DATE	SUBJECT	READINGS-Chapter or Pages
8/31	Introduction, Protozoa - Single Cell Eukaryotes	32, pp 514-519,536-540,575-585,598
9/9	Animal Development	47
9/21	Invertebrates: Sponges and Cnidarians	33
9/23	Invertebrates: Flatworms, Rotifers, Annelids,Mollusks, Lophophorates
9/28	Invertebrates: Roundworms and Arthropods
9/30	Invertebrates: Echinoderms. Chordates: Tunicates and Cephalochordates	pp 698-702
10/5	EXAM 1
10/7	Vertebrates and Human Evolution	34,pp 701-707
10/13	Monday Classes meet Tuesday
10/14	Mechanisms of Evolution	22,23,24, pp 454-456,459-470
10/21	Speciation and Systematics	24
10/26	Exam 2
11/2	Animal Structure and Function	40
11/4	Nutrition	41
11/9	Circulation	42
11/16	Gas Exchange
11/18	Osmoregulation Regulation and Homeostasis	44
11/23	Exam 3
11/30	Hormones and Reproduction	45,46
12/7	Nervous System	48,pp 1064-1076
12/14	FINAL EXAM 7:30-10:15 AM

I will use the +/- grading system. Your grade will be based on a total of 600 possible points to be earned as follows:

I grade on a curve and generally have class exam averages between 65-68% (lower than the typical 75%). I wish to emphasize I do NOT grade on a 90-80-70/ A-B-C system given I give more challenging exams. However, students with exam averages below 50% at the end of the term do not qualify for grades of C^- or better (This does not mean that if you exceed 50% average on exams you will get a C- or better). If you have any questions about grading and how you are doing in the class you should contact me.

Students are responsible for understanding and conforming to the Honor Code as described in the University catalog.

The Iclicker is available at the bookstore. If you have an iclicker from another class you may use it in this class.

To be eligible to receive credit on all of the quizzes, you will need to register your iClicker BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS FOLLOWING LABOR DAY. Register: You need to register your iclicker at www.iclicker.com/registration. For registration, you need to complete all the fields: first name, last name, student ID, clicker ID, and the verification field.

Student ID = your GMU email prefix (e.g. gbirchar@gmu.edu = student ID would be cbeck)

Clicker ID = serial number found on the back of your iClicker. (note: iClicker serial numbers do not contain the letter “O”, only zeros)

Note: Serial numbers on the back of the iClicker tend to wear off with time. Please put a piece of clear tape over the number to preserve it and write your iClicker serial number down and keep it separately in case your number wears off. Be especially aware of this if you purchase a used iClicker. Also be sure to put a fresh set of batteries in your iClicker.

A. ARRIVING LATE TO AN EXAM - If you are late to an exam and ONE (OR MORE) student(s) has/have finished the exam and left the room, you will not be allowed to take the exam (NO EXCUSES OR EXCEPTIONS). Also, IDs will be checked before exams are collected. Make certain you bring your GMU ID to class (or your exam will not be accepted). Assigned seating may be used during exams

B. MAKE UP EXAMS - Students who unavoidably miss an exam due to illness or due to family or other emergency may take a make up exam provided that they notify the lecture instructor before the exam. Notify Dr. Birchard directly or the Biology Department Office (993-1050).

The makeup exam will be given at one time only, immediately after the final exam. The make up exam covers material from exams 1, 2, and 3. Only one exam may be made up.

C. CORRECTIONS ON EXAM SCORES - If errors are made in scoring exams, notify the instructor within one week of the day the exam was returned. After one week, corrections will not be considered.

D. EXAM LOGISTICS - If a class is canceled for any reason in which an exam is scheduled, the exam will be given in the next regularly scheduled class. If the class meeting immediately prior to an exam date (e.g., a Monday when the exam is scheduled for Wednesday of the same week) is canceled so that material to be covered on the exam is not finished in lecture, then the exam will be delayed one class meeting.

Final Exam: On the day of the final exam. You will be allowed to start the exam until the first person finishes and leaves the room. After the first person has left you will not be allowed to begin the exam.

You will need SCANTRON forms and a number 2 pencil for all examinations. Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be out or used during any exam.

If you have a disability which requires special accommodations please contact your instructor by the end of the first week of classes.

Your lecture grade does not directly depend on attendance; however, examinations focus on what was covered in lecture and how it was covered in lecture. Therefore, lecture attendance may have a significant effect on your accomplishments in this course. You are strongly encouraged to attend every lecture. Be on time for class. It is discourteous and distracting to others when you come in late. Further you may miss important announcements made at the beginning of class. If you do not attend class you are still personally responsible for any announcements made in class (such as changes in exam dates etc.). You may need to be aware of such information before the next class. Therefore, be sure to check with someone about what was covered in the class you missed, before the next class. (Note: it is unacceptable to have a cell phone or beeper go off in class-turn off all audio signal before class)

Attendance of laboratory is required. Missing 25% or more of the laboratory sessions results in automatic course failure due to lack of participation. In accordance with departmental policy persons repeating this course must repeat the entire course, lab included.