Effective: 2024-05-01

Course Description

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of zoology with emphasis on the major groups that comprise the biodiversity of animal life on Earth. Students will be exposed to the concepts of reproduction, development, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of animals.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: BIO 101

Course Objectives

• Critical Thinking
• Analyze data collected through lab experiments
• Discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability of inferences drawn from given data
• Determine whether conclusions are supported by the information provided and data collected, primarily in laboratory settings.
• Written Communication
• Present findings and conclusions, with spreadsheets and graphs, in oral and written formats.
• Quantitative Literacy
• Perform calculations, interpret scientific data and graphs, and use results to support conclusions.
• Scientific Literacy
• Evaluate different perspectives, opinions, and statements about zoological topics in terms of their logic, content, scientific merit, and biases from the scientific literature.

Major Topics to be Included

• Introduction to Zoology
• Define zoology, and the key historical developments and figures in zoological science.
• Describe the importance of zoology in understanding life on Earth and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
• Conduct field study collections and analyses.
• Animal Diversity
• Explain the current classification and taxonomy of animals, and the phylogenetic relationships of major animal groups.
• Examine and describe the characteristics defining each animal phylum.
• Animal Anatomy & Physiology
• Provide a comprehensive comparative study of the animal body plans and organ systems.
• Recognize the diversity of structure and function of the major organ systems and their roles in different animal groups, and the adaptations required for locomotion, feeding, sensory perception, and reproduction.
• Animal Behavior
• Analyze and interpret various animal behaviors, including foraging, communication, mating, and social interactions.
• Define the evolutionary and ecological significance of these behaviors.
• Ecology of Animals
• Explain the role and influence animals have on ecosystem dynamics.
• Identify and analyze the factors influencing their relationship in population dynamics and community interactions.
• Identify and analyze the conservation efforts implemented to reduce the impact anthropogenic effects have on animal populations.
• Reproduction & Development
• Describe and delineate the reproductive anatomy and strategies used in different animal groups.
• Compare and contrast the life cycles and development of different animal species from fertilization to adulthood.
• Identify parental care and reproductive adaptations.
• Adaptations & Evolution
• Define the principles of natural selection and the evolutionary processes prompting the development and acquisition of adaptations animals have to various ecological niches and environments.
• Zoology in the Modern World
• Describe the relevance of applied zoology to various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, and conservation.
• Identify and analyze the ethical considerations in animal research and conservation efforts.