Objectives Of This Course

(1) To examine the diversity in the animal kingdom.  This is approached both through a survey of the major animal groups, as well as an examination of "how animals work" (e.g., digestion, respiration, reproduction, etc.).  An evolutionary approach is taken in order to understand and explain animal diversity, as well as limits to diversity.  (2) To help you improve your writing skills, so that you can effectively communicate your scientific knowledge and ideas.

Required Text and Lab Manuals

Hickman, Roberts and Larson (2001): Integrated Principles of Zoology, 11th edition
Brueske and Marks (2001): Zoology Lab Guide
Gilbert (1966 et seq.): Pictorial Anatomy of the Fetal Pig
Rust (1983): A Guide to Biology Lab, 3rd edition

Recommended but Not Required

Borror (1988): Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms
Houseman (2002): Digital Zoology Version 1.0 CD-ROM and Student Workbook
Hickman, Roberts and Larson (2001): Interactive e-Text for Integrated Principles of Zoology, 11th edition

Required Laboratory Materials

You will need a pair of flock-lined rubber gloves to protect your hands when handling preserved specimens.  These are available at most grocery stores.

You must purchase either one of the following sets of dissecting tools (Numbers below are for Hamilton-Bell tools - available at the HSU bookstore):

  1. Kit 8105 (or Kit 8200) plus 6800 Mall probe (OR 6830 Huber probe)

    OR
  2. 7560 dissecting case, large, empty
    6600 cartilage forceps
    4000 fine forceps (preferred) OR 4170 fine curved forceps
    2125 scissors, large (sharp/blunt points)
    6540 scissors, small (sharp/sharp points)
    6800 Mall probe (OR 6830 Huber probe)
    2420 scalpel (metal handle, with replaceable blade)
    6960 dissecting needles, pair (blue plastic handles)

The second kit is highly recommended if you expect to take upper-division courses which involve animal dissection (e.g., comparative anatomy, invertebrate zoology, ichthyology).  These tools will cost about twice as much as the cheap kits, but the instruments are of better quality.

Grading and Point Breakdown

lecture exams (2 X 100 pts)  

200

lecture final exam (cumulative)

150

essays (1 X 10 pts, 3 X 20 pts)

70

lab practical exams (2 X 100 pts)

200

lab quizzes, etc. (9 X 10 pts)

90

lab notebook/exercises

100

Attendance/Participation/Assignments

40
-----

Total Points

850

Grading is on a straight scale as follows: A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D =  60-69%; F = 0-59% (with +/- subcategories).  There is not a curve, so you are not competing with each other for grades.  There are no "quotas" for these grades; if all of you earn 90% or higher, all of you will get A's.  Your performance in lab and lecture are weighed together when determining your final grade.  In addition, I take into account your general application to your work, including your level of preparedness, regular attendance, care in dissecting, and general professionalism.  These latter factors become especially important if you are on the borderline between two grades.

Note that an incomplete (I) is given only when extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing work in the course; earlier exam scores stand unchanged.  Per University policy, an "I" grade remaining incomplete after one year will automatically be changed to "F".

Course Policies and Expectations

  1. Attendance. Attendance is mandatory during the first week of classes.  Throughout the course, it goes without saying that you are expected to attend all class meetings, be prepared, and be on time.  If you must miss a lab due to illness or some other pressing obligation (e.g., medical needs, job interviews, professional meetings, or family emergencies), we may be able to work this out if you discuss it with me early enough.
  2. Missed exams. Make-up lecture exams and lab quizzes may be arranged only upon demonstration of serious extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness, family emergency, etc.).  In the case of illness, you will need formal documentation (e.g., a note from your doctor or the student health center).  Other reasons for requesting a make-up will be examined on a case by case basis.  Any special arrangements involving an exam or quiz must be made before the start of the exam; if you can't reach me directly you should leave a message at my office phone number or with the Biology Dept. secretary at 826-3245.

    Making up a lab practical exam is not ordinarily possible, as they take vast amounts of time to set up and take down.  In the event of an unavoidable emergency absence (verifiable!) from a lab practical, the lab exam may be made up during the next term; in such instances, an incomplete grade will be assigned, which will be converted to a letter grade after you take the exam. 
  3. Lab after hours policy. You are expected to review lab material outside of class time.  The lab will be open to you at the times listed below, though the Saturday and Sunday hours will not begin until the 3rd weekend of the semester.  You will have access to dissected specimens during any of the open lab times.  However, you will have access to microscopes only on Saturdays and Sundays.  Please plan your weekend schedule accordingly, since weekend studying of specimens is essential to your success in this course.

    Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: if the door is locked, borrow the key from the Biology Dept. office (Sci B 221). (Note: Lab may have to be closed from 2-5 p.m. for Dr. Reiss' lab meeting.  I will keep you posted on this.)

    Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: if the door is locked, contact the building monitor.
  4. Drop policy. After the University deadline (Sept. 24), the course may be dropped only for serious and compelling reasons.  In accord with University policy, I interpret "serious and compelling" to mean "unforeseeable."  Illness, sudden impoverishment, and similar catastrophes qualify; poor academic performance does not.  Nov. 16 is the last day to drop for any reason.  Please see the Fall 2001 Class Schedule Registration Guide for other important deadlines. 
  5. Students with disabilities.  Please discuss your needs with me during the first week of classes.  If you will be taking exams at the Testing Center, I ask that you remind me of this at least two business days prior to the scheduled exam.