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 3404-Section; Vertebrate Biology
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CLASS MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Study of the extant classes of vertebrates emphasizing their
morphology as it relates to their life histories, ecology, and distribution; anatomy and physiology
having to do with habitat and niche occupancy will be emphasized. One weekend field trip may
be required for this course. Other fees may apply for field costs. Lecture three hours, laboratory
three hours. $45 fee
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 1402 or school approval
TEXTBOOK: Vertebrate Comparative Anatomy, Function, and Evolution, 5th edition by
Kenneth V. Kardong
LAB BOOK: Vertebrate Comparative Anatomy: A Lab Dissection Guide, 5th edition by
Kenneth V. Kardong and Edward Zalisko
* Choose from approved textbook list.
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Students will gain an understanding of natural
selection, origin and evolution, major evolutionary changes and adaptations, and functional
morphology among extinct and extant vertebrates groups. Furthermore, students will obtain
knowledge on similarities and differences of anatomical systems of major vertebrate groups. In
addition, students will be required to identify taxa of vertebrate classes that are common to North
America, with emphasis on the High Plains.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class attendance
a priority. An absence will be recorded when a student fails to attend class or fails to return after
an allowed break during an extended class session (i.e., lab-lecture combos). Students missing
more than 25% of scheduled classes may be dropped from the course. 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. Notice should be given prior to the absence or no makeup will be allowed. 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. 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 DISHONOSTY: 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 POLICY: 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.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA: Students will be evaluated by
examinations, lab activities, assignments, and class participation completed in the classroom and
in the field.
Field Trips: Several field trips will be scheduled throughout the semester. Field trips will be
announced during class. Remember to dress appropriately for those days in which field trips are
scheduled (see additional information below). You will be required to keep a notebook of field
activities (additional info below).
Lab: Lab will consist of a combination of field work, dissection, and specimen
study/identification. Due to the unpredictability of weather, we will plan our lab activities on a
weekly basis so a predetermined lab schedule is not feasible. I will give you advance notice of
planned lab and field activities. Lab exams will be administered in the classroom and potentially
in the field. Exams will be scheduled and announced during class.
EVALUATION:
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
Final grades will be assigned on the basis of the proportion of points earned from lecture and
laboratory exams, etc., out of the total number of points possible. Final letter grades will be
assigned as follows:
Lecture Average 4 exams (100 pts ea.):
Lab Average
pts
Lab practical 1 (dissection):
pts
Lab practical 2 (diversity):
Field Exam:
pts
pts
Field Notebook:
Total Available Points:
pts
pts
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/chapter
1. Introduction, history/Ch.1
2. Concepts, and terminology/Ch. 1
3. Chordate origins/Ch. 2
4. Evolution of vertebrates/Ch. 3
5. Taxonomy, geographic range and
distribution
6. Biological design/Ch. 4
7. Life history/Ch. 5
8. Integument/Ch. 6
9. Skeletal system/Ch. 7, 8, and 9
Subject/chapter
10. Muscular system/Ch. 10
11. Respiratory system/Ch. 11
12. Circulatory system/Ch. 12
13. Digestive system/Ch. 13
14. Urogenital and endocrine system/Ch. 14
and 15
15. Nervous system/Ch. 16
16. Functional morphology
18. Conservation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: OPTIONAL
FIELD TRIPS:
Several field trips may be scheduled throughout the semester. Field trips will be announced
during class. Remember to dress appropriately for those days in which field trips are scheduled;
i.e., wear comfortable shoes that provide support for walking, jacket, etc.
Electronic devices are NOT allowed to be used during tests.
Please silence cell phones and be courteous to fellow classmates by refraining from distractions
that disrupt a students learning experience (i.e., refrain from text messaging, talking on cell
phones, or chatting on line). Instructor reserves the right to implement policies as they see fit to
enhance the learning experience of all students.
Lab materials (except lab manual) will be provided by the instructor.
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
Rev. 03/17/15