Biology 551 - Animal Communication

Fall
2025
01
3.00
Peter Houlihan

TU TH 11:30AM 12:45PM

UMass Amherst
60460
Morrill Science Room 311
peteh@bio.umass.edu
This course will explore how animals use different modes of communication (sound, smell, electricity, etc.), and how the messages encoded in signals evolved. We will also look at the physiology and anatomy of signal production and perception, and at the function and evolution of sexually selected signals (antlers, bird song, etc.) The class will include projects in which students will learn how to analyze and interpret vocal and visual communication. With Biology 494LI, this course satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Biol and BS-Biol majors.

BIOLOGY 280 C or better

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.