AS.290 (Behavioral Biology)

This course examines the origins of human structure, function and behavior from an evolutionary perspective. It includes study of the evolution, behavior and behavioral ecology of nonhuman primates, hominid evolution (including the paleontological and archaeological records), and the origins of human cognition, social behavior and culture.

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Citizens and Society (FA4)

EN Foundational Abilities: Engagement with Society (FA4)

Discussion of behavioral, anatomical, and physiological adaptations and the process of adaptation using examples from various areas of human evolutionary biology.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2)

EN Foundational Abilities: Engagement with Society (FA4)

In this course, students DO science through experiments in animal behavior and animal communication. Students will learn how to design experiments, analyze results and write scientific papers in publication form. Students will work on one class experiment for their first paper and then design and conduct their own experiment for their second paper. The course is held in the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory on campus.

Prerequisite(s): AS.200.208 OR AS.200.344

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Writing and Communication (FA1), Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Writing Intensive

This course examines the phylogenetic and developmental history of the central nervous system across the vertebrate tree of life, with emphasis on the deep history of those features that characterize the human brain. We will study how our understanding of non-human vertebrates (both model and non-model organisms) can provide important insights into the structure and function of the modern human brain.

Prerequisite(s): AS.080.306 OR AS.200.141

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2)

Tropical ecosystems are immensely diverse in organisms and behaviors. Islands although frequently understudied, are conservation hotspots because they often have species with adaptations that are specific and separate from adjacent main land. This course will begin over intersession where we will travel as a group for 12 days to a neotropical island- Útila Island Honduras. There we will have lectures and conduct field research on two main taxa: iguanas and bats. Each taxon team will collect audio, video and/or still images that will then be analyzed during the spring semester. The ultimate goal of each team is to produce a natural history guide as well as a website for the public to learn about Utila’s biological diversity. For bats this will include providing the first ever documentation of bat species using acoustic recordings. For the Iguana team you will focus on the behavior and natural history of the Útila spiny-tailed iguana – an endemic critically endangered species that is the only iguana species that specializes on mangrove habitats. At the end of this course you will have gained first-hand experience in field research, ethology and scientific communication. The costs of the trip are included for all students with no fees required. Admission will be through instructor permission. Note this class can count towards a Behavioral Biology elective course or to satisfy?research?credit.

Prerequisite(s): AS.200.208 AND AS.290.302

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Writing and Communication (FA1), Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Writing Intensive

This course examines the evolution of behavior via natural and sexual selection using model organisms (e.g., fish, insects) in the laboratory. Students will learn how to design and run experiments, analyze results, and write scientific papers in publication form. Students will work on multiple research projects throughout the semester. The course is held in the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory on campus.

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Writing and Communication (FA1), Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Writing Intensive

The course examines human behavior from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures and seminar-based discussion of the primary literature will cover some of the major approaches and areas of study within the fields of (1) evolutionary anthropology, (2) evolutionary psychology, (3) human behavioral ecology, and (4) evolutionary medicine.

Prerequisite(s): AS.290.101 OR AS.200.208

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Writing and Communication (FA1), Science and Data (FA2), Citizens and Society (FA4)

EN Foundational Abilities: Engagement with Society (FA4)

Writing Intensive

Course focuses on sexual development, sexuality across the lifespan, gender identity, sexual attraction and arousal, sexually transmitted disease, and the history of commercial sex workers and pornography. Please note that the use of electronic devices is not permitted during this class, in order to promote the full interactive potential of this engaging seminar-style offering. Open to Juniors & Seniors within the following majors/minors: Behavioral Biology; Biology; Cognitive Science; Medicine, Science & the Humanities; Molecular & Cellular Bio; Neuroscience; Psychological & Brain Sciences; Public Health; Sociology; Study of Women, Gender, & Sexuality.

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Citizens and Society (FA4)

EN Foundational Abilities: Engagement with Society (FA4)

This course is required concurrently with research in the Comparative Neural Systems Research and Behavior lab. During the scheduled meetings we will discuss scientific papers, policies and procedures, research ethics and other information related to activities in the lab. At the end of the semester, students will present their research in groups. This course is only open to students doing research in the Neural Systems and Behavior Lab.

Prerequisite(s): Students who have taken AS.200.431 may not take AS.290.400

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2)

This course will examine the historical and current theories of sexual orientation and sexual variation development by examining the biological, psychological and social contributing factors that influence the development of sexual orientations and variations along with treatment and modification of problematic sexual behaviors. Priority given to Behavioral Biology majors.

Prerequisite(s): Students may receive credit for AS.200.204 or AS.290.330 or AS.290.420, but only ONE can count towards the upper level SOCSCI in Behavioral Biology

Distribution Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Democracy (FA4.1), Ethics and Foundations (FA5)

EN Foundational Abilities: Engagement with Society (FA4)

Qualified students can serve as undergraduate Teaching Assistants for behavioral biology courses they have already taken at Hopkins (by faculty instructor invitation only). Each individual faculty instructor will determine TA responsibilities based upon departmental policy. Upon invitation, potential Teaching Assistants should forward the instructor invitation to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr. Bohn) and make a request in SIS to add the course using the instructor’s section number.

Distribution Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2)

How do you translate your research and experience into a coherent professional narrative that shows evidence of readiness (skills and record of achievement), mission alignment (how your goals connect with institutions or funders), and impact (why your work matters beyond your field)? In research and clinical fields, this narrative forms the foundation of your scientific identity: how peers, mentors, and evaluators perceive your development, contributions, and potential for future work. Designed for students currently engaged in or recently completing research, this course provides structured opportunities to practice communicating your own research through authentic professional materials. Through guest lectures from scientific professionals, guided exercises, peer feedback and individualized mentoring you’ll learn to articulate your professional identity across different formats—including your CV, personal statement, research summary, online presence, and public communication. By the end of the course, you will have strengthened your writing and communication skills and refined your scientific voice to better reflect your expertise and career aspirations.

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Writing and Communication (FA1), Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Great ideas in Behavioral Biology. Discussion of classic and cutting edge articles in the original literature. Student presentations and reaction papers. Capstone course for senior Behavioral Biology majors.

Prerequisite(s): AS.290.101 AND AS.200.208 AND AS.200.208 AND AS.200.208, or Instructor permission.;AS.200.141 AND AS.200.208 AND AS.290.101 or instructor permission.;(AS.290.101 AND AS.200.208 AND AS.200.141) or Instructor permission.;(AS.200.141 AND AS.200.208 AND AS.290.101) OR Instructor Permission.

Distribution Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Ethics and Foundations (FA5)

In this seminar, students discuss the intellectual merit of current or potential future research, internship and outreach activities in Behavioral Biology. This course is designed to 1) expose Behavioral Biology majors to new knowledge in the field, 2) provide the opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills, and 3) build community among students in the major. Students will make oral presentations and write a short paper/news piece or prepare a webpage. This class will meet twice during the semester. The first meeting will run until 6 p.m. and the second meeting until ~8 p.m. The two meeting dates will be announced at the beginning of the spring semester.

Distribution Area: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2)

Students will receive a hands-on experience conducting Behavioral Biology Research with the faculty member listed on this section who must approve your enrollment. In addition to participating in laboratory research students are required to submit a research style paper summarizing their work that is approved by their mentor. Information on the paper, research credits and how to enroll can be found at https://krieger.jhu.edu/behavioralbiology/research/ . Students working in Dr. Moss’s lab must also register for AS.290.400 Comparative Neural Systems and Behavior Research Discussions.

Prerequisite(s): You must request Customized Academic Learning using the Customized Academic Learning form found in Student Self-Service: Registration > Online Forms.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Students will receive a hands-on experience conducting Behavioral Biology Research with the faculty member listed on this section who must approve your enrollment. In addition to participating in laboratory research students are required to submit a research style paper summarizing their work that is approved by their mentor. Information on the paper, research credits and how to enroll can be found at https://krieger.jhu.edu/behavioralbiology/research/ . Students working in Dr. Moss’s lab must also register for AS.290.400 Comparative Neural Systems and Behavior Research Discussions.

Prerequisite(s): You must request Customized Academic Learning using the Customized Academic Learning form found in Student Self-Service: Registration > Online Forms.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Students will receive a hands-on experience conducting Behavioral Biology Research with a faculty member that does not have a Behavioral Biology research section. Pre-approval by the DUS of Behavioral Biology is required. In addition to participating in laboratory research students are required to submit a research style paper summarizing their work that is approved by their mentor and submitted to the DUS. Information on the paper, research credits and how to enroll can be found at https://krieger.jhu.edu/behavioralbiology/research/.

Prerequisite(s): You must request Customized Academic Learning using the Customized Academic Learning form found in Student Self-Service: Registration > Online Forms.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

An independent study is when you pursue a topic of special interest within Behavioral Biology. You must initiate the process. The independent study project must be pre-approved by the DUS of Behavioral Biology and must culminate in a substantial research or topic paper submitted to the DUS. For more information visit https://krieger.jhu.edu/behavioralbiology/research/.

Prerequisite(s): You must request Customized Academic Learning using the Customized Academic Learning form found in Student Self-Service: Registration > Online Forms.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)

Students who have found a Behavioral Biology related unpaid internship can enroll in this section for up to 1 credit with the DUS of Behavioral Biology pre-approval. Students are required to submit a paper summarizing their internship experience that is a approved by their internship mentor and submitted to the DUS. For more information visit https://krieger.jhu.edu/behavioralbiology/research/.

Prerequisite(s): You must request Customized Academic Learning using the Customized Academic Learning form found in Student Self-Service: Registration > Online Forms.

AS Foundational Abilities: Science and Data (FA2), Projects and Methods (FA6)