PSYCH 32100 - Animal Orientation: Function and Mechanisms (B)

Finding mates, securing shelter and food, and returning to a familiar home are ubiquitous animal functions which often require complex navigational strategies. This course 1) explores historical attempts to develop an understanding of the role and determinants of these strategies, 2) reviews the complexity of orientation behavior across phyla mediated by simple taxes, landmark orientation, compass orientation, path integration and dead reckoning, and cognitive mapping, 3) discusses sensory control of orientation behavior, including multisensory integration, and sensory modality transposition, 4) reviews tools and models used by researchers of animal orientation, and 5) addresses physiological and molecular bases of selected behaviors. Laboratory exercises, field observations, visits to colleagues’ laboratories in the metropolitan area, and attending relevant seminars at other institutions (inside or outside CUNY) will complement class room lectures and discussions.

prereq: ENGL 12000; Completion of PSYCH 24900 or 25000
3 hrs.
3 cr.