This course does not currently have a textbook.

Course Objectives:
    This course is all about the current status of knowledge on vertebrate biology as described in the primary literatue.  Topics will include vertebrate evolution, diversity, ecology, and biology.  We start with a taxonomic look at the fossil record from the late Cambrian to the present.  Literature on biogeography, vertebrate ecology, and other topics will be covered..  Thus the purposes of this course are: 

1)  To understand the origin and evolution of Vertebrate phyla 
2)  To learn about vertebrate diversity and ecology 

Grading Scheme:

There will be no lecture tests.  Instead you will read and review articles assigned in class, read and review articles that you find on the internet, and write a major literature review (essay) on a topic of your choice.

          Assigned Article Reviews  12 @ 5 pts each = 60 pts
          Article Presentations           2 @ 5 pts each = 10 pts
          Literature Review               1 @ 30 pts       =  30 pts

          Total                                                            100 pts

Attendance: 

Any student with 5 or more unexcused absences will be automatically dropped from the class.  No prior notification will be given.

Essay Assignment:
   Your final paper will be worth 30% of your total grade and should be between 15 and 25 typewritten pages (double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman type, 1" margins).  You must cite all sources of information including sources used for figures and tables.  There should be at least 1 reference per typewritten page (i.e. if you write a 20 page essay you should have about 20 different sources of information).  Cite all references using scientific journal format.  Consult a journal or consult me to see how this is done.  Make the fullest possible use of the library facilities, including inter-library loans.  (A list of web pages containing useful biology journals is attached to this syllabus).  Use only current references from primary sources if possible.  Do not use material taken from popular books and magazines that do not contain peer reviewed articles, or that are not edited by a professional in the field.  Use ample figures and tables (figures and tables do not count in determining the length of the paper).  Past experience has shown that students who include figures and tables are most likely to get the highest grades.  Furthermore, your essay mark will be based largely on how thoroughly you have covered your topic.  Therefore, be very concise and avoid verbosity and redundancy.  Pay attention to your spelling and grammar.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to me. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
 People often lose marks for failing to properly cite their sources of information.  You must cite all sources of information including sources used for figures and tables.  Copying of material, whether, whether parts of sentences, whole sentences, paragraphs, or entire articles, will result in a score of zero for your essay.  If you have questions, please talk to me.

Essay Topics:
     Your assignment is to write a paper relevant to vertebrate biology.  Topics are highly variable and must be approved by me before you start.  Typical topics might be:  habitat requirements for a particular species or group of species, foraging strategies of a species or group of species, conservation of a species or group of species, migration and home ranges in vertebrates, mating strategies, reproductive biology, life history traits, geographic variation and population genetics, etc. 
 

For sources of information check the journals in the current periodicals section of the library and relevant journals listed here.

Lecture notes:
These notes are provided for your reference only.  If you want some background on a particular topic you can consult these.  These notes are from the undergraduate section of this course and is material that the graduate students are expected to already be familiar with. 
 

Tests 1 and 2 1. Introduction 2. Fishes 3. Amphibians  4. Reptiles  5. Birds 6. Mammals part 1 7. Mammals part 2  Lecture notes for test #3 1.  Zoogeography 2.  Habitat and Foraging Lecture notes for test #4 1.  Feeding Modes 2.  Use of Space Lecture notes for test #5 1.  Sex, courtship, reproduction 2.  Parental Care

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.