Example Syllabus (.PDF) - MARINE BIOLOGY at Alaska Pacific ...

MAR 320: Ichthyology Fall block 2008Professor ŠirovićClassroom meetings: MTWR 10:00 – 11:50, 2:00 – 3:50 GH226Field trips: Aug 28: Alaska SeaLife Center, SewardSept 3: University Lake (salmon trapping)Sept 7-10: Kasitsna Bay Laboratory, SeldoviaSept 11: Elmendorf Hatchery, AnchoragePost-KBL labs: MTWR 10:00 – 12:00, 2:00 – 4:00 GH301Office hours: TR 9:00 – 10:00 in Grant Hall 303C and by appointmentMaterials:Required texts: Diversity of Fishes by G.S. Helfman, B.B. Collette, D.E. FaceyCoastal Fish Identification: California to Alaska by P. Humann, H.Hall, N. McDanielOther required: Laboratory notebook (standard composition notebook)Optional texts: Probably more than you want to know about the fishes of the Pacificcoast by M. LoveA Field Guide to Pacific Coast Fishes: North America (Peterson FieldGuide) by W.N. Eschmeyer, E.S. Herald, H.E. Hammann, K.P. Smith,R.T. PetersonThe Elements of Style by W. Strunk and E.B. White.Course content:This is a field-oriented block course designed to give you an in-depth understanding ofthe biology of the major groups of fishes. Emphasis is placed on the fauna of the EasternNorth Pacific, but taxonomic groups from all over the world will be considered. Topicsinclude: evolution, taxonomy and systematics, behavior, anatomy and physiology, fieldidentification, ecology, and fisheries conservation.Learning objectives:By the end of the course you will:1) Understand the relationship between fish morphology, physiology, and behavior,and be able to relate it to their environment.2) Be able to identify regional fish fauna.3) Have skills to conduct studies of fish in their natural habitat and the lab.4) Develop understanding for the scientific method and learn to present results oflaboratory and field work.Grading and examinations:Your grade in the course will be assigned on a straight scale (90%+ for A, 80%+ for B,etc.), meaning it will be based solely on how well you perform. Therefore I encourageyou to learn from one another. There will be two exams during the semester, onecovering lectures and one field trip materials, plus the final project, as outlined in theclass schedule.1

MAR 320: IchthyologyFall 2008Midterms (100 points each)Final presentationFinal paperParticipation200 points100 points100 points50 pointsTotal points 450Examinations will be based on lectures, text readings, and handouts. There will be nomake-up exams, so please plan accordingly. Participation grade is based on attendance,contributions to class discussions, lab notebook, field trip participation, and adherence toclass policies. Class and field trip attendances are mandatory. Each absence beyond 2classes will result in a full letter grade reduction. Read the Honor Policy in your Catalogand Behavior Expectations section of the Student Handbook for information on academicdishonesty. Please see me if you have any questions.Field work:We will spend 4 days conducting field work in Kasitsna Bay Laboratory in Seldovia fromSept 7-10. You are expected to fully participate in preparation for the trip and all aspectsof life in the field. This will include going over gear lists, compiling gear, cooking,cleaning up the facilities, etc. More information will be given in class and during logisticsmeeting prior to the trip. Please read, sign, and return Field Course Conduct Agreementby the end of class on Aug 25.Project report and presentation:As a part of Active Learning in this class, you will undertake an independent researchproject. In the end, you will be expected to present your results in a written and oralformat. See “Project report guidelines” for guidance on how to write your final paper.Your final presentation will be 15-20 minutes long, and you should be prepared to answerquestions about your research at the end of the talk. We will discuss further details ofpaper writing and creating a successful presentation in class.Before you start work on your project, make sure you have discussed your topic with meby Sept 9!Lab notebook:Your lab notebook helps you keep record of your work, so you can reconstruct youractions in the field and the lab. Keeping a detailed and well organized notebook is acrucial scientific skill. Use it to record lab assignments and observations in the field, towrite down raw data, and track your data analyses and results. In short, use it to writedown everything and anything you think may be relevant to your project. You will turnthe lab notebook in with your project and it will contribute to your participation grade. (Iwill not be looking for neatness, but for a full record of your project.)Support services:If you need disability-related accommodations, please notify Tamara Randolph, ourDisabilities Services Coordinator (564-8345). Other services available to you include:2

MAR 320: IchthyologyFall 2008Counseling Center for personal concerns, tutoring from on-campus and communityresources, Academic Support Center (offers writing help), and Consortium Library.Other policies:• There is no eating in class.• Keep cell phones on silent and do not use them for calls or text messaging during class.• Refrain from talking about non-class related issues during lectures.• Use email only for short communication. If you have lengthy questions about the class,grades, exams, etc. please come see me. These kinds of issues are always resolved morequickly in person than over email.• On-time arrival for field trips and classes is expected. If you are late, do not besurprised when miss the field trip.• Do your readings before each class. It will help you follow and get the most out oflectures and field work.• If you have any problems or need help, talk to me about it.This syllabus is our contract. Refer to it (often) to know what is expected of you in thisclass. You are responsible for meeting all the deadlines and for completing the requiredreading assignments prior to class.3

MAR 320: IchthyologyFall 2008Class schedule (subject to change):Date Time Topic Readings8/25 AM Introduction; Systematics, evolution. Ch. 1, 2, 11*PM Families – Chondrichthyes. Ch. 128/26 AM Anatomy: hard and soft parts. Ch 3*, 4PM Families – primitive fishes; Teleosts. Ch. 13*, 14*8/27 AM Locomotion and feeding. Ch. 8, 18, 19PM Families – Teleosts II. Ch. 15*8/28 7:45 am Field trip to Alaska SeaLife Center. Handout9/2 AM Life histories, growth. Ch. 9, 109/3 10 am –2:30 pmProject overview (in class). Salmon trapping atUniversity Lake.9/4 AM Role of fishes in ecosystem: fisheries andconservation.PM Kasitsna Bay Lab field trip logistics.9/7 10:30 am Leave for Homer. Shuttle to Kasitsna Bay.Ch. 24, 25Evening Behavior: Reproduction, communication, etc. Ch. 20, 21*, 22*9/8 AM/PM Boat trip & lab: ID, morphometrics. HandoutEvening Good paper writing and presentation skills. Handout9/9 AM/PM Boat trip & lab: anatomy, dissection. HandoutEveningStudy time.9/10 AM Midterm (lectures). Clean-up. Prepare fordeparture (noon).PM Return to Anchorage. Rinse gear.9/11 10 am Field trip to Elmendorf Hatchery.PMGrad student led lecture/discussion.9/15 AM Midterm – field trips (in GH226); Work onprojectPM Work on project9/16 AM Work on projectPM9/17 AM Work on projectPMDraft of project paper due; Work on projectFinish up project9/18 AM Final presentations (in GH226)PMFinal presentations (in GH226)9/22 No class; Project papers and lab notebooks due* You are responsible only for parts of chapter covered in class.4