BIOL 512 Sociobiology

The course covers social behavior from the perspective of evolutionary theory. Topics include sex, aggression, altruism, parent-offspring conflict, and the origin of cooperative societies. Graduate students will write a research intensive review article, using primary literature. Papers should provide a thorough review of a specific sociobiological hypothesis applied to limited taxa. I expect you to cover all up-to-date primary sources that pertain to your topic. The paper should be about 10 pages long. Topics must be approved by the instructor. Graduate students will present their term papers to the class during the final two class periods. Presentations should use PowerPoint and last 15 minutes plus 3-5 minutes for questions.

Credits

3

Offered

Every other year