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COURSE SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION TO ZOOKEEPING (A.C.T. I)

PAZ 1330

JOYCE B. KAPLAN

Office Hours: WTh 1pm-4pm, F 10am-1pm, or by appt.

Office Location: Bldg.17, Rm. 1759

Office Phone: 484-1164

Email address: jkaplan@pjc.edu

Course Website: http://itech.pjc.edu/jkaplan/zootech/

PJC information:

Biology Department Head---James Brady 484-1168

Provost --- Marcia Williams 484-2232

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PJC Syllabus Policy: It is the intention of the instructor to accomplish the objectives specified in the course syllabus.  Circumstances may arise, however, which prohibit the fulfilling of this endeavor.  Therefore, this syllabus is subject to change.  When possible, you will be notified of any change in advance of its occurrence.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

PAZ 1330. Animal Care Technology I. 1 credit hour. This laboratory course provides a practical introduction to zookeeping. Topics include safety issues, emergency preparedness, a zoo orientation, animal observation skills, an introduction to sanitation, housing, and feeding of animals, identification and use of appropriate capture and restraint equipment, animal transport, instruments and measurements, identification of abnormal behavior and injuries, and legal and permit issues relevant to animal facilities.

TEXTBOOKS:

Fowler, Murray E, 2008. Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals, third edition. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work gloves, uniform shirt, name badge and protective eyewear. In addition, students must meet the requirements of The Zoo that all personnel engaged in work or study activities be able to lift and carry heavy objects (50 pounds), test negative on an annual TB test, and test negative on random drug screening. Failure to meet these requirements will results in loss of clinical privileges.

MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Identify the concepts critical to work in animal care facilities and know how various facilities function.
2. Clean exhibits and feed animals.
3. Identify and use equipment in animal care facilities.
4. Observe and identify animals.

SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

In support of these learning outcomes, during the course the student will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of safety concepts, emergency issues, general legal and permit issues, and basic husbandry concepts involved in animal care facilities.

2. Carry out basic cleaning and feeding tasks for animals under supervision.

3. Identify appropriate animal capture, restraint, and transport equipment.

4. Properly use weights and measures and appropriate equipment for these tasks in animal facilities.

5. Observe animals and animal housing areas to identify their conditions.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of different types of animal facilities and how they function.

ATTENDANCE / MAKE-UP WORK:

Students are expected to attend and be punctual for all scheduled classes. Students not attending more than 2 scheduled classes will be withdrawn from the course as per PJC catalog. A student not in the class at its beginning will be counted as tardy (three tardies = one absence). In the case of missed exams, students should notify or leave a voice mail message for the instructor prior to the class being missed concerning their circumstances and must arrange for tests to be made up within one week of the test date. The instructor will consider each case upon its own circumstances. You are responsible for material covered while absent and will be expected to be prepared for tests and homework due the next class session.

NOTE: The last day to withdraw from Fall A term courses this term is November 10. No withdrawals are available after this date; you will receive a letter grade (which will be an Early F in the case of excessive absences). Extenuating circumstances involve filing an appeal to attempt to get a W. Please remember that completion of all courses with a grade of “C” or better is required for continuation in the Zoo Animal Technology degree program.

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

Grades will be based on a percentage scale of total points earned compared to the total points possible. Points are earned by assignments and attendance/class participation. No extra credit will be given and no grades will be dropped.

70% of the grade = Two lab practicals

30% of the grade = Attendance (grading within allowable absences as described by instructor) – and class participation (on a sliding subjective scale).

A = 90-100%

B = 80-89.99%

C = 70-79.99%

D = 60-69.99%

F = 59.99% and below

+ grades in the top 2.99% of allowable categories

PLAGIARISM / CHEATING POLICY:

If plagiarism and/or cheating occurs in this course, a zero will be given to the student(s) involved for that exam or assignment, with possible assignment of an “Early F” in the course.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:  Any students whose disabilities fall within the ADA should inform the instructor and Disabled Student Services at the beginning of the term of any special need or equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements for this course.

**REVISED** TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE FOR ANIMAL CARE TECH I

FALL 2009---TUESDAYS, RM 2110, The ZOO, Deer Farm, or Wildlife Sanctuary--1:00 - 3:45pm

(Schedule subject to changes by instructor as necessary)

DATE TOPICS LOCATION READING (chapter)

8/25 Safety Lab / Emergency Preparedness PJC 2110

9/1 Equipment Lab/ Animal Permits PJC 2110 2 & 19

9/8 Weights and Measures Lab PJC 2110

9/15 Orientation at The ZOO The ZOO NW FL

(KASE: substitute)

9/22 Essentials of Zookeeping: Petting Zoo The ZOO NW FL 10 & 12

9/29 Wildlife - Orientation/Facilities Wildlife Sanctuary

10/6 Wildlife – Husbandry/Handling Wildlife Sanctuary 22 & 29

10/13 **Laboratory Practical Exam # 1** PJC 2110

10/20 Deer Farm Management Saye & Sons Whitetails 28

10/27 Animal Identification The ZOO NW FL 30

11/3 Horse Management & Animal Assisted Therapy Leaning Post Ranch

11/10 Animal Observation (health/behavior) The ZOO NW FL 5

11/20-22 Zookeepers Club FIELD TRIP to Tampa!!

11/24 Preserve Animal Care The ZOO NW FL

(open to both class sections)

12/9 *Laboratory Practical Exam # 2** The ZOO NW FL

**REVISED** TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE FOR ANIMAL CARE TECH I

FALL 2009---FRIDAYS, RM 2109, The ZOO, Deer Farm, or Wildlife Sanctuary---1:00 - 3:45pm

(Schedule subject to changes by instructor as necessary)

DATE TOPICS LOCATION READING (chapter)

8/28 Safety Lab / Emergency Preparedness PJC 2109

9/4 Equipment Lab/ Animal Permits PJC 2109 2 & 19

9/11 Weights and Measures Lab PJC 2109

9/18 Orientation at The ZOO The ZOO NW FL

9/25 Essentials of Zookeeping: Petting Zoo The ZOO NW FL 10 & 12

10/2 Wildlife - Orientation/Facilities Wildlife Sanctuary

10/9 Wildlife – Husbandry/Handling Wildlife Sanctuary 22 & 29

10/16 **Laboratory Practical Exam # 1** PJC 2109

10/23 Deer Farm Management Saye & Sons Whitetails 28

10/30 Animal Identification The ZOO NW FL 30

11/6 Horse Management & Animal Assisted Therapy Leaning Post Ranch

11/13 Animal Observation (health/behavior) The ZOO NW FL 5

11/20-22 Zookeepers Club FIELD TRIP to Tampa!!

11/24 TUES OPTIONAL - Preserve Animal Care The ZOO NW FL

(open to both class sections)

11/27 **NO CLASSES**

12/4 *Laboratory Practical Exam # 2** The ZOO NW FL