34 courses with the subject ABEC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ABEC 101Introductory Animal Behavior I3
This course covers a broad overview of animal behavior, from the ideas and theories that have shaped the field to basic approaches used to study behavior. We will discuss behavior from a variety of animals, ranging from insects to mammals (including humans!). Special attention will be given to how animal behavior is shaped by both evolution and learning principles.
Foundational evolutionary and ecological theories in Animal Behavior. Explore key behaviors that lead to an animal’s survival including foraging, mating, habitat selection, and social behavior as well as methods to study animal behavior. A significant focus on the process of research and scientific literature.
Nutrition and dietary science focused on the maintenance of wildlife in captivity. Practical examples at our local zoo and aquariums are included. This course counts as an elective towards the zoo biology minor (but not the ABEC or ANZ majors).
Topics in animal behavior will cover varying subdisciplines within animal behavior to offer students an in-depth learning experience. The topic selected will vary each semester and be selected by the instructor.
This course aims to introduce and explore the many ways that a degree in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation or Anthrozoology is beneficial across a variety of professions. Through readings, discussion and interviews with professionals at various stages of their careers, students will learn how to leverage their academic experience in pursuit of a successful professional career.
Explore the immense diversity of life from an evolutionary perspective. This course will focus on the characteristics and ecological functions of the major groups of prokaryotes, protists, plants, fungi, and animals.
This course examines major theories and principles of learning with an emphasis on applications to animal training. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, applied behavior analysis, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, shaping, chaining, generalization and discrimination, and ethics in behavior modification. Lab required.
Topics in animal husbandry in the zoo setting. Focus is on the specific needs of different taxonomic groups, environmental management, veterinary monitoring, nutrition, and programming.
Modern practices in zoo mission implementation. Focus on managing many facets of zoos: individual animals, populations of animals, visitors, research, education, staff, and budgets. The course is highly project-based and involves considerable group work and participation.
Application of domestic dog behavior and learning theory principles to dog training. Emphasis is on common dog behavior issues and humane solutions to address them. In this experiential learning course, students will create training plans and participate in hands-on training activities with dogs. Lab required.
Application of domestic dog behavior and learning theory principles to dog training. Emphasis is on common dog behavior issues and humane solutions to address them. In this experiential learning course, students will create training plans and participate in hands on training activities with dogs. ABEC 320 lecture required.
This course will examine critical debates and controversies surrounding our care and use of animals. We will use a case study approach, and use scientific research to evaluate real world issues in animal welfare. The case studies will cover companion animals, wildlife, zoo animals, and animals used in agriculture and research. Emphasis is on communicating welfare information to a variety of audiences to encourage change.
How human activity has altered the planet and how those modifications affect the behavior of animals. Review of key principles through the lens of Behavioral Ecology in regards to species requirements for survival, major threats to species existence, and conservation solutions to reduce those threats. Identification of positive human behavior for conservation outcomes.
This course examines the role of education within the conservation movement, drawing on theories of learning and pedagogical instruction that are relevant in formal and informal settings (schools, zoos, aquariums, wildlife refuges, parks, etc.) as well as in community outreach programs.
This course emphasizes the role of enrichment in various contexts (laboratory, shelter, and zoo). Multiple opportunities to design and implement enrichment are provided. The course uses the S-P-I-D-E-R framework for enrichment design and effectiveness.
Observational and experimental research methods commonly used in studies of wild, captive, and domesticated animals. Evaluate peer-reviewed journal articles, research questions and hypotheses, collect behavioral data in observational and experimental contexts, and analyze and interpret data.
Critical examination of the natural ecosystems in which cities are embedded, from soil and vegetation to biodiversity and landscape scale processes. Investigations into how cities are both centers of human production and consumption that shape global ecologies as well as areas of critical habitat for nonhuman animals, with an aim to understand and promote coexistence.
Optional laboratory for ABEC 341 (Urban Ecology). Using Buffalo as a natural laboratory, visit urban sites of varying characteristics to analyze the effects of different types of urban development and management on ecosystems. Speak to local managers, collect and analyze ecological data, observe urban impacts to wildlife and ecosystems, and explore the connection between social and ecological systems in Buffalo.
Optional laboratory for ABEC 345 (herpetology) covers field techniques, applied conservation methods, taxonomic diversity, and identification of local species. Seats in the laboratory section are first come, first serve.
Integrating numerous fields of Biology, this course will examine both proximate and ultimate causes of behavior, focusing on the neuroendocrine mechanisms that lead to the expression of behavior within given ecological contexts. Emphasis will be given to understanding historical and recent primary literature.
Application of ecological and behavioral principles to the conservation and management of birds. Combines classroom and field experiences to explore applied aspects of anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, and behavior in the conservation and management of major North American avian groups and their habitat.
Explore the intricate relationship between climate change and the behavior of wild animals. This course will first focus on a deeper understanding of the ecological and chemical processes that have led to climate breakdown. We will then delve into the significant impact a changing climate has on the behavioral and physiological adaptations of a wide variety of animal species.
Critical evaluation of zoo design principles. Involves travel to obtain first-hand study of distant zoological institutions. Additional fee required. Cost varies based on destination, but generally are between $350 and $550. Course may be taken more than once for credit.
Study of the principal procedures used in observational animal behavior research. Involves the conduct of independent research project at the Buffalo Zoo, from formulation of hypothesis through presentation of results. Statistical analysis of data is a key component of the class, and students are expected to have completed their statistics requirement. This is a blended online and face-to-face class.
The scientific study of animal communication draws from a range of disciplines, including behavioral ecology, cognitive science, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and linguistics. This course will investigate communication from a taxonomically diverse and multimodal perspective, including acoustic, visual, and chemical signaling. Specific attention will be given to the social, environmental, and evolutionary drivers of communication within the network of signalers and receivers.
This course will critically examine the mental lives of animals. We will attempt to better understand what animals are thinking and how and why they make particular decisions. The emphasis of this course is on critically evaluating research claiming to demonstrate or refute the presence of cognitive abilities across species. Topics studied will include perception, tool use, communication, emotions, and many more.
This field course provides an in-depth look at the ecology of tropical ecosystems and issues associated with their conservation. During an immersive field experience in Belize, students will study the ecology of tropical forest and savannah ecosystems, learn about conservation issues that impact tropical wildlife species and local communities, and conduct field research. Additional fee required will cover all travel costs. Please contact the course instructor for current fees.
Internship in an animal-related setting. Joint supervision by faculty and agency personnel. Application of classroom lessons to real-world situations. Students should register for the section most closely related to the internship activities. Section A is Anthrozoology, Section B is Animal Behavior, Section C is Conservation, and Section Z is Zoo Biology.
Internship in an animal-related setting. Joint supervision by faculty and agency personnel. Application of classroom lessons to real-world situations. Students should register for the section most closely related to the internship activities. Section A is Anthrozoology, Section B is Animal Behavior, Section C is Conservation, and Section Z is Zoo Biology.
Independent project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. This advanced research opportunity is open to students who have completed at least one full year of research and is by invitation from their research professor. Students enrolled in independent research are expected to complete a project culminating in a manuscript or conference presentation.
