
PAZ 2535
JOYCE B. KAPLAN
Office Hours: Mon/Wed
9-Noon (alternate W at AGCZ), T/R Noon-1, Th 2-4
Office Location: Bldg..17, Rm. 1759
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
Provost---E. Spicer 484-2336
_______________________________________________
PJC
Syllabus Policy: It is the intention of the instructor to accomplish the
objectives specified in the course syllabus. Circumstances may arise,
however, which prohibit the fulfilling of this endeavor. Therefore, this
syllabus is subject to change. When possible, you will be notified of any
change in advance of its occurrence.
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)
and not staying for the entire class session will be counted as absent. 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 to determine the permissibility of makeups;
you must schedule these to occur BEFORE the scheduled test for a planned
absence. 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 March 26. 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 divided by the total
points possible for each assignment. Points are earned by 2 lecture exams, a final
exam, a behavior research project (proposal and final project), 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 = behavior research project (10% for proposal and 20% for final
project)
10%
of the grade = Attendance (grading within allowable absences as described by
instructor) + class participation (with adjustable scale)
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.
AMERICANS
WITH DISABILITIES ACT: Any students whose disabilities fall within the
ADA should inform the instructor and Disabled Student Services at the beginning
of the term of any special need or equipment necessary to accomplish the
requirements for this course.
TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT
SCHEDULE FOR ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
SPRING
2010-TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, RM 1704---11:00-11:50am
(Schedule
subject to changes by instructor as necessary)
DATE TOPICS READING
(pgs)
1/7 Intro to Animal Behavior, Scientific Method, 8-9,
handouts
Research
Methodology
1/12 Ethograms
and Behavior Sampling Methods handouts
1/14 Behavior
Observation and Analysis handouts
1/19 Behavior
Observation and Analysis handouts
1/21 History of Research
in Animal Behavior
1/26 Behavioral
Mechanisms: Nervous System
1/28 Behavioral
Mechanisms: Hormones
2/2 Behavioral
Mechanisms: Biological Rhythms
2/4 Survival
Behaviors 113-121
BEHAVIOR RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL DUE
2/9 Feeding Behaviors 43-63
2/11 Habitat Selection
Behaviors
2/16 Home-building
Behaviors 65-77
2/18 **EXAM # 1**
2/23 Animal Training
Terminology
2/25 Animal Training
Videos
3/2 Social
Organization 89-103
SUB – KASE
3/4 Social
Organization (cont’d)
SUB – KASE
3/9 Mating Systems 21-27
3/11 Mating Systems
3/16 Animal Courtship 13-19
Raising Young 29-39
3/18 Inter-species
Interactions 105-109
3/23 **EXAM # 2**
3/25 Communication 81-87
3/29
– 4/4 SPRING BREAK---NO CLASSES
4/6 Communication
4/8 Evolution of
Behavior Patterns 133-139
4/13 Migration 123-129
4/15 Orientation and
Navigation 130-131
BEHAVIOR FINAL
PROJECT DUE
4/20 Behavioral
Development
4/22 Instinct,
Intelligence, and Learning
4/27 Animal Training
Practice
4/29 Animal Training
Practice Wrap Up
Final Exam Review
5/6 Final
Exam---11:00am - 1pm