Invertebrate Zoology Lab

Course Details

Course Number: BIOL 3644  Section Number: 11A

Fall 2010

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 207

Days & Times:

R 2:00-4:50 P.M.

Course Attachments

Lab Schedule  InvertZoLabSchedule.doc

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Roy C Vogtsberger   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

 

  • Give students the opportunity to examine both preserved and living representatives of many of the major and minor phyla of invertebrate animals and select protists.
  • Compare the anatomy and morphology (and behavior in living examples) among these groups through hands-on dissections and thorough observation…both macroscopic and microscopic.
  • Be able to identify representatives of all major phyla of invertebrates using recognizable characteristics.
  • Learn about the classification of invertebrates and select protists.
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in use of both compound and dissection microscopes and exhibit basic laboratory skills necessary for success in studying organismal aspects of the biological sciences.

Course Expectations

Lab Exam:  There will be a single comprehensive final lab exam that will be worth a total of 15% of your overall grade for the class.  This major exam will be a practical exam that tests the student in a “hands-on” type of setting.  Students will be tested using microscopes and preserved/dissected (or possibly living) specimens that have been set-up and arranged with questions at an array of stations in the laboratory.  

 

Lab Notebook:  Lab work compiled into a notebook will comprise the remaining 10% of the overall grade.  Notebook should include all of your drawings and written observations and facts about the organisms you observe each week.  Grade for the notebook will be based on completeness and order, not on artistic ability (but still make every effort to make your drawings nice and, at very least, recognizable).

 

 Course Grading:  The following is a breakdown of your final course grade:

                                                Lecture Grade        =75%                                                    

Lab Final Exam     =15%                                                                      

Lab Notebook         =10%                                                                   

total                          =100%

The grading scale used to determine your letter grade for the course is as follows:

                                                A             =              90-100%

B             =              80-89%

C             =              70-79%

D             =              60-69%

F              =              below 60%


Final Exam12/2/2010  2:00

Submission Format Policy

Lab Notebook:  Lab work compiled into a notebook will comprise the remaining 10% of the overall grade.  Notebook should include all of your drawings and written observations and facts about the organisms you observe each week.  Grade for the notebook will be based on completeness and order, not on artistic ability (but still make every effort to make your drawings nice and, at very least, recognizable). Notebook will be due at the time when you come to take the lab final. Points will be deducted for late submission of notebooks with deductions being based on amount of elapsed time since submission deadline.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

There will be NO make-up exam for the lab final.  DO NOT MISS IT!!!!


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

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 of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

Lab Attendance:  A laboratory class represents a unique experience for the student that is important in the study of science; therefore, attendance is mandatory.  A valid university excuse is required to make up a missed lab.  It is YOUR responsibility to inform the instructor of any impending absence BEFORE a lab is missed.


Other Policies

 

***NO PAGERS OR PHONES ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM***


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.