HAS Courses in Biology
Hiram College
Ecological Science: Origins, Findings, and Ethical Issues
Beginning with a brief history of the philosophical underpinnings of scientific thought and the culture in which it arose, the course will proceed to examine exactly how, from a current scientific perspective, the environment sustains us and how its different components function as a system that has the ability to react dynamically to changes. The course will also compare what the science of ecology tells us as to how some non-western primal societies (Australian Aborigine, Native American) view the natural world and its cycles of growth, death, and renewal. The ways in which the values of western thought and those of primal societies differ vis a vis the natural world, and the consequences of those differences in the past and present will also be examined. Laboratory experience will consist of several directed inquiry studies and field trips to local areas of interest. Cannot be counted toward a biology major. Also listed as Environmental Studies 122.
Humane
Society University
Jonathan Balcombe, Jennifer Calkins
Animal
Behavior, Animal Minds, and Animal Protection
The
study of animal behavior (ethology), particularly the study of animal minds
(cognitive ethology), offers important insights for animal welfare and animal
protection. Knowledge (and beliefs) about animal minds inform how we treat
animals in the wide variety of venues in which animals are used (food,
clothing, education, research, and entertainment). This course takes a
comparative, ecological, and evolutionary view of animals and animal behavior,
discussing a wide range of species and contexts.
James Madison University
Ruth E. Chodrow
Animal Welfare
An examination of the biological basis of animal welfare. Topics include the evolution of domestic animals, physiological and behavioral measurements of stress, welfare assessment and pain perception. Case studies examine the use of animals for companionship, food, medical research and entertainment.
Warren Wilson College
Robert Eckstein
Animals and Society
Explores a variety of issues regarding the relationship between human and non-human animals. Topics include animals in research and education; philosophies of animal rights and animal use; animals in entertainment, agriculture and wildlife issues; pet ownership; and cross-cultural comparisons. Discussions revolve around ideas introduced through readings, videos, and presentations by guest speakers.
