Course Syllabus

PSB4250 | Spring "C" 2021 Animal Cognition

  

Hands-on Course

A hands-on course requires engagement that may differ from your prior experience. You will work through interactive lectures, earn certificates, engage with peers through discussion boards, and hone your writing skills on activities that vary in length from a 1-sentence tweet to a 1000-word paper. A distinguishing feature of the course is the chance for you to conduct your own research in animal cognition using an animal of your choice. There are no exams. It's important to see how this workload fits into your life before the key dates below. Try out assignments in the first week!

Key Dates:

  • Jan 19: Add/Drop
  • Mar 22: Last Day to Drop with DR grade

Professor Information

Dr. Eliza Nelson
Associate Professor of Psychology
elnelson@fiu.edu
She/Her/Hers (Why I share)

Guaranteed Reply: 24 hours

Coffee Hours

Drop in for virtual coffee hours with Dr. Nelson on Thursdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm using the link https://fiu.zoom.us/my/elizanelson. You don't need to have a question about class to join. You can ask about how to apply for a job, how to get into graduate school, meet her dog Berrin, or just chat. Dr. Nelson also has a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old on hand to brighten your day if you need it. 

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Description

Issues and concepts relating to the evaluation of cognitive abilities in animals. Examines theoretical, methodological and philosophical issues and problems in the study of animal cognition. Translation: this course is about answering three questions:

  1. What do animal cognition scientists do?
  2. What do we know about animal minds?
  3. Is human cognition unique from other animals?

Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe key paradigms and summarize major findings in animal cognition.
  2. Conduct independent research and interpret data in animal cognition.
  3. Write effectively for different audiences in animal cognition.
  4. Connect topics in animal cognition to real life. 

Course Awards

  This course has been awarded the Affordability Counts medallion in recognition that required materials cost students no more than $20 in total out-of-pocket expenses per credit.

Readings in this Course

Required readings in this course are from the textbook Animal Cognition 101 (Authors: Colbert-White & Kaufman, Publication Date: 2019, ISBN: 9780826162342). Purchase or rent the e-book from your favorite bookseller so that you can get started on assignments right away. 

Key features of the textbook

  • Provides a scientific yet accessible introduction to animal cognition studies
  • Examines the development of the field, its theories and methods, and the latest findings and controversies
  • Addresses animal consciousness, communication, social cognition, and cognitive flexibility
  • Highlights individual animals that have made significant contributions to the field
  • Connects topics in animal cognition to human behavior and cognition
  • Provides ideas for readers to conduct their own investigations into animal cognition

Why Dr. Nelson selected this textbook

  • Animal cognition, like other sciences, has traditionally been dominated by white men. The authors of this textbook are women, one of whom is also a person of color. Diversity and inclusion are valued and expected in this course. 

**Note: Most modules also have free recommended readings posted to Canvas as PDFs. 

On-Boarding Requirement

There is an onboarding module in this course that must be completed to unlock the course content. Completion includes viewing pages, "marking done" pages, contributing to the Icebreaker, and submitting two training assignments that are required by all FIU personnel working with animals in research. Trainings are completed on an external website at no charge with your FIU affiliation. 

Lectures in this Course

Lectures in this course are presented via the interactive video platform PlayPosit. Each lecture is made up of multiple video segments and has various required interactions like polls, multiple choice, and open-ended questions. All interactions must be completed in order to earn points. This type of assignment can be stopped, rewound, and restarted over multiple sessions. However, the fast-forward function is disabled. Grades on this type of assignment are provided automatically by PlayPosit when you reach the end of the exercise, and grades sync back to Canvas automatically. 

**Note: You will have the option to retake questions as you advance through the lecture. Therefore, it is possible to earn full credit on each lecture assignment. 

Other Assignments in this Course

In addition to the interactive lecture, each content module has three assignments that map onto the organization of the textbook: (1) an animal spotlight discussion; (2) a human application journal; and (3) participation in the research forum. Detailed instructions and rubrics are provided with each of these assignments on Canvas. The course is designed to scaffold learning across increasing levels. You should complete the assignments in the order they appear in the module. 

**Note: It is better to earn partial credit on assignments than to take a "0".

Final Evaluations in this Course

There is a final research poster and a final paper in this course. The final research poster wraps up one of the ministudies completed in the research forum earlier in the course. You will be evaluated on your skills as a independent researcher in animal cognition. In the final paper you will provide a conclusion to the course question "Is human cognition unique from that of other animals?". You will be evaluated on your ability to synthesize key course concepts and demonstrate what you have learned. Detailed instructions and rubrics are provided with each of these assignments on Canvas.

**Note: If academic misconduct is suspected, a case will be opened with Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. Dr. Nelson does not decide the outcome or the penalty in these cases.

Understanding Your Grade in this Course

Grades are earned, not negotiated, in this course. To pass this course with a "C", you must earn at least 209 of 300 points across seven types of graded activities.

  1. Research Ethics Trainings (2 total x 15 points each; 30 possible points)
  2. Interactive Lectures (7 total x 10 points each; 70 possible points)
  3. Animal Spotlight Discussions (7 total x 5 points each; 35 possible points)
  4. Human Application Journals (7 total x 5 points each; 35 possible points)
  5. Research Forum Participation (7 total x 10 points each; 70 possible points)
  6. Final Poster (1 total x 30 possible points)
  7. Final Paper (1 total x 30 possible points)

Items 1-5 are graded on completion (80% of grade). The final assessments (Items 6 and 7) are based on quality (20% of grade). Please read rubrics carefully before starting assignments. 

**Note: There is no extra credit in this course outside of posted bonus opportunities.

Grading Scheme in this Course

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Grade Range
A 100 % to 95.0%
A- < 95.0 % to 90.0%
B+ < 90.0 % to 87.0%
B < 87.0 % to 83.0%
B- < 83.0 % to 80.0%
C+ < 80.0 % to 77.0%
C < 77.0 % to 70.0%
D < 70.0 % to 60.0%
F < 60.0 % to 0.0%

Policies in this Course

Preferred Name Policy

Names and identity are important and valued in this course. Dr. Nelson earned her Ph.D. before she got married, and continues to use Nelson as her professional name. However, the Canvas app uses your legal name and you may see her replying as Eliza Eccles. If you have a preferred name that is not recognized by FIU, please let Dr. Nelson know. We want you to feel welcome in this space. 

Email Policy

Email is the fastest way to reach Dr. Nelson. It is helpful to put the reason for your email message in the subject line instead of leaving the subject line blank. You should also include your full name, the course name, and your Panther ID in the body of the message. Dr. Nelson likes an empty email inbox and will respond within 1 business day. If you have an ongoing hardship, contact Dr. Nelson when you are able to.  If you'd like to meet one-on-one outside of virtual coffee hours, just ask!

Late Policy

All assignments have a suggested due date to help you pace the workload. However, you can turn in the assignment without penalty until the availability date indicated. Once the availability date has passed, no late work can be submitted without permission. Students must petition Dr. Nelson in writing to make up closed assignments. All reasonable requests will be honored.

**Note: Canvas applies a "0" automatically if you miss the syllabus deadline. It will be replaced with your earned score once your assignment has been graded. 

Grade Posting Policy

Dr. Nelson only grades your first submission on assignments. Take care what you post. It is your responsibility to ensure your assignment is complete and submitted in the correct place. To ensure efficient feedback, your work may be graded as soon as the next business day after it is submitted. If the assignment requires a response to another student, the reply should be done at the same time as the original post. If you are the first student to turn in an assignment, no reply is needed.

**Note: Grades posted to Canvas may only be adjusted through the re-grade petition process. 

Re-Grade Policy

All of the assignments in this course are graded with a rubric that is available to students before starting the work. If you do not understand your grade, first check the rubric and any comments left for you. If you believe your work meets criteria for a higher score, you can petition Dr. Nelson for a re-grade. However, your grade could go up or down after an assignment is re-graded. The re-grade policy does not apply to situations where you forgot to reply to another student, or to the final qualitative evaluations (poster and paper).

**Note: All re-grading petitions must be received while the course is active. No grade adjustments will be made after 11:59 pm on April 17, 2021. 

Extra Credit Policy

There is no extra credit in this course outside of posted bonus opportunities. 

Announcements Policy

You are responsible for logging into the course regularly, reliably checking your FIU email, and reading all course announcements. Each week Dr. Nelson posts a to-do list of required and recommended activities through the course announcement tool. Dr. Nelson will also occasionally post job openings and other opportunities that may be relevant to students in the course. 

Academic Misconduct Reporting Policy

All FIU faculty must report academic misconduct to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. Students can also report academic misconduct to this office. It will be up to this office, not the individual who reported it, to determine student responsibility and possible sanctions for academic misconduct.  Everyone is responsible for understanding what academic misconduct is and the process for how it is handled at FIU. 

Incomplete Policy

Students who have completed at least half of the assignments but cannot finish the course may petition Dr. Nelson in writing for an Incomplete. Students must be in good standing (i.e., passing the course) at the time the request is made. Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. An Incomplete may not be appropriate in all cases, and Dr. Nelson will work with you individually to decide the best course of action. 

Important Information

Before starting this course, please review the following pages:

Statement on Civility

FIU prides itself as a community of diverse backgrounds: ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, social, political, economic, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability. The University encourages, supports and appreciates these differences, and discourages all forms of prejudice, bias, bigotry, discrimination, and intimidation in the process of learning.

Civility is an essential component of the core values of FIU and that includes classroom behavior, whether in-person or online. FIU believes in fostering a supportive, safe, and caring environment conducive to learning. When both faculty and students model civility in the classroom, it contributes to the growth of individuals and their role as concerned and enlightened citizens. All opinions and experiences, despite how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. Students are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea, but never to attack an individual.

Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued in online interactions as well as in-person ones, and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course ambience. Students are discouraged from checking text messages, social media, playing games on a computer/phone, or carrying on conversations while the instructor is lecturing or a classmate is presenting.

This statement is provided as part of FIU’s Civility Initiative, for more information visit the Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution website at conduct.fiu.edu.

Statement on Inclusivity

This course will serve to embrace the diversity and inclusivity found within Florida International University. We appreciate and respect diversity, equality, equity, cooperativeness, community, and sustainability within our online courses. We are committed to the ongoing education of our students and their participation within the course regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, geographical location, religion, and disability. We strive in encouraging collaboration by preparing our students to value the differences in others. At the core of our intentions is the encouragement of acceptance and appreciation of differences within our student population and community.

FIU Panther Care and CAPS Services

If you are looking for help for yourself or a fellow classmate, Panthers Care encourages you to express any concerns you may come across as it relates to any personal behavior concerns or worries, for the classmate’s well-being or yours. You are encouraged to share your concerns with FIU’s Panthers Care website.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free and confidential help for anxiety, depression, stress, and other concerns that life brings. Learn more about CAPS. Professional counselors are available for same-day appointments. Don’t wait to call 305-348-2277 to set up a time to talk or visit the online self-help portal.

Staying Safe and Healthy

In collaboration with the Health, Safety, and Welfare Committee of the FIU Faculty Senate and the Healthy Panthers Council, the Provost encourages each faculty and student to take a proactive role in their safety, personal health, and well-being.

Through viewing the "Staying Safe and Healthy" video series, you will learn:

  • How to respond to an active shooter situation
  • Care of an unconscious person
  • Care of the bleeding person
  • Panther’s Care Initiative
  • How to enhance your personal health and wellbeing

These 3-5 minute videos and related resources can be found for:

  • On Campus Students in the Student Starter Kit in Canvas
  • 2.0 Fully Online Students in Panther Den in Canvas
This video series and related resources can make a difference in promoting the safety and protecting the health of all members of the FIU community. These resources are available any time you have a few minutes to watch them and you can refresh your memory about their content at any point in time. STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY requires the commitment of each of us as Panthers.

Course Schedule

Week 

Assignments Due (Italics denotes optional bonus activity)

1

Jan 11 

[M1] Onboarding

Icebreaker, Research Ethics: Lab Studies Certificate, Research Ethics: Field Studies Certificate; Welcome Check-in

2

Jan 18

[M2] Historical Perspective on Animal Cognition 

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum

3

Jan 25

[M3] Approaches to Animal Cognition

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum

**No work from M1-3 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Jan 31**

4

Feb 1

[M4] Consciousness in Animals

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum

5

Feb 8

[M4] Consciousness in Animals

**No work from M4 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Feb 14**

6

Feb 15

[M5] Communication Between Animals

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum, Mid-Semester Check-in

7

Feb 22

[M5] Communication Between Animals

**No work from M5 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Feb 28**

8

Mar 1

[M6] Social Cognition in Animals

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum

9

Mar 9

[M6] Social Cognition in Animals

**No work from M6 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Mar 14**

10

Mar 15

[M7] Cognitive Flexibility in Animals

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum

11

Mar 22

[M7] Cognitive Flexibility in Animals

**No work from M7 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Mar 28**

12

Mar 29

[M8] Individual Differences Between Animals

Lecture -> Discussion -> Journal -> Research Forum, End-of-Semester Check-in

13

Apr 5

[M8] Individual Differences Between Animals

**No work from M8 accepted after 11:59 pm Sunday Apr 11**

**No re-grade requests accepted after 11:59 pm Saturday Apr 17 [Classes End]**

14

Apr 12

[M9] Final Poster

**Must be submitted by 11:59 pm Sunday Apr 18**

15

Apr 19

[M10] Final Paper

**Must be submitted by 11:59 pm Saturday Apr 24 [Finals End]**

Ateles fusciceps rufiventris photo by Doug Hungerford.

Course Time Zone | Eastern Standard Time (EST). Due dates are according to this time zone.

If you encounter any technical difficulties, please contact the FIU Canvas Help Center.