3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Upper Division
This course will be a broad-scaled analysis of animal communication. Topics will include the physics of sound- and light-signal production, propagation and reception of signals, the use of communication as a means of information transfer, and the evolution of signaling systems. Mathematical principles are covered (e.g. in the evolution of signals), so some background in mathematics (e.g. calculus or algebra and introductory physics) is helpful.
Learning Outcomes1Understand ways in which organisms interact ecologically with each other and their environment.
2Understand how evolutionary forces influence organisms to produce adaptations.
3Acquire knowledge of the ways in which animals communicate with each other.
4Exhibit proficiency in population and community ecology, animal behavior, and evolutionary mechanisms.
5Familiar with taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships among organisms.
6Learn to efficiently communicate scientific information or results from biological investigations using both oral and written methods.
7Use and understand the scientific method, including how to generate hypotheses and predictions, develop an experimental design, collect data, statistically analyze data, and interpret results.
8Demonstrate an in dept knowledge of nervous system function at the systems, cellular and molecular level.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.