Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College; 5 Credit Hours, taught alternative years

Course Prerequisites: Biology 141, Biology 151.

Course Philosophy and Structure:

Terrestrial vertebrates represent the most conspicuous and well-studied biota of our planet. This course examines the biological processes that promote and maintain their diversity. Lectures and laboratory exercises will explore the morphology, physiology, behavior, and life history of a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Similarities, as well as differences within vertebrate groups will be emphasized. Although intended as an introductory course, the curriculum presumes a basic understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles and students should strive to apply the concepts of natural selection to their understanding of vertebrate form and function.

Course Goals:

This course emphasizes the link between vertebrate diversity, ecology, and basic biological processes by building a working knowledge of what the field of vertebrate zoology encompasses and how various biological factors influence terrestrial vertebrates. By the time the course is finished, you will expected to:

1) Recognize and understand basic terms and concepts used for vertebrate study.

2) Understand the basic ecological and evolutionary processes that influence the morphology, physiology, behavior, and life history of vertebrates within terrestrial habitats

3) Understand why, where, and how the study of terrestrial vertebrates contributes to human society.

4) Develop oral and written skills used in the communication of scientific information

5) Successfully use various information retrieval methods (e.g., library search methods, Internet, professional journals, etc.) to learn more about vertebrate zoology.

Grading:

A single final grade will be derived from a student's overall performance in both lecture and lab. Examinations, quizzes, written and oral presentations, as well as participation in lab exercises and group discussions will be used to assess performance. This course will not be graded on a "curve" (i.e., there is no set number of A's, B's, C's, etc.). Thus, the grade you receive will reflect individual, rather than relative, performance. If exams prove too difficult and no one scores enough points to achieve an A, all scores will be adjusted upwardly to compensate.

The material covered during labs and lectures will have many overlapping themes. Students are expected to draw from all class materials when answering questions or writing up results. Specific evaluations and points are as follows:

One Midterm Exam (15% of the final grade): A single midterm halfway through the semester will cover lecture materials up to the time of the exam.

A cumulative final exam (30% of the final grade). The form and style of exams will be covered in lecture.

Group discussions: (10 % of final grade) Group discussions will replace a regular lecture on four occasions. The class will break up into small groups to address specific questions relating to some aspect of vertebrate biology. Each student is expected to lead a discussion once during the semester and should come prepared to guide their group. After an hour, we will reconvene and pool the results of these discussions. If you contribute to these discussions by actively engaging in the dialog, you will receive full credit for that discussion that day (2% of final grade). Thus, cumulatively, these discussions are worth 8 % of the final grade. If you attend these discussions, but do not participate, you will receive half credit. If you miss these sessions, you will receive no credit.

Term project: (22 %): Based on observations made during field exercises as well as lecture topics, this assignment requires a synthesis of concepts and real data. Students are expected to collect and interpret data in a rigorous, scholarly manner. This assignment has both a written and oral component (each worth 11 % of the final grade). The specifics of this assignment will be covered in lab.

Lab write up (11 %): Based on lab work, you will be expected to write a short proposal, outlining further study of a specific issue relating to vertebrate biology.

Lab quizzes (12 % of final grade): Four lab quizzes will test your understanding of basic terminology and techniques used in the identification of vertebrate specimens.

 

Several important points:

Morning classes are sometimes difficult to attend, particularly for those who like to sleep in a bit. Please plan accordingly to ensure you can reach lectures in a timely manner. Exam material will be drawn primarily from the lectures, so it is in your best interest not to miss some or all of a class. Tardy students may also miss important introductory announcements. As a courtesy to both the instructor and your fellow students, please arrive on time.

Deadlines are strictly enforced. If you submit an assignment electronically, you should receive an e-mail acknowledgement of receipt. Contact your professor if acknowledgement is not received within a reasonable time period. Deadlines for assignments should be met. A 10% penalty accrues each day for materials submitted after a dealine, for up to five days. Assignments more than five days late will not be accepted.

Time limits for exams will be strictly enforced (90 min for midterms, 3 hr for the final). Diagnosis of a learning disability may entitle you to additional time as well as other accommodations, however, to receive this accommodation, you must contact Student Services early in the semester to process your accomodation request. This information will be strictly confidential. To ensure fairness, college policy prevents the provision of special accommodation to anyone who does not submit the required forms in a timely fashion. Please talk with Professor Clifton if you anticipate any difficulties with meeting course requirements.

All students are presumed to be familiar with Departmental Policies regarding academic integrity. Refer to the Pathfinder and the College Code of Conduct for additional information.

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