COURSE DESCRIPTION: General Zoology, BIO141, 4 credit hours, examines the morphology, physiology, comparative anatomy, development, life history, evolution, and diversity of animals. Two lectures and three hours of laboratory per week.

Texts: Lecture - Hickman, C.P., Jr., L.S. Roberts, and A. Larson. Integrated Principles of Zoology, Twelfth Edition. Mosby-Year Book, Inc., St. Louis, MO.

Laboratory Studies in Integrated Zoology, Twelfth Edition. Mosby-Year Book, Inc., St. Louis, MO.

Both lecture and laboratory texts are a vital part of the course and the reading of assignments is essential to success in the course. Assignments should be read regularly, preferably in advance of class coverage. Up to 80% of examination material may be found in the texts but 20% or more may be non-text material. Therefore, texts, though vital, do not stand alone and class attendance is essential.

1. Develop a general familiarity with all major groups of animals, including specific information about selected representatives of each group.

2. Trace the orderly and gradual development of complexity that has evolved in the animal kingdom by examining the distinguishing features of each animal group and the changes which have occurred as a result of adaptations to environmental pressures. Included will be a discussion of the development of special and unique features of certain animal groups which were not retained by "higher" groups.

3. Develop some of the general principles of zoology as they are encountered in the survey of the animal kingdom.

4. Compare the general morphology and some physiology of the major animal groups, including man.

5. Consider the anatomical relationship of each animal group to man, and the impact of each group upon man (e.g., economic importance).

6. Develop basic skills in dissection techniques and microscope utilization (lab).

In the lecture portion of the course, there will be three (3) hourly examinations and a final exam. In the laboratory, there will be three (3) practical examinations and a series of quizzes. The schedule for all formal examinations is found on the attached Lecture and Laboratory Schedules.

A limited number of bonus points may be offered for successful completion of special activities. These points are equally available to all students. No other sources of extra credit, other than these class-wide activities, will be allowed. The extra credit assignments will be fully explained in class.

Make-up examinations will be given only upon presentation of an official absence excuse which meets EKU and Department of Biological Sciences guidelines for excused absences. Make-up or compensation for missed exams will be made at a time and in a manner determined by the instructor. In general, laboratory examinations cannot be made up. Absences must be reported at the earliest possible date, preferably before the absence has occurred.

All work done in this course which requires writing will be graded not only on the basis of content and accuracy, but also will be subject to grading on organization, conciseness, spelling, and other components of good English composition. This applies to all written examination answers and all other written work such as library assignments, movie reports, etc.

The student will be notified of the course grade earned by mid-term by making the following calculations: the average percentage of the scores received on the first two lecture examinations plus the first laboratory practical exam (total of 300 possible points) should be equated to the letter grade distribution given above.

As defined in the University Handbook for Students, "cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty including the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff" will not be tolerated. Evidence of such infraction will necessitate appropriate disciplinary action.

Regular class attendance and the performance of laboratory work are required of all students. Absences can be a factor in determining the final grade. Credit for the course will not be allowed when a recorded absence of twenty percent (6 absences) has been accumulated in either the lecture and/or the laboratory portion of the course.

Because of extenuating circumstances such as illness or death in the immediate family, or university functions which may arise during the semester, the instructor, when presented with an adequate and documented reason for the student being absent, will, if possible, provide opportunities for make-up of course work missed.

This policy has been established by the Department of Biological Sciences. All absences in excess of three (3) will have a direct influence on the final grade.

BIO 141 is a thorough beginning science course designed for majors in the biological sciences. However, good student in related majors may take it as a general laboratory science requirement. The average student rates BIO 141 as moderately difficult, primarily due to the amount of material covered. Much material, especially terminology, must be memorized, so some student equate it to a foreign language course. Very few students have problems with understanding the material. The successful student will be the one that studies the material in a systematic manner and on a regular schedule. Students experiencing difficulty with the class should immediately consult the instructor.

If you are registered with the Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities, please make an appointment with the course instructor to discuss any academic accommodations you need. If you need academic accommodations and are not registered with the Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities, please contact the Office directly either in person on the first floor of the Turley House or by telephone at (859) 622-1500 V/TTY. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in alternative forms.