BIOL 4110 Ornithology
This course will review the evolution, functional morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior of birds. Topics covered include dinosaur ancestry, adaptations for flight, breeding behaviors, migration, and conservation. Students will also review the biodiversity and natural history of extant birds and learn to identify common local birds using morphology and vocalizations.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.A.: Physiology and Organismal Biology category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: Physiology and Organismal Biology category (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.58 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.73 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Jeffrey Dacosta | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 27 of 32 |
| Spring 2024 | Jeffrey Dacosta | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 28 of 36 |
| Spring 2022 | Jeffrey Dacosta | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 30 of 47 |