McMaster University now boasts a large and interactive group
of researchers who use evolutionary and psychophysical approaches
to study animal behaviour. Members of the Animal Behaviour Group
use a wide variety of techniques to conduct laboratory and field
experiments on animals ranging from fruit flies to bats to mice
to humans. Students have an opportunity to learn evolutionary analyses
of behaviour, design and analyses of behavioural experiments, theoretical
modeling, genetic analyses, and endocrine, physiological and neurobiological
techniques.
For Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate courses in this area include Sensory Processes
(2E03), Neuroscience (2F03), Animal Behaviour (2TT3), Audition
(3A03), Evolution & Human Behaviour (3F03), Motivation & Emotion
(3M03), Animal Behaviour Lab (3S03), Behavioural Ecology (3T03),
Evolution of Communication (3YY3), Special Topics in Animal Behaviour
(4R03), and Hormones, Neurochemistry & Behaviour (4Y03). Students
considering graduate school should consider completing a course
with a strong research component (4QQ3, 4D06, 4DD6, 4D09). Breadth
of training in allied fields (such as ecology, physiology, or chemistry)
and/or possession of particular practical skills (such as statistical
analysis, computer programming, or electronics) can be helpful.
Many animal behaviourists teach and/or do research at universities
or colleges. Many have academic appointments in biology, psychology
or zoology departments. Researchers may work in laboratories or
in the field, depending upon the nature of the research project.
Applied animal behaviourists may be hired by zoos, museums, and
government and private facilities to help conduct ongoing animal
behaviour research.
