INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Tom Sproat
Office: SC 246; Office hrs:
Tuesday and Thursday: 11:00 am - Noon; Friday: 10:00
- 11:00 am; and by app't.
Phone: (859) 572-5415; e-mail:
sproat@nku.edu; web page:
www.nku.edu/~sproat
TEXTBOOKS:
Lecture: Feldhammer, Drickamer, Vessey, &
Merrit.
2004. Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology, 2nd Ed.
WCB/McGraw-Hill.
Boston.
Lab: Martin, Pine, & DeBlase. 2001. A Manual of Mammalogy with Keys to Families of the World, 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill. Boston.
*** A field guide to mammals of North America is also
required.
The field guide should include: images of the species; a written
description
of diagnostic features and habitats for each species; and a description
of the geographic range for each species. Images of skulls and
tracks
for selected species are helpful, but not required.
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
Biology 421 is a field biology course for biology majors. This
course will use lectures, discussions, class activities, and field
trips
to not only add to your understanding of mammalian biology but also is
intended to also enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills
in
biology.
While not exhaustive, the objectives of this course include students' being able to:
Lecture:
1. describe the history of mammalogy
2. explain the basic methods of studying mammals
3. detail the evolutionary history and distinguishing
characteristics
of mammals
4. contrast and explain aspects of the following, as they relate
to mammals:
a) anatomical
structures
b) physiological systems c) environmental
adaptations
5. detail characteristics and adaptations of each mammalian order
6. contrast and explain aspects of the following, as they relate
to mammals:
a) behavioral patterns
b) dispersal, habitat selection, & zoogeography
c)
ecology d) conservation
7. demonstrate appropriate skill in evaluating scientific
information
Lab:
1. accurately identify mammal skins, skulls, and images,
including:
a) orders of the world, b) families of the
United States, and c) species of Kentucky
2. demonstrate an aptitude in preparing museum study skins
3. demonstrate familiarity with taking field notes and journaling
4. conduct a small mammal survey and explain what population
information it provides
5. properly use compass and orienteering skills in designing
a small mammal survey
6. properly use radio telemetry equipment in locating a mammal
7. effectively convey to colleagues applications of information
acquired in class
GRADE DETERMINATION
Your course grade will be based on your accumulated points in the
course
(660 pts possible):
A = 90 - 100% of total
pts. B = 80 - 89% of total
pts.
C = 70 - 79% of total pts. D = 60 - 69%
of
total pts. F = below 60% of total
pts.
Lecture:
| Semester exams: |
100 pts.
|
x 2 = |
200
|
| Final exam: |
100 pts.
|
= |
100
|
| Critical review papers: |
10 pts.
|
x 2 = |
20
|
| Total Lecture Points | = |
330
|
Lab:
| lab field practical (overnight) | 100 pts | |
| lab final: | 100 pts | |
| student contract: | 30 pts. | (1 Item due by 28 Oct.) |
| Total Lab Points |
230 pts.
|
Student Contract for Lab:
Each student must submit a completed contract by 27 August 2001.
The contract may total no more than 100 points. Students can
select
from the following items: (descriptions
of each contract items)
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In addition to the assignments listed above, each student will be expected to participate in at least one out-of-class field trip (not including the field practical or scheduled lab sessions) and prepare at least one museum study skin.
NOTE: Per University policy, cheating on exams or plagiarism
will
result in an F for the course.
INSTRUCTOR’S COMMENTS
This course is intended to be a motivational, as well as, educational
experience. I will incorporate applications for class
information
and professionally related skills that may be useful to you in the job
market. Your participation in class is expected. Chronic
absences
may reduce your grade.
If you need accommodations for a physical or medical disability please talk with me so that we can accommodate your needs.
To make the most of class time, please be aware of the following
expectations:
1) Turn-off cell phones and pagers prior to class.
2) Use the "smile and nod" expression when needed.
3) If you are having difficulty with the class - or - something
in my teaching style, I expect you to make me aware of it, promptly.