How do animals communicate? What does the brain do? Where are memories stored? Why have different cognitive abilities evolved in different animals? This course will explore these questions and more by integrating across disciplines all aimed at understanding how animals (including humans) behave and think. We will focus on how individuals acquire, encode, interpret, and respond to information from their physical, ecological, and social environments. We will draw on primary literature to review past and contemporary hypotheses in Animal Behavior, Psychology, and Neuroscience. Topics will include sensory perception, learning and memory, language, numeracy, theory of mind, consciousness, and more.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Learn the fundamental biological concepts that give rise to behavior and cognitive processes.
2) Understand the role of natural and sexual selection in the evolution of behavior and cognition.
3) Learn to formulate hypotheses and design ways to test them.
4) Learn to understand and synthesize primary scientific literature.
5) Develop written and oral communication skills.
Delivery Method: Remotely accessible
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 8:30AM - 10:20AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 24
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Biology , Remotely Accessible
Tags: Behavior , Biology , Critical Thinking , Neuro , psychology