Seward County Community College/Area Technical School
Course Syllabus

1. TITLE OF COURSE: BI2505 - General Zoology
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION: 5 credit hours. 3 hours lecture and 4 hours laboratory per week. Consists of a structural, functional, ecological, and evolutionary study of the animal kingdom. For students with an adequate background in general biology.   For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
3. PROGRAM AND DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT: The Science Program at Seward County Community College/ATS provides opportunities to improve and enhance each student’s understanding and comprehension of the natural world through a variety of courses and experience to develop a scientifically literate citizen.
4. TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
   • Hickman, C.P. Animal Diversity, 5^th ed., McGraw-Hill
5. SCCC/ATS OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate the ability to do the following SCCC/ATS Outcomes.
   • Outcome #1- Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained to real life situations.
   • Outcome #2- Communicate their ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
   • Outcome #3- Communicate their ideas clearly and proficiently in speaking, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
   • Outcome #4- Demonstrate mathematical skills using a variety of techniques and technologies.
   • Outcome #5- Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
   • Outcome #6- Exhibit skills in information and technological literacy.
6. COURSE OUTCOMES: Expected learning outcomes of this course are in alignment with the learning objectives established by the Statewide Core Competencies.
   • Section 1- Introduction to Living Organisms; Cells; Organism Complexity -
     Students will be able to define a living organism; state the cell theory; identify cell structures; describe mitosis & meiosis; define metabolic activity; describe organism complexity and its impact evolutionarily.
   • Section 2 - Reproduction and Animal Behavior -
     Students will be able to identify, describe, and define sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction; analyze variation of energy investments by parents and the reproductive behavior patterns that result; define and describe other animal behaviors.
   • Section 3 - Evolution, Genetics, and Taxonomy -
     Students will be able to describe and define pre-Darwinian theories; describe, define and apply the theory of evolution including Darwinian theory, neo-Darwinism, and modern synthetic theory (micro evolution and macro evolution); define genetics including Mendelian, molecular and population genetics and analyze their use in evolutionary theories. Describe and diagram the basic structure of DNA and transcription and translation for DNA replication and protein synthesis. Apply the theory of evolution and the study of genetics to the science of taxonomy and the relationships of organisms to each other.
   • Section 4 - Animal Distribution and Ecology -
     Students will be able to define biogeography and apply the varying divisions and theories of dispersal to local and worldwide areas; list the guidelines behind biogeography; identify the 6 major biomes; define ecological terms and apply them to environmental concepts; define limiting factors and population growth characteristics.
   • Laboratory: Students will be able to identify basic comparisons and differences in the animal kingdom beginning with Phylum Porifera and ending with class mammalia.
   • Students will be able to use the language and concepts of science appropriately and effectively in written and oral communication.
   • Students will be able to use the methodologies and models of science to select, define, solve and evaluate problems independently and collaboratively.
   • Students will be able to adequately design, conduct, communicate, and evaluate relatively basic but meaningful experiments.
   • Students will be able to make scientifically based decisions and solve problems drawing on concepts and experiences from relevant areas.
   • Students will be able to evaluate critically; evidence, interpretations, results and solutions related to the course content within a real life context.
   • Students will be able to explain scientifically related knowledge claims as products of a scientific inquiry process.
   • Students will be able to demonstrate research skills necessary to access needed data to support scientific inquiry.
   • Students will be able to ask meaningful questions about real world scientific issues including problems that lack satisfactory answers.
7. COURSE OUTLINE:
   • Introduction to Living Organisms; Cells; Organism Complexity General Animal Biology
   • Reproduction and Animal Behavior
   • Evolution, Genetics and Taxonomy
   • Animal Distribution and Ecology
8. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Laboratory and field experiences will constitute the central components.  Lecture, discussion, and individual activities both computer and noncomputer-based will also be utilized.  Dissection will be utilized in laboratory along with computer-based activity.  
9. INSTRUCTIONAL AND RESOURCE MATERIALS:
   • Text and Lab Materials
   • Video
   • Slides
   • Laser Disk
   • CD
   • Models
   • Selected Reference Books
   • Articles from Journals
10. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT: Methods of assessing the general course outcomes and the specific course competencies include quality of written work, industry in the laboratory, lab reports, student’s response on quizzes from time to time, student’s response on lab tests and lecture tests, and course portfolio.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #1 will be assessed and measured by class participation, written exams, and lab reports.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #2 will be assessed and measured by essay questions that allow the student to illustrate knowledge, depth of understanding, and creativity.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #3 will be assessed and measured using in class presentations.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #4 will be assessed and measured by class exams, homework, and lab reports..
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #5 will be assessed and measured by analyzing experiments, summarizing assigned readings, designing experiments and solving word problems.
    • SCCC/ATS Outcome #6 will be assessed and measured in laboratory investigations that require demonstrating the use of technology to answer questions.

11. ADA STATEMENT:  If you believe that you are entitled to special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Dean of Student Services at 620-417-1016 or visit the office located in the Hobble Academic Building.

     

    Syllabus Reviewed: March 2014