COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course presents an integrated approach to the study of behavior – the phenotype through which an organism interacts with, and also modifies, its environment. We will study how behavioral phenotypes are shaped by the social and physical environment. We will analyze how behavioral phenotypes are implemented through development by neural physiology, gene networks and individual genes. Conversely, we will study how behaviors modify the environment and thus impact the physiology and genetics of organisms. These topics will be integrated through an evolutionary approach. Examples will be drawn from both laboratory and field studies using comparative molecular and behavioral approaches to identify patterns and recurring themes, which will be discussed in the context of existing theories about animal behavior.

Instructor: Professor Suzy Renn                               office: B124
phone: 503 517 7967                                                  email: renns@reed.edu (preferred communication)

Office Hours: Friday. 10:00 - 12:00
                          by appointment, arranged via email

Course Meeting: Tues. & Thurs. 9:00 - 10:20 AM                        

Lab Meeting: section 1: Wed.  1:10 - 5:00
                        section 2: Thur.  1:40 - 5:30

Knowledge Goals
• An understanding of the integrative nature of organismal biology as it relates to behavior.
• Ability to understand, orally articulate and critically evaluate primary scientific literature.
• Understanding of proper experimental design, analysis and use of inferential statistics.

Skills Goals
• A keen sense of observation and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to propose original scientific research.
• Ability to communicate effectively about scientific process and results.
• Ability to use descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Ability to conduct scientific research.
• Ability to keep accurate scientific records.
• An appreciation for the diversity and curiosities of the natural world.

TEXT BOOKS:

• A Beginner's Guide to Animal Behavior by John Byers (available in bookstore)(earlier_version)
• An Introduction to Animal Behavior: an integrative approach by Mike Ryan and Walt Wilczynski (available in bookstore)
• Measuring Behavior: an introductory guide by Paul Martin and Patrick Bateson
   (2nd or 3rd editions are OK though note chapter numbers differ)
• optional: Animal Behavior; by John Alcock. 10th Edition (available in library or buy a copy online).

Additional reading material will be available on the course website
Assignments will be turned in via in class or Moodle.
Students will be given access to the Google Drive folder Bio342F2018.

Prerequisites
• Biology 101 & 102 or equivalent.
• This course assumes, an introductory level understanding of evolutionary biology, genetics, and some knowledge of the nervous system.
• This course is an intermediate level course that tends to be populated largely by sophomores but seniors are expected to challenge themselves as well.

Course Expectations:
• Students are expected to come to class prepared for discussion each day.
• Students are expected to respectfully question and challenge themselves, each other and the instructor regarding academic material.
• In class assignments/activities are evaluated as “participation”.
• Lecture/discussion topics may span multiple days.

Access to Course Material:
• Students will receive handout in class that are also available on the courses website.
• Students will access a class GoogleDrive for class datasets and other group projects
• Students will turn in material hard copy in class or on the course MOODLE as instructed.

Evaluations:
• Exams                                 25%
• Preset Labs                        25%
• Independent Project Lab 20%
• Web Assignment               10%
• Participation                       20% (evaluated objectively by in class activities)