COMPARATIVE ANATOMY (ZO 315)
SYLLABUS

Instructor: Michael Delgado
Office: Rhodes Hall 218
Office Hours: M,W 11:00 - 12:00; T,Th 9:00 - 10:00
Phone: 651-2358
Email: mdelgado@biology.semo.edu

I. Catalog Description: Intensive study of selected organ systems of lower chordates and representative vertebrates. One lecture and two two-hour laboratories per week. 3 credit hours. (Prerequisite: ZO 200, Animal Biology).

II. Course Objectives:

A. Introduce the classes of the phylum Chordata.

B. Introduce the anatomy of the chordates, especially selected representatives of the vertebrate classes on a comparative basis, with emphasis placed upon the evolution of the organ systems.

C. Development of dissection skills by the students.

III. Text and Lab Manuals:

A. Kardong, Kenneth V. 1995. Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution. 2nd ed. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque, IA.

B. Wischnitzer, Saul. 1993. Atlas and Dissection Guide for Comparative Anatomy, 5th ed. W. H. Freeman and Company, New York.

IV. Grading:

A. Lecture exams -- 3 x 100 = 300 points (includes final)

B. Laboratory practicals -- 3 x 100 = 300 points

C. Graded dissections -- 3 x 50 = 150 points

D. Participation -- 50 points
___________________
Total = 800 points

V. Grading Scale:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
<60% = F

VI. Course Policies:

A. This syllabus and the course schedule are both tentative. Circumstances that arise during the semester may result in changes, which will be announced. You are responsible for knowing the information in this syllabus, and for noting any changes announced in class.

B. Each student is responsible for attending lectures and labs, and for reading assignments prior to lectures. In lab, you will dissect specimens in pairs. Because you have a responsibility to your partner, you are required to attend scheduled lab sessions. Excessive absences will result in deductions from graded dissection and participation points.

C. Each student is responsible for all materials distributed during class periods. If, for any reason, you miss a class period, you are to obtain any handouts or assignments from the instructor.

D. All University regulations regarding course conduct, academic honesty, and cheating will be followed throughout the semester.

E. Laboratory exams take hours to set up; there will be NO LABORATORY MAKE-UP EXAMS!!! If an extreme emergency prevents your attendance at a lab exam, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible, if you want any condsideration.

F. Students missing an exam without notifying me as above will receive a zero grade for that exam.

G. "Emergencies" require that you contact me as soon as possible, if you missed or will miss a lecture exam. If I cannot be reached in these cases, leave a message with the secretary in the Biology office (651-2170).

H. If you have any problems with extended absence due to illness, or with the material in the course, you are encouraged to contact the instructor for assistance.

I. My door will be open any time that I'm around, and you are welcome to drop in. If you are having a problem, don't wait until the end of the semester to ask for help; nip it in the bud.