Sumrall High School

Zoology Class Description

& Syllabus

Sumrall High School: Science Elective

Course Length: 9 Weeks

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: James Powell

Text: Integrated Principles of Zoology 11th Edition

The Zoology course is a 9-week, lecture-laboratory science-elective designed to provide a well-rounded and challenging academic experience for students. Zoology is a laboratory-based course that will survey the nine major phyla of the Kingdom Animalia. Morphology, taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology will be investigated. Comparative studies may be addressed during laboratory observations and dissections.This course is designed to educate students in many different areas associated with aquatic animals and habitation, and the processes thereof. Students will be exposed to the following units of study: 1) Life Science 2) Physical Science 3) Earth and Space Science

Course Goals

The student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and an appreciation for the main components of Aquatic Science.
  • Understand how various types of activities effect the functioning of the body in different ways.
  • Demonstrate ability to obtain information from various sources and report their findings in both written and oral formats.
  • Gain knowledge of various career opportunities and develop a desire to pursue such careers.

Course Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. Utilize critical thinking and scientific problem solving in designing and

performing biological research and experimentation. (L, P, E)

a. Demonstrate the proper use and care for scientific equipment used in life

science.

b. Observe and practice safe procedures in the classroom and laboratory.

c. Apply the components of scientific processes and methods in the classroom and

laboratory investigations.

d. Communicate results of scientific investigations in oral, written, and graphic form.

2. Review the general characteristics and phylogeny of animals. (L)

a. Explain the levels of organization of structures in animals (cells, tissues, organs and systems).

b. Describe the characteristics of animals that distinguish them from other

kingdoms.

c. Discuss adaptations of the major phyla that lead to their survival.

d. Discuss the phylogenic sequencing of the nine major phyla.

e. Review the classification scheme used in zoology.

3. Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of the 9 major phyla

of the animal kingdom with special attention to: (L)

symmetry digestion support

germ layers circulation locomotion

body plan coordination reproduction

embryonic development excretion

4. Relate the life histories of groups of animals to the success of the

groups. (L)

a. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both asexual and sexual

reproduction.

b. Illustrate life cycles of various groups of animals.

5. Explain how behavior and symbiosis are related to the success of a

group of animals. (L)

a. Discuss, giving specific examples of, division of labor within a group of animals.

b. Compare and contrast the degree of parental care given in groups of animals.

c. Discuss mutualism, communalism, parasitism and mimicry, giving specific examples of each.

Zoology

Tentative Course Outline

2nd Nine Weeks

  • Phylum Porifera
  • Phylum Cnidaria
  • Phylum Mullusca
  • Phylum Nematoda
  • Phylum Arthropoda
  • Platyhelminthes
  • Annelida
  • Echinodermata
  • Chordata

GRADING

Daily Work & Quizzes40%

Tests40%

Final20%

Time for makeup work will be awarded based on the length of a student's absence from class and the depth of knowledge of the material. (If you have an excused absence).

If the work is not completed and turned in on time, an incomplete will go in the grade book, until all material is properly completed.

  • The teacher will call parent or guardian if needed!
  • Students are able to retake quizzes and daily work (second chance) but will not be allowed to retake a major test grade.

** The Teacher will give you a project or essay topic (1pg minimum) to make up 1or 2 days worth of missed participation points.

Class Rules

  1. Bring all materials to class daily (3-ring binders are best)
  2. Pay attention and do not disrupt (a head on the desk = sleeping)
  3. Respect people, equipment, furnishings and books
  4. No personal grooming during class
  5. Take care of “business” before or after class. This is a class NOT a time to run errands!