Lecture Text:
Kardong, Kenneth V. Vertebrates. Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution.
First Edition.
Lab Manual:
Walker, Warren F. 1986. Vertebrate Dissection. 7th Ed. Saunders and
Co. Class Meets:
1:35-4:25 TTh, Gottwald S-111 (includes lecture and lab)
Attendance and Honor Code:
Students are expected to attend both lectures and lab on a regular basis.
Students in this course will comply to the University of Richmond Honor
Code.
Goal of Course:
In this course we will study the anatomy of vertebrates. We will comparatively
study the different organs and structures that make vertebrates differ from
one another. These differences are correlated with unique adaptations of
the different vertebrate groups and are the result of evolution. Consequently,
our guiding approach will be the analysis of the evolutionary morphology
of vertebrates. However, when appropriate we will discuss the physiological,
ecological, and behavioral aspects of evolutionary morphology in order to
understand organismal diversity.
Class format:
Class will consist of lectures to illustrate concepts. When appropriate,
recent primary literature will be read to complement lecture information
with recent advances in vertebrate morphology. In those cases, students
are expected to read the primary literature placed on reserve by the instructor;
quizzes may be given on those articles. Lab will consist of dissections
and examination of a variety of organisms to illustrate evolutionary changes
and adaptations in vertebrate morphology.
Grading:
This course has three equally weighted tests, the third test is given during
exam period and it is comprehensive.
Grades will be assigned on a 90-80-70-60% basis; there is no "curve".
Lab tests:
Lab tests will be scheduled together with the lecture tests during the semester;
extra time will be given if needed. For lab tests, only the terminology
used in class will be accepted.
No makeup quizzes, lab or lecture tests will be given.
Lab specimens:
All lab specimens are UR property. Students must replace the specimens if
loss or damage occurs, regardless of fault.
Lab hours:
The lab may be used for review outside of regularly scheduled lab hours;
a lab key will be available at the front desk of the science library. The
lab will close at noon on the days of tests. Students are not permitted
to study in lab while another class is meeting. If you come to use the laboratory
outside of normal class periods, please do not leave laboratory open
and unattended at any time.
Lab Cleanup:
Each student is responsible for cleaning his/her dissecting tray, table
area and surrounding floor area after each lab and when reviewing material
outside lab hours. Please do not leave your food "remains" in
the classroom. Students may be assigned duties (e.g. cleaning sinks) on
a rotating basis. All students will participate in take-down of lab exams
and cleaning of lab after exams.
The Course:
Class meetings combine lecture and laboratory work. Comparative Anatomy
of Vertebrates is a huge subject, so there is a lot of information to be
learned. We will use mostly an evolutionary approach as a way to synthesize
this large amount of information. Lecture and Laboratory periods will be
balanced as much as possible, however this can not always be accomplished.
Graduate Course Requirements:
This course is an undergraduate level course. Graduate students may take
this course for graduate credit. If so, graduate students are expected to
fulfill all the requirements expected of undegraduate and, in addition,
graduate students must complete an original, independent, research project
by the end of the semester. This research project should be written up in
the form and requirements of a national journal as if to be submitted for
publication by the end of the semester.
Note: Bold indicates that a short, 10 minutes, quiz on the previous lectures will be given at the begining of that lecture period.