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Instructor: Craig Sargent, Office:
115-116, MDR#3.
Contact Information:
Telephone:
859-257-8742,
e-mail: csargent@email.uky.edu,
www:
http://darwin.uky.edu/~sargent/
Textbook: Readings
will be mostly research papers from the primary literature that are conceptually
tied to selected chapters from the
following book:
Searcy, WA & Nowicki, S 2006. The
Evolution of Animal Communication: Reliability and Deception in Signaling
Systems, Princeton University Press, 288 p.
World Wide Web:
http://darwin.uky.edu/~sargent/Bio 508/
Course Description: This
course will explore the coevolution of signalers and receivers
from the point of view of integrative biology, from game theory to
physiological mechanisms. Specifically, we will review concepts from behavioral
and evolutionary ecology, phylogenetic systematics, and sensory
ecology to gain insights into animal communication. We will use selected book chapters as
starting points for conceptual overview, and supplement that with
case studies from the primary literature.
Lectures: Class time will consist of a
combination of lecture material, discussion, working on problems in small
groups, and student presentations.
Grading:
your grade for the course is will be
40% take-home midterm exam; 40% individual project, and 20% class participation.
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Take-home Midterm Exam:
This will consist of answering several problems as essay questions. It will
be open book, open notes, and you may collaborate with your
classmates. It will be given during the 8th week of the course, and you will
have 1-week to complete the exam.
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Student Projects: You
will pick a topic in consultation with the instructor, and prepare a term
paper on your topic according to GCCR requirements (4500 words,
approximately 15 double spaced pages). In addition you will present your
topic to the class.
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Participation: This
includes attendance, and in-class discussion and problem solving.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Cheating and Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism are serious academic offenses, and are taken seriously in this class. Please consult your
student code of
conduct, or the ombud, for definitions of cheating and plagiarism, and for the penalties they incur.
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