Psychology 4290F 001 FW24
Special Topics in Animal Behaviour and Animal Cognition: Animal Communication
If there is a discrepancy between the outline posted below and the outline posted on the OWL course website, the latter shall prevail.
Western University
London Canada
Department of Psychology
Fall 2024
Psychology 4290F Section 001
Special Topics in Animal Behaviour and Animal Cognition:
Animal Communication
1 Calendar Description
The special topic for this course will focus on Animal Communication. All animals communicate with each other, both within and across species, but the ways that they do so are diverse. In this course we will examine the processes and forces guiding the evolution of communication in animals, including both the underlying mechanisms responsible for producing and receiving signals as well as the evolutionary forces shaping those signals.
Antirequisites: Not applicable
Prerequisites: One of Psychology 2220A/B, Psychology 2221A/B, or Neuroscience 2000, PLUS registration in fourth year Main Campus Honours Specialization in Psychology, fourth year Honours Specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, fourth year Honours Specialization in Neuroscience, or fourth year Honours Specialization in Animal Behavior. Fourth year Main Campus Psychology students and Main Campus Psychology Special Students who receive 70% in the prerequisite course may enroll in this course.
3 lecture hours;
Course Weight: 0.5
Unless you have either the prerequisites for this course or written special permission from your Dean to enrol in it, you may be removed from this course and it will be deleted from your record. This decision may not be appealed. You will receive no adjustment to your fees in the event that you are dropped from a course for failing to have the necessary prerequisites.
2 Course Information
Instructor: Dr. Carrie Branch
Office & Phone: see Brightspace
Office Hours: By appointment
Email: cbranch6@uwo.ca
Teaching Assistant: TBA
Office: TBA
Office Hours: TBA
Email: TBA
Time and Location of Classes: See Student Centre Timetable
For courses that include an online component, students must have a reliable internet connection and computer that are compatible with online learning system requirements.
3 Course Materials
Principles of Animal Communication (2nd edition) by Bradbury and Vehrencamp
4 Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
This course will follow a seminar style format, where we will read and discuss primary
scientific literature to obtain a better understanding of the diversity and causes of animal
communication. We will examine the processes and forces guiding the evolution of
communication in animals, including both the underlying mechanisms responsible for
producing and receiving signals as well as the evolutionary forces shaping those signals. As
part of this course, you will demonstrate mastery of the core principles of animal
communication, discuss and explain methodological approaches to studying
communication, describe the mechanistic bases of communication systems, and the
function and evolution of animal signals, and formulate hypotheses, predictions and tests in
order to investigate active research questions in the field of animal communication.
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Learning Outcome |
Learning Activity |
Assessment |
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Depth and Breadth of Knowledge. · Describe and explain key concepts and research findings in animal communication.
· Distinguish among evolutionary, functional, causal, and developmental questions about communication.
· Differentiate among functional and mechanistic drivers of communication. |
Reading Participating in class discussion Preparing for class presentation Writing essay
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Pre-class quizzes Discussion leading Class presentation Written proposal
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Knowledge of Methodologies. · Use Google Scholar to locate current research findings.
· Organize and synthesize research results.
· Develop proposal to study aspect of animal communication. |
Reading Participating in class discussion Preparing for class presentation Writing proposal |
Pre-class quizzes Discussion leading Class presentation Written proposal
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Application of Knowledge. · Critically evaluate concepts and theories of primary literature.
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Reading Participating in class discussion Preparing for class presentation Writing proposal |
Pre-class quizzes Class presentation Written proposal
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Communication Skills.
· Communicate ideas and research-based evidence orally and in writing in a professional manner. |
Participating in class discussion Delivering class presentation Writing proposal |
Discussion leader Class presentation Written proposal
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5 Evaluation
The evaluation and testing formats for this course were created to assess the learning objectives as listed in section 4.0 and are considered necessary for meeting these learning objectives.
Attendance and active participation during class time is essential and will be 20% of your final grade, this includes in-class exercises demonstrating how animal communication is studied by scientists (these exercises cannot be made up). Pre-class quizzes based on weekly readings of primary literature will be 15% of your final grade. Each week, 2 students will be assigned to lead the in-class paper discussion, including an active learning activity for the rest of the class (25% of final grade). For the final project (40% of final grade): pairs of students will work together to develop a research proposal based on a topic in animal communication. Students may choose their topic; however, it needs to be approved by the professor. Students will work together on the ideas and structure for this proposal and will present to the class together (15% of course grade); however, the written proposal will be an individual effort (25% of course grade). The written proposal will be due the last day of class and should be typed 2000 words, double-spaced (~8 pages in length). Style should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual.
Policy on Missing Coursework
For all missing assignments, students will receive a zero. Late assignments will be accepted within 14 days of the due date, but will be penalized 3% for each day the assignment is late. In-class exercises and participation points may not be made up
PLEASE NOTE: Because this is an essay course, as per Senate Regulations, you must pass the essay component to pass the course. That is, the average mark for your written assignments must be at least 50%.
This course is exempt from the Senate requirement that students receive assessment of their work accounting for at least 15% of their final grade at least three full days before the date of the deadline for withdrawal from a course without academic penalty.
The expectation for course grades within the Psychology Department is that they will be distributed around the following averages:
70% 1000-level to 2099-level courses
72% 2100-2999-level courses
75% 3000-level courses
80% 4000-level courses
The Psychology Department follows Western’s grading guidelines, which are as follows (see: http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/general/grades_undergrad.pdf)
A+ 90-100 One could scarcely expect better from a student at this level
A 80-89 Superior work that is clearly above average
B 70-79 Good work, meeting all requirements, and eminently satisfactory
C 60-69 Competent work, meeting requirements
D 50-59 Fair work, minimally acceptable
F below 50 Fail
Note that in the event that course grades are significantly higher or lower than these averages, instructors may be required to make adjustments to course grades. Such adjustment might include the normalization of one or more course components and/or the re-weighting of various course components.
Policy on Grade Rounding
Please note that although course grades within the Psychology Department are rounded to the nearest whole number, no further grade rounding will be done. No additional assignments will be offered to enhance a final grade; nor will requests to change a grade because it is needed for a future program be considered.
6 Assessment/Evaluation Schedule
Assignment Percent of grade Due date
In class participation 20% weekly
Reading quizzes 15% weekly
Paired discussion leading 25% variable
Proposal Presentation 15% Nov 25th, Dec 2nd
Written Proposal 25% Dec 6th
7 Class Schedule
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Date |
Topic |
Readings and quizzes |
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September 9 |
What is communication? |
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September 16 |
Acoustic and visual communication |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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September 23 |
Chemical, tactile, electrical communication |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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September 30 |
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation |
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October 7 |
Origin and evolution of signals In class exercise: quantifying color **in class exercises cannot be made-up |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz |
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October 14 |
Reading Week |
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October 21 |
Honest signaling |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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October 28 |
Mating signals
In class exercise: sound analysis **in class exercises cannot be made-up |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz |
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November 4 |
Agonistic signals |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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November 11 |
Food and alarm signals |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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November 18 |
Identity, recognition, and deception |
Reading: TBA Pre-class Quiz Discussion Leaders + Speed Dating |
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November 25 |
Research Proposal Presentations |
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December 2 |
Research Proposal Presentations |
8 Academic Integrity
Scholastic offences are taken seriously, and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf.
Possible penalties for a scholastic offence include failure of the assignment/exam, failure of the course, suspension from the University, and expulsion from the University.
Statement on Use of Electronic Devices
Students are required to silence and put phones away during all in class lectures.
All electronic devices, including phones and laptops, will need to be put away during midterms and final exams.
Plagiarism Detection Software
All required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to the commercial plagiarism detection software under license to the University for the detection of plagiarism. All papers submitted for such checking will be included as source documents in the reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of papers subsequently submitted to the system. Use of the service is subject to the licensing agreement, currently between Western and Turnitin.com.
Use of AI
The use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to produce written work is not permitted unless permission is granted by the instructor for specific circumstances. Any work submitted must be the work of the student in its entirety unless otherwise disclosed. When used, AI tools should be used ethically and responsibly, and students must cite or credit the tools used in line with the expectation to use AI as a tool to learn, not to produce content.
Multiple Choice Exams
Computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
9 Academic Accommodations and Accessible Education
View Western’s policy on academic accommodations for student with disabilities at this link.
Accessible Education provides supports and services to students with disabilities at Western.
If you think you may qualify for ongoing accommodation that will be recognized in all your courses, visit Accessible Education for more information. Email: aew@uwo.ca Phone: 519 661-2147
10 Absence & Academic Consideration
View Western’s policy on academic consideration for medical illnesses this link
Find your academic counsellor here: https://www.registrar.uwo.ca/faculty_academic_counselling.html
Students must see the Academic Counsellor and submit all required documentation in order to be approved for certain academic considerations. Students must communicate with their instructors no later than 24 hours after the end of the period covered SMC, or immediately upon their return following a documented absence.
Medical Absences
Submit a Student Medical Certificate (SMC) signed by a licensed medical or mental health practitioner to Academic Counselling in your Faculty of registration to be eligible for Academic Consideration.
Nonmedical Absences
Submit appropriate documentation (e.g., obituary, police report, accident report, court order, etc.) to Academic Counselling in your Faculty of registration to be eligible for academic consideration. Students are encouraged to contact their Academic Counselling unit to clarify what documentation is appropriate.
Religious Consideration
Students seeking accommodation for religious purposes are advised to contact Academic Counselling at least three weeks prior to the religious event and as soon as possible after the start of the term.
11 Other Information
- Office of the Registrar: https://registrar.uwo.ca
- Student Development Services: sdc.uwo.ca
- Psychology Undergraduate Program: https://www.psychology.uwo.ca/undergraduate/index.html
Students who are in emotional/mental distress should refer to Health and Wellness@Western https://www.uwo.ca/health/ for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.
Please contact the course instructor if you require material in an alternate format or if you require any other arrangements to make this course more accessible to you.
If you wish to appeal a grade, please read the policy documentation at: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/academic_policies/appeals/appealsundergrad.pdf. Please first contact the course instructor. If your issue is not resolved, you may make your appeal in writing to the Undergraduate Chair in Psychology (psyugrd@uwo.ca).
Copyright Statement
Lectures and course materials, including power point presentations, outlines, videos and similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own educational use. You may not record lectures, reproduce (or allow others to reproduce), post or distribute any course materials publicly and/or for commercial purposes without the instructor’s written consent.
12 Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton. Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
