This syllabus has been modified from its original format

Diversity and Systematics of Organisms

EEOB 405.01 Autumn 2009

Objective: Survey of organismal diversity and the evolutionary relationships between and within major taxonomic groups.

Text: Animal Diversity, 5th Ed. (2009), Hickman, Roberts, Keen, Larson, and Eisenhour
Introductory Plant Biology, 11th Ed. (2006), Stern, Jansky, and Bidlack
Texts are on reserve at BPL Library.

Components

Grade:
Quizzes 175 pts
[8 Quizzes worth 25 pts each; drop lowest quiz grade]
Exams (midterm and final) 200 pts
Assignments 125 pts
Written Portfolio 50 pts
Total 550 pts

• Exam averages will be at least a 75%.
• Grading scale will be at least the OSU norm
• A (100-93) A- (90-92)
• B+ (87-89) B (83-86) B- (80-82)
• C+ (77-79) C (73-76) C- (70-72)
• D+ (67-69) D (60-66) E (≤ 59)

Lecture Schedule

This schedule is a guide; topics and dates may change as circumstances dictate.
“Heal” = Hickman et al.
“Haly” = Halanych 2004

* All exams and quizzes are comprehensive.

Lectures:
For JC: The lectures are to be considered as guides to the material in the textbook; one is not a substitute for the other. The lectures are necessarily less detailed than the textbook; understanding the material at the level of the lectures would allow you to pass the exam, while understanding the material at the level of the textbook would guarantee superior performance. You are responsible for taking notes during lecture, and sets of lecture notes will not be provided before or after lecture, since you already have the material in your textbook. In cases where lecture topics deviate substantially from the textbook, supplementary materials will be provided.
For CD: Lecture presentations for the class will be on the Carmen website prior to each class. You may print them ahead of time. The presentations are not inclusive and additional material will be given during lecture. The text is considered as supplementary material to the lecture. Use the text for clarification of material presented in class. Understanding the material in lectures will allow you to do well on the exams.

Majors that Require EEOB 405.01: EEOB 405.01 is a required core course in the Zoology major and minor, and an optional core course in the Biology major (old requirements) and the Evolutionary Studies interdisciplinary minor. It also can be counted as an elective in many other majors, such as Biology (newly revised requirements), and Evolution & Ecology.

Statement on Diversity: The instructors of this course are committed to promoting a welcoming climate for all students. For more information on diversity see the OSU website (http://www.osu.edu/diversity/). The instructors welcome suggestions, questions, and comments. Any exchange of ideas will be conducted with fairness, confidentiality, safety, and respect as guiding principles.

Disabilities Statement: In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disability Act, academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructors of the need for an accommodation during the first two weeks of class. It is imperative that the student take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructors’ attention, as the instructors are not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evaluations should contact the instructors as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such situations. Contact Disability Support Services at 292-1760 for additional services.

Academic Integrity (Academic Misconduct): Academic integrity is essential to maintaining an environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and other educational and scholarly activities. Thus, The Ohio State University and the Committee on Academic Misconduct (COAM) expect that all students have read and understand the University’s Code of Student Conduct, and that all students will complete all academic and scholarly assignments with fairness and honesty. Students must recognize that failure to follow the rules and guidelines established in the University’s Code of Student Conduct and this syllabus may constitute “Academic Misconduct.”
The Ohio State University’s Code of Student Conduct (Section 3335-23-04) defines academic misconduct as: “Any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the University, or subvert the educational process.” Examples of academic misconduct include (but are not limited to) plagiarism, collusion (unauthorized collaboration), copying the work of another student, and possession of unauthorized materials during an examination. Ignorance of the University’s Code of Student Conduct is never considered an “excuse” for academic misconduct, so we recommend that you review the Code of Student Conduct and, specifically, the sections dealing with academic misconduct.
If we suspect that a student has committed academic misconduct in this course, we are obligated by University Rules to report our suspicions to the Committee on Academic Misconduct. If COAM determines that a student has violated the University’s Code of Student Conduct (i.e., committed academic misconduct), the sanctions could include a failing grade in the course and suspension or dismissal from the University.
If you have any questions about the above policy or what constitutes academic misconduct in this course, please contact us.
Other sources of information on academic misconduct (integrity) to which you can refer include: The Committee on Academic Misconduct web pages (oaa.osu.edu/coam/home.html), Ten Suggestions for Preserving Academic Integrity (oaa.osu.edu/coam/ten-suggestions.html), and Eight Cardinal Rules of Academic Integrity (www.northwestern.edu/uacc/8cards.html).