Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology: Biol 4360k
Instructor:
Dr. Andrew Meyer: 218 A Sequoya Hall
Phone:
272-2581 (272-4440- secretary) email: ameyer@daltonstate.edu
Office
hours will be posted on my door.
Student learning
outcomes for Biol 4360k: Comparative
Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
Upon completion of
this course, the student should:
1.
To
be able to identify and understand the function of the structures that make up the vertebrate body.
2.
To
be able to describe the relationship between a vertebrate's anatomy and its
behavior, activity level, range of movement, and habitat (to name a few).
3.
Demonstrate
understanding of how the diversification of vertebrates and their functional
abilities results from evolutionary modifications to the common body plan all
vertebrates share.
Hi,
Welcome to Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology!
This
overall goal of this course is to become familiar with the basic body plan of
the group of animals known as the vertebrates.
As we look at the variety of structures that are common to all
vertebrates, we will also examine how different body parts can be specialized
for different animal lifestyles. We will
be using our brains in a number of ways: we will have a variety of lab
dissections to see structures, we will think about the lifestyle of the animals
and how the adaptations help their survival, and we will compare the structures
to see how evolution has shaped their development.
Now,
in order to do well in the course you will need to use common sense and not be
afraid of stating the obvious. For
example, a big obvious thing for flying creatures is that they need to be
light. This simple observation dictates a lot about the design of the animal: it
affects the skeletal structure and bone itself; it affects how these animals
get rid of waste products; muscular and integumentary systems are also modified
for lightness and efficiency. Simple observations can lead to a lot of
adaptations- be ready to see the obvious and think about how that affects
design.
Some other things to keep
in mind: Make connections: As we keep
adding systems to the organisms we observe, remember that the systems fit
together to create the life style for that animal. Comparing organisms to each other is another
good way to see the significance of an adaptation. Remember our goal is to have bodily systems
FIT TOGETHER in an organism to allow it to fit into its niche in the
environment.
Ask for help!! As I said earlier, common sense and problem
solving on your part are important tools as we work through the various
organisms. Work in groups, study in
groups, and help each other see the connections as we go. Remember to ASK for help. I am here and ready to assist you!
Course Policies
Attendance: You are
expected to attend all class and lab periods. If you miss a class or a lab, YOU
are the one responsible for finding out about missed assignments,
announcements, and any material covered in your absence. If you must miss a
lecture exam or quiz, please notify me the day of the exam. Under extreme
circumstances, an essay/short answer
make up exam may be given. There
will be NO make up exams for missed lab quizzes. Late assignments may not be
accepted. Please do not bring
children/guests to lab or class.
Academic
Integrity:
You will be expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
Cheating of any sort will result in an “F” for the course. This includes giving
information as well as receiving information. This applies to work done outside
of class as well as work done in class. Plagiarism is a bad thing. Don’t do that either. Ask for help if you are
not sure what plagiarsim is.
Cell Phones: Please turn
off your cell phone during BOTH CLASS and LAB periods. This includes TEXT MESSAGING and GAMES. If you feel the need to play games/text
message with your phone during class periods please get up and excuse yourself. If you have an emergency situation brewing,
just let me know beforehand your cell phone may ring during class.
Grading: Your grade
will be based upon the following: there are 900 points total possible. I will
have your current average available in
5
lecture exams: 100 points each 90-100%=A
1
comprehensive final: 200 points 80-89%=B
Lab grade (Lab notebook, quizzes, dissections): 200 points 70-79%=C
60-69%=D
Below
60=F
Disability
Support Services Statement
Students with
disabilities or special needs are encouraged to contact Disability Support
Services in Academic Resources. In order
to make an appointment to obtain information on the process for qualifying for
accommodations, the student must contact the Disability Support
Specialist.
Contact information:
Andrea
Roberson
706/272-2524
Workforce
Development Statement
“If a student receiving aid
administered by the DSC Workforce Development Department drops this class or
completely withdraws from the College, the Add-Drop/Withdrawal form must be
taken to the Workforce Development Office first. The office is located in
the
Drop/Withdrawal
Statement
“The last day to drop this class
without penalty is October 27, 2008. You will be assigned a grade of W.
After this date, withdrawal without penalty is permitted only in cases of
extreme hardship as determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs;
otherwise a grade of WF will be issued. Students who wish to drop this
class or withdraw from all classes should go to the Enrollment Services Office
in Westcott Hall to complete the necessary form. Students who fail to
complete the official drop/withdrawal procedure will receive the grade of F.
Withdrawal from class is a student responsibility. Before dropping
any class, the college strongly advises that students meet with their
academic advisor and their instructor to discuss the impact of a withdrawal on
their graduation plans. The college also strongly advises students
who are receiving any type of financial aid to visit the Financial Aid Office
in
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I
have read, understand, and agree to the included policies
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