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BI-367 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Scope | Instructor | Schedule | Grading | Contact Also available in a Word document Fall
2001 Lecture Syllabus Scope - This course is a broad-based course on the comparative morphology of chordates and related proto-chordate groups. The course will delve into issues of evolution and systematics, development and organ systems. This is not a human anatomy course, although humans are good vertebrates with unique adaptations which will be addressed in concert with other vertebrate adaptations. The course will focus on homologies and adaptations of systems in a variety of vertebrate groups. The comparative approach is "a tool" as your book points out. This tool will enhance your understanding of vertebrate morphology and function in any group on which you may later wish to focus (e.g. humans for the pre-health profession students). Instructor - My background in is broad comparative biology, from the molecular to the organismal. My primary focus in research has been on the evolution of developmental mechanisms. It should noted that development is the link between genetic or environmental changes and adult morphology. Although my research has focused on invertebrates, as you will note early in the course there are universal themes that we have learned from invertebrates that bear on vertebrate biology. New findings in genetics and development make this an exciting time in comparative anatomy, I will bring forth these issues in lectures. (For instance, How did the snakes lose their legs? Are vertebrates upside-down arthropods?)
Grading - Students will be evaluated based on their performance on three (3) hourly written exams and a comprehensive final exam (given during finals week). All of the exams are equally weighted, each being worth 20% of the semester grade. The final exam will be worth 40% of the grade. All exams (and, if any, other classwork) are to be done independently unless otherwise notified. If caught, anyone breaking this rule will receive an F for the course. TESTS CANNOT BE MADE UP, unless you contact me first or have a medical emergency or otherwise good reason. If you will not be on campus the day of a test, tell me ahead of time so that we can schedule a time for you to take the test. Drops - Please note the new college policy. The last day you can drop the class without my signature is Sept. 4. You can later drop the course with my signature (and that of your advisor), however your transcript will reflect whether you are passing (WP) or failing (WF) at the time of withdrawal. WS are no longer offered. I will not sign a withdrawal slip unless you have met with me first. Please get a jump on the reading early, and see me for any additional help you feel you need. Office Hours - My office hours will be Monday and Tuesday from 2:00 to 3:00, I can often be found at other times. I have an open door policy. Simply stated this means that I will take the time to meet with you any time you stop by, unless I am truly busy. If that is the case, I will set up an appointment at that moment to meet with you later. Emergency Contact - If you have need to contact me after hours, first try my office (I am often in during the evenings.); second send an email (I check this often.); third call me at home (644-7171). Please do not call me at home for routine questions concerning the course (e.g. What pages were we to read today?).
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