LECTURER AND LAB INSTRUCTOR: Joan Sharp                  OFFICE: B9243 (291-5936)

PREREQUISITES: BISC 101 and 102.

DESCRIPTION: The evolution and taxonomy of vertebrates are reviewed. Characteristics of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are studied to understand the basis of the major adaptive changes in vertebrate evolution and to explore how vertebrates cope in different environments. In laboratory sessions, representative species are dissected and the anatomy and function of organ systems are examined and compared.

LECTURE TEXTBOOK: Pough, F., J. Heiser, and W. MacFarland. 1996. Vertebrate Life. Prentice Hall, New Jersey. 4th Edition. (required)

LABORATORY TEXTBOOK: Wischnitzer, S. 1993. Atlas and dissection guide for comparative anatomy. W.H. Freeman and Co., New York. 5th Edition. (required)

COURSE FEES: $ 3.00 for materials, $ 5.00 for field trip

EXAMS AND MARK ALLOCATION:

Lecture exams - 65%      Laboratory exams - 35%

Midterm Exam - 25%      Lab Midterm - 15%
Final Exam - 40%            Lab Final - 20%

Lectures begin in week of May 4.
Laboratory sessions begin in week of May 11.