BI 315 Vertebrate Zoology
Sample Course Syllabus
Pre-requisite: BI 110 General Zoology
Instructor: Dr. Lee Boyd, ext. 2081, lee.boyd@washburn.edu
Text: Pough, F.H., Janis C.M., and J.B. Heiser. 2002. Vertebrate Life, 6th ed., Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Course Objectives:
1. Learn the current system of vertebrate classification, including the
newer cladistic approach, and the traditional evolutionary one.
2. Become familiar with the anatomical, physiological and ecological characters associated with each of the vertebrate groups.
3. Consider the evolutionary relationships of both fossil and living groups, including the movements of continental land masses and the resulting effects on zoogeographic distribution.
4. Become familiar with some of the techniques for studying vertebrates, including collection, preservation, data recording, curation of museum collections, and field studies.
5. Become familiar with discipline-specific professional societies and their journals. Read some primary literature to see how the scientific method has been used to study vertebrates.
6. Learn about possible careers related to the study of vertebrates.
Course Grade: There will be five examinations, with scores recorded in percentages. An additional two-sevenths of your grade will be derived from:
Attending
Participating in
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Students at times experience difficulty with issues such as studying,
personal problems, time management, or choice of major, classes, or employment.
The Center for Learning and Student Success or CLASS (counseling, testing,
learning assistance, career services, academic advising) is available to
help students. If you feel you need someone with whom to discuss an issue
confidentially and free of charge, contact CLASS in Morgan 122, 231-1010,
ext. 1299, zzdpclas@washburn.edu,
www.washburn.edu/services/class.
Students with disabilities may identify themselves voluntarily to the
Services for Students with Disabilities Office (SSWDO)to request accommodations.
The office is responsible for assisting in arranging accommodations and
for identifying resources on campus. New requests for accommodations should
be submitted two months or more prior to the date services should begin;
however, check with the SSWDO office as soon as a need may arise.
Location: Morgan Hall, Room 150
Phone: (voice calls) 785-231-1010, ext 1629
(TDD) 785-231-1025
Students may also voluntarily identify themselves to the instructor to discuss accommodations.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
All students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and ethically in their academic work. Inappropriate and unethical behavior includes (but is not limited to) giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations or in the preparation of papers or other assignments, or knowingly misrepresenting the source of academic work.
Washburn University's Academic Impropriety Policy describes academically
unethical behavior in greater detail, and explains the actions that may be
taken when such behavior occurs. For a complete copy of the Academic Impropriety
Policy, contact the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Morgan
270, or go on-line to:
www.washburn.edu/admin/fac-handbook/FHSEC7.htm#VIII
Tentative Schedule
1 Organization
of course
Classification
1
2 Evolution
1 & 7
Relationships
and Structure 2
3 Relationships
and Structure 2
Agnaths
3
Living
in Water
4
4 EXAM 1
Chondrichthyes
5
5 Bony Fishes 6
6 Origin and Radiation of Tetrapods 8
7 EXAM 2
Amphibians
9
Turtles
10
8 Lepidosaurs
11
Ectothermy
12
9 Diapsids
13 & 14
11 Avian Morphology 15
12 Avian Ecology 16
13 EXAM 4
Origin of Mammals
17 & 18
14 Mammalian Radiations 19 & 20
15 Mammalian Ecology 21
FINAL EXAM