Vertebrate Structure and Development

Zool 3405

Summer II, 2009

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|  Course syllabus  |  Lecture notes  |  Laboratory  | 

|  Exams  |  Lab grades  |  Lecture grades |  Course grades |

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The objective of this course is to review the morphology and developmental patterns of vertebrate animals in context of their evolutionary and adaptive history. The main goals are to provide (1) the basic information necessary to interpret morphological and developmental similarities and differences and appreciate the concept of comparative biology; (2) insight into how science works and how the scientific method and theory are used in comparative studies of animals; and (3) an understanding of the applications of evolutionary biology to determination of the history of vertebrate life.

Kardong, K.V.  2006. Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (4th edition).  McGraw Hill.  782 pp.  ISBN 0070607508.

Wischnitzer, S. and E. Wischnitzer.  2006.  Atlas and Dissection Guide for Comparative Anatomy (6th edition).  W. H. Freeman.  ISBN 071676959-X.

Lecture and laboratory sessions

The purpose of the lectures is to cover broadly the morphological trends and differences among the major groups of vertebrates.  The purpose of the laboratories is to examine in detail the morphology of two representative vertebrate species: the shark and the cat.  Because the first third of the lectures will cover introductory material on function, development and evolution, while the laboratories will immediately delve into the details of the organ systems, the material covered in lectures and laboratories will not be synchronized.  The lecture discussions should serve to put the laboratory details into a broader perspective.  Simplified versions of lecture notes for class use will be available using the hyperlink above.

An optional review session has also been scheduled for the afternoon preceding each laboratory exam.  Dissection specimens will be available for inspection, and TAs will be available to answer questions.

Examinations

There will be three lecture exams and two laboratory exams, the dates of which are specified on the lecture and laboratory schedules.  In addition, unannounced quizzes may be given in the laboratories at any time.  The final (third) lecture exam will be cumulative; however, most questions (about 70–80%) will be derived from the latter third of the course.

The purpose of lectures is to provide a context for the more detailed information presented in the text, as well as to provide occasional supplemental material.  Thus, lecture exams will include information from both the lectures and the textbook, although emphasis will be on lecture material.  Each lecture exam will consist of 60 questions (40 multiple-choice and 20 short-answer).  I will supply “scantron” test forms.  Copies of exams from 2006 (the last time I taught this course) will be available using the hyperlink above.

Make-up exams (but not quizzes) will be given only in the event of serious illness, legitimate emergency, or death of immediate family members; in each case, written evidence must be provided to the instructor.  Make-up lecture exams consist of essay questions and are generally more difficult than regular exams.  Because laboratory exams involve hours of preparatory time, it will not be possible to make them up.

Cheating to any degree will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely.  I realize that grades are very important in our educational system and that a university is a highly competitive environment, but please do not risk your grade, reputation, and career by falling prey to this temptation.

Grades

Your final grade for the course will be calculated on the basis of lecture-exam scores (2/3 of the total grade) and lab scores (1/3 of the total grade).  The final numerical grading scale is the conventional one: A = 90–100, B = 80–89, C = 70–79, D = 60–69, F = 0–59.  However, final numerical grades will be curved upward from the total lecture and lab scores if the class average is less than 75.  Numerical grades will not be curved downward if the class average is greater than 75. 

There will be no opportunity for “extra credit” to improve grades that have already been earned.  Bargaining for grades (e.g., “I need a B because…”) will not be tolerated. The only way to achieve the minimum grade that you require is to attend class and study for exams.

Attendance

Although attendance in lectures will not be recorded, it is your responsibility to acquire and understand the material presented in class, which usually will complement that of the textbook.  Because of the large size of the class, if you miss a lecture you will have to rely on classmates to supply you with notes and with any announced changes in readings or schedules.  However, it is understood that no student is obligated to share notes or other information with any other student.

Only a single unexcused absence from laboratories will be permitted.  More than one unexcused absence will result in a zero grade for the lab, and the material covered will not be counted on the corresponding lab exam.

Special considerations

Disabling conditions:  Any student who, because of a disabling condition, might require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.  Students should present appropriate verification from Disabled Student Services in the office of the Dean of Students.  This approved University process must be completed before accommodations can be made.

Religious holidays:  Any student who will miss class days or exams because of recognized religious holidays should notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester so that alternative arrangements can be made.

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