Animal Locomotion

Catalog description

This course introduces the study of animal locomotion, one of the primary ways in which animals interact with their environment. Studying locomotion, and how it is influenced by both organismal and environmental factors, is a powerful way to gain insight into the relationships among morphology, physiology, evolutionary history, and habitat.Throughout the course we will examine the myriad and diverse ways that animals move on our planet. In addition, content will range from understanding how body structures, such as muscles, are important in generating movement to the physical principles that enable and constrain locomotion on land, air, and water. Lastly, we will also focus on the evolution of different locomotor patterns. The class is structured such that we will explore topics surrounding animal locomotion via content lectures, student led journal article discussions, and minilab activities. Participation is a crucial aspect of this course.