Bioacoustics

Bioacoustics is a Cognitive Science class taught by Mark Feinstein.

This course satisfies Division I requirements. This course requires prerequisites. This course requires instructor permission.

Course Description
Sound plays a critical role in the life of many biological organisms. In this course we will examine the physical nature of acoustic events, the anatomy and physiology of sound production and perception in a variety of species, and the functional and evolutionary significance of bioacoustic behavior. Among the special topics to be considered are the relationship of acoustic structure and behavioral function in communicative signals; neurophysiological and behavioral characteristics of ultrasonic echolocation systems (as in bats and cetaceans); information-gathering through the acoustic channel, in domains such as predation, predator-avoidance, population assessment, mate selection, and social interaction. Students will be expected to carry out an experiment and/or instrumental analysis bearing on issues raised in the course. Prerequisite: course work in animal cognition or animal behavior or strong relevant background in general cognitive science or biology.

Learning Goals

 * Quantitative
 * Project-based