ANIMAL BEHAVIOR Interdisciplinary Program Romi Burks, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology and Program Co-Chair Fay Allison Guarraci, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology and Program Co-Chair Contributing Faculty: James W. Ard, DVM, Part-Time Associate Professor of Biology Kerry A. Bruns, PhD, Professor of Chemistry Laura Hobgood-Oster, PhD, Professor of Religion Scott P. McLean, PhD, Associate Professor of Kinesiology Benjamin Pierce, PhD, Professor of Biology Jesse E. Purdy, PhD, Professor of Psychology Steven Schapiro, PhD, Part-Time Professor of Psychology Jimmy C. Smith, PhD, Professor of Kinesiology The major in Animal Behavior is an interdisciplinary program offered by the departments of Biology and Psychology. Students may choose a BA or a BS degree with a major in Animal Behavior. Students interested in veterinary school are advised to obtain clinical experience, investigate the course requirements of individual schools and seek the BS in Animal Behavior in combination with additional courses required for admission to various programs. Program Goals: 1.
Students will engage in scientific inquiry and the scientific method as it relates to animal behavior.
2.
Students will have an understanding of the social and ethical aspects of animal behavior.
3.
Students will be ready to perform animal behavior research or field experiences beyond Southwestern University.
4.
Students will gain a thorough understanding of both the psychological and biological approaches to the study of animal behavior.
In addition to the required and selected courses listed below, Animal Behavior majors participate in research projects under the supervision of faculty members. The research may be conducted in department laboratories or at field sites. Research opportunities also exist at off-campus laboratories and facilities. A final requirement for the Animal Behavior major includes completion of the capstone project (usually in the senior year). This project consists of conducting original research in the student’s area of interest and in cooperation with one of the program’s faculty advisers. This requirement is fulfilled with two semesters of a research experience (two semesters enrolled in either: 09-973, 09-834 or 09-854). In addition, the results of this research experience must be prepared as a written and an oral presentation. Major in Animal Behavior (BA and BS): 16 courses (Majors consist of a minimum of 30 credits.)
ANB09-111 Introduction to Animal Behavior
ANB09-204 Research Methods I
ANB09-214 Research Methods II
ANB09-254 Animal Behavior
BIO50-102 Cell Biology
BIO50-112 Biodiversity
BIO50-122 Genetics and Evolution
BIO50-162 Genes and Molecules
BIO50-334 Evolution
Two courses from: BIO50-314 Genetics BIO50-364 Comparative Vertebrate Morphology BIO50-374 Biology of Reproduction BIO50-394 Endocrinology BIO50-424 Organ Physiology 34