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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

                                                Provost---M. Williams 484-2230

_______________________________________________

 

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.  University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Oklahoma.

 

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