Tentative Syllabus - Biology 55 - Biology of the Invertebrates

This one-semester course is designed for students who intend to go on in the field of biological science or who wish to take an elective sophomore level biology course.  It is an introduction to the various invertebrate phyla with particular attention to their physiology and their interrelationships.  Representative forms will be examined and dissected and various experiments will be performed on selected organisms.  Fundamental biological principles will be stressed.

Course Objectives:  The student will be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of the various invertebrate phyla.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the evolutionary relationships between the various organisms from different invertebrate phyla.

3. Classify invertebrate organisms.

4. Collect invertebrate organisms in the field.

5. Design a behavioral experiment using an invertebrate organism.

6. Interpret data collected concerning selected invertebrate organisms.

7. Critically evaluate reference material on invertebrates from various media sources  (journals, internet, newspapers).

8. Discriminate between phyla on the basis of:

   a.  Characteristics

   b. General morphology

   c. Integumentary structure

   d. Skeletal support

   e. Kinetic structure

   f. Nutrition and digestion

   g. Respiration

   h. Regulation and excretion

   i.  Classification

   j.  Distribution

   k. Habits and habitats

   L. Life cycles

   m. Reproduction

Lecture Outline

Introduction-Environmental considerations and classification

Porifera

Cnidaria

Ctenophora

Platyhelminths

Nematodes, Rotifers, Gastrotrichs

Molluscs

Annelids

Arthropoda & Onychophora

Echinoderms

Hemichordates

Chordates (only invertebrates)

Weekly Laboratory Outline

1. Taxonomy, classification and keying

2. Protozoa

3. Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora

4. Platyhelminths

5. Field Trip

6. Nematodes, Rotifers, Gastrotrichs

7. Molluscs

8. Annelids

9. Field Trip or Practical

10. & 11. Arthropods & Tardigrades

12. Echinoderms, Chordates & Review

Textbook not decided on yet.

Lab Manual not decided on yet.