WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERISTY
__________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate
students in an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian
environment for professional success and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: BIOL 4406-section; Vertebrate Natural History and
Taxonomy
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NO. AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Variation and selection, systematics and taxonomy,
environmental and genetic influences, zoogeography, behavior, reproduction, feeding
specializations, and population dynamics of the vertebrate groups; recording of field
observations and practice in the collection and preparation of study specimens of
vertebrates are encouraged during field studies. One weekend field trip may be required
for this course. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Other fees may apply for field
trip costs. $45 fee.
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 1402 or school approval.
TEXTBOOK: Vertebrate Biology by Donald Linzey
LAB BOOK: None
*Choose from the official booklist
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Students will gain an understanding of
natural selection and the importance of genetic variation, population size, biomes,
distribution, migration, and vertebrate evolutionary history, population dynamics,
extinction, and conservation. Students will be exposed to extinct and extant vertebrates
groups, and understand major evolutionary changes and adaptations among successful
vertebrate groups. In addition, students will be required to identify taxa of all vertebrate
classes that are common in North America, with emphasis on Texas fauna. Students will
be able to understand population movements or the lack of population movements and
their effect on the gene pool, and liabilities of dormancy/hibernation.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class
attendance a priority. No makeup, late work or redoing of work will be permitted except
for makeup work for excused absences due to official university business or very serious
illness (hospital time). Excused absences will be granted if the student contacts the
instructor prior to the scheduled class time in which the absence is to occur. In the case of
an emergency where the student is unable to contact the instructor, a valid form of
documentation must be given to the instructor verifying why the student was absent.
Students are expected to make up work within one week of the absence and need to
schedule a time with the instructor. Notice should be given prior to the absence or no
makeup will be allowed.
On dates when grades will be taken for test, quiz, etc., any student more than 15 minutes
late will NOT be allowed to do the work for a grade and are considered absent.
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic
dishonesty. Per university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of
academic dishonesty will be reported and second offenses will result in suspension from
the university.
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination
under any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of
Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be
contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291- 3765. Documentation of a
disability must accompany any request for accommodations.
Students should inform the instructor of existing disabilities the first class meeting.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA: Students will be
evaluated by examinations, and lab activities, and a written and oral presentation.
EVALUATION:
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed
below.
Lecture
Labs
4 exams (100 points each) =
Practicals/field notebook/research project =
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or
capricious academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held
to realistic academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may
appeal the final grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process
described in the Academic Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced
placement examinations or course bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the
final course grade, which may be upheld, raised, or lowered at any stage of the appeal
process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must be submitted through the
Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee for
review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee may instruct that
the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
subject
1. Introduction, history
2. Terms and concepts
3. Systematics
4. Vertebrate evolution and geologic time
5. Vertebrate origins and agnathans
6. Fish evolution and gnathostomes
7. Rise of land vertebrates and amphibians
8. Rise and evolution of the reptiles
9. Evolution of flight and class of aves
10. Mammalian evolution
11. Distribution
12. Biomes – life zones, habitats
13. Population dynamics
14. Movements – migrations, etc.
15. Zoogeography
16. Extinction and extirpation
17. Dormancy/hibernation
18. Conservation
19. Functional morphology
chapter
Note- Electronic devices are NOT allowed to be used during tests.
Lab materials will be provided by the instructor.
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor
discretion.
Last Revised: 03/17/15