COURSE SYLLABUS – APPROVED FORMAT
General Information
 Northern Arizona University- Yuma; Department of Arts and Sciences
 BSC 429, Mammalogy
 Fall or Spring
 2 hr. Lecture & 3 hr. Lab, 3 credit hours
 Dr. Megan Lahti
 Science and Research building, Office 113
 Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 8:00am to 9:00am and 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Course prerequisites
BIO 182 or ENV 230
Course description:
This course introduces the classification, distribution, life history, evolution, and ecology of
mammals with an emphasis on mammals in the desert southwest. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab (3
credits). Letter grade only. Course fee required.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
1. Describe the evolutionary history of mammals and adaptations of mammals in different
habitats
2. Discuss main concepts of distribution, ecology, behavior, physiology, digestion,
reproduction, and morphology of mammals
3. Identify characteristics of modern mammal groups
4. Identify species common to the southwest using pelts, skulls, scat, and track
5. Demonstrate techniques used to study mammals
Course structure/approach:
The course may involve one or more of the following approaches: lecture and discussion;
application exercises; scheduled activities; case analysis; team projects; field trips, speakers with
relevant expertise, and/or other activities as appropriate to achieve learning outcomes.
Textbook and required materials: Student learning is facilitated with textbooks, readings,
audio-visual content, software, and/or other materials
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list): None
Course outline:
Week 1: Mammalian origins and characteristics
Week 2: Monotrema and Metatheria
Week 3: Xenarthea and Pholidota
Week 4: Rodentia
Week 5: Lagomorpha
Week 6: Demoptera and Scandentia
Week 7: Primates
Week 8: Insectivora
Week 9: Chiroptera
Week 10: Carnivora
Week 11: Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla
Week 12: Cetacea and Afrotheria
Week 13: Physiology and form and function
Week 14: Ecology and behavior
Week 15: Zoogeography and conservation ethics
Week 16: Domestication, disease, and zoonosis
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment: In-class exams, research paper, field labs, presentations, and
participation.
 Timeline for Assessment: Over the span of the course
Grading System:
Letter grades for the course will be determined based on the percentage of the total points as
follows:
90-100%
A Excellent
80-89%
B Good
70-79%
C Average
60-69%
D Lowest passing
<60%
F Failure
Course policy:
Retests/makeup tests:
No make-up exams or re-tests except for what the instructor may deem as extenuating
circumstances.
Attendance Policy:
Under NAU Policy, students are expected to attend every session of the class in which they are
enrolled.
Statement on plagiarism and cheating:
DON’T CHEAT!
Please refer to the NAU Student Handbook policy statement on Academic Integrity. Academic
honesty does not allow "plagiarism — knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own" (2005, Undergraduate General Academic and Graduation Policies).
If your instructor determines that you are guilty of plagiarism he deserves the right to give you a
zero on the alleged assignment up to failing the course in question. All incidents regardless will
be reported to the university.
University policies
Attach the Safe Working and Learning Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional
Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies or reference them on the syllabus. See the
following document for policy statements:
http://www4.nau.edu/avpaa/UCCPolicy/plcystmt.html.
Your instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the course policies, schedule, or any
other aspect of the class as he sees fit.