BIOLOGY 396S
Vertebrate Anatomy
GENERAL INFORMATION:
This course is a study of the major systems of the vertebrate classes from an evolutionary point of view. It is based in both
lectures and labs with a significant emphasis on the laboratory portion. Representative vertebrate organisms examined in
detail include those from both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Course Instructor: Dr. J. McGeer
Office: SR115/6 (Science Research Building)
Phone: 884-0710 x3537
Email: jmcgeer@wlu.ca
Office hours: Fridays 11 - 1 pm, or when the office door is open, or by appointment.
Lab Instructor: J. McGeer (see details above)
Teaching Assistant: to be announced
Lectures:
Labs:
- location Arts 2C16 (to be revised to BA or N)
- Tues. and Thurs. 8:30 to 11:20
- location Science N3032
- Mon. and Wed. 14:30 – 17:20
Lab Manual: The lab manual is a required text and it is essential for successfully completing the dissections in the lab. It is
available at the bookstore.
Comparative Anatomy: Manual of Vertebrate Dissection – by Fishbeck and Sebastiani – from Morton Publishing
nd
(ISBN 9780895827487) 2 Edition, 2008.
Lecture textbook: There is no required text for this course. A significant proportion of the lecture material follows some of
the sections in Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy Function and Evolution - by KV Kardong - from McGraw Hill and
th
there are copies of the 7 edition of this text available for purchase in the bookstore. However, lecture slides will
be posted on MyLS and there are a number of copies on reserve in the library. Earlier editions will also serve you
well. If you still have your text book from BI256 then I will also do my best to link lecture material to the portions
of that text.
Note: The lab portion of this course involves the dissection of preserved specimens. Students who do not wish to
participate in dissections should inform Dr. McGeer so that possibilities for accommodation can be explored.
Proposed Grading Scheme:
Lecture (40% of course grade):
Lecture Midterm
Final
Laboratory (60% of course grade):
In-Lab Quizzes
Marked Dissections
Midterm Lab Exam
Final Lab Exam
15%
25%
30% (every lab)
10% (2 x 5%)
5%
15%
Attendance is expected for all lectures. Attendance is required for all labs. Accommodation for missed quizzes, marked
dissections, midterms and exams will only be possible if you have a valid excuse (emergency, illness, etc.) and can provide
the documentation as requested from the instructor. If you miss a lab because of illness, a doctor’s note will be required
and there are no make-up quizzes or assignments. You must pass both the lab portion and the lecture portion of the course
in order the pass the course.
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Adding and Dropping
Important Dates for Course Adding/Dropping and Tuition charges for the Intersession 2015 Term, please see this link:
http://legacy.wlu.ca/calendars/dates.php?cal=1&t=213&y=61
Important Dates for Course Adding/Dropping and Tuition charges for the Summer 2015 Term, please see this link:
http://legacy.wlu.ca/calendars/dates.php?cal=1&t=214&y=61
Examination Deferrals
The Academic Date section of the Calendar (Printed and Web Site Versions) clearly states the examination date period for each semester.
Students must note that they are required to reserve this time in their personal calendars for the examinations. The Intersession
examination period is: June 18 - 22, 2015. The Summer examination period is: Aug 21 – 23, 2015. Students who are considering
registering to write MCAT, LSAT or GMAT or a similar examination, should select a time for those examinations that occurs outside the
University examination period. For additional information that describes the special circumstances for examination deferment, please
check the following web page: http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=1&p=17294 – Faculty of Science: Request for Deferred Final
Examination.
Student Awareness of Accessible Learning Centre
Students with disabilities or special needs are advised to contact Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre for information regarding its
services and resources, ext. 3086. Students are encouraged to review the Calendar for information regarding all services available on
campus. http://waterloo.mylaurier.ca/accessible/info/home.htm
Academic and Research Misconduct
Academic misconduct is an act by a student, or by students working on a team project, which may result in a false evaluation of the
student(s), or which represents a deliberate attempt to unfairly gain an academic advantage. For detailed information on Academic
Misconduct please refer to: http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=2505&p=11452
Plagiarism Detection Software
Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their written work in
electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism.
Learning Services
There is a range of academic learning support services offered at Laurier designed for all students who want to improve their academic
achievement in the classroom. These services include the following specific areas:
* Central Academic Advising Office
* Mathematics Assistance Centre
* Study Skills and Supplemental Instruction Centre
* Writing Centre
Please access the following web page for detailed information: (www.wlu.ca/learningservices)
Laurier Email Account
Our official means of communication is with your Laurier email account. Students are expected to regularly check their Laurier email
account for important notices from the university community. Students are also expected to send emails to official members of the
university community from their Laurier email account in order to ensure delivery. Emails sent from non-Laurier accounts, such as
hotmail, may be identified as spam and not delivered. Your co-operation is appreciated.
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