BIOL& 212 Majors Animal (5 credits)

2. Recognize, identify by common and scientific name, and classify animal specimens to phyla, class and order (based on currently accepted taxonomic means).

3. Compare and contrast modern systematic methods of classification.

4. Demonstrate, in lab and lecture, animal specimen adaptations at the macro- and microscopic levels to survive in a particular niche or habitat. Adaptation systems studied will include nervous, motor (muscle), skeletal, integumentary, respiratory, digestive, excretory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive systems.

5. State the evidence that supports the theory of evolution through classic and modern approaches.

6. Describe the mechanisms that lead to speciation or extinction including the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

7. Identify the adaptive advantages of sexual selection, altruism, and kinship selection.

8. Recognize and identify commonly associated protists, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms from microscopic study of specimens through lab and lecture study.

9. Describe and compare the embryonic development of members of the major animal phyla, recognizing the different embryonic stages and processes of development in various taxonomic groups.

10. Describe the synapomorphies and differences between the animal phyla (with convergent and divergent evolution applications considered).

11. Compare classic approaches to the study of animal diversity through dissection and the study of natural history in relation to the animal’s environmental stresses, ecology and reproductive success.

12. Demonstrate correct practice in a laboratory environment through the study of specimens, imagery and/or literary descriptions of animals that will include the preparation of organisms for dissection or on a microscope slide (light microscope and dissecting scope) for the study and recording of lab information.

13. Describe and compare the characterizing features of each major phylum, order and class in Kingdom Animalia through lecture discussion, text/journal materials, laboratory dissection, biotechnological approaches, physical examination and identification.

Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.

Information Competency: Graduates will be able to seek, find, evaluate and use information and employ information technology to engage in lifelong learning.

Lecture Contact Hours 30
Lab Contact Hours 40
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 70

Potential Methods
A. Weekly quizzes and comprehensive final exam: Multiple choice, essay, true/false, definitions, diagrams, or short answer. Core abilities covered include critical thinking, effective communication, and information competency.
B. Writing assignments: Weekly internet journal entries, outlines, research paper, lab reports/worksheets. Core abilities covered include: Critical thinking, information competency, responsibility, effective communication, and multicultural diversity.
C. Group Work: In lab and lecture assignments, for problem solving and applied critical thinking. Core abilities covered include: Critical thinking, information competency, responsibility, effective communication, and multicultural diversity.
D. Individual work: Individual responses to questions in lecture and lab and written solutions to presented questions in lab and lecture. Core abilities covered include: Critical thinking, information competency, responsibility, effective communication, and multicultural diversity.
E. Practical demonstration: Student demonstrates the ability to perform various laboratory procedures.