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COURSE   SYLLABUS

 

HERPETOCULTURE

PAZ 2320

JOYCE B. KAPLAN

Office Hours: Mon/Wed 9-Noon (alternate W at AGCZ), T/R Noon-1, Th 2-4

Office Location:  Bldg..17, Rm. 1759

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---E. Spicer 484-2336

                                    _______________________________________________

 

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 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) and not staying for the entire class session will be counted as absent.  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 to determine the permissibility of makeups; you must schedule these to occur BEFORE the scheduled test for a planned absence.  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 March 26.  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 divided by the total points possible for each assignment.  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 (with adjustable 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.

TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE FOR HERPETOCULTURE

SPRING 2010--- 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

 

1/7                                           Introduction to Herpetoculture                        ENC 8-9

                                                                                                                        RKH 1-2      

 

1/12                                         8am class in LRC: using the library for research

9:30am class: Amphibians--Anatomy           ENC 10-19

 

1/14                                         Reptiles--Anatomy                                          ENC 98-105

                                   

1/19                                         Amphibians--Physiology                                 ENC 22-25, 36-37

                                               

1/21                                         Homeostasis in Herps                         ENC 108-109

 

1/26                                         **QUIZ # 1**

                                                Amphibians--Reproduction                             ENC 26-29

 

1/28                                         Reptiles--Reproduction                       ENC 104-5, 114-17, 224-25

                                                                                                                        RKH 87-94

 

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

                                                **Have paper topics approved by today**                 112-113

 

2/4                                           Origins, evolution, and classification of          ENC 20-21, 106-107

                                                amphibians and reptiles                                  RKH 3-9

 

2/9                                           Amphibians--Apoda (Caecilians)                    ENC 38-41

 

2/11                                         **QUIZ # 2**

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

 

2/16                                         Amphibians--Urodela (Salamanders/Newts) 

                                               

2/18                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)                 ENC 64-97

 

2/23                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)

 

2/25                                         Amphibians--Anura (Frogs/Toads)

 

3/2                                           **QUIZ # 3**

                                                Amphibians as ecological indicator species   ENC 30-35

                                                KASE – SUB

 

3/4                                           Reptilia--Chelonia (turtles/tortoises)                ENC 118-137

                                                KASE – SUB                                                  RKH 97-101

 

3/9                                           Reptilia--Chelonia (turtles/tortoises)

 

3/11                                         Reptilia--Lacertilia (lizards)                             ENC 138-175

                                                                                                                        RKH 101-116

 

3/16                                         Reptilia--Lacertilia (lizards)

 

3/18                                         **QUIZ # 4**                                                   ENC 178-207

                                                Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)                          RKH 116-135

 

3/23                                         Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)

                                               

3/25                                         Reptilia--Serpentes (snakes)

 

3/29 – 4/4                                SPRING BREAK---NO CLASSES

 

4/6                                           Venom and Antivenom                                   ENC 202-3, 208-9

                                                                                                                        RKH 51-54  

 

4/8                                           **QUIZ # 5**                                                   ENC 176-177, 210-11

                                                Reptilia--Worm Lizards and Tuataras RKH 116 

 

4/13                                         Reptilia--Crocodilia                                         ENC 212-221

                                                                                                                        RKH 135-136    

 

 

4/15                                         Housing and Handling of Herps                      RKH 11-30

                                               

4/20                                         Herp Regulations and Captive Management

                                                **Species Paper Due**

 

4/22                                         Herp Disease                                                  RKH 54-77

                                                Oral reports

 

4/27                                         **Quiz # 6**

Oral reports

                                               

4/29                                         Oral reports (cont’d)

Final Exam Review

 

5/6                                           Final Exam---8am - 10am