• Give students the opportunity to examine both preserved and living representatives of many of the major and minor phyla of invertebrate animals and select protists.
• Compare the anatomy and morphology (and behavior in living examples) among these groups through hands-on dissections and thorough observation…both macroscopic and microscopic.
• Be able to identify representatives of all major phyla of invertebrates using recognizable characteristics.
• Learn about the classification of invertebrates and select protists.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in use of both compound and dissection microscopes and exhibit basic laboratory skills necessary for success in studying organismal aspects of the biological sciences.
• Give students the opportunity to observe and collect invertebrate animals in their natural setting out in the field.
• Expose students to field aspects of biology.

The central theme to this lab is careful observation and examination of invertebrate animals and select protists. Therefore, it is expected that students will spend alotted lab time in patient, studious focus on their subjects in order to better understand them.

Lab Exam: There will be a single comprehensive final lab exam that will be worth a total of 15% of your overall grade for the class. This major exam will be a practical exam that tests the student in a “hands-on” type of setting. Students will be tested using microscopes and preserved/dissected (or possibly living) specimens that have been set-up and arranged with questions at an array of stations in the laboratory.  

Lab Notebook: Lab work compiled into a notebook will comprise the remaining 10% of the overall grade. Notebook should include all of your drawings and written observations and facts about the organisms you observe each week. Grade for the notebook will be based on completeness and order, not on artistic ability (but still make every effort to make your drawings nice and, at very least, recognizable).

 Course Grading: The following is a breakdown of your final course grade:

Lecture Grade      =75%                                                    

Lab Final Exam    =15%                                                                      

Lab Notebook       =10%                                                                   

total                     =100%

The grading scale used to determine your letter grade for the course is as follows:

A            =             90-100%

B            =             80-89%

C            =             70-79%

D            =             60-69%

F             =             below 60%

Lab Attendance:  A laboratory class represents a unique experience for the student that is important in the study of science; therefore, attendance is mandatory.  A valid university excuse is required to make up a missed lab.  It is YOUR responsibility to inform the instructor of any impending absence BEFORE a lab is missed.

There will be NO make-up exam for the lab final.  DO NOT MISS IT!!!!

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.