Syllabus for ZOO 4926
Introduction To Animal Behavior
Spring 2014
Course Instructor:
Dr. Matthew Smith
316 Bartram Hall
madsmith@ufl.edu
matthew-d-smith.com
Office hours: Wednesday 2-4 (Bartram 316)
Class Time & Location: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Period 6 (12:50 – 1:40)
McCarty Hall B (MCCB), room G086.
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES: 6 January 2014
LAST DAY OF CLASSES: 23 April 2014
FINAL EXAM: Thursday 1 May, 3-5 p.m. in MCCB G086
I.
Course Description: This 3-credit course is a survey of animal behavior, the study of
animal behavior from a zoological and evolutionary perspective. We discuss both the
mechanisms and the adaptive significance of behavior in a wide diversity of species,
including wild, domestic and companion animals. How does behavior evolve? Is there a
genetic basis to behavior? How does behavior develop in the individual? Do animals have
culture and do they transmit information socially? Do principles of animal behavior apply
to human behavior? Do animals show altruism? Do animals communicate and, if so, what
are they talking about? How do animals choose mates? Why do animals fight? The
nature/nurture debate and sociobiology, motivation, hormones, homing, escape responses,
foraging, parental care, sexual selection and the evolution of sociality are discussed in a
wide range of species.
Prerequisites: CORE Biology sequence or equivalent is required.
II.
Textbook and other materials:
(1) Perspectives on Animal Behavior by Judith Goodenough, Betty McGuire and
Elizabeth Jakob (3rd edition only, Wiley Press).
(2) Supplementary material for lectures, discussions and labs will be available on this
course web site. Both the texts and the supplementary materials are required. It is
important that you read the assigned material very carefully before each lab or lecture.
The lectures assume that you have done all the reading for that week, so please keep
up with the weekly reading assignments. A schedule of the reading is given on the
course syllabus that is on this course web site.
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(3) E-Learning: All material is provided on the course page. Please consult our page for
up-to-date information, deadlines and additional information for the lectures and labs.
It is very important that you keep up with the material in this course!
III. Credit Hours: 3
IV. Course Objectives:
Basic biological principles (e.g. natural selection, evolution) and basic scientific principles
(e.g. scientific method, phylogenetic analysis and statistics) are discussed in the context of
animal behavior. Skills needed by any professional life scientist (e.g. observation,
experimental design, data analysis, writing) are an important part of this course.
Throughout the course I ask that you integrate the material you have learned in lecture with
what you read in the text and supplementary material provided on the web site, with the
class discussions and with the observations you are making, the methods you are learning
and the experiments you are conducting in the laboratory. It is all one course and it is
expected that lessons learned in one part will be applied to other parts.
V.
Policies and requirements:
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.
This course covers a great deal of material; absences/excessive tardiness should be avoided
as you may find yourself hopelessly behind. If unavoidable circumstances (= a valid
excuse) prevent a student from attending a scheduled class, that student MUST notify the
instructor in advance or within 24 hours of the missed class so we can arrange for you to
make up any work missed (e.g. a test). If a test is missed due to an EXCUSED absence, the
student is responsible for scheduling a retest with the instructor. If the retest is not taken
before the next scheduled test, a zero for the missed test will be given. Students who,
without a valid (e.g. doctor’s) excuse, request to take an exam late, will automatically have
20 pts deducted from their 1st late exam and 30 points from their 2nd late exam, and 40
points from their third (In other words, don’t call in “sick” because you want more time to
study). I will take roll and/or give random quizzes during class. Attendance and
preparation will be taken into account when determining your final grade.
Classroom behavior
Behave with courtesy towards your fellow students and the instructor. Avoid talking
during lecture as it is highly disruptive to other students. Cell phones should be turned off
before coming to class. Any student who persists in interrupting the class or who acts
aggressively/disrespectfully will be asked to leave.
Grammar
Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization and paragraphing should be
incorporated in exams as well as any typed reports. Spelling and Grammar will be
graded.
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Current UF grading policies for assigning grade points.
http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html.
Incomplete (“I”)
If a student has completed the majority of the course work and particular DOCUMENTED
circumstances prevent completion of the course in the time allotted, the student may, with
the agreement of the instructor, be assigned an “I” pending resolution of the grade. All
incompletes MUST be resolved by the end of the following term or the student will receive
a grade of “E” (failing).
VI. Drop/Add/Withdrawal:
A student can drop/add during the drop add period with no penalty. After drop/add, a
student who drops will receive a W until the date listed in the academic calendar. After that
date, the student may be assigned an “E” (fail). Note: it is the responsibility of the
STUDENT to withdraw from a course, not the instructor. Failure to attend class is
NOT a drop.
VII. Honesty Policy:
It is expected that you will exhibit ethical behavior concerning your work in this course.
Students are expected to do their own work, use their own words on papers and reference
all outside sources always. Failure to uphold the standards of academic honesty will result
in the appropriate disciplinary action. Academic honesty pledge: “I understand that the
University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all of their academic work. I
agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to
comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action, up to an including
expulsion from the University.” University of Florida Rule 6C1-4.
If you witness any instances of academic dishonesty in this class, please notify the
instructor or contact the Student Honor Court (392-1631) or Cheating Hotline (392-6999).
For additional information on Academic Honesty, please refer to the University of Florida
Academic Honesty Guidelines at:
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/procedures/academicguide.html.
VIII. Accommodation for Students with Disabilities:
Students who will require a classroom accommodation for a disability must contact the
Dean of Students Office of Disability Resources, in Peabody 202 (phone: 352-392-1261).
Please see the University of Florida Disability Resources website for more information at:
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drp/services/.
It is the policy of the University of Florida that the student, not the instructor, is responsible
for arranging accommodations when needed. Once notification is complete, the Dean of
Students Office of Disability Resources will work with the instructor to accommodate the
student.
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IX. Copyrights:
The lectures and all materials provided for this course are the property of the instructors
and may not be used for any commercial purposes. Lectures may not be taped without
prior permission.
All faculty, staff and student of the University are required and expected to obey the laws
and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary
damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are
also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.
X.
UF Counseling Services:
Resources are available on-campus for students having personal problems or lacking clear
career and academic goals. The resources include: UF Counseling & Wellness Center,
3190 Radio Rd, 392-1575, psychological and psychiatric services.
Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 392-1601, career and job search services.
Many students experience test anxiety and other stress related problems. “A Self Help
Guide for Students” is available through the Counseling Center (301 Peabody Hall, 3921575) and at their web site: http://www.counsel.ufl.edu/.
XI. Chairman of the Department of Biology: Dr. Craig Osenberg, 220 Bartram.
XII. Course assignments and grading policies
Evaluation:
Your grade is based on (1) weekly assignments (I will drop your lowest single scores on
these assignments); (2) one two-hour mid-term exam given in the evening; (3) one twohour final given in the evening (see schedule for dates and times, see me if there are
unavoidable conflicts); and (4) quizzes and class participation. There may be unannounced
short assignments or quizzes for any given class period, including some in-class work. To
complete these you will need to be in class, so class attendance is required.
Examinations
Any material covered during the lecture period or assigned in your reading may be
included in the examinations. This can include textbook illustrations, films, .ppt slides
AND actual lectures. Take notes! Tests will consist of multiple choice, T/F, short answer,
and essay questions. Quizzes may be given at any time, without notice. There will be no
make-up quizzes. If a student misses one exam due to a preapproved excused absence, s/he
must make up the missed test before the next exam or receive a zero for the missed test.
Policy on late assignments:
The grade on all assignments will drop one grade for each day that they are late, so please
keep up.
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Graded Item
Date
Time / place
Total Points
Percent of total
Mid Term Exam
Homework Assignments
Participation / attendance
Final Exam
T, 18 Feb
Th, 1 May
TBA
Take-home
In class
3-5 p.m. in
MCCB G086
100
100
25
100
~30%
~30%
~10%
~30%
325
100
FINAL GRADE
GRADE SCALE:
A
AB+
B
BC+
100 – 95%
90 – 94%
87 – 89%
83 – 86%
80 – 82%
77 – 79%
C
CD+
D
DE
73 – 76%
70 – 72%
67 – 69%
63 – 66%
60 - 62%
< 60%
Final grades will be determined by the instructor after consideration of the class’s overall
average. Grade adjustment will ONLY be upwards; an assigned grade will never be lower than
your raw point score.
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XII. Lecture Schedule for Spring 2014 (**subject to revision**)
Check E-learning at the beginning of each week for homework assignments
Chapter Topic
(Readings)
Week Date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6 January
Mon
8 January
Wed
10 January
Fri
13 January
Mon
15 January
Wed
17 January
Fri
20 January
Mon
22 January
Wed
24 January
Fri
27 January
Mon
29 January
Wed
31 January
Fri
3 February
Mon
5 February
Wed
7 February
Fri
10 February
Mon
12 February
Wed
14 February
Fri
17 February
Mon
Studying Behavior
(Text Ch. 2)
(Observing &
describing behavior)
 (Study of behavior –
optional)


Lecture Topic
Introduction to Animal Behavior
Studying behavior
Assumptions
Evolution of behavior
Evolutionary Approaches to
Behavior
(Text Ch. 4)
Phylogeny
Case studies in evolution
No Class
Proximate & Ultimate causes Proximate and ultimate explanations
of behavior
(Text Ch. 1)
Alternative hypothesis testing
Innate versus learned behavior
Development & Genetics of
behavior
(Text Ch. 3 & 5)
Social learning
Teaching in animals
Neural mechanisms of behavior
Neural Mechanisms of
behavior & Umwelt
(Text Ch. 6)
Instinct theory; Pattern generators
Comparative neuroethology
Bee behavior
Organization of behavior:
Hormones
(Text Ch. 7)
Motivation & Drive
Hormonal control of behavior
No Class
6
18 February
Tues
19 February
Wed
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
21 February
Fri
24 February
Mon
26 February
Wed
28 February
Fri
3, 5, 7 March
10 March
Mon
12 March
Wed
14 March
Fri
17 March
Mon
19 March
Wed
21 March
Fri
24 March
Mon
26 March
Wed
28 March
Fri
31 March
Mon
2 April
Wed
4 April
Fri
7 April
Mon
9 April
Wed
MID-TERM EXAM
Studying Behavioral
Adaptations
Time & Place TBA
Constraints on adaptation
Studying behavioral adaptations
Optimality Modeling and
Trade-offs: Foraging
behavior
(Text Ch. 12)
Optimal foraging
Modeling behavior
Modeling behavior continued
Spring Break
Migration
Migration, Aggression, and
Choosing where to live
(Text Ch. 11)
Habitat selection
Aggression
Communication
Communication
(Text Ch. 16)
Evolution of signals
Case studies in communication
Differential mating success
Reproductive behavior &
Sexual Selection
(Text Ch. 14)
Processes of sexual selection
Mate choice
Sex contract video (print sheet for class!)
Mating Systems
(Text Ch. 15)
Mating system patterns
Leks
Parental Care
(Text Ch. 15)
Parental behavior
Conflicts over parental investment
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15
16
11 April
Fri
Case studies in parental care
14 April
Mon
Introduction to social behavior
16 April
Wed
18 April
Fri
21 April
Mon
23 April
1 May
Thursday
Social Behavior I
(Text Ch. 18)
Evolution of social behavior: felids
Communal breeding
Social Behavior II
(Text Ch. 19)
FINAL EXAM
Eusociality
Sociobiology
3-5 p.m. in MCCB G086
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