- ZOOL 200 (Introductory Zoology)
- ZOOL 320 (Vertebrate Embryology)
- ZOOL 321 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy)
- ZOOL 325 (Vertebrate Evolution)
- BIOL 503 (Biosystematics and Evolution)
Introductory Zoology ZOOL 200
Next Offering by Dr. Bonnan: TBA
Vertebrate Embryology ZOOL 320
Next Offering: Fall 2007
Course Description:
This course focuses on vertebrate evolutionary development (EvoDevo in modern usage). We examine the evolutionary relationships of vertebrates by comparing and contrasting their embryonic development. We touch on issues related to stem cell research and cloning, and perform IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approved experiments on zebrafish embryos. These experiments investigate the impact of environmental factors on vertebrate development. Human medical embryology and birth defects are also considered. This is not a course on human development, although human development is briefly considered.
Text: Wilt, F.H. and S. Hake. 2003. Principles of Developmental Biology. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. ISBN 0393974308
Lab Manual: CD-ROM: Tyler, M.S. 2003. Vade Mecum2 (Version 2.2): An Interactive Guide to Developmental Biology. New York: Sinauer Associates – a lab manual in .pdf Adobe Acrobat format is included. ISBN 855038001044
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy ZOOL 321
Next Offering: Spring 2008
Course Description:
If you are considering a career in medicine, veterinary science, vertebrate paleontology, or are interested in vertebrate animal function, this course is strongly recommended. We examine the anatomy of the vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) from the perspective of their evolutionary histories. This is an intense course and very time consuming, but it will prepare you well for future anatomy courses, human or otherwise. You will learn dissection skills and learn the major systems of the vertebrate body.
Sign up as early as you can for this course – it fills very quickly!
Text; Liem et al. 2001. Functional Anatomy of the Vertebrates: An Evolutionary Perspective, 3rd Edition. Brooks/Cole Publishing.
Lab Manual: DeIuliis, G. and Pulera, D. 2006. The Dissection of Vertebrates. Elsevier, Academic Press.
Vertebrate Evolution ZOOL 325
Next Offering: Fall 2007
Course Description:
This course explores the evolutionary history of vertebrates through examination of their fossil record and exploration of their skeletal anatomy over time. After a brief introduction to geological and anatomical concepts, the course explores the evolutionary history, relationships, and origins of fishes, amphibians, reptiles (including dinosaurs), birds (which are probably dinosaurs), and mammals. At it’s heart, this course is about how the form and function of vertebrate skeletons tell the story of over 500 million years of vertebrate success and extinction. The course is available to Biology, Geology, and Anthropology majors and minors who have completed a general science sequence (e.g., BIOL 102 & 103). The course is set up so that people without an anatomical background can understand and follow vertebrate evolution. I also recommend taking this course prior to taking Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.
Text: Radinsky, L. 1987. The Evolution of Vertebrate Design. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226702367; and supplemental readings throughout the semester.
Lab Manual: None – lab assignments and readings throughout semester.
Biosystematics and Evolution BIOL 503
Next Offering by Dr. Bonnan: TBA
This is an upper level graduate course designed to introduce students to the concepts and applications of evolution, systematics, and taxonomy in biology and related fields. It stresses cladistic methodology, and teaches graduate students how to understand and apply phylogenetic systematics in their own research. Evolutionary concepts, species concepts, concepts of homology, and differences in approaching morphological and molecular data will also be addressed. Whether your interests lie in molecular, botanical, or zoological areas of research, this course will introduce you to what nearly 100% of all researchers utilize to understand living diversity and the evolution of life.
Texts TBA when taught next.