Psychology 220: Animal Behavior & Psychology Instructor: Email: Room:

Psychology 220: Animal Behavior & Psychology
Instructor: Dr. Karlie Intlekofer
Email: [email protected]
Room: 304 John Dewey Hall
Office Hours: Wed 10-12 or by appt
TR 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
L311 Lafayette Hall
DESCRIPTION:
We will explore the concepts and methods used for the study of animal behavior. Topics will be pursued using a
wide variety of animal models, from insects to humans, and will incorporate recent findings from the peerreviewed literature. These models will serve as a template to address the development, evolution, and adaptive
significance of behavioral traits. Addressing these key points will provide an understanding for the biological
mechanisms that underlie animal behavior.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Be able to provide a working definition of evolutionary theory and how it relates to animal behavior
2. Give potential evolutionary and environmental pressures that shape behaviors
3. Be able to understand primary literature pertinent to animal behavior, examine and interpret animal
behavior data, and evaluate conclusions based on data presented
4. Appreciation of physiological, ecological, and behavioral diversity
READINGS:
1. Alcock, J. (2005) Animal behavior: An evolutionary approach. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Southerland, Mass;
8th edition
2. Additional readings (peer-reviewed articles) provided as links via Blackboard
COURSE DETAILS:
1. TESTS: Exams are teaching tools that enhance the assimilation of knowledge. Format: combination of
diagram, short answers and multiple choice questions. Tests can be retrieved from instructor during office
hours. If students wish to challenge points earned on particular questions, they have one week after
obtaining their test to do so. If an exam must be rescheduled due to illness, a doctor’s note is required. Other
reasons that prevent one from taking the exam require rescheduling BEFORE the original exam date.
Question answered correctly by less than 70% of the class will be excluded, but will be reviewed in-class and
potentially used again on the comprehensive final.
2. FINAL EXAM: COMPREHENSIVE & the same format as regular exams.
3. TERM PAPER: This can be on any topic as long as it doesn’t contain data presented in class, as long as it
supports class objectives and is based on peer-reviewed articles (≥4 articles). Students are welcome to check
the topic with the instructor for feedback on your selection. See Blackboard for further info on layout/format.
a. Format: APA, or formatted like a peer-reviewed journal of your choice. All sources cited in your paper
must be referenced from standard scientific journals. No general websites may be used as reference
material. APA format guides: http://library.uvm.edu/guides/citation/apa.php
b. Approach: Search the research literature and integrate those findings into your paper. Please do not
quote authors, instead, use your own words to incorporate those ideas into the paper.
c. Turn in the paper hardcopy along with an electronic copy that will be checked against online resources by
Nov 1st. Late term papers will not be accepted.
d. Length: 6 pages or less, including references & title page, double-spaced; see example:
e. GRADING: Points are earned for: 1) Following directions; 1) Citing sources correctly; 2) Organization; 3)
Accurate understanding of cited papers. Points are deducted for: typos/proofreading errors, missing
citations, paragraphs exceeding 8 sentences, quoting instead of integrating into your own wording, misciting a review as a primary source.
4. PLAGERISM: Failure to place in quotation marks any direct quoted phrases/clauses or sentences from
another author, or failing to document quotations or other borrowed material. If intentional, the penalty is a
failing grade for the semester. If unintentional, minor infractions yield a zero for the assignment with a
chance to correct the mistakes. Academic integrity policy details can be found at:
www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf
5. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: These are for practicing critical thinking and acquire depth of knowledge in areas
that complement lecture materials. Written assignments can be found and turned in via Blackboard. Late
assignments will not be accepted.
6. ATTENDANCE is not required, but test material is based on lecture materials and students will be evaluated
for participation. Cell phones must be silenced and do not text, facebook, or email when class is in session.
Written responses in class may be collected on five random days throughout the semester for an opportunity
to earn up to 5% on the final grade.
7. GRADING
Exams I and II
Written assignments
Term Paper Outline
Term Paper
Participation
Comprehensive Final
400 pts (200 pts each)
180 pts (60 pts each)
25 pts
95 pts
50 pts
250 pts
1000 pts total
Tentative Grading Scale
(adjustments may be made)
A = 900-1000 pts
B = 800-899 pts
C = 700-799 pts
D = 600-699 pts
F = < 600 pts
8. STUDENT LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have a formal accommodation plan developed in
conjunction with UVMs ACCESS Office, please contact instructors by the end of the first week of the
semester. www.uvm.edu/~access/; UVM’s policy on disability certification and student support:
www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/disability.pdf
9. CODE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/studentcode.pdf
PSYCH220 Course Schedule
Week
Date
1
Aug 27
Aug 29
2
Topic
Readings Assignments
Intro & Evolutionary Significance
Behavior Causes: Ultimate v Proximate
Ch 1
Ch 1
Sep 3
Sep 5
Avian Song Systems
Avian Song Systems
Ch 2
Ch 2
3
Sep 10
Sep 12
Development of Behavior: Ants/Bees
Genetics, Environment, & Interactions
Ch 3
Ch 3
4
Sep 17
Sep 19
Adaption & Phenotypic Gradation
EXAM 1
Ch 3
5
Sep 24
Sep 26
Neural Mechanisms, Parasitism
Studies: Evading predation
Ch 4
Ch 4
6
Oct 1
Oct 3
Evading Predation Continued
Specialized Receptors for Stimulus Filtering
Ch 4
Ch 4
7
Oct 8
Oct 10
The Organization of Behavior: Neurons
Organization by Clocks & Hormonal Systems
Ch 5
Ch 5
8
Oct 15
Oct 17
Anti-predation Tactics & Darwinian Puzzles
Anti-predation: Camouflage & Retaliation
Ch 6
Ch 6
9
Oct 22
Oct 24
EXAM 2
Camouflage Masters & Darwinian Puzzles
Ch 6
● Outline for Term Paper
th
Due Fri, Oct 25
10
Oct 29
Oct 31
Evolution of Feeding Behaviors
Optimization & Game Theory
Ch 7
Ch 7
● Term Paper Due Fri Nov 1
11
Nov 5
Nov 7
Choosing Where to Live
Territoriality
12
Nov 12
Nov 14
Evolution of Communication
Intraspecies Communication
13
Nov 19
Nov 21
Cetacean & Interspecies Communication
Specialized Communication, Honesty & Deceit
14
Nov 26
Nov 28
FALL RECESS
15
Dec 3
The Evolution of Reproductive Behaviors
16
Dec 10
FINAL EXAM (Cumulative) 4:30 – 7:15 PM
L311 Lafayette Hall
#1: JH in Polistes Wasps
th
Due Fri, Sep 13
#2: Specialized Adaptation
th
Due Fri, Oct 4
Ch 8
Ch 8/9
Ch 9
Ch 9
Ch 9
Ch 9/10
Ch 10
#3: Wild Talk & Lucy
nd
Due Fri, Nov 22
st