Biology of Birds (L376) is a four-credit lecture/lab/field course
intended for undergraduate biology majors with a serious interest in
learning about birds.  Non-majors or non-undergrads may also be
welcome on a case-by-case basis (contact instructor:
jwatwell@indiana.edu).  Course content will provide a general
overview of avian biology, including systematics, evolution,
ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation.  Accordingly, one
major course objective is that by increasing our knowledge we will
develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for birds—their
diversity, their origins, how they function and behave, and how they
are an elemental part of science and society.  However, the primary
goal of the course is not to memorize facts about birds, but instead
to learn how to think, behave, read, write, and speak like bird
biologists, and, in the process, expand our ability to think
critically and communicate effectively about birds in particular and
biology in general.