Lab Field Practical            (7-8 October)
    The first lab practical will evaluate each student's skills using various techniques and information presented in lab meetings up through 1 October.  Given the field oriented aspects of most of this information, this will require an overnight excursion.  This practical exam will involve both hands-on exercises and written questions.
 

Lab Final Practical            (12 December)
    The non-cumulative final lab practical will focus on mammal identification skills, including study skins and skulls.  This practical may also evaluate some theoretical or mathematical information presented in lab.
 
 

Weekly Quiz                               (can be used up to 2 times, possible 10 points each)
    A quiz consisting of practical-type questions (identification or demonstrate skill on equipment) and short-answer questions based on material from the previous 2weeks.  Must give the instructor at least 1 week notice for each quiz.
 

Critical Review Paper              (can be used up to 2 times, possible 10 points each)
    Same as described for lecture.
 

Field Trip Report                      (can be used up to 2 times, possible 10 points each)
    Students may write a journal-style report on a class or private field trip.  The report will be evaluated based on the completeness of these sections:
    1) site description,     2) purpose of field trip,     3) species identified and description of the behavior(s) observed,     4) description of things learned.
        A copy of the field notes for the trip must accompany the report and will also be evaluated.
 

Job Shadow Report                  (can be used up to 2 times, possible 10 points each)
    Students may spend a day (minimum of 6 hours, not necessarily in the same day) with someone in a profession of interest and write a report on their experiences.
The report will be evaluated based on the following sections:
    1) description of the profession and it's typical responsibilities,             2) what you observed and learned,
    3) class information (either already presented in class or scheduled to be presented) that directly applies to what you observed,
    4) other classes or topics applicable to the profession (besides what's listed in your required course of study).
 

Class Presentation                           (can be used once, possible 20 points each)
    Students may opt to teach a unit of material in the course.  Under the guidance of the instructor, you can teach a portion of a given lecture or lab.  The student must identify the topic at least 2 weeks in advance of the presentation date.
    You will be evaluated on: 1) preparations for class,     2) clarity and completeness of the presentation,     3) answering questions,     4) teaching technique,     5) class evaluations.
 

Educational Display                        (can be used once, possible 30 points each)
    A student or group of students (3 max.) can construct an display for the Biology Department's display case on the 5th floor.  Displays can involve any aspect of mammalogy discussed in class, or approved by the instructor.  The instructor must approve the topic.
    Displays will be evaluated on  1) display preparations,     2) clarity and completeness of the presentation,     3) educational effectiveness,     4) appearance,     5) peer evaluations.
 

Museum Study Skin Preparation    (can be used once, possible 30 points each)
    A student may prepare a study skin in addition to the class-wide exercise.  Specimens will be provided, unless a student would like to provide their own.
The study skin and skull will be evaluated based on:
1) appearance = symmetry, lumpiness, pelage, tail, ears, feet, skull      2) grease,     3) wires,     4) sewing,     5) tag and data.
 

Research Project                                 (can be used once, possible 30 points each)
    A student or group of students (3 max) can conduct an independent research project dealing with mammalogy.  Research projects being conducted for another course are not eligible.  A research proposal must be submitted before beginning the project.
    Research reports will be evaluated based on:
        1) originality of question,     2) experimental design,        3) data collection and analysis,
        4) research report content = abstract,  introduction with some literature review, methods, results, conclusion, bibliography
        5) overall knowledge gained.
 

Back to previous page.