BIONB 4340 - [Advanced Behavioral Ecology]

Fall. 4 credits.

Prerequisite: BIONB 2210, BIOEE 1610 or BIOEE 1780, permission of instructor. Next offered 2014-2015. (Offered alternate years)

W. D. Koenig.

An intensive course for upper-division students interested in behavorial ecology and sociobiology. Lectures, discussions, and student presentations examine topics including adaptation, communication, mating systems, sexual selection, sex ratios, inbreeding and outbreeding, altruism, kin recognition, and conflict and cooperation in animal societies.

Outcome 1: To provide students with an in-depth review of the field of behavioral ecology, focusing on developing the skills necessary for a successful professional career in this field and in science in general.

Outcome 2: Investigating in depth behavioral ecology’s major concepts, ideas, and hypotheses through readings of the text and of the primary literature.

Outcome 3: Studying a sample of important controversies in the field of behavioral ecology and learning about the theoretical basis and empirical support on both sides of the issues.

Outcome 4: Learning how to read, summarize, and critically discuss scientific papers.

Outcome 5: Learning the major communication skills necessary for a career in science, including how to write a scientific paper, how to present the paper orally, and how to write an effective grant proposal.