Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
BIOL 103
Course Title:
Principles of Zoology
Number of credits:
4
Date of Outline:
March 24,2004
2. Course Description:
Surveys major animal groups with emphasis on
structure, physiology, development, reproduction,
evolution, ecology, behavior, and interactions with
humans. (Cross-listed as ZOOL 101.)
3. Contact Hours:
3 hour/lecture-lab
4. Prerequisites:
Placement at ENG 100, or consent
Corequisites:
None
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
5. General Course Objectives:
Date
2
This course is designed to teach scientific concepts in the area of zoology. Students will learn the
basic concepts of biology including biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, respiration,
and ecology. They will explore the evolution and diversity of selected animal groups. Students will
become good observers of naturally occurring phenomena. Experiments and laboratory activities
will use standard laboratory equipment and procedures.
6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
a. examine the basic concepts of chemistry and organic chemistry and their importance in living
systems;
b. review evolution and how all the major animal phyla evolved from a common metazoan
ancestor;
c. describe the ecology of the major animal groups;
d. identify the types of structures found in animal architecture;
e. classify and list characteristics of tissue types, glands and membranes, with particular emphasis
on the skin;
f. explain how phylogenetic information is used for classifying animals;
g. describe the major taxonomic groups in the animal kingdom and their relatedness;
h. discuss all of the major phyla in the animal kingdom and describe their ecological relationships,
form and function, their basic characteristics, and representative members;
i. strengthen ones interpersonal skills by developing a collaborative critical article analysis and/or
poster;
j. evaluate information from sources, interpret the data, assimilate the information, and
critically assess the value of that information;
k. demonstrate approved techniques in handling laboratory equipment;
l. demonstrate the basic biology laboratory techniques that will enable one to make observations
and critically analyze scientific data;
m. report data accurately and in proper form on the lab report sheets;
n. demonstrate the proper use of various scientific tools and equipment, such as dissecting tools,
the microscope, stereo microscope, transect and quadrant;
o. demonstrate proper dissection procedures used for various available specimens;
p. compare the anatomical patterns and functions presented in lecture with the dissection of
specimens.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes.
1 session:
Introduction to the course syllabus including a discussion of course
materials, assignments, the laboratory activity, laboratory safety, time
management, and study skills. Brief introduction to zoology and the scientific
method
1 week:
Chemistry of life (a, k-p)
1 week:
Evolution and animal diversity (b, k-p)
1 session:
Animal ecology (c, k-p)
1 week:
Animal architecture and tissues (d, e, k-p)
1 session:
Classification of the animals (k, k-p)
3
1 session:
Protista (f, g, k-p)
1-2 sessions :
Porifera (h, k-p)
1-2 sessions:
Cnidaria (h, k-p)
1-2 sessions:
Acoelomate bilateral animals (h, k-p)
1 week:
Pseudocoelomate animals (h, i-p)
1 week:
Molluscs (h, i-p)
1 session:
Annelids (h, i-p)
1 week:
Arthropods (h, i-p)
1 week:
Echinoderms (h, i-p)
1 session:
Chordates (h, i-p)
1 week:
Fishes and amphibians (h, i-p)
1 week:
Reptiles and birds (h, i-p)
1 week:
Mammals (h, i-p)
1 session:
Capstone project presentation (i-p)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Animal Diversity, by Hickman, Third Edition, 2003.
Exercises for the Zoology Lab, by Smith, Second Edition, 2002.
A Photographic Atlas for the Zoology Lab, by Crawley, Fourth Edition, 2002.
Materials:
Articles
Handouts, and other relevant materials
Various laboratory equipment
Other:
Videos
Internet sites
CD ROMs
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being
offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
60-70%
Examinations and Quizzes
4
10-15%
Laboratory reports
15%
Capstone project
5-10%
Participation and in class group assignments
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a. lectures include demonstrations, slides, video segments, group discussions, handouts, field
trips, and chemistry related websites;
b. in addition the weekly laboratory activity will provide hands on learning for laboratory techniques,
which illustrate the biological principles presented in lecture;
c. laboratory activities are correlated to lectures to validate concepts covered in the course and to
understand how scientists arrive at their conclusions.