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Lecture/lab Format:
Expect to receive several handouts each class. These are designed to guide you through both lecture and lab portions of the course. The reading assignments are for reference; be familiar with the topic for each lecture so you can join in a discussion rather than just a formal lecture. Sometimes the lecture/discussion will flow over into the lab. The schedule listed is tentative. Sometimes lecture discussions are interesting enough to continue on the following class meeting so something has to give. In that case it may be the next lecture topic.
Library Research Papers:
A library research paper is required. The topics will be of your choice but must include one of two different approaches. 1) It can be centered on a specific taxon (species, Genus, Family, or Order). The format for this paper will take the form as demonstrated in "Mammalian Species" (I will provide examples). This should be at least four pages (double spaced, 12 font) plus literature cited. This type of paper is intended to provide you with an in depth knowledge of one taxon (plural = taxa) of mammals. Choose your subject wisely. Consult with me before you pick a mammal taxon.
2) A second type of paper must focus on some aspect of mammalian biology. Some examples are reviews of the literature on mammalian: 1) water regulation; 2) desert adaptations; 3) population cycles; 4) feeding behavior; 5) comparative functional morphology; and, 6) competitive interactions. This paper is intended to give you depth in a broader field of the biology of mammals. Again, the length should be at least four pages (double spaced, 12 font) plus literature cited.
You may select to do either type of paper.
Grading Papers:
I will expect a thorough review of your taxon/topic (25 pts). You should use current literature when possible, but historic literature is also important, especially for reviews of a specific taxon (10 pts). Grammar and consistency are elements of good writing (10 pts). Literature cited format, examine a recent issue of the Journal of Mammalogy for proper citation of literature in both text and "Literature Cited" parts of an article. This is the format I will expect you to use in the paper (5 pts).
Cheating Policy:
Cheating comes in various costumes. Plagiarism (to steal information and pass it on as your own, i.e. not giving credit to the original work), copying from another student's paper during exams, to discuss test items on "take home" exams, bringing crib sheets (paper with potential answers to questions) into a test, etc. These and other similar actions will not be tolerated. If cheating occurs the person(s) will receive a grade of F in the course and the University Administration will be notified.
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