Research into the Songbird Social Brain

Catalog description

In this group investigation course, students will conduct independent and/or collaborative research projects that test hypotheses related to the neural, neuroendocrine, and genomic mechanisms underlying songbird social behaviors, including pair bonding, parental care, and vocal learning. Students will critically read and discuss primary literature articles, regularly present their findings to the group, and summarize their efforts and results in a write-up at the end of the semester. By the end of the course, students will have further developed their skills in reviewing the primary literature, experimental design, collaborative research, data management and analysis, and science communication. Prerequisites & Notes Introductory biology (BIO111/113/115 and 112/114/116) and any upper-level biology lab course, or Permission of Instructor.