Zoology

The course first revisits the basic principles of biology including basic concepts of biology, the cell, nutrition, a survey of physiological systems, reproduction, heredity, development, diversity of organisms, evolution and environmental biology. After the foundations of biology are revisited, refreshed, and enhanced, the major zoological principles involving both invertebrates and vertebrates will be explored. There will be special emphasis on animal development, form and function, natural history and economic relationship to human society. Zoology will introduce the student to biological research in preparation for college. This course is designed for biology majors. It is a great course for those interested in animal biology, veterinary fields, ecology, and marine biology.

Course Syllabus

DIY Textbook


Day to Day Agenda

Day 1 Introduction to Zoology

Day 2 Evolution

Day 3 Ecology

Animal Behavior Lab

Day 4 Classification and Phylogeny

Day 5 Body Structure

Day 6 Body Cavities and Porifera

Day 7 Cnidaria

Day 8 Platyhelminthes

Planarian Lab

Pheromone Lab

Day 9 Nematoda

Day 10 Annelida

Day 11 Mollusca

Day 12 Arthropods

Spider Videos

Day 13 Hexapoda

Insect Video

Day 14 Myriopoda

Arthropod Game and Test

A Bug's Life

Day 15 Echinodermata

Day 16 Intro to Chordata

Day 17 Fish and Amphibians

Frog Dissection

Day 18 Reptiles

Day 19 Birds

Bird Intelligence

Project Nim

Day 20 Domestication

Day 21 Mammals

Chordata Test and Presentations

Bear Dissection

Day 22 Meat and Animal Abuse

Earthlings

Blackfish

Earth

Intro to Biomes

Terrestrial Biomes

Rainforest and Savannas

Deserts and Chaparral

Grasslands and Deciduous Forests

Coniferous Forests and Taiga

Tundra and the Arctic

Nomenclature

Zoo Field Trip

The Grunion Run