BIOLOGY 1413:  General Zoology

CLARENDON COLLEGE

Division of Science and Health

Course Syllabus

Fall 2008

 

Lecture:  BIOL 1413.101 Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am – 10:50pm ADMN 207

 

Lab:  BIOL 1413L.101 Tuesday 1:00pm – 3:20pm

ADMN 207

4 Semester Credit Hours

 

Instructor:  Mrs. Scarlet Estlack

Office:  ADMN 205

Phone:  874-3571 extension 130; the direct line to my voicemail after hours is 874-4827

E-mail:  Through our WebCT course OR scarlet.estlack@clarendoncollege.edu

Mailing Address:  Clarendon College, P.O. Box 968,  Clarendon, TX  79226

Office Hours:    Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:00am – 10:00am & 11:00am – 12:00pm

                        Friday 1:00pm – 2:00pm                       

                        Other office hours by appointment.

 

Course Description:  Topics in zoology include a history of zoology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and a taxonomic survey of the animal kingdom.  Laboratory includes techniques of microscopy, experiments in physiology and genetics, and observation of both vertebrates and invertebrates.

 

Statement of Purpose:  Zoology partially satisfies the requirements for the Associates Degree at Clarendon College and is designed for transfer to a senior college.

 

Required Texts:  Zoology 7th Edition by Stephen A. Miller and John P. Harley.

Laboratory Studies in Animal Diversity 4h Edition by Hickman, and Kats (this text will be used during the labs).

Class lectures will be based on the book chapters, but not all of the material in the text will be covered in class.  You are, nevertheless, responsible for reading the text.  Further, supplemental material may be presented that is not in the book, and thus it is essential that you attend the class regularly.

 

Supplies:  Textbook, Lab manual, 3 ring binder, scantrons, pencils, latex or vinyl gloves, and a calculator.

 

Methods of Instruction:  This course will utilize lecture/discussion, audio-visual materials, and individualized lab instruction.

 

Exemplary Course Objectives:  Successful completion of Zoology should enable the student to…

  • Understand and apply methods and appropriate technology to the study of natural sciences.
  • Recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing.
  • Identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of Zoology, the student should be able to…

  • Prepare and examine preserved dissection animals to identify major body organs.
  • Calculate the results of monohybrid genetic crosses utilizing an understanding of Mendelian genetics.
  • Calculate the results of dihybrid genetic crosses utilizing an understanding of Mendelian genetics.
  • Differentiate between the scientific explanations of evolution (Blending Inheritance, Acquired Characteristics, Natural Selection, and Mendelian Genetics).
  • Appraise ecological concepts (the relationships between plants, animals, and humans and their environments).
  • Compare and contrast the major phyla of animals.

 

Grading Policies:  You will receive one letter grade for BIOL 1413.  That grade comes from four components: class participation, your lecture notebook, lecture exams, and a laboratory grade.

  1. Class participation will count as 10% of your final course grade.
    1. This grade comes from your participation in class discussions and exercises. 

                                          i.    If you choose not to participate in class discussions, you will receive no credit.

    1. For every three unexcused absences (either to lecture or lab) you will have 10 points deducted from your class participation grade.

                                          i.    If you leave during class, you will receive an unexcused absence.

                                         ii.    If you arrive late to class, you will receive an unexcused absence.

                                        iii.    If you are asked to leave class due to disrespectful behavior, you will receive an unexcused absence.

  1. Your Lecture Notebook will count as 10% of your final course grade.
    1. Lecture notes (that are to be completed during class) are posted online through WebCT.
    2. You should print these notes and come to class with them in your 3 ring binder.
    3. Your notebook should also include any lecture and/or lab handouts.
    4. Your notebook will be graded during your lab final.  It will be graded on the following criteria…

                                          i.    Completeness

                                         ii.    Neatness

  1. Lecture exams will count as 55% of your final course grade.
    1. All lecture tests, including the final, will be weighted equally. 
    2. Each test covers the material covered since the last test (not comprehensive). 
    3. The tests will utilize a variety of question formats (objective, matching, multiple choice, true/false, etc.) 
    4. I will drop your lowest lecture test grade, excluding the final which must be counted.
    5. You will take these exams on a scantron, form no.882-E (the long skinny one with 50 questions on each side). 

                                          i.    These scantrons are on sale in the bookstore and in the office.

                                         ii.    These exams MUST be taken in PENCIL.

    1. During the exams, electronic communication devices are NOT allowed, and both hands MUST remain on the desktop, in clear view.
  1. Lab quizzes will count as 15% of your final course grade.
    1. Short quizzes will be given each week during the first 15 minutes of lab.
    2. If you come too late to lab, you will receive a zero on that quiz.
    3. The weekly quizzes will cover the material from the previous lab.
    4. At the end of the semester, I will drop your lowest weekly lab quiz.
  2. Lab practicals will count as 10% of your final course grade.
    1. You will take a midterm practical exam and a final practical exam in lab.
    2. The average of those two grades will be 10% of your final course grade.

 

Grading Scale for the course: 

89.5% - 100%

A

79.5% - 89.4%

B

69.5% - 79.4%  

C

59.5% - 69.4%

D

59.4% and below

F

 

Academic Integrity: Clarendon College Policy

Failure to comply with lawful direction of a classroom instructor is a disruption for all students enrolled in the class. Cheating violations include, but are not limited to: (1) obtaining an examination , classroom activity, or laboratory exercise  by stealing or collusion; (2) discovering the content of an examination , classroom activity, laboratory exercise, or homework assignment  before it is given; (3) using an unauthorized source of information during an examination , classroom activity, laboratory exercise, or homework assignment ; (4) entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage; (5) taking an examination for another person; (6) completing a classroom activity, laboratory exercise, homework assignment, or research paper for another person;  (7) altering grade records; (8) using any unauthorized  form of electronic communication device during an examination, classroom activity, or laboratory exercise;  (9) Plagiarism.  Plagiarism is the using, stating, offering, or reporting as one’s own, an idea, expression, or production of another person without proper credit.

 

Disciplinary actions for cheating in a course are at the discretion of the individual instructor.  The instructor of that course will file a report with the Dean of Instruction when a student is caught cheating in the course, whether it be a workforce or academic course.  The report shall include the course, instructor, student’s name, and the type of cheating involved.

Students who are reported as cheating to the Dean of Instruction more than once shall be disciplined by the Dean.  The Dean will notify all involved parties within fourteen days of any action taken.

 

Classroom Conduct

I will show you the respect you deserve as a student. I, in return, expect respectful behavior from you. Because the following actions cause disruption in the classroom and therefore affect the ability of students to learn, I have strict policies concerning them.  Disrespectful behavior on your part will result in deductions from your class participation grade. 

Disrespectful behavior includes…

  • Arriving late.
  • Leaving the room during class time.  Plan restroom visits before or after class—not during class. If special needs exist, please make prior arrangements.
  • Using electronic communication devices.  This includes cell phones, pagers, etc.  These are not allowed during class time.  If special needs exist, please make prior arrangements.
  • Sleeping in class.    
  • Talking in class. Class time is not the time to visit with your fellow classmates. If you do, I will ask you to leave the classroom.
  • Using headphones.  If you do, I will ask you to leave the classroom.
  • Use of profane or inappropriate gestures and/or language.

 

Class Policies: 

  1. Absences:  Please take class attendance seriously.  You are here to learn all you can learn, to build a body of knowledge to help you in your career and/or to give you satisfaction in the future.  Students who are motivated come to class.  You are responsible for the material covered in class (lecture or lab) even if you are absent.  Unexcused absences will count against your class participation grade as discussed in the grading policies.
  2. Excused absences:  Make-ups for tests will be allowed only if absences are excused.  Excused absences can result from…
    1. illness on the part of the student
    2. severe illness or death in your immediate (not extended) family
    3. college sanctioned extracurricular events
    4. unfavorable weather conditions that prevent students from reaching the college

If you wish for your absence to be excused, you should telephone or e-mail me in advance of the absence (leave a message if necessary).  Even in emergencies, it usually is possible for you to get word to me about an absence. When you return, you must furnish proof of the reason for your absence if you wish for it to be excused.

  1. Make-up work:  Late or unexcused work will not be accepted.  Students who have excused absences MUST let me know before the test is given that we need to schedule a make-up.  In most cases, the tests must be taken PRIOR to the absence in order to receive full credit.  **If you take the test after it has been given to the class, you will receive a 10% penalty per school day that passes until you take the make-up.**  To avoid the penalty, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE A MAKE-UP TEST BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
  2. There will be NO make-up lab midterm or final.  Because these tests involve practical sections, they can’t be set up time & again.  If you miss one of these tests, you will have to take a significantly harder essay test.  The take home message is:  PLAN TO ATTEND THESE TWO DAYS!
  3. Final Exams:  Students must take a final for each of their academic courses.  The schedule of final exam times is published at the beginning of the semester.  Do not make plans to leave school before your scheduled final exam.  I will not give any early finals except in extreme emergencies after students have provided documentation of said emergency.
  4. Scholastic Honesty:  I adhere to a strict policy regarding academic honesty. Anyone who is dishonest in any way will receive a zero on that assignment or exam with no opportunity to make up the zero and may be dropped from the course with a grade of F. That student, if allowed to remain in the course, will not be allowed to receive any extra credit points from the time of the infraction through the remainder of the course.  Furthermore, that student will not be allowed to drop their lowest quiz grade or exam grade.  A second act of dishonesty will result in an F for the course.  Students who commit an act of academic dishonesty will not be allowed to withdraw from the course with a “W.”  Note that dishonest behavior includes both the act of copying someone else’s work as well as allowing someone to copy your work.  Both students are equally guilty and will be equally punished.
  5. Electronic Communication/Entertainment Devices:  The use of cell phones, iPods, or other electronic communication or entertainment devices is prohibited.  A first offense will result in confiscation of the device for one day.  A second offense will result in loss of the device for one week.  A third offense will result in loss of the device for the remainder of the semester..
  6. Accommodations:  Clarendon College provides reasonable accommodations for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities. Should you require special accommodations, it is your responsibility to notify the Office of Student Services (806-874-3571 or 800-687-9737).  We will then work with you to make whatever accommodations we need to make.
  7. Withdrawal:  If you decide that you are unable to complete this course or that it will be impossible to complete the course with a passing grade, you may drop the course and receive a “W” on your transcript instead.  Withdrawal from a course is a formal procedure that you must initiate.  If you do not go through the formal withdrawal procedure, you will receive a grade of  "F" on your transcript.

A student is permitted to drop a course if he/she obtains an official drop slip from the office and has the instructor sign the slip before the 12th class week. 

Remember, a student is only allowed to drop the same class twice before he/she will be charged up to triple the tuition amount for taking the class a third time or more.  Furthermore, beginning with the Fall 2007 semester, students in Texas may only drop a total of 6 courses throughout their entire undergraduate career.  After the 6, he/she will no longer be able to withdraw from any classes.

If you think you need to drop this course, please talk with me about it first. It is possible that there is something you can do to still pass the course. Don’t hurt your chances for a passing grade in the course by not attending labs or taking exams before we have discussed your situation.

The last day to withdraw from this course with a "W" is Friday, November 14, 2008.

 

Extra Credit:  There will be various opportunities to earn extra credit during the semester through challenge trivia.  PLEASE NOTE:  THESE ARE WRITING (not printing/copying) EXERCISES.

  1. Challenge trivia questions are assigned from questions asked by students during lecture. 
  2. Your answers to these questions are to be neatly written or typed.
  3. You may use either library resources (the internet and library books) or your textbook to answer these questions. 
  4. I expect you to use correct grammar and complete sentences to answer these questions. 
  5. You must cite your source (web address or book and page number) at the end of your answer.
  6. Challenge trivia questions will add 2 to 5 points (depending on neatness, grammar, and difficulty) to your next lecture exam.
  7. Challenge trivia questions are due immediately before you take your lecture exam. 
  8. You are expected to do your own work.  Students with identical answers will receive no credit for their work.  Neither will be allowed to receive any extra credit points from the time of the infraction through the remainder of the course.
  9. No credit will be given for answers that are simply printed/copied and highlighted. 

 

General Zoology

 

Course Outline:  The essence of life is change and so too this syllabus.  As situations in the classroom and laboratory arise, modifications may have to be made, particularly regarding the course calendar.  All attempts will be made to keep these changes to a minimum.

 

 

Week of

Lecture Topics

Lab Activities

Aug 25

Syllabus & Introduction

No lab

Sept 1

Ch 1:  Zoology

Ch 2:  Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Organ Systems of Animals

Mon., Sept 1 – Labor Day Holiday

Ex 3:  The Microscope

Video:  Life’s Greatest Miracle

Sept 8

Ch 3:  Cell Division and Inheritance

Mon., Sept. 8 – last day to register and/or add/drop

Supplemental:  Human Heredity of Single Gene Traits

Sept 15

Exam I – Tuesday

Ch 4:  Evolution:  History and Evidence

Video:  The Origin of Species

 

Supplemental:  Mendelian Genetics

Sept 22

Video:  The Evidence of Evolution

Ch 7:  Animal Classification, Phylogeny, and Organization

Video:  Dogs and More Dogs

Continue Mendelian Genetics

Sept 29

EXAM II – Tuesday

Ch 10:  The Triploblastic, Acoelomate Body Plan

 

Ex 2:  Animal Classification

Supplemental:  Construction of a Dichotomous Key

Oct 6

Ch 11:  The Pseudocoelomate Body Plan

Ch 12:  Molluscan Success

 

Lab Midterm

Oct 13

EXAM III – Tuesday

Thurs., Oct. 16 – Zoology T-shirt Contest

Ch 13:  Annelida

 

Ex 10:  The Annelids

Video:  Parasites:  Eating Us Alive

Oct 20

Ch 14:  The Arthropods – arachnids

Ex 12:  The Crustacean Arthropods

Ex 16:  The Fishes

Oct 27

Ch 14:  The Arthropods – crustaceans

Ch 15:  The Hexapods and Myriapods

Ex 17:  The Amphibians

Ex 20:  The Mammals

Nov 3

EXAM IV – Tuesday

Ch 18:  Fishes

Ex 1:  Ecological Relationships

Supplemental:  Ecology

Nov 10

Ch 19: Amphibians

Ch 20:  Reptiles

Fri., Nov. 14 – last day to drop with a “W”

Supplemental:  Population Genetics – Natural Selection

Nov 17

EXAM V – Tuesday

Mon., Nov 17 – pre-registration for Spring 2009 begins

Ch 21:  Birds

No lab due to UIL competition on campus

Nov 24

Finish Birds

Tues., Nov. 25 – Zoology Poster Contest

Wed. – Fri., Nov. 26-28 – Thanksgiving Holiday

No lab due to Thanksgiving

Dec 1

Ch 22:  Mammals

Ch 6:  Ecology

Lab Final Exam

**Bring your lecture notebook for grading!**

Dec 8

Finish Ecology & Review for Final Exam

 

Dec 15

FINAL EXAMS

Tuesday, December 16 at 8:00am