Introduction to the animal phyla. Studies of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution illustrate the diversity and unity of animal life. Emphasis on animals of the Pacific Northwest. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)
Course Outcomes
Communication
- Present the results of student-generated experiment in written and oral form.
- Conduct literature research on current topics in zoology and the impact humans are having on the biosphere.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Interpret graphs and generate simple graphs that summarize their data.
- Summarize data collected in a synthesis within a research project.
Information
- Describe some of the central organizing concepts of biology, with an emphasis on the Animal Kingdom.
- Classify novel organisms to their current classification by using the basic concepts of comparative animal anatomy and physiology, and evolution.
- Identify the major animal phyla along with certain important subphyla or classes.
Critical Thinking
- Design a non-lethal experiment involving invertebrate behavior.
- Practice and apply observation skills to a novel question in zoology and critically evaluate and summarize observations.
Personal/Interpersonal
- Connect concepts in ecology and animal biology to locate animals in local environments (with an emphasis in biodiversity).