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Utica University
Dr. Buchanan and student observe a bear skull

Animal Behavior

  1. Academics
  2. Our Programs
  3. 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, Utica University’s research-focused Animal Behavior major may be the perfect fit. Here at Utica, you will work closely with our Animal Behavior faculty and use experimental methods to uncover the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological bases of behavior. 

Department

Biology Department

Why Utica University

Taught by expert faculty, Utica’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 Resources

Related Programs

  • Biology

Contact Information

Office of Admissions

(315) 792-3006
admiss@utica.edu

General Information

Track

  • Major

Degree

  • B.S.

Location

  • Utica Campus
Utica Excellence, Utica Value

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."

Sharon Wise, Ph.D. Dean of Arts & Sciences

Career Opportunities

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
    • Animal Handling
Professor Tom McCarthy and students

Capstone Project Options

Animal Behavior students have two options of Capstone Projects - Seminar or Research
Academic quad at Utica College

Immediate Research Opportunities

Animal Behavior majors are given the opportunity to jump into research the very first semester.

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 University’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.

Full Animal Behavior Curriculum and Learning Objectives
Iguana

Animal Behavior Faculty

Dr. Bryant Buchanan
Bryant W. Buchanan, Ph.D.
  • Professor of Biology
Sarah Keesom
Sarah M. Keesom, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Biology
Amy Lindsey
Amy E. Lindsey, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Psychology
Professor Tom McCarthy and students
Thomas M. McCarthy, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Biology
Dr. Adam Pack
Adam K. Pack, Ph.D.
  • Professor of Biology
Dr. Provost and students
Terri L. Provost, Ph.D.
  • Professor of Biology
Steven Specht
Steven M. Specht, Ph.D.
  • Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Dr. Sharon Wise
Sharon E. Wise, Ph.D.
  • Dean of Natural Sciences and Math 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.

Utica College - DePerno Hall
Utica Zoo

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 RosbrookPlay Video

Student Voices: Kate Rosbrook

Kate originally came to Utica University to study physical therapy, then quickly developed an interest in experimental psychology. Partly on the basis of her research at Utica, 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.

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