TEXT: Animal Behavior 7th ed. AUTHOR: John Alcock

COURSE GOALS: To gain an understanding of how animals have evolved under specific evolutionary constraints to elicit specific behaviors in response to specific environmental cues and how this stimulus-response complex can change as a function of experience.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Gain an understanding of evolutionary theory and how behavior falls under evolutionary pressures.
2. Gain an understanding of how behavioral phenotypes are the product of the interaction of genes and the environment.
3. Gain a basic understanding of how the nervous system mediates behavior.
4. Gain detailed understanding of anti-predator, feeding communication/social, aggression, reproduction and parenting, and human behavior and how evolution has shaped them.

CLASS CONDUCT: It is expected that you familiarize yourself with the relevant material before each lecture. This can be accomplished by reading or at least skimming the scheduled chapters and exploring the course web page. While most sections of this course are in the form of traditional lectures, I prefer (and I have found that most students prefer) to have guided discussion. Discussion is best facilitated when WE BOTH come prepared. Finally the best discussion-based courses evolve when both students and professors treat each others ideas, beliefs, questions and statements with tolerance and respect! This is particularly important when discussing concepts such as evolution. Failure to act in a respectful manner to your peers or the instructor in class will result in a loss of participation points.

CLASS PROJECT: You will get to write 5-page literature review of a topic in animal behavior. I will be providing you with a range of topics and a writing format that you will need to follow. You will need a minimum of 5 related research articles and a reference page in addition to the five pages.

COURSE LAB: There is a mandatory lab that you will need to sign up for in order to receive credit. Please make sure that you have signed up for and attend the lab. The lab is worth 20% of you final grade.

PROJECT DUE DATES:

COURSE GRADING POLICY: Your course grade will be based upon the percentage of points scored over total points available. There will be 100 total point's available broken down as follows:

• 20 points for each of the three tests (60 total points).
• 10 points for the class project.
• 10 points for class participation.
• 20 points for the lab (please see lab syllabus for lab grading details). 

All final grades for the course will be broken down as follows:

• A = 90% or above
• B = 80% to 89%
• C = 70% to 79%
• D = 60% to 69%
• F = 59% or below.

* This grading scheme will be strictly followed, so get all the points you can!
**There is no extra credit!

EXAMS: Exams will consist of a 10 point multiple choice section and a 10 point short essay section for a total of 20 points each. Prior to each exam you will be provided with a list of essay questions from which a subset will be used in the exam. If you write out and practice an answer for each you will be prepared for the essay section. Time allowing, I will provide a set of practice multiple choice questions prior to each exam. These will not necessarily be on the actual exam, but will provide you with a clear idea of the expectations. Anything covered in the lab, lecture or in the text could be on the exam. Finally, the exams will not be comprehensive.

EXAM DATES AND CHAPTERS COVERED:

SCHEDULE OF READINGS/LECTURE NOTES:

Social Justice Statement:

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based on upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).

Emergency Evacuation Plan: Please review and be prepared to follow evacuation plans outlined in this document in the event of an emergency

Definitions by: