Course Description:

Ichthyology encompasses various aspects of the study of fishes, including anatomy, behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, physiology, taxonomy, and zoogeography.  More than 24,000 species of fishes have been described from every conceivable aquatic habitat, making it the largest group of vertebrates known.  To help organize the inherent complexity associated with the study of fishes, this course will consist of three major parts: (1) the anatomy and physiology of fishes, (2) the evolution, systematics, and zoogeography of fishes, and (3) the conservation and ecology of fishes.  The material will cover fishes from around the world, both marine and freshwater, but will emphasize the freshwater fishes of Texas.  The unparalleled diversity of fishes provides an excellent opportunity to effectively illustrate fundamental concepts of ecology and evolutionary biology.

 

Major Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to (1) differentiate the major families of fishes represented in North America, (2) describe the anatomy, physiology, and reproduction of bony and cartilaginous fishes, (3) create and use a dichotomous key for the purpose of morphological identification of an unknown fish species, (4) explain the role of evolution and biogeography in influencing the formation of major groups of fishes, and (5) depict the ecological interactions that occur between fishes and their aquatic environment.

 

Class Schedule:
Lecture            MWF: 10:00 – 10:50 in room 104 of the Science building

Lab                  R: 2:25 – 5:25 in room 404 of the Science building

Required Course Materials:

Thomas, C., T.H. Bonner, and B.G. Whiteside.  2007.  Freshwater Fishes of Texas.  Texas A&M University Press.  202 pps.

 

Recommended Course Materials:

Helfman, G.S., B.B. Collette, and D.E. Facey.  1997.  The Diversity of Fishes.  Blackwell Science, Inc.  528 pps.

 

Grade Determination:

The final course grade will be calculated on the basis of class participation (15%), lecture exams (60%), and laboratory (25%).  No grades will be dropped, and no curves will be given. Course grades will be assigned as follows: A = 90 – 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69; F = 0 – 59.

 

Class Participation:

Throughout the semester, we will incorporate readings from the primary literature to supplement lectures.  These articles can be downloaded from the course website.  Although we will discuss these articles in lecture, students will be required to read them before coming to class.  Students will be expected to carrying on intelligent conversations regarding the articles.  Grades will be assigned based on degree of participation and intellectual input.  

 

Exams:

There will be three examinations throughout the semester, the dates of which are given in the lecture schedule.  Each exam will consist of a variety of question formats, including multiple-choice, short answer, and essay.  Exams will include information presented in lecture and from the selected readings.  The final exam will not be cumulative; rather, it will only cover material presented after the second exam.  Students will be allowed to make-up an exam only in the event of a serious illness, legitimate emergency, death of immediate family members, or Tarleton State University sponsored activity; in each case, proper documentation must be provided.
 

Lab:

The grades for the laboratory portion of this course will involve two lab practicals (50%) and participation in at least two collecting trips (50%)

Academic Honesty:

Tarleton State University expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct.  Students guilty of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials.  The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty that occurs in his/her class.

Disability Services: 
Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Director of Disability Services in the Teaching and Learning Center at (254) 968-9480 early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made.  The policy of Tarleton State University is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal, state, and local laws.  The Office of Disability Services fully supports this policy.

Religious holidays: 
Students who expect to miss class and/or exams because of recognized religious holidays should notify the instructor as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.  Examinations or assignments scheduled for that day will be rescheduled within a reasonable time either before or following the absence.