Columbia College Course Examines Animal Sex

Students at the Chicago institution explore complex animal mating systems through biology and creative assignments.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Sex Life

Bold vector editorial illustration of two birds on a branch, in coral, teal, and cream colors, representing biological mating behaviors. — Columbia College Chicago students are examining diverse mating systems in the animal kingdom through a unique honors-level biology course. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Does learning about animal behaviors change your personal understanding of what is natural for humans?

Columbia College Chicago offers a unique 200-level honors biology course that investigates mating systems throughout the animal kingdom. The class, created 15 years ago, uses creative projects like animal-perspective advice columns to deepen student understanding.

Why it matters

The curriculum aims to expand student perspectives on mating systems, providing a biological context that often challenges human-centric assumptions about reproduction and behavior.

The course maintains a 200-level honors academic difficulty rating and has been offered for 15 years. It utilizes educational texts from authors including Olivia Judson, Marlene Zuk, and Jerry A. Coyne.

The players

Elizabeth Davis-Berg

She is the professor who created and developed the honors biology curriculum 15 years ago at the college.

Columbia College Chicago

This private college in Illinois hosts the honors program where students analyze mating systems across the animal kingdom.

The details

Students in this honors biology class guide the curriculum by choosing topics related to animal behavior, including the parthenogenesis seen in the all-female New Mexico whiptail species. To demonstrate their understanding, participants complete a final project by writing and responding to a sex advice column from the perspective of an animal.

The course was initially established 15 years ago.
Students engage with readings and introductory films throughout the semester.

Culture Shift

This course exemplifies the broader move toward active, student-led learning that seeks to connect abstract biological principles to complex social behaviors. By centering the curriculum on diverse animal strategies, the program challenges traditional frameworks often found in standard undergraduate science education.

Students enrolling in this honors course at the Chicago campus should expect a heavy emphasis on student-led research and creative writing assignments. The curriculum requires a significant time commitment for independent reading and project development throughout the semester.

The takeaway

Understanding diverse animal mating systems offers a broader perspective on the variety of biological strategies for reproduction. Students can apply these academic lessons to better analyze behavioral patterns beyond typical human models.