BIOL 316(S)  Neuroethology

Neuroethology is a comparative biological approach to the study of the neural basis of behavior which provides insights both into general principles of nervous system function and into how nervous systems become specialized through evolution to meet the varied needs of particular animal species.  In this class we will focus on the role of sensory, motor, and integrative systems in selected behaviors from a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. The behaviors examined will include echolocation in bats, prey localization in barn owls, flight control in locusts, song learning in songbirds, and a variety of others.  We will consider the role of computational modeling in analyzing the function of such systems. Evaluation will be based on exams, lab reports, and class participation. Preference given to Biology majors and Neuroscience concentrators.
Format:  lecture/laboratory, six hours/week.
Prerequisites: either BIOL205 or BIOL212
Enrollment limit:  24 (expected 12)

Hour: PATTON