BIOL 462
INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Catalog Entry
Biology 462. Invertebrate Zoology
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory (4).
Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 131:132:231:232.
A survey of the structure, function and relationships of members of the major groups of invertebrate animals. Laboratory studies will include experience in identification techniques as well as traditional investigation of comparative anatomy. Some field studies included.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The purpose of this course is to enable the students explore a variety of topics in invertebrate zoology. The major areas of invertebrate zoology which will be covered in this course are as follows:
1. Invertebrate organisms: a definition
2. Protistans and the origin of multicellularity
3. Multicellularity and Germ Layers
4. Diversity of forms: Ablastic, Diploblastic and Triploblastic body forms
5. Triploblastic diversity - Acoels, Pseudocoels and Eucoels
6. Survey of major phyla and classes:
a. Porifera and Mesozoa - borderline animals or protists?
b. Cnidaria
c. Ctenophora
d. Platyhelminthes
e. Nemertea
f. "Aschelminthes" - Rotifera, Gastrotricha, Nematoda Nematomorpha, Acanthocephala;
minor phyla or subphyla
g. Hypothetical ancestral coelomates
h. Proterostome groups:
i. Deuterostome groups:
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The lecture course will be conducted using lecture style format with maximum student interaction. Students will be required to read, analyze, and discuss selected current literature as it pertains to invertebrates. The laboratory portion of the course will involve both field and traditional laboratory work.
Goals and Objectives
1. Students will learn majors groups of invertebrates.
2. Students will learn basic principles of taxonomy.
3. Students will learn how to key out and identify organisms.
4. Studentw will learn how to keep a field notebook.
5. Students will learn how to find, report, and assess current literature about invertebrates.
6. Students will learn how to prepare a collection of selected invertebrates.
7. Students will learn how to use basic computer word processing and video laser discs.
Assessment Measures
Graded assignments include lecture tests which are a mixture of essay and objective questions. These tests assess a student's comprehension of subject matter and ability to apply information and skills in problem solving. Additional lecture assessments include written summaries of current literature. These analyses include proper journal citations and article analysis, hypothesis identification and objective analysis of data - all skills necessary of professional biologists. Laboratory assessments include traditional practical examinations of subject matter (organism identification, anatomy, use of taxonomic keys, etc.), assessment of required field journal notes, and assessment of required invertebrate collections (diversity, identification, and presentation of selected invertebrates). Additional requirements of attendance and class participation affect the over-all course grade.
Other course Information
The instructor may also require use of the Hyper media center video laser disks and computers in this course.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
October, 2007