Course Pre-requisite

FSc Pre-medical/ BSc Pre-medical

DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES

The course aims to

• Impart knowledge about animal responses to external stimuli
• Emphasize different kinds of behaviors classical and modern concepts
• Explain through examples development, evolution and occurrence of behavior understand the genetic and neurophysiological basis of behavior

Learning Outcomes

The students will be to able to understand the basic concepts of mechanism/ causes and development of Behavior

READINGS

Recommended books

1. Dugatkin, L. A. 2012. Principles of Animal Behavior. W.W. Norton and Co. New York.
2. Scott, G. 2005.Essential Animal Behavior. Blackwell Pub. New York.

       3. Goodenough, J., McGuire, B., Wallace, R.A. 2001. Perspective on Animal Behavior. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Foundations of animal behavior: ethology, classical ethology
2. Development of behavior: innate mechanisms, imprinting
3. Kinds of behavior: innate, conditioned, complex behavior patterns, habituation.
4. Mechanisms of behavior: Nervous system and behavior, hormones and behavior,
5. Social behavior: agonistic, altruistic, kinship, mating, ritualization, dominance, territoriality
6. Biological rhythms: circadian clocks, clock genes, etc.
7. Social organization: conflict, sexual behavior, reproduction and fitness, parental care, social system.
8. Animal Communication: chemical attraction, in moths, honey bees, communication displays, pheromones, etc.

Practicals

1.  Locomotory behavior of small animals, earthworms, garden snails, etc.
2. Ear pinna reflex responses in domestic cats
3. Preparation of skinner box or maze for the study of mouse or rat behavior
4. Mother-pup bond in mice and rats
5. Infant killing behavior
6. Pecking behavior of chickens
7. Hiding behavior of chicks
8. Observation of birds nests and study of parental behavior 
9. Altruistic behavior in monkeys

Evaluation system & Assessment criteria:

Students will be asked to take various assignments, presentations about the latest advancement/research, and important concepts of the subject.

Sessional marks: 10 comprising of:

Attendance, Assignments, Presentation, Participation etc

Term Paper: 25

Final exam: 45

Practical Exam: 15

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The students are directed to be regular in class as 80% attendance is mandatory. Students must abide by all University/semester rules and regulations.

                                                                                 Time table DR. KHALID MUKHTAR (Animal Behavior classes BS 6th Reg / SS & MSc 2nd R)

                                                                               Time