FISH/BIOL 5380/6380 General Ichthyology
Fall 2013
Week
Lecture topic
Chapter
Lab topic
21 Aug.
26 Aug.
2 Sept.
16 Sept.
Introduction, morphology
Systematics, diversity
Diversity
Diversity
1, 3-4
2
11-15
NO LAB
morphology
NO LAB
world fishes
Mountain trip 21-22 September
23 Sept.
30 Sept.
Diversity
Diversity
7 Oct.
Diversity, zoogeography
world fishes
world fishes
lab quiz 1, TBA
16
world fishes
lecture test 1 through 7 Oct. material, 11 Oct.
14 Oct.
21 Oct.
Zoogeography , genetics
Physiology
17
5-7
world fishes
world fishes
19-20 Oct. Coastal Field Trip
28 Oct.
Alabama fishes
1-5 Fishes of AL
local fishes;field
lab quiz 2 TBA
4 Nov.
11 Nov.
Reproduction
Ecology
9, 21
18-20
local fishes;field
local fishes, field
lecture test 2 through 11 Nov. material, 15 Nov.
18 Nov.
25 Nov.
2 Dec.
Behavior
Thanksgiving Break
Life history, conservation
22, 25
local fishes, field
10, 26
Lab Final
Final lecture exam Friday 13 Dec. 8:00-10:30 am
Note: the final exam CANNOT be scheduled at an alternative time FOR ANYONE, as
per Auburn University policy.
Course syllabus
Prerequisites:
Animal biology or equivalent, including knowledge of
evolutionary biology
Instructor: Dr. Carol Johnston, johnsc5@auburn.edu; office hours by appointment, 101
Fish Biodiversity Lab, S. College St.
GTAs : Alice Best: amb0076@tigermail.auburn.edu; Jenna Crovo:
jac0058@tigermail.auburn.edu; Chris Matechik:
matechik4@gmail.com
NOTE: We will periodically communicate with you via e-mail
Textbooks: Required: The diversity of fishes, Helfman, et al. 2009, second edition
Fishes of Alabama, Boschung and Mayden 2004
Optional: Field guide to freshwater fishes, Page and Burr, second edition
2011
Fishes of the World, 4th ed., Nelson, 2006
Grading:
Lecture exams
100 pts. Ea = 200 pts.
Final lecture exam
200 pts.
Lab quizes
50 pts. Ea. = 100 pts.
Lab final
100 pts.
Lab reports, 10 pts. Ea.
50 pts.
Grade scale: 90% = A; 80% = B; 70% = C; 60% = D; <60% = F
Attendance: lecture and lab attendance is expected; and you will not be able to pass the
class without coming prepared for, and participating in lab. See AU policies for excused
absences
(https://sites.auburn.edu/admin/universitypolicies/Policies/PolicyonClassAttendance.pdf);
all require appropriate documentation. There will be no make up exams (lecture)
without a written excuse of absence from the dean appropriate to your degree.
There are no make up exams for lab, and no make-up
lab periods/reports.
Persons needing special assistance due to disability need to coordinate with the instructor
during the first week of class.
Overnight field trips: Two overnight field trips are offered in this course. Moderate
costs are associated with this experience ($20-$25) which covers food, transportation and
campground fees. This opportunity is not mandatory, but is encouraged for students
genuinely interested in seeing fishes in habitats that cannot be reached during the time
span of regular lab periods. Underage drinking will not be tolerated on Auburn University
field trips. Persons exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave at their own
expense.
Pop quizzes may be given during overnight field trips, lab or lecture periods at my
discretion. If you are not present when pop quizzes are given, you MAY NOT make
these up.
Protocol for use of vertebrate animals: this course is covered by an Auburn University
Animal Protocol. This course requires the sacrifice of living fishes for your education,
please take this seriously and make the most of the opportunity to examine specimens for
your education.