SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Animal Behaviour
BIOL 321/3.0
An evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. This course explores processes and patterns in behaviour, with emphasis on perception, communication, foraging, spacing, reproduction and social behaviour in a variety of animals. Methods of studying and analyzing behaviour are explored through laboratory exercises.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the summer term - every other year
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain how natural selection shapes the behaviour of animals;
- Distinguish between different types of questions that may be asked about animal behaviour, and formulate hypotheses of each type to explain a given behaviour;
- Outline the formulation of hypotheses about behaviour, the procedures used to test them, and the types of data that can be collected;
- Explain the origin and evolution of behaviours involved in activities such as foraging, spacing and group movement, predator-prey interactions, reproduction, and communication
Description
Animal Behaviour will introduce students to an evolutionary approach to the study of animal behaviour. The lectures will emphasize testing hypotheses about how natural selection shapes the behaviour of animals. Material ranges from sensory perception and physiological mechanisms underlying behaviour to foraging, lectures will serve as an introduction to active and exciting research in ecology, psychology, physiology, genetics, applied conservation and animal welfare. Independent research projects will promote the development of research skills, including the design of a study, the collection, analysis and interpretation of behavioural data, and the written communication of results.
Note: Students in this course should have a basic understanding of how statistics are used in biology. Much of the textbook and assigned readings will require this knowledge. In addition, you will not be able to complete your research project without being able to do simple statistical analyses (e.g. t-tests, chi-square tests).
Terms
Summer 21: May - July
Course Dates:
May 10 - July 30 , 2021
Exam Dates:
August 3 - 7
Evaluation
| Online Tests | 40% |
| Online Discussion Activities | 20% |
| Research Project Outline and Peer Feedback | 10% |
| Research Project | 30% |
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Live Sessions
This course has optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities).
Instructor
Dr. Laura Nagel (nagell@queensu.ca)
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
- Dugatkin, L (2014). Animal Behavior 3rd edition. New York: Norton ISBN 0393920453
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 11 hours a week (132 hours per term) in study/practice and online activity for BIOL 321.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
