Summer 2022 - BISC 316 D100
Vertebrate Biology (4)
Class Number: 1854
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Erin Barley
ebarley@sfu.ca
1 778 782-4972
Office: B9234
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Prerequisites:
BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A review of the evolution and the taxonomy of the vertebrate classes. A comparative study of their organ systems and functions with particular reference to reproduction. A comparison of the functional morphology of some species by laboratory dissections.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course description
An overview of the evolution and diversity of vertebrates, with an emphasis on the evolutionary innovations and characteristics that led to this diversity. Labs explore comparative anatomy through dissections, skeletons, and other specimens.
Prerequisite: BISC 101 and 102 with a grade of C- or better. Credits: 4 credit hours
Course details:
The lecture portion of the course introduces students to important groups of both living and extinct vertebrates. We’ll focus on their defining characteristics and interesting adaptations. Additionally, we examine the novel features (e.g., jaws) and transitions (e.g., tetrapod transition from ocean to land) that have contributed to the diversification of vertebrates.
In labs, we focus on the comparative anatomy of vertebrate groups. We dissect select groups (e.g., sharks, fish, mudpuppy, turtle, pigeon, rabbit) and examine museum specimens to see how similarities and differences reflect their shared evolutionary history and unique environments.
Grading
- Aquarium Assignment 10%
- Lab Midterm 20%
- Lecture Midterms 50%
- Lab Final 20%
NOTES:
SFU’s Code of Academic Integrity
Every student is responsible for making sure that he/she is informed of SFU’s Code of Academic Integrity. There is a link available though Canvas.
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Textbook(recommended): Pough and Janis (2019) Vertebrate Life (10th edition), Pearson Publishing. Notes: You can probably get by with an earlier edition, but the 10th ed is really much better than the 9th. This text is also available for short term loan through Library Reserves.
- Dissection Guide(recommended): De Iuliis and Pulera (2019). The Dissection of Vertebrates: A Laboratory Manual (3rd edition), Academic Press. Notes: We’ll use this (especially the very good figures) for lab. The library provides unlimited access to the 1st edition, which is very similar to the 3rd edition and is OK to use. I’ll provide reading lists for the 1st edition to make it easy for students who choose to use the library access instead of buying their own copy.
- Lab coat(recommended). We also have lab coats that you may use.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022
Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction. Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.