Animal Behavior
Romi Burks, PhD, Program Chair and Assistant Professor of Biology

The major in Animal Behavior is an interdisciplinary program offered by the departments of Biology and Psychology. The program prepares students for graduate programs in animal behavior, animal learning, behavioral ecology, biopsychology, ecology, neuroscience and veterinary science. Students may choose to complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Animal Behavior by completing the requirements specified in the course catalog under "University Degrees." Students interested in veterinary school are advised to obtain clinical experience and seek the BS degree in Animal Behavior. In addition to the required and selected courses listed below, the student is required to participate in research projects under the supervision of faculty members. The research may be conducted in department laboratories or at field sites. Research opportunities are also available at off-campus laboratories and facilities. A final requirement for the Animal Behavior major is completion of the capstone project (usually in the senior year). This project consists of conducting original research in the student's area of interest and in cooperation with one of the program's faculty advisers. This requirement is fulfilled through the second three-hour block of research credit (50-973, 33-833 or 33-853), depending on interest and results in a written and oral presentation of research findings.

Major in Animal Behavior (BA or BS): 61 semester hours, including Biology 50-102, 112, 122, 162, 334; two from Biology 50-364, 394, 424, 434, 444; Chemistry 51-153/151, 163/161; Psychology 33-103, 111, 204, 214, 453; Psychology 33-223 or 363; Biology 50-353 or Psychology 33-433; Biology 50-213 or Psychology 33-253; six hours from Biology 50-973, Psychology 33-833, 853 (Capstone) Mathematics 52-113.

Additional recommended courses: Biology 50-163, Mathematics 52-154, Philosophy 18-103 or 273.

Minor in Animal Behavior: 22 semester hours, including Biology 50-112, 122; Mathematics 52-113; Psychology 33-103; Biology 50-213 or Psychology 33-253; nine additional hours of courses in the Animal Behavior major above the introductory level, chosen with the approval of the program chair.