FIELD HERPETOLOGY
ZOO 4970/5970, Sec. 052, 3 credit hours
Syllabus - PDF
REQUIRED TEXT
Sievert, Gregory and Lynette Carlson Sievert. (2005). A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma City. ISBN: 0-9776637-0-1 $10.38 plus tax
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide an overview of methods, techniques and standards for the collection, management and analysis of herpetological field data for various applications. On local field trips we will collect amphibians and reptiles while covering the basic diagnostic (morphological, ecological, and behavioral) characteristics of observed species. Students will design and complete individual projects that utilize field sampling techniques that address current issues in herpetological conservation.
SCHEDULE
The course activities will be flexible and opportunistic. They will include various sampling techniques; field trips; application of current amphibian sampling methods for the prevention of chytridiomycosis (amphibian chytrid fungus disease), classroom/laboratory sessions and group discussions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS AND READING
A Field Guide to Oklahoma’s Amphibians and Reptiles, Greg Sievert and Lynette Sievert June 2006, Oklahoma Dept. Wildlife Conservation. Univeristy Oklahoma Press., ISBN: 0-9776637-0-1. $10.38 plus tax
Select research papers on herpetological field techniques will be distributed to class participants. Students will be required to read these materials which will be discussed in class.
Field clothing would be advisable, and be prepared to wade, get wet, bushwhack, etc., as we hope to spend most of our time outdoors.
Available at the Biological Station:
- Sunscreen: $3.77-$6.37 plus tax
- Insect repellant: $3.30-$4.46 plus tax
GRADING
Grades will be determined using a 10-point grading scale, and will be based upon performance in the following: Individual research projects; lab practical; field notebook; class project; literature discussion; class participation.
- Individual Research Project (35%)
- Lab Practical (30%)
- Field Notebook (15%)
- Class Project Participation (10%)
- Classroom participation (10%)
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course are requested to contact the professor, Geoff Carpenter, as well as Janat Issac, UOBS, (405)-325-7431, well in advance to the start of class. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course. The Disability Resource Center is located in Goddard Health Center, Suite 166, or by calling (405) 325-3852 or TDD only (405) 325-4173.
Geoffry C. Carpenter
The Museum of Southwestern Biology
E-mail:
Charles W. Painter
The Museum of Southwestern Biology
E-mail: 
Updated
28 May, 2008
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