Why don't bulls like red flags? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Animal
behavior students learn the answers to these and other questions about why
animals act the way they do.
Animal behavior is offered mainly at the graduate and postgraduate degree
levels. Students commonly get a bachelor's degree in a field such as zoology
or psychology, then take a master's degree in animal behavior.
Animal behavior programs vary widely between schools, and go by many
different names. This area of study is also known as ethology, animal
psychology, comparative psychology and behavioral ecology.
Often, it's combined with other areas of study or folded into other departments,
such as psychology or anthropology. Where it's classified says a lot about
a school's approach to the topic. For example, if animal behavior courses
are offered under a school's biology or zoology program, the program will
take a biological point of view.
On the other hand, if a school offers these courses under its psychology
or anthropology department, the emphasis may be more on social science, though
biology will still be an important factor.
Grades matter when it comes to being accepted into a graduate program.
The courses you take as an undergraduate also count for a lot. "We're particularly
interested in the extent to which they have taken some initiative in getting
themselves involved in research," says Donald Owings. He is a professor of
psychology at the University of California at Davis.
Lawrence Dill is the director of a university's behavioural ecology research
group. He recommends high school students take all the basic science courses,
especially biology and math. It's also important to get some practical
experience. "One of the best things students can do is try to get some
kind of experience, even if it means volunteering with researchers," says
Dill.
Involvement in a bird-watching club is also helpful. Anything that makes
you familiar with the biology of birds or other animals are excellent things
to be involved in, Owings says. Hiking and getting to know the wildlife in
your area is also a good primer for ethological studies.
Besides tuition and books, other costs may include lab fees and
a good pair of binoculars.
In graduate school, most of a student's costs for research and materials
are covered. At this level, students are funded by either a research supervisor
or by scholarships.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Find more information related to this field of study
Animal Behavior Society
Devoted to the study of animal behavior
Zoo Animals
Read about this animal behaviorist's on-the-job experiences
Science of Emotions -- Inside the Animal Mind
Do animals experience emotions?