Credits: 3
Term to Be Offered: Fall 2006
Prerequisites: LS103 or BZCC110. Credit not allowed for both BZ479 and VS479.
How To register: Continuing Education
Course Objectives: Through this course students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how aspects of physiology, neurobiology, develop and genetics influence the behavior of domestic dogs, how learning theory applies to dogs, how evolution and domestication influence behavioral traits, and how abnormal and problem behaviors develop. Emphasis will be on interpreting scientific experiments in canine biology. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the theories of evolution and domestication of the domestic dog, relate the principles of learning theory to the domestic dog, describe the communicative body postures and pack structure of domestic and wild dogs, name the milestones of puppy physical and social development, describe how the parts of the brain and various neurotransmitters affect changes in behavior, describe how learning disturbances take place and how behavior is modified, and explain research that supports the importance of the human animal bond.
Instructor: Jennie Willis Jamtgaard
Required Texts: None
Strongly Recommended Texts:
Lindsay, S.R. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Learning
and Adaptation, Volume One. Ames. Iowa State University Press. 2000.
Recommended References:
Lindsay, S.R. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Etiology
and Assessment of Behavior Problems, Volume Two. Ames. Iowa State University
Press. 2001.
Lindsay, S.R. Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Procedures
and Protocols, Volume Three. Ames. Iowa State University Press. 2005.
Ruvinsky, A. and J. Sampson (eds). The Genetics of the Dog. Wallingford,
Oxon, UK; New York
Exams: There will be two midterm examinations held during the semester in addition to a comprehensive final examination. The exams will be administered in class. The focus of the exams will be a rigorous test of knowledge, understanding and ability to apply principles and vocabulary covered in this course. Exams will only cover material presented in lecture and the students should have an excellent reference from their notes by the end of the semester.
Research Paper or Proposal: There will be one research paper or research proposal due near the end of the semester. The aim is to allow students to research an area of canine biology that interests them, but is not specifically covered in class. The student may choose between a research paper, which is a review of existing literature, and a research proposal, which builds on existing literature to propose a new area of research. This is an important aspect to the course since it allows students to personalize their learning and spend time gaining expertise in an area that may benefit their personal and career goals.
Class Participation: Since this course is an upper division science course, the students should be prepared to engage in scientific discussion and thought exercises. This allows students to stay involved with the topics and remain engaged during the lecture portions of the course.
Grading:
The following weights will be used to determine the course grades:
Exam 1: 25%
Exam 2: 25%
Final Exam: 35%
Research Paper: 12%
Class Participation: 3%
BZ/VS479- Biology and Behavior of Dogs- Proposed Lecture Schedule and Learning Objectives Fall 2006
| Week | Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8-29-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Evolution and Domestication of the Dog |
| 2 | 9-5-06 | 6:30 to 7:30pm | Demise of the Gray Wolf in North America |
| 2 | 9-5-06 | 7:30 to 9:30 pm | Pack Structure and Body Language |
| 3 | 9-12-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Puppy Physical and Social Development |
| 4 | 9-19-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Neurobiology of the Dog |
| 5 | 9-26-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Sensory Adaptations of the Canine Predator |
| 6 | 10-3-06 | 6:30 to 7:20 pm | EXAM I |
| 6 | 10-3-06 | 7:30 to 9:30pm | Canine Genetics Part I: Morphological Traits and Genetic Disorders |
| 7 | 10-10-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Canine Genetics Part II: Behavioral Traits |
| 8 | 10-17-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Learning Part I: Classical Conditioning |
| 9 | 10-24-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Learning Part II: Instrumental Learning |
| 10 | 10-31-06 | 6:30 to 7:20pm | EXAM II |
| 10 | 10-31-06 | 7:30 to 9:30pm | Learning Part III: Aversive Control of Behavior |
| 11 | 11-7-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | RESEARCH PAPER/PROPOSAL DUECommon Behavior Problems in an Evolutionary Light |
| 12 | 11-14-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | Learning and Behavioral Disturbances |
| 13 | 11-21-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | FALL RECESS- NO CLASS |
| 14 | 11-28-06 | 6:30 to 8:00pm | Dogs with Jobs: How do they learn to do what they do? |
| 14 | 11-28-06 | 8:00 to 9:30pm | A Reflection on the Human-Animal Bond |
| 15 | 12-5-06 | 6:30 to 9:30pm | FINAL EXAM |
