BIOL 216
General Zoology
Catalog Entry
BIOL 216
General Zoology
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory
Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or BIOL 131
An introductory course in the classification, nomenclature, structure, function, development, and evolution of the major animal phyla.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Lecture Topics may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. The scope of Zoology
2. Principles of Classification and Nomenclature
3. The Protista Clades: The Heterotrophic Protista
a. General Structure and Function
1. Cellular Structure and Function
2. Locomotion
3. Digestion
4. Excretion
5. Osmoregulation
6. Sensation and Behavior
7. Reproduction
b. Evolutionary Trends
1. Symbiotic Origins of "Protozoa"
2. Life Styles
a) free-living
b) parasitic
c) mutualistic
d) commensalistic
e) unicellular
f) colonial
4.Major Clades
5. Major Animal Groups: Character anatomy, physiology, distribution, and ecological
processes
a) Porifera
b) Cnidaria
c) Platyhelminthes
d) Nematoda
e) Annelida
f) Mollusca
g) Arthropoda
h) Echinodermata
i) Chordata
Lab topics will follow the lecture topics closely, introducing students to the structure and function or representative organisms from each group. Both live and preserved specimens will be used.
One or more individual semester projects will expand upon lessons in lecture and lab. It may emphasize field experiences and/or synthesis of zoological literature.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will be conducted in a typical lecture-style format allowing for and encouraging maximum student participation. Laboratory sessions will include student participation in the use of taxonomic keys and dissection
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Students will learn basics of animal diversity.
2. Students will learn basic phylogeny of animals.
3. Students will learn basic laboratory skills of observation, dissection, use of
taxonomic keys, and use of light microscope.
Assessment Measures
Graded assignments include examinations that test knowledge of content mastery and that tests the students' ability to synthesize and use (apply) knowledge. Tests are a mixture of essay and objective type questions. In addition, laboratory subject matter mastery is assessed by practical examination while observational skills, dissection skills and proper use of taxonomic keys are assessed through laboratory drawings and identifications. Classroom and laboratory discussions and participation are also used for evaluation.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
01/2011