Mammalogy: Biology 5370
Syllabus for Fall 2005
Objective: This lecture course provides an overview of the evolution, diversity, structure and function and ecology of mammals. It will introduce you to the major groups of mammals and the interplay between structure and function over evolutionary time.
Instructor:Eric Rickart: 356 (office), 318 (collection lab) GTB (UMNH) 581-6927
Office hours by appointment
Teaching Assistants: Lora Richards 581-7086
Adam Nelson 585-9678
Lectures:T Th: 9:10 -10:30am, ART 158
Textbook: Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology (2nd ed.) Feldhammer et al
Prerequisites: Evolution and Diversity of Life BIOL 2010, Cell BIOL 2020, Genetics BIOL 2030, Comparative Physiology BIOL 3320, Comparative Morphology BIOL 3310, Developmental Biology BIOL 3230, Ecology and Evolution BIOL 3410. If you have not completed at least 2 of these classes, see the instructor.
Attendance and lecture notes: You are expected to attend lectures and take your own lecture notes. If you miss a lecture, obtain notes from someone else in the class. Class handouts will be available (see below), but additional lecture notes will not be provided by the instructor or teaching assistants.
Handouts: Extra handouts from lecture will be available in Building 44 after each lecture day.
Electronic Copies: Electronic copies of all handouts and Powerpoint presentations will be stored in a read only (and print only) file on the Biology server. To access this material go to:
Click on Biology 5370.
Material will be organized by lecture (lecture1, lecture1 handouts, etc.)
Grading: The final grade is based on a total of 650 points, including four exams (100 pts. each), proposal for writing assignment (50 pts) writing assignment (150 pts), reviews of writing assignments (50 pts).
Assignment Total Points
Exam 1 100
Exam 2 100
Proposal for Paper 50
Exam 3 100
Paper ( 3 copies) 100
Reviews (2) 50
Revision of paper (optional)** 50
Exam 4 (final) 100
TOTAL 650
No grades will be dropped. There will not be exercises for extra credit.
Exams will be based on lecture material. The best study guide for the exams will be your own lecture notes. Exams will include short essay, data analysis, multiple choice, and problem-solving questions. The last exam will be given during finals week, but it will be a regular exam. There will be not a comprehensive final.
Exams will be graded as quickly as possible and returned to you in class. Exam keys will also be posted in Building 44. Exams that are not picked up in class will be available in Building 44. There will be no makeup exams. In the event of a true emergency you will need to OBTAIN WRITTEN, VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTATION of the emergency and contact the instructors as soon as you are able and we will try to work something out with you.
Writing Assignment: There will be a single writing assignment for the class that will include a written proposal (50 pts), first submission (100 pts), and a final submission (50 pts). Each student will anonymously review the writing assignments of 2 other students (25 pts each). The writing assignment will be a review paper on a topic of your choice. More details will be given in class.
Regrading: Questions regarding exam grades will be considered ONLY if received in writing, within one week of the day on which exams are returned to class. Requests should bedirected to the teaching assistants.
Course Drop Policy: The withdrawal policy is the same as the University of Utah policy described in the Class Schedule. Friday Sept. 2ndis the last day to drop with no tuition and no notation on the transcript. Tuesday Sept. 6this the last day students can elect the CR/NC or audit option. Friday Oct. 21st is the last day students can withdraw, but tuition will be assessed and you will receive a W on your transcript. Verify with the registrar as these dates are subject to change.
Withdrawal from the course after Oct. 21strequires special permission from the instructor. It will NOT be allowed except in cases of significant medical or personal emergency that must be documented by a medical professional or other relevant person.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): In accordance with University policy with respect to ADA matters and students with other identifiable disabilities, we will provide additional examination time as needed and appropriate. Students with such needs should identify themselves to the course instructor at least one week in advance of the first examination. Additionally you must provide a written statement of how we can assist you in completing course requirements. Students requiring additional time with teaching assistants are encouraged to attend as many discussion sections as needed and also to arrange to meet with the teaching assistants or instructor during office hours.
Lecture Schedule
DATETOPICREADING
25 Aug Course introduction,amniote classification & phylogeny Chapter 4
30 AugPelycosaurs & Therapsids Chapter 4
1SepMammalian characteristics, origin of mammals Chapter 5
6 SepBasal classification of mammals;PrototeriaChapter 10
8 SepEarly therians, metatherian/eutherian contrastsChapter 10
13 SepMarsupials (evolution & diversity)Chapter 10
15 SepMarsupial biology Chapter 10
20 SepEXAM 1 (100 pts)
22 Sep Basal eutherians, insectivores, edentates Chapters 11, 14
27 Sep Carnivores Chapter 15
29 Sep Scandentia; Dermoptera; Chiroptera
evolution & diversityChapters 11, 12
4OctBat ecology behavior; ecolocation Chapter 12
6 OctNO CLASS (fall break)
11 OctBasal primates, lemuriformes Chapter 13
13 OctBasal primates, haplorrhines Chapter 13
18 OctPrimate life history & behavior Chapter 13
(guest lecturer – Shannen Robson, UU Anthropology Dept)
20 OctEXAM 2 (100 pts)
25 OctUngulates Chapter 19
27 Oct“Subungulates” and Cetaceans Chapters 18, 16
1 Nov Biology of whales
(guest lecturer – Victoria Rowntree, UU Biology Dept) Chapter 16
Proposals for Paper Due (50 pts)
3 NovSocial behavior Chapter 22
8NovDisease ecology
(guest lecturer) Chapter 27
10 Nov Thermoregulaton, adaptations to extreme environments Chapter 8
15NovEXAM 3 (100 pts)
17NovLagomorphs & RodentsChapter 17
Fist submission of paper (100 pts)
22NovReproduction, sexual selection, mating systems Chapters 9, 21
24 Nov NO CLASS (Thanksgiving break)
29 Nov Life histories, population biology Chapter 24
Paper reviews due (50 pts)
1 DecCommunity Ecology Chapter 25
6 DecZoogeography Chapter 26
8 DecConservation Chapter 29
Paper revision due (50 pts)
13 DECEXAM 4 (FINAL) 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M (100 pts)
Important Dates to RememberDATE / Assignment / Total Points
20 Sep / Exam 1 / 100
20 Oct / Exam 2 / 100
1 Nov / Proposal for Paper / 50
15 Nov / Exam 3 / 100
17 Nov / Paper ( 3 copies) / 100
29 Nov / Reviews (2) / 50
8 Dec / Revision of paper (optional)** / 50
13 Dec / Exam 4 (final) / 100
TOTAL / 650
** Optional revision: You may revise your paper to improve your overall score. If you chose not to revise your paper, the points that will be allocated here will be half of that given for the first submission. Example: if you receive 88 points for the first submission and do not revise, you would receive 44 pts for the “revision”. If you revise your paper, you have the opportunity of increasing your total points.