Biology 108 - General Zoology
Course Description

I. Course Objectives

This course serves as an introduction to animal diversity. The lectures begin by addressing the fundamental principles of taxonomy, classification, and phylogenetic systematics. Reconstructing the evolutionary history of animals is fundamental to understanding the similarities and differences among them. Following the section on phylogenetic systematics, there will be a brief discussion of patterns and processes of animal evolution. The course will subsequently examine the diversity of life among animal-like protista, invertebrates, and animals with backbones. These discussions will emphasize form, function and phylogenetic relationships within and between representative taxa.

The laboratory sessions will attempt to apply or integrate the information that was presented in class, and in some instances present ideas and information that could not effectively be presented in lecture. In the lab you will learn: how to reconstruct phylogenetic hypotheses; the scientific and common names of a variety of animals; structures that are unique to various animal taxa and their putative functions.


II. Evaluation

Your final grade for this course will be determined by your performance on three lecture exams (see course/lab syllabi for dates and times), two laboratory practical exams (see lab syllabus for dates), and a test based on the On Becoming a Biologist reading assignment (see information below). For the most part, the material that you are required to know for the exams will come directly from the material covered in class. The book will be extremely helpful to you when you review the lecture material and when you study various groups of animals in lab. You are strongly advised to purchase the textbook for this course.


III. Reading Assignment

In partial fulfillment of this course you are required to read On Becoming a Biologist by John Janovy. Janovy is an accomplished teacher and scientist who does a wonderful job of reflecting on his life as a biologist. I hope you enjoy reading this insightful book. When you have finished reading On Becoming a Biologist, you will be required to take a test over the content of the book. The format of the test will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. The test will be administered in lab during the week of March 17th. We will also spend the latter part of the lab on the week of April 7th discussing the book.