Biology 1313 - Introductory  Zoology

Syllabus, Fall 2001
schedule

Dr. Jon A. Baskin
Office: Nierman 106 -- Telephone: 361 593-3580 -- e-mail: kfjab02@tamuk.edu
Baskin's home page:  http://users.tamuk.edu/Jon.Baskin/

  Office Hours:  2-4 WF, 8-10 TTh, or by appointment. University duties, such as committee meetings, may prevent me from being in my office.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to me before or after class or phone me at the office for an appointment

BIOLOGY 1313   Introductory Zoology 3(3-0)

Course Description: Survey of the animal kingdom with emphasis on the evolution, structure and function with a survey animal diversity and ecology.  Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 1113 is recommended.

OBJECTIVES:  Biology 1313 is an introduction to the systematics, anatomy, and physiology of the animal kingdom. The course will examine the structure and function of animal organ systems in the framework of the evolution of adaptations.  The laboratory (1113), although separate from the lecture,  is designed to provide practical experience and reinforcement of the material discussed in the lecture, although lecture and laboratory material usually will not be concurrent

   Required Text

	S. A. Miller and J. P. Harley, 1999, Zoology, 4th ed., WCB/McGraw-Hill publishers
	Textbook website: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/millerharley/

Recommended

J. Aloi and G. Erickson, 1999, Student Study Guide to accompany General Zoology,   WCB/McGraw-Hill publishers

Thanks to the internet, you have a variety of options to consider when it comes to buying a textbook.  Here are a few sources

   The Internet: You should visit this website regularly for further information, outlines, handouts, and links to other sites of interest.  Here are a few of the more important INTERNET Resources for Zoology

   Grading: Your grade will be determined in the following manner

Exam 1 ............................  100 points

Exam 2 ............................  100 points

Exam 3 ............................  100 points

Exam 4 ............................  100 points

Final Exam .......................  200 points

                             Total                                     600 points

Please keep all of your tests and assignments, in case there is a question concerning your grade in the course. Grades will be awarded according to the regulations on page 57 of the 2000-2002 catalog. The last day to drop the course with an automatic grade of Q is November 1. After November 1, you must talk to me before dropping the course. The last day to drop the course with a Q if you have a passing grade is December 4. It is up to you to take care of all the necessary paperwork. If you want to learn from me your grade in the course leave me a stamped self-addressed envelope during finals week.

Lecture Exams: The FOUR mid-semester lecture exams and the FINAL exam will cover notes given in class and pertinent information from the textbook. Some notes will come from sources other than the text. The examinations will consist mainly of multiple choice questions, with additional short answer questions, definitions, and characterizations. The first four exams will be over material covered during the exam period. The final lecture exam is COMPREHENSIVE, giving you the opportunity to synthesize various topics covered during the semester.  If you are in the honors section, other criteria will apply.

Multiple choice questions will be machine graded. Each student must buy FIVE (5) scantron sheets from the bookstore, one for each exam. Bring a Number 2 pencil and your Texas A&M-Kingsville ID to each examination. The scantron sheet and the examination sheets MUST be turned in together, or else you will be given an incomplete (I) grade for the course and a zero (0) for the examination.

MAKE UP POLICY There will be NO make-ups for missed lecture exams. If you miss one lecture examination, the percent score on the final will be substituted for the missed test. You will receive a zero for each additional missed exams. In the case of crises and emergencies (that you can document and that are considered a valid excuse by your instructor), talk to me (or phone me) before the exam and more flexible arrangements can be scheduled.  BONUS: If you take all four lecture exams, you may substitute your lowest grade with the final exam grade, if the final exam grade is better.

OTHER

If you are in the honors section, additional criteria will apply.  There is no policy of required attendance. However, it is unlikely that you will earn an acceptable grade if you do not attend class regularly. Attendance will be considered in the final grade, especially in borderline cases. Attendance alone does not guarantee a passing grade. It is important that you take complete and comprehensive notes of the lecture material. It is also essential that you study regularly. Reading the material in the textbook beforehand will help you better understand the lecture material. Shortly after each lecture you should reread and/or rewrite your notes and read the material in the textbook to make sure that you correctly took the notes and fully understand the material that was covered. At this point, use the study guide to assess whether you have learned the material. Do not use the study guide only as quick way to cram for the exams. The university offers special workshops for students who need to improve their note taking and study skills.

Study Suggestions for Introductory Biology from other universities.  I expect no less from you.

1. Biology Learning Strategies: Muskingum College
2. University of Georgia Marshall Darley
3. Southern Plains College
4. Cornell Learning Strategies
5. How to Succeed in Biology: University of Miami

Talking or other disruptive behavior during lecture will not be tolerated.

Academic dishonesty includes giving, receiving, or using unauthorized aid on any academic work. This includes a person who has taken a test discussing what was on a test with a person who has not taken the test. Any student guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a grade of F.

Tentative Schedule

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