Teaching and course offerings

Animal Behavior (IB 144)

An introduction to animal behavior that covers ecological,cognitive, and neurophysiological aspects of modern behavioral research. The course consists of three sections, each taught by a different instructor. The first section explores the ecological and evolutionary bases for behavioral variation, including aspects of reproductive competition, parental care, and cooperation within social groups. The second section examines patterns of information processing, spatial memory, and decision making. The final section of the course characterizes the neurological, endocrine, and ontogenetic mechanisms underlying fundamental components of animal behavior. Co-instructors: Roy Caldwell, Stephen Glickman, Lucia Jacobs

Behavioral Ecology (IB 146)

An upper level course that explores in detail relationships between behavioral and ecological variation. A combination of lectures, discussions, lab exercises, and local field trips are used to examine topics such as kin recognition, reproductive competition, mate choice, and alloparental care. Critical reading of the primary literature provides the basis for topical discussions; exams and written assignments emphasize evaluation of current hypotheses regarding the functional significance of animal behavior.

Mammalogy (IB 173, 173L)

An intensive survey of the biology of mammals. This coursemakes use of the unique offerings of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology's collection of mammal specimens to introduce students to the diversity of living mammals. Lectures present general themes in mammalian biology while labs provide hands-on opportunities to examine key anatomical features and to learn to identify any living mammal to at least the familial level. Two field trips serve to acquaint students with field methods in mammalogy, as well as to introduce students to the diversity of California's mammal fauna. Co-instructor: James L. Patton