Animal Behavior
About This Program
You’ve always been fascinated by how and why animals behave the way they do. If you want to take your curiosity to the next level by learning how to be a scientist of behavior, UC’s research-focused Animal Behavior major may be the perfect fit. Here at UC, you will work closely with our Animal Behavior faculty and use experimental methods to uncover the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological bases of behavior.
Department
Why Utica College
Taught by expert faculty, UC’s research-intensive program gets students out of the classroom with field experiences and independent research projects. A partnership with the Utica Zoo gives student the opportunity to experience zoo research, animal care and husbandry firsthand.
Animal Behavior at Utica
"This is an integrative, interdisciplinary program that promotes a deep scientific understanding of the field from a biological and psychological perspective."
Career Opportunities
Capstone Project Options
Immediate Research Opportunities
What You'll Learn
Year 1
- BIO 211 - General Biology I (4)
- BIO 212 General Biology II (4)
- PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3)
- BIO 231 - Research Methods (3)
- PSY 211 -Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences (3)
- PSY 202 - Advanced General Psychology (3)
Year 2
- BIO 232 - Research Methods in Biology II (3)
- BIO 321 - Genetics (4)
- CHE 211 - General Chemistry I (3)
- BIO 338 - Animal Behavior and Lab (4)
- CHE 212 - General Chemistry II (4)
- BIO 329 - Evolution (3)
Year 3
- BIO 428 - Zoo Animal Behavior and Husbandry or BIO ZZZ - Behavioral Ecology (3-4)
- BIO343 - Neuroscience (3)
- BIO 323 - Principles of Ecology (4)
- Animal Behavior or General Elective Courses (3)
- BIO 444 - Sensory Ecology or BIO 464 - Sensory Biology (3)
- PSY 453 - Theories of Learning (3)
Year 4
- ANB 450 - Senior Research or General Elective (3)
- BIO 436 - Biology of Vertebrates or BIO 437 - Biology of Invertebrates (4)
- BIO 428 - Zoo Animal Behavior and Husbandry or BIO ZZZ - Behavioral Ecology (3-4)
- Animal Behavior or General Electives (3)
- ANB 450 or ANB 495 - Senior Seminar (3)
- ANB 420 - Short Course in Animal Behavior (1)
One of Utica College’s newest majors, the animal behavior program provides students with a concentrated study of the evolutionary, ecological, genetic, neurological, and cognitive mechanisms that influence animal behavior. It's an exciting, hands-on program that promotes a deep scientific understanding of the field from a biological and psychological perspective.
Animal Behavior Faculty
- Professor of Biology
- Assistant Professor of Biology
- Associate Professor of Psychology
- Distinguished Professor of Biology
- Professor of Biology
- Professor of Biology
- Distinguished Professor of Psychology
- Dean of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Biology
A Degree That Works
The animal behavior major provides a foundation of courses and experiences for students interested in pursuing graduate training in animal research, conservation biology, veterinary medicine, zoology, and animal handling.
Hands-On Learning
Students will be introduced to zoo research, animal care and husbandry, and animal training through our partnership with the Utica Zoo.
Student Voices: Kate Rosbrook
Kate originally came to Utica College to study physical therapy, then quickly developed an interest in experimental psychology. Partly on the basis of her research at UC, she was selected for a research assistantship at Yale School of Medicine’s John B. Pierce Laboratory. The lab director’s acceptance message described Kate as someone whose skills and abilities are a great fit to the position and to the laboratory.
Science at Utica College
Using Social Media to Communicate Science: Kat Hawley '23
DPT alum Dr. Ivan Iton '21 receives prestigious scholarship award
Utica College Awarded Prestigious National Science Foundation Grant
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