I. Instructor
Dr. Heather J. Kalb
Office: KC 217
Phone: 488-2092
E-mail: hk33@evansville.edu; homepage: http://faculty.evansville.edu/hk33/
Office Hours: TBA
II. Course Information
A. Meeting Times and Places
MW, 10:00 - 10:50 a.m., KC 100. Labs: A, Tu, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., KC 202; B, Tu, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., KC 202; H, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., W, KC 202
B. Textbook and Laboratory Manual
Textbook: Hickman, C. P., L. S. Roberts, and A. Larson. 2003. Animal Diversity. Third Edition. McGraw Hill, Boston, Massachusetts.
Lab Manual: Hickman, C. P. and L. Kats. 2003. Laboratory Studies in Animal Diversity. Third Edition. McGraw Hill.
Additional Readers: 1). Janovy, J., Jr. 1996. On Becoming a Biologist. University of Nebraska Press; 2). Mayr, E. 2002. What Evolution Is. Basic Books.
C. 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. 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 taxonomy, life history characteristics, 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 demonstrated 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.
D. Xeroxing and Live Animal Fee
There will be a special laboratory fee of $5 to cover copying costs of supplemental lab handouts and purchasing and availability of live animals. Payments (cash only) can be made to Pat Akrabawi in KC 219.
Your final grade will be determined using the following formula:
Exam 1 - 15%
Exam 2 - 15%
Exam 3 - 15%
Final Exam - 15%
Quizzes - 10%
Lab Practicals - 25% (2 X 12.5%)
Janovy Reading Assignment - 5%
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
93 - 100 = A
90 - 92 = A-
87 - 89 = B+
83 - 86 = B
80 - 82 = B-
77 - 79 = C+
73 - 76 = C
70 - 72 = C-
67 - 69 = D+
63 - 66 = D
60 - 62 = D-
>60 = F
IV. Added Assignments
On Becoming a Biologist - 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, with a passion for biology. In his book On Becoming a Biologist, Janovy reflects on his life as a biologist. It is my hope you enjoy this lucid account about being a biologist and share some of Janovy's passion for biology. When you have finished reading On Becoming a Biologist, you will be given a test over the content of the book. The format of the test will most likely be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. The test will be administered in lab during the week of March 27th. We will also spend part of the lab discussing the book.
What Evolution Is - This general zoology course places a strong emphasis on animal evolution. To fully appreciate animal diversity and evolutionary relationships within and between taxa, it is important to have a firm understanding of patterns and processes of evolution. To enhance your understanding of evolutionary theory in relation to this (and hopefully other) course, you are required to read Ernst Mayr's book What Evolution Is. Although the book is divided into four parts, we will only focus our attention on the first three. Part I, titled ÒWhat is EvolutionÓ, examines the evidence for evolution and discusses the importance of an evolutionary process in the development of life on Earth. Part II, ÒHow are Evolutionary Change and Adaptiveness ExplainedÓ, discusses mechanisms of evolution, including the importance of natural selection in generating adaptive change. In part III ÒOrigin and Evolution of DiversityÓ, Mayr explains the processes responsible for generating biological diversity on the planet.
You will be tested over the material presented in parts I, II, and III of the book at specific points during the semester. Questions from Part I (chapters 1 to 3) will be included on Exam 1. You will be asked questions from Part II (chapter 4 to 7) of the book on Exam 2. Questions from Part III of the book (chapter 8 to 10) will be incorporated into Exam 3.
V. Honors Lab
Students enrolled in the Honor's lab section will be required to generate phylogenetic hypothesis for a variety of animal taxa using molecular sequence data. Students will be required to turn in four phylogeny assignments at specified times during the semester and must receive a letter grade of B on each assignment before it is considered completed. Information regarding the expectations of the assignments and their deadlines will be provided in lab.
VI. Attendance/Deadline Policy
Your participation in the classroom and laboratory is integral to the course. You are expected to attend all lectures and labs. If you miss class during a regular lecture session you are responsible for all work missed. If you cannot attend a lab, you will be given a 5 page written assignment that reflects the lab topic that was missed. The assignment will be due during next week's lab.
The dates indicated for quizzes, exams, practicals, and the writing assignment are considered final. If for some unforeseen reason you are unable to attend class on the day of a lecture/lab exam or on the date the assignment is due, I ask that you contact me immediately. Furthermore, I request that you submit a note from the Office of the Dean of Students confirming the reason for your absence. If the reason for your absence complies with University policy governing excused absences, I will work with you on an arrangement that is appropriate for the exam that was missed or assignment that was due. If you missed a lecture exam you will be given a re-test. If you could not attend a lab exam you will be given an oral exam over the appropriate material. If you were not able to attend class on the day of a quiz, you will not be given a makeup quiz. You will be allowed to drop your lowest quiz score from your final grade. If you do not satisfy the terms of these requests you will regrettably receive a zero for the exam or assignment missed. If you miss an exam because of an official University event, you will be granted the same privileges, provided that the event has been properly authorized.
VII. The Honor Code
In the performance of all work in this course each student is expected to adhere to the standards of ethical behavior as stated in the University of Evansville Honor Code (page 42, 2005-2007 Undergraduate Catalog). The following are expected:
1. students neither give nor receive assistance on exams
2. each report is the students own work
3. students avoid plagiarism in their written work
4. students deal forthrightly and honestly when consulting with faculty
If there is any reason to suspect that you have violated the University honor code, you will automatically receive a zero for the work in question. Your violation will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students and will probably result in an Honor Council hearing. Any student found guilty and sanctioned by the Honor Council is entitled to an appeal.