Textbook:
Walker and Homberger – Vertebrate Dissection (9th ed)
For errata see this link:  click

Course Objectives:
1)  To develop an understanding of the function and evolution of vertebrate structure. 
2)  To gain practical experience in the study of vertebrate structure. 
 

Grade Distribution 1st Lecture Test    20 pts    Mar 5 2nd Lecture Test   20 pts    Apr 11 3rd Lecture Test   20 pts    TBA 1st Lab Test         20 pts     Mar 14  2nd Lab Test        20 pts     May 2

Course Overview:
      The goal of this course is to introduce some of the concepts and principles used to study vertebrate anatomy.  The course is basically divided into two parts: the lectures and the labs.  The lectures are designed to provide a background to the evolution of vertebrate structure.  Thus, through selected examples, we will examine the ways in which evolutionary history and ecological constraints have resulted in the anatomical similarities and differences that are evident among vertebrate taxa.  The laboratories provide hands-on experience in the study of comparative anatomy.  Here our studies will focus on the anatomy of the shark and the cat. 
      During the lectures and labs, we will work systematically through each organ system.  For the lectures, the main systems to be covered are: the integument, skeletal system, muscular system, digestive system, urogenital system, respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system, and the endocrine system.  During the labs we will concentrate mainly on the skeleton, muscles, digestive system, urogenital system, and circulatory systems. 
      The textbook provides considerably more detail than can be covered in the time allowed by this course.  Therefore, prior to each lab, you will be instructed as to precisely what material you will be responsible for.  A tentative laboratory and lecture schedule is provided below.  Note that the schedule may be subject to change. 

                                                  Lab Schedule

                                          Is this what your cat looks like?
                                   Bill the cat is a creation of Berkeley Breathed

Labs 1 -2     Ext anatomy, skeleton (shark), Ext.     Anatomy, Skeleton (cat)  Labs 3 - 6     Muscles (shark), Muscles (cat)  Mar 16  – Lab Exam (20%) Labs 7 - 8    Dig & uro (shark), Dig & uro (cat)  Labs 9 - 11     Circ. Syst. (shark), Circ. syst. (cat)  May 4 – Lab Exam (20%)

Obligatory Statements:

 Plagiarism is a criminal activity.  You must cite all sources of information.  Copying of material, whether parts of sentences, whole sentences, paragraphs, or entire articles, will result in a score of zero for your assignment and can result in further disciplinary action. 

 Students with Disabilities:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities.  Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation fo their disabilities.  If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact:

 All student enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.  See Student's Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct. 

Students who are disruptive to class activities will be dropped from the class and may face further disciplinary action.

Images courtesy of:  BIODIDAC at the University of Ottawa, Canada
                                   and James O'Byran (pre-vet anatomy student 2003)