Course Description and Objectives

Biological systematics is a multidisciplinary component of most biological disciplines. Course topics include: classification schemes, homology, homoplasy, the application of nomenclature, and phylogeny reconstruction. The course will also present relevant issues in conservation, biodiversity cataloguing, museum and collection management, and identification methods / dichotomous keys.

Grading Policy

The course will be evaluated by two lecture examinations and a final examination. Each lecture exam is 20% and your final examination is 30% of your final grade. You will be responsible for a written research report of a relevant topic to this course. The report will count 20% of your final grade. The course will also incorporate scientific papers and reading materials which you will be held responsible for having prepared prior to lecture throughout the semester. Your preparation will be evaluated by participation in class discussions, questions, and, in rare cases, unscheduled quizzes totaling 10% of your grade.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory, however, I do not deduct from your grade based on absences.

Research Report

The research paper is an original work by you for this course. You will be required to determine an acceptable topic for your paper or one will be assigned for you by me. The paper must be delivered to me on time and in both typed and digital format to be accepted. Any departure from the due date or from the required format will result in letter grade deductions up to and including a grade of zero for the paper.

Reading Assignments

Additional materials for the course will routinely be assigned and made available outside my office for you to copy. You are expected to have read and prepared for discussions of those materials as they become due. These are expected to enhance the scope of the course and to supplement the course text.

*Anyone requiring special assistance with disabilities, religious holidays, or university approved events please contact me immediately in order that any necessary accommodations may be made.

Please note that academic dishonesty is a serious offense and harsh penalties results. Please review the Academic Honesty policy which applies to all Texas State University students.

Class Syllabus

Class

 1

Introduction to Folk taxonomies and the development of systematics

 2

Historical development of systematics continues to the Evolutionary synthesis

 3

The population - structure and variation

 4

Genetic variation in populations

Examination 2

FINAL EXAM (comprehensive)

Research Paper Guide        Sample Review and Exam for Test 1