Welcome to the 2002 Bio 45 web site!

We take an evolutionary approach to animal behavior that has been particularly effective in revealing and offering explanations for complex behaviors. This evolutionary approach is known as behavioral ecology. The behavioral ecology 'way of thinking' is young enough to be ripe with change and internal controversy. Focusing on behavioral ecology allows me to show you how shifts in the way we think about behavior can reveal previously hidden explanations. Learning to appreciate, deal with, and use shifting perspectives is a fundamental goal of the course.

Bio 45 is designed to help you to develop your skills in critical thinking and in reading and evaluating original scientific literature. You will see how biases (factual, historical, conceptual and sexual) enter into the way science is done; and you will learn how scientists deal with these biases. You will learn to take advantage of your own imagination and the insights that are gained by shifting your perspective between different views of behavior: proximate versus ultimate cause, lab versus field studies, and male versus female perspectives.

The course offers you a variety of ways to become involved in interactive learning. Only by being directly involved in all aspects of the course can you fully develop the critical thinking skills needed to make the most of exploring a shifting perspectives. This site provides information that will help you develop these skill and enrich your experience in the course. In addition to basic information, and handouts, you will find questions to challenge you, hints about observing and documenting animal behavior, as well as guides to exams and journals.

If you have any questions or comments, contact your teaching assistant or Professor Waage. Have fun!

Course Prospectus - Overview of the goals, requirements, and structure of the course.

News and Notes - The latest information about the course and changes in or additions to assignments and lectures. Check this page regularly!

Sections - Discussion section information including topics, TA information and class lists.

Handouts - Lecture outlines, reading lists, section and journal assignments and study guides. All in "pdf" format so you can easily print a copy of any of them.

Journals - Information to help you with the journal exercises. Includes: what to record, where to watch and information about common campus animals.

Exams - Copies of previous exams, and answer keys for this year's exams

Web Discussion - Information on accessing and contributing to the course discussion on the web.

Links - Sites that provide information on animal behavior, summer opportunities, finding references, and more.

Schedule - The semester at a glance plus links to the Reading Lists for the three parts of the course.