AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE NATURAL HISTORY
JOURNAL CLUB
SYLLABUS OUTLINE
Course Title and Number: Amphibian and Reptile Natural History- BSC 680, Journal Club
Semester and Year: Fall 2011
Credit Hours: 2
Course Description: For graduate students in Biological Sciences, Amphibian and Reptile
Natural History Journal Club is a discussion-oriented course that uses peer-reviewed literature
and books as a base for understanding what the natural history of amphibians and reptiles
involves.
Meeting time/place: Monday, 5:00 – 7:00 PM, RM 374 (Science Building)
Instructor:
Name: Dr. Thomas K. Pauley
Office: S-315
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or by appointment
Phone/E-mail: (304) 696-2376 / pauley@marshall.edu
Text Information: Required Text: Gibbons, Whit. 1983. Their Blood Runs Cold: Adventures
with Reptiles and Amphibians. University of Alabama Press. ISBN 0-8173-0133-X
Dr. Whit Gibbons is an international leader in the studies of amphibian and reptile natural history
and conservation. We will be studying his work during this class. In addition to reading his
book, “Their Blood Runs Cold: Adventures with Reptiles and Amphibians,” each student will
present one paper by Dr. Gibbons (author or coauthor) according to the weekly schedule
presented below.
Computer Requirements: Microsoft Word and internet; Link to the university computing
services acceptable use policy: http://www.marshall.edu/ucs/CS/accptuse.asp
Prerequisites: Graduate Status
Desired Learner Outcomes/Objectives:
1. To learn the fundamentals of the importance of natural history
2. Students will be familiar with current literature and trends in natural history
Evaluation/Measurement/Assessment of Learner Outcomes:
Grades will be based on class assignments and participation (see below).
Requests from the HELP Program for students associated with that program will be honored but
the student must have a written statement from the HELP center and a HELP staff member to
serve as a proctor for all exams.
Grading Policy: Grading Scale will be as follows:
90-100% = A 80-89% = B 79-7% = C 69-60% = D
59-50% = F
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Please check the MU academic calendar for dates to withdrawn from this class. The grading
policy does not allow for extra credit under any circumstances.
Class participation
50%
Class presentations
50%
Presentations
Below is the schedule of class presentations. Please be prepared to lead the class discussion
according to your assigned time.
Reading Assignments: Each student is expected to read and be prepared to discuss in class all
of the books selected. In addition, each student will be responsible for selecting one reading and
leading the discussion about a paper authored or coauthored by Dr. Gibbons. The chosen journal
paper must be presented to Dr. Pauley 2 weeks before the date of discussion. After his approval,
a pdf of the paper must be sent to all students in the class.
Policy statement on major projects, examinations, and other assignments (due dates, makeups): Make-up assignments will not be an option. For the university policy on excused
absences, refer to the excused absence policy in the online catalog, p. 121, at
www.marshall.edu/ucomm/catalog/interim.htm
Attendance Policy: Inclement Weather Policy: Attendance is MANDATORY in lecture and
laboratory. You are allowed one unexcused absence. If you miss 2 or more classes, 2.5% of your
final grade will be deducted for every UNEXCUSED absence. Link to inclement weather policy:
http://www.marshall.edu/ucomm/weather.html
Cell phones/texting: Mobile phones are not permitted in class. Texting will not be tolerated.
Policy for Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal opportunity in
education for all students, including those with physical, learning and psychological disabilities.
University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with disabilities to contact the
Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall 117, phone 304 696-2271 to provide
documentation of their disability. Following this, the DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each
of the student’s instructors outlining the academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure
equality in classroom experiences, outside assignment, testing and grading. The instructor and
student will meet to discuss how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided. For more
information, please visit http://www.marshall.edu/disabled or contact Disabled Student Services
Office at Prichard Hall 11, phone 304-696-2271.
University policy regarding Affirmative Action:
http://www.marshall.edu/eeoaa/Forms/EEO-Policy.pdf
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COURSE OUTLINE/WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Mon
Mon
Week
Aug 22
Aug 29
Book/Chapters
Introduction
Chapter 1: Derek Bozzell
The Global Decline of Reptiles, Déjà vu
Amphibians. BioScience 50:653-666.
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Sept 5
Sept 12
Sept 19
Sept 26
Oct 3
No Class – Labor Day
Chapter 2: Benjamin Koester
Chapter 3: Whitney Kroschel
Chapter 4: Robert Bowers
Chapter 5: Timothy Brust
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Mon
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 28
Chapter 6: Marcella Cruz
Chapter 7: Jessica Curtis
Chapter 8: Amy Fiedler
Chapter 9: Joseph Hamden
Chapter 10: Advait Jukar
Chapter 11: Aaron Semasko
Mon
Dec 5
*Keeping all the Pieces, pages 79-88:
Abby Sinclair
**Ecoviews, pages 49-56, 126-141:
Brian Williamson
*Gibbons, Whit. 2010. Keeping All the Pieces: Perspectives on Natural History and the
Environment. The University of Georgia Press.
**Gibbons, Whit and Anne R. Gibbons. 1998. Ecoviews: Snakes, Snails, and Environmental Tales.
The University of Alabama Press.
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