BIO 403 - Herpetology Syllabus - Maryville College - Spring 2008

Ben Cash, professor

Class meeting times: Lecture M, W, F 9:00-9:50; Lab M 2:00-5:00

Office: 108; phone: 981-8009, office hours are posted on my door

E-mail: ben.cash@maryvillecollege.edu

Course Website: http://faculty.maryvillecollege.edu/wbcash/herp.htm

Texts: Herpetology 2^nd ed., Zug, Vitt, Caldwell; Reptiles and Amphibians – Eastern/Central North America 3^rd ed. (expanded), Conant and Collins; Their Blood Runs Cold, J.W. Gibbons

COURSE POLICIES

· Method: Material in this course is delivered through lecture, assigned readings, and laboratory experience.

· Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. One missed lecture can seriously affect your grade on any given lecture exam. Make-up exams will only be granted for rare extenuating circumstances. Missed laboratory exercises cannot be made up because of the interactive nature of each project. Here is a good rule to live by: CALL ME/SEE ME if a situation arises whereby you must miss class.

· **Do not be late to lecture or laboratory**

· Handouts/assignments: Any handouts or assignments given in class are YOUR responsibility. Extra handouts will be placed on the counter in room 119 (or will be available on the web site). DO NOT come to me for them later.

· Reading assignments: This course will challenge you to read the book and other readings assigned. You are responsible for all the material in the readings and all of the material presented in lecture. NOTE: The lectures are supplemented with material not found in your readings.

· Missed or Late Assignments: Tests missed as a result of an unexcused absence result in a 0. A valid excuse is one provided by a doctor when you are legitimately sick (I don’t accept notes or phone calls from the school nurse). Also, NO assignment that you have at the outset of this course will be accepted late (no exceptions). Missed assignments/tests due to special travel arrangements is not considered a valid excuse.

· It is my strong suggestion that you get a three-ring binder to keep all course materials organized. You will receive many handouts that pertain to lecture and lab.

· Grading - Grading Scale: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, 59 and below = F

Grading break-down:

2 take-home exams x 200 points 400

2 Reptile web pages x 100 points 200

Reptile practical exam 150

Literature Critiques (5 x 20 points) 100

Final exam/Amphibian practical 150

1000 total points

· Note: The take home exams are graded on the basis of the complexity of your answer and your use of resources. To obtain an “A” on your exam, your answers should include use of multiple resources including your notes, books and peer-reviewed publications and should be written in an organized manner (typed, double-spaced, etc.). You must cite all works in the text and provide the source in a literature cited section.

· Scientific literature discussions: We will devote a portion of the lecture time in this course to a discussion of readings and the evaluation of published research. You must be prepared for this when you come to class. To that end, you are required to turn in critiques of the papers. I will provide you an outline describing a “good” critique before we read our first paper.

· Web Pages: You will contribute to the already established ATBI reptile web pages (and become a co-author). You will present your work in class when completed.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Topics	Chapters
UNIT 1
§ Diversity/Evolutionary History	1-3; 15-21
§ Reproductive Life History and Ecology	4-5
§ Physiological Ecology	6-7
Test 1 – 5 March 2004 (DUE 12 MAR)
UNIT 2
§ Behavioral Ecology	8-11
§ Population and Community Ecology	12-13
Test 2 – 7 April 2004 (DUE 14 APR)
§ Conservation	14
Final exam/Amphibian practical – 15 May 9:00am
Other Important Deadlines
ATBI Reptiles Web Pages Due	May 2 (presentations on 5 May)

· Please remember these important things:

§ Turn off (don’t just put on low or vibrate) all electronic devices upon entering the classroom or lab (cell phones, PDA’s, etc…).

§ “How long is lab going to take today….” is not a good way to begin your time spent with Dr. Cash. This makes him cranky and hard to deal with…

§ We will spend a good deal of time in the field. Always come dressed accordingly. There will be times when you get sweaty, wet, and/or dirty. And rain is wonderful, not something that requires that I cancel lab to stay inside.

§ Do not ask to take the final early due to travel arrangements.

Herpetology LABORATORY

The laboratory experience in our class will concentrate on knowledge of the taxonomy and diversity of amphibians and reptiles, particularly species found in the state of Tennessee. Understanding diagnostic characteristics of the animals and their taxonomy will be emphasized through the use museum and live specimens. A significant part of the lab experience will be spent in the field, both during and outside of lab time. One important experience is our extended field trip to Sapelo Island and south Georgia. This trip affords us the opportunity to see habitats and species outside our area.

NOTE: Lab is an integral part of this course and your full participation is critical to your success. EXPECT to be in lab for the full time (in other words, don’t ask me, “how long will lab take today….”).

CALENDER OF EVENTS (subject to change)

Topics:	Date
Introduction to Reptiles	Feb 4
In the Lab – species identification	Feb 11
In the Field	Feb 18
In the Field	Feb 25
In the Field	Mar 3
Reptile Practical	Mar 10
Spring Break*	Mar 17
Introduction to Amphibians	Mar 24
NO LAB (I will be out of town)	Mar 31
In the Field	Apr 7
In the Lab species identification	Apr 14
In the Field	Apr 21
SAPELO TRIP ????????	Apr 28
Reptile Web Page Presentations	May 5

· You will need to acquire the following items to make your time in this course more enjoyable:

· Flashlight

· Cheap waders (optional)

· Fanny pack

· Good field shoes or boots

· Field hook (optional)