Biology | Introductory Biology Lectures
L104 | 1077 | Hengeveld
Course format: Daily lectures: 10:20A-11:35A, JH 239.
Requirements: No background necessary.
Course description: Topic: The Wide World of Birds. The course is designed
to introduce students to the study of birds, looking at their behaviors
(including migration, nesting, and singing); examining their habits;
exploring the adaptations of birds to their environment (looking at their
diets, mode of foraging, specific habitat, etc. and how they are related to
birds' structural & plumage characteristics); and studying their mating
strategies (e.g., why some birds sing and others dance to attract mates).
No biology background is necessary. If you have ever been curious about
why some birds come to feeders and others do not, or why you see some birds
on campus and different birds in the woods, or what makes birds sing, this
course is designed to answer those questions and many more.
Required text: "Birders Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of
North American Birds" by Ehrlich, P., Dubkin, D., and Wheye, D. 1988
Weekly assignments: Readings: three-five short essays per week.
Exam/papers: Two-three hourly exam plus final.