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COURSE   SYLLABUS

 

HERPETOCULTURE

PAZ 2320

JOYCE B. KAPLAN

Office Hours:T &Th 2-4, W & F 10-1 (W/F may be held at zoo)

Office Location:  Bldg..17, Rm. 1755

Office Phone: 484-1164

Email: jkaplan@pjc.edu

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

 

                                    PJC information:

                                                Biology Department Head---J. Brady 484-1168

                                                Provost---M. Williams 484-2230

                                    _______________________________________________

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

PAZ 2320.  Herpetoculture.  3 credit hours.  A study of  the biology, ecology, taxonomy, identification techniques,  care, maintenance and display of reptiles and amphibians.

 

TEXTBOOKS:

 

Mattison, Chris (editor), 2008.  Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, 2nd edition.  Firefly Books, Inc, Buffalo, NY

 

Barnard, Susan M. 1996.  Reptile Keeper’s Handbook.  Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida.

 

MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the anatomy, physiology, behavior, reproduction, evolution, and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles.

2. Discuss the major morphological features and life histories of the various orders and families of amphibians and reptiles.

3. Discuss the factors important to the ecology and management of amphibians and reptiles in the wild and captivity.

4. Discuss major issues in the husbandry of amphibians and reptiles.

5. Carry out a thorough literature review for a species of amphibian or reptile.

 

SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

 

In support of these learning outcomes, during the course the student will: 
1. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile anatomy. 
2. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile physiology.
3. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile behavior.
4. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile reproduction.
5. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile origins and evolution.
6. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile taxonomy and the features and life histories of each group.
7. Demonstrate understanding of amphibian and reptile ecology and wildlife management.
8. Demonstrate understanding of husbandry and management of zoo amphibians and reptiles.
9. Prepare a complete research paper, including review of scientific research papers, on one species of amphibian or reptile.

 

 

ATTENDANCE / MAKE-UP WORK:

 

Students are expected to attend and be punctual for all scheduled classes.  Students not attending more than 3 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 before the next class session.  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 Spring courses this term is April 3.  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 quizzes, a final exam, a species paper, and attendance/class participation.  No extra credit will be given and no grades will be dropped.

60% of the grade = Quizzes

15% of the grade = Final Exam

15% of the grade = Species paper

10% of the grade = Attendance (grading within allowable absences as described by instructor) + class participation (on a sliding subjective scale) may be taken into account to adjust up or down

 

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.

 

 

PJC DSS NOTICE:

 

For students with a disability which falls under the American Disability Act, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor and Disabled Student Services to discuss any special needs or equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements for this course.

TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE FOR HERPETOCULTURE

SPRING 2009--- TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, RM 1704---8:00-9:15am

(Schedule subject to changes by instructor as necessary)

 

DATE                                      TOPICS                                              READING (pgs)

                                                                                                        RKH=Rept. Keepers Handbook

                                                                                                        ENC=Encyclopedia of R and A

 

1/8                                           Introduction to Herpetoculture                        ENC 8-9

                                                                                                                        RKH 1-2      

 

1/13                                         Amphibians--Anatomy                                    ENC 10-19

 

1/15                                         Reptiles--Anatomy                                          ENC 98-105

                                   

1/20                                         Amphibians--Physiology                                 ENC 22-25, 36-37

                                               

1/22                                         Homeostasis in Herps                         ENC 108-109

 

1/27                                         **QUIZ # 1**

                                                Amphibians--Reproduction                             ENC 26-29

 

1/29                                         Reptiles--Reproduction                       ENC 104-5, 114-17, 224-25

                                                                                                                        RKH 87-94

 

2/3                                           Herps—Behavior                                            ENC 24-25, 62-63,

                                                Have paper topics approved by today                       112-113

 

2/5                                           Origins, evolution, and classification of          ENC 20-21, 106-107

                                                amphibians and reptiles                                  RKH 3-9

 

2/10                                         Amphibians--Apoda (Caecilians)                    ENC 38-41

 

2/12                                         **QUIZ # 2**

Amphibians--Urodela (Salamanders/Newts)  ENC 42-63

 

2/17                                         Amphibians--Urodela (Salamanders/Newts) 

                                               

2/19                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)                 ENC 64-97

 

2/24                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)

 

2/26                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)

 

3/3                                           **QUIZ # 3**

                                                Amphibians as ecological indicator species   ENC 30-35

 

3/5                                           Reptilia--Chelonia (turtles/tortoises)                ENC 118-137

                                                                                                                        RKH 97-101

 

3/10                                         Reptilia--Lacertilia (lizards)                             ENC 138-175

                                                                                                                        RKH 101-116

 

 

3/12                                         Reptilia--Lacertilia (lizards)

 

3/17                                         **QUIZ # 4**                                                   ENC 178-207

                                                Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)                          RKH 116-135

 

3/19                                         Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)

 

3/22 - 3/28                               SPRING BREAK---NO CLASSES

 

3/31                                         Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)

                                               

4/2                                           Venom and Antivenom                                   ENC 202-3, 208-9

                                                                                                                        RKH 51-54  

 

4/7                                           **QUIZ # 5**                                                   ENC 176-177, 210-11

                                                Reptilia--Worm Lizards and Tuataras RKH 116 

 

4/9                                           Reptilia--Crocodilia                                         ENC 212-221

                                                                                                                        RKH 135-136    

 

4/14                                         Housing and Handling of Herps                      RKH 11-30

 

4/16                                         Herp Regulations and Captive Management

                                                **Species Paper Due**

 

4/21                                         Herp Disease                                                  RKH 54-77

 

4/23                                         **QUIZ # 6**

                                                Oral reports

 

4/28                                         Oral reports (cont’d)

                                               

4/30                                         Final Exam Review

 

5/7                                           Final Exam---8am - 10am