Yea W/E

BIO3213 Animal Behavior

FLN 2.02.06 Fall 2013 Section 001: T/Th 2:30 – 3:45 Instructor: Alyson Zeamer, PhD Office: FLN 2.03.14 Phone: 210–458–4509 (Office) Text: Animal Behavior (10th edition), by John Alcock. Course Description: This course focuses on the mechanisms of animal behavior including evolutionary, developmental, physiological and genetic. You will be introduced to the theoretical framework underlying the study of behavior, the various ways in which behavior and its motivations and consequences are categorized and related, as well as modern behavioral techniques. Emphasis is placed on explaining why particular behaviors appear to be adaptive for organisms living in their natural settings. Prerequisites: BIO1413 or consent of the instructor. Attendance: This course covers a lot of material, moves very quickly, and continually builds on previously taught concepts. Because of this, attendance is strongly advised. Class participation is essential for understanding the material presented in class. You are responsible for all material presented in class and any in class announcements or changes to the syllabus. All exams will be based on material covered in lecture. Classroom behavior: Please turn off (or silence) all cell phones and music devices (iPods, MP3 players, etc) before class starts. Any cell phone or music device that is out during class period will be confiscated and returned after class. Students that disrupt their classmates by excessive talking (not related to class discussion) will be asked to leave. Quizzes: You will have eleven in-class quizzes, each worth 10 points. The lowest quiz score will be dropped. Project: See guidelines on Blackboard. More information will be given in class. Exams: There will be three exams during the semester and a cumulative final. Each exam will be comprised of multiple choice and essay/problem questions. Exams will be handed out until the first person finishes and leaves the room (don’t be late). All EXAMS COUNT...