BIOL 1413 – GENERAL ZOOLOGY (#79113)
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Michael Sanregret (email: michael.sanregret@hccs.edu)
COURSE OBJECTIVES: To learn basic biological principles and apply them to the study of animal
taxonomy, physiology, evolution, ecology and behavior. To learn to identify the major phyla and classes of
animals.
TEXT BOOKS:
Lecture: Miller, S.A. and J.P. Harley. Zoology, WC Brown Pub., Dubuque, Iowa. 8th ed. 2010
Lab: Lytle, C.F. General Zoology Laboratory Guide. McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 15th Edition 2010
plus handouts
LEARNING WEB: All of the important documents for the course and other study aids will be made
available on the Learning Web at the following website:
http://learning.cc.hccs.edu/members/michael.sanregret
Try to check the Learning Web each day, since there may be important announcements about the course.
TIME AND LOCATION:
Lab: Monday 8:30-11:30 in LHSB 316
Lecture: Wednesday 8:30-11:30 in LHSB 315
GRADING: Grades will be determined by the following items:
Four lecture exams (100 points each)
Four lab quizzes (50 points each)
Lab participation (One per lab, 5 points each)
Attendance (2 points per three hour lecture period)
Lab set up/take down (50 points)
One final exam (150 points)
Your lowest lecture or lab exam grade will be dropped. The final exam grade will never be
dropped, although you may earn an exemption. Your final percent grade will be detemined as you
accumulated points divided by the maximum possible accumulated points. Your final letter grade will be
determined by your final percent grade as follows:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
<59% = F
EXAMS: Lecture exams will test your knowledge and understanding of concepts learned in lecture or in
class activities during lecture. The format will be primarily multiple choice. On the day of a lecture exam,
you will be given one hour to complete the exam, and we will start the next section of lecture material
afterwards.
Lab exams test your knowledge and understanding of specimens and concepts studied during the
lab sections. Lab exam questions will vary in format. Multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and
short essay are all possible question formats.
The final exam will be cumulative. You will be exempted from the final exam if your grade
average before the final exam is 92.0% or higher (with the lowest exam grade dropped). Naturally, if you
are exempt from the final exam this also means you get an A in the course.
After exams are graded they will be returned and we will review the answers. After the review,
you must return your exam sheet to me (you may keep the scantron answer sheet). If you wish to see the
exam questions at a later point I will make it available to you.
LAB SET UP/TAKE DOWN ASSIGNMENT: Starting with the lab on Feb. 14, a group of three students
will assist in setting up specimens for each lab session. I will provide a sign-up sheet where each student
can sign-up for one lab period (up to three students per session). You should consult with me in the week
prior to your scheduled set up day to discuss what work will need to be done.
One major task in lab set up will be to update the Biology Department’s Lab Study pages for
General Zoology. This will be discussed in further detail in the future.
ATTENDANCE and WITHDRAWALS: As noted in the grading section, you will be graded on
attendance. Make note, however, that I usually do not automatically drop students from the roster for lack
of attendance. If you intend to drop the class, you must either arrange for a withdrawal on your own
through the registrar, or you must let me know in writing (preferably via email) that you wish to drop the
class by the last day for student withdrawals (Apr. 14, 2011). These are the only way to be sure that you
will receive a “W” grade at the end of the semester. If you do not arrange for withdrawal by Apr. 14, you
will receive a letter grade ranging from a possible “A” to a possible “F” at the end of the semester,
depending on your grade average. If you stop attending class entirely from Nov. 8 on, I will give you a W
grade for the semester.
Also be aware that a new policy at Texas public colleges and universities requires students who
repeat a course for a third time or more will be charged an additional $50/credit hour.
ASSISTANCE: If you have questions about the course material, I encourage you to ask me questions
during or outside of class, or over email (michael.sanregret@hccs.edu). We may also schedule a time to
meet to discuss course material. Tutoring is available (times and locations TBA).
Exchange phone numbers with some of your classmates because you may want to form study
groups or need to find out about missed classes or assignment.
ADDITIONAL STUDY MATERIALS: The Biology/Nutrition has developed lab study pages that may be helpful
when reviewing your lab material. The URL is:
http://ccollege.hccs.edu/instru/Biology/AllStudyPages/StudyPages/1413.htm
APPEALING GRADES: If you believe that your work has been graded incorrectly, you must contact me
within a week (not counting holidays) after the grade is given to discuss the grade. Exceptions may be
made for illness or other valid excuses. Difficulties that cannot be resolved through me should be brought
to the Biology Chair, Pramila Sen in LHSB 402.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Textbook and lab manual are required.
2. Full Class attendance is required. Students with more than four unexcused absences may result in an
administrative withdrawal. Students are responsible for everything covered during their absence, and
it is the student’s responsibility to consult with the instructor for make-up assignments.
3. To avoid disruption in the classroom, all pagers must be set on the silent mode. Cellular phones must
also be turned off during the class period.
4. No children are allowed in the laboratory.
5. Eating, drinking, or smoking is NOT allowed in the laboratory.
6. You must read the laboratory safety rules before doing any of the lab exercises.
7. The laboratory safety release form must be signed during the first lab session.
8. Lab reports are an important part of the course and to be completed one week after the lab period.
They will be spot-checked during the lab period. Although students work in groups, individual active
participation is expected. You are responsible for the completion of your individual lab report.
9. *Dissection of preserved animals is required in this course.
10. CHEATING IS NOT PERMITTED!!! If it occurs the student may receive a zero for the exam or a
grade of “F” in the course.
11. Grades will not be posted at any time during the semester. Your grade will be available on the web
(www.getgrades.com) or by telephone (1-877-341-4300)
12. Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to
report to Room 106 LHSB, or call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements.
Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office
16. Open labs will be scheduled during the semester for review of lab materials. The
schedule will be available in your classroom during the semester
17. The Biology Computer lab is in Room LHSB 415, computers and biology software are
available for student use. Biology tutoring will also be available in the lab. The
scheduled will be posted in the classroom.
*You may be excused from dissection if you have a letter from your doctor declaring that you are unable to
handle dissection specimens. I strongly suggest that if you are pregnant, you seek the advice of your
physician before participating in this class.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Week
Date
1
Jan. 19
2
Jan. 24
Jan. 26
3
Jan. 31
Feb. 2
4
Feb. 7
Feb. 9
5
Feb. 14
Feb. 16
6
Feb. 23
7
Feb. 28
Mar. 2
8
Mar. 7
Mar. 9
9
Mar. 21
Mar. 23
10
Mar. 28
Mar. 30
11
Apr. 4
Apr. 6
12
Apr. 11
Apr. 13
13
Apr. 18
Apr. 20
14
Apr. 25
Apr. 27
15
May 2
May 4
Finals
May 9-15
Topic
Introduction; Cells
Lab: Microscopy and Cells and Tissues
Evolution
Lab: Mitosis and Meiosis, Development
Ecology
Lab Quiz 1; Lab: Protozoa
Intro to Animal Diversity
Lab: Porifora, Cnidaria
Lecture Exam 1; Mollusca, Annelida
Arthropoda; Echinodermata
Lab: Platyhelminthes and Pseudocoelomates
Intro to Chordates
Lab quiz 2
Lecture Exam 2; Amphibians
Lab: Mollusca, Annelida
Reptiles, Birds
Lab: Arthropoda, Echinodermata
Mammals; Protection, Support, Movement
Lab: Chordata: inverts and fish
Communication; Circulation and Gas Exchange
Lab quiz 3; Lab: Chordata, amphibians
Lecture Exam 3; Nutrition
Lab: Chordata, reptiles
Thermoregulation and Osmoregulation
Lab: Birds, Mammals
Reproduction and Development
Lab quiz 4
Lecture Exam 4; Review for final
Final exam (time TBA)
Chapter
1-3 Text
Lab 1, 2
4,5 Text
Lab 3, 4
6 Text
Lab 5
7-11 Text
Lab 7, 8
12, 13 Text
14-16 Text
Lab 8-10
17-18 Text
19 Text
Lab 11-12
20-21Text
Lab 13-14
22, 23 Text
Lab 15-17
24-26 Text
Lab 18
27 Text
28 Text
Lab 19, 20
29 Text