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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.  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) 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