GENERAL ZOOLOGY SYLLABUS

Course Description: This course is a survey of the major Phyla of animals and animal-like Protists. Emphasis is placed upon: the major patterns of animal form within each Phylum, taxonomic diversity, life-history strategies, ecological relationships, and evolutionary development. Laboratory exercises will include: the forensic study of decomposing animals, the dissection of several representative invertebrate and vertebrate specimens, and visual and audible identification of common North Carolina vertebrates.

Attendance Policy: Campbell University institutes an attendance policy that may influence the final grade you receive in this course. Refer to your student handbook for details. Any student absent from more than six lecture or two laboratory classes will receive a grade of WF or F for the course.

Student Evaluation: The final grade will be based on the student’s performance on: 1) homework assignments and class participation; 2) 50-minute exams; 3) laboratory assignments; 4) laboratory notebooks; 5) laboratory exams; and 6) the final exam. The student will be expected to participate in all laboratory exercises and to attend all class and laboratory sessions. One lab session will focus on decomposition and its application in the field of forensic science. This field exercise will take place in a remote, wooded location so please dress appropriately. Students will be required to turn in their laboratory notebooks twice for grading (see separate guidelines for laboratory note-taking). Each student's performance will be graded according to the following tentative outline:

Type of Exercise	# of events	% of grade per event	% of grade per category
Participation / Quizzes	NA	NA	5
Homework:	6	Homework # 1 2 3 4 5 6 Homework # 1 2 3 4 5 6
		% of Grade: 2 2 2 4 4 4	18
Exams:	2	14	28
Lab. Notebook:	2	5	10
Lab. Exams:	3	7	21
Final Comprehensive Exam	1	18	18
Total # points			100 %

Homework Assignments: One of these assignments will be a group project while the others will be for individual completion. NOTE: 18% of your grade is based on homework assignments! If you make A's on these assignments, your final average might be significantly higher than your test average alone. Thus, if you do not test well, spend more time making sure that your homework grades are in the A range.

Class Participation: Your homework and reading assignments are designed to help you keep up with the class. My lectures are simply designed to highlight the most important material that you have already read (prior to class time) and to facilitate further discussion about important concepts in the text. You will be quizzed regularly on your reading assignments and on class discussions. Your EduCue PRS will be used to assess your performance on these short quizzes. Each person brings special experiences, interests and gifts to the class and I hope and expect that everyone will participate in our daily discussions. Please find a seat that you are comfortable with and stay in that seat throughout the semester – that will help me to learn your names. Also, a photograph of each student will be taken to help me learn your names. Please let me know if you do not want to be photographed.

Emergencies & Illnesses: Attendance for scheduled exam dates is expected. Documented exceptions are permitted. However, even if you have a documented excuse for missing an exam, you must call me before the exam (leave a message) to let me know where you are and why you are missing. If you do not feel well prior to an exam and you plan to miss the exam, go to the infirmary and get a written excuse before you meet with me. All homework and lab exercises will be turned in on their respective due dates at 4:30 pm.

Student Conduct: I expect students to be respectful and courteous during class time. Please turn off cell phones and beepers during class. Please do not talk during class. Please be on time for class, but if you come in late, please do not walk in front of the class – simply find a seat in one of the side rows. I have a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy towards acts of plagiarism in my class. IF YOU PLAGIARIZE, YOU MIGHT BE EXPELLED FROM MY CLASS, so be extremely careful as you prepare, assimilate and document information for your written assignments. If you do not know what plagiarism is, contact me! I have expelled students for plagiarism in the past - its serious business! ☺

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

Laboratory Materials: Please bring the following materials to each lab –

1. Laboratory Manual (Hickman et al. 2001)

2. Comp Book (see example)

3. Dissecting Kit (scalpel, scissors, probes, ruler)

4. Drawing pencils (4-H), colored pencils

5. Art gum eraser

6. Safety glasses (during dissections) (optional)

7. Lab coat (optional)

Class Schedule