S2005 CVA Syllabus - Biology 3521 Comparative Vertebrate...

Biology 3521 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Spring 2005
Lecture: MWF 1:00 – 1:50 in SSB 205
Lab: M 2:00 – 5:00 in SSB 200
Dr. Joe Poston
Contact information
Office: 102 Shuford Science Building
Phone: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Office Hours: MTWF 9-11
Course Description
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy is a course on the functional and comparative
morphology of vertebrates, with an emphasis on evolutionary and biomechanical
considerations. The course is designed for Biology majors and pre-professional
biomedical students.
Course Objectives
Following successful completion of the course, students will have a clear understanding
of evolutionary processes and techniques, particularly as they apply to the study of
vertebrates. Students will also learn about the major classes of vertebrates and their
relationships to one another in time and through common ancestry. Students will study
the major body systems of vertebrates and compare how they have been modified to meet
the demands of vertebrates living in various environments. The laboratory will give
students a chance to learn how morphology is studied. Finally, students will become
proficient in the techniques of dissection.
Books
Textbook: Functional Anatomy of the Vertebrates: An Evolutionary Perspective, 3
rd
edition by K.F. Leim, et al.
Lab manual: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy: A Laboratory Dissection Guide, 3
rd
edition by K.V. Kardong & E.J. Zalisko.
Supplementary reading: At the Water’s Edge, by C. Zimmer.
Lecture
My goal for lecture is to have it be as interactive as possible. I hope all students will be
comfortable asking questions and initiating discussion of material. For many lectures (in
particular those topics not covered in detail in our text), I will provide written notes to aid
you in learning the material. The schedule below is a rough guideline of where I’d like to