Course descriptionThe major may be pursued under either the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science programs. The programs differ chiefly in the number of advanced science courses and laboratories. All students are encouraged to seek laboratory and field experiences in addition to required course work. The Bucknell laboratories, as well as opportunities abroad, are well suited to so complement the student’s education. Research culminating in an honors thesis is especially recommended.
The bachelor of arts major consists of ANBE 266; any three from BIOL 205, BIOL 206, BIOL 207, or BIOL 208. (BIOL 205 and 208 are strongly recommended. Students should consult with an academic adviser in animal behavior to determine the most appropriate biology course selections given their academic goals); CHEM 211 and CHEM 212 or CHEM 201 and 202; PSYCH 203; PSYCH 250; either PSYC 215 or MATH 216; and two half-credit laboratory courses from the set consisting of ANBE/PSYC 296, PSYC 290, and PSYC 293; three animal behavior electives from the set consisting of ANBE/PSYC 309, ANBE/PSYC 317, BIOL 318, ANBE/BIOL 321, BIOL 324, ANBE/BIOL 341, ANBE/BIOL 342, ANBE/BIOL 353, ANBE/BIOL 354, ANBE/BIOL 355, ANBE/BIOL 356, ANBE/BIOL 357, BIOL 358, ANBE/BIOL/PSYC 370, ANBE/BIOL 415, PSYC 324, PSYC 343, ANBE 391, ANBE 399. With special permission, other PSYC/BIOL courses can be considered as electives.
The bachelor of science major consists of the same course credits noted above plus: all four biology core courses, rather than three; PHYS 211 and PHYS 212; MATH 201; three half-credit laboratory courses rather than two; and four electives rather than three.
The recommended sequence for the bachelor of science major is as follows:
First Year
First Semester: ANBE 266, BIOL 205, MATH 201
Second Semester: BIOL 206
Sophomore Year
First Semester: BIOL 207 either PSYC 215 or MATH 216, CHEM 211 or CHEM 201
Second Semester: BIOL 208, PSYC 203, PSYC 250, CHEM 212 or CHEM 202
Junior Year
First Semester: Half-credit laboratory course (PSYC 290, PSYC 293, or PSYC 296), one animal behavior elective; PHYS 211
Second Semester: Half-credit laboratory course (PSYC 290, 293, or PSYC 296), one animal behavior elective, PHYS 212
Senior Year
First Semester: Animal behavior elective, half-credit laboratory course (PSYC 290, 293, or PSYC 296)
Second Semester: Animal behavior elective
All students are advised to take the biology core courses in sequence, starting with BIOL 205. BIOL 208 serves as the prerequisite for most of the elective courses. A student’s choice of the chemistry sequence (either CHEM 201-202 or CHEM 211-212) should be made in consultation with the student’s academic adviser. Note that for both programs only one semester of independent research or honors credit may count toward the major.
Off campus study and research is encouraged. Students may enroll in any number of programs emphasizing animal life; recent students have studied in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Other programs in Europe, Asia, South and Central America also are appropriate. Students are advised to explore opportunities through the Office of International Education and to coordinate off-campus coursework in consultation with a faculty adviser. Many minors complement studies in animal behavior; students are encouraged to explore options within the humanities and social sciences in consultation with a faculty adviser.