Cognitive Science 0116 - Sex and Behavior in Nature

Sex is ubiquitous in nature and getting male and female gametes together has resulted in incredibly diverse strategies in both sexes to insure successful reproduction. This class will primarily examine animal behavioral sexual strategies drawing from examples of recent scientific research, all placed in an evolutionary context. We will discuss how we classify the sexes, the role of hormones on sexual behavior, the field of sexual selection including some of the current debates, sperm biology, sexual conflict and a biological examination of human sexuality. Students will be reading primary literature and class participation is expected and part of the assessment. Students will also write a research review on a topic of their choosing. This class is suitable for students who want to gain a biological and evolutionary understanding of sex in nature.

Mind, Brain, and Information Writing and Research Independent Work Instructor: Patricia Brennan