Ichthyology
Biol 479/479L/579/579L
Fall Semester, 2001
Dr. Jack A. Seilheimer
University of Southern Colorado
Professor of Biology
Office
LS 212
Telephone: 549-2106
FAX: 549-2993

Home Address:

1948 West Galileo Dr.
Pueblo West, CO 81007
Telephone 647-0749

Email: jack.seilheimer@colostate-pueblo.edu

Required Textbooks:

Bond, C.D.. 1996. Biology of Fishes. Saunders Coll. Publ. Fort Worth, TX. 750 pp.
Chaisson, R.B. and W. J. Radke. 1991. Laboratory Anatomy of the Perch. Wm. C.
Brown. Dubuque, IA. 93 pp. (4th Edition)
Other required items: Dissecting Kit, Hip Boots or Chest Waders and Small Spiral-bound notebook for field notes.

Schedule of Lecture Sessions

 August28 Introductions, Overview, Expectations, Evaluation, Grading
Assignment: Prioritization of Topics
 August 30 Sharing Expectations and Prioritization of Topics
Assignment: Visit website www.wildlife.state.co.us/riverwatch/aquainfo
 September 4 Finalization of the Content and Requirements for the Course and Selection of Topics for Minilectures
 September 6 Origin and Evolution of Fishes - Presenter , Seilheimer
 September 11 Special Features of Fishes, Presenter
 September 13 Major Groups and Classification of Fishes ­ Presenter,
 September 18 External Morphology of Fishes ­ Presenter,
 September 20 Habitats of Fishes ­ Presenter,
 September 25 Distribution of Fishes ­ Presenter,
 September 27 Species Concept in Ichthyology ­ Presenter,
 October 2 Population Dynamics in Fishes ­ Presenter,
 October 4 Social Behavior in Fishes ­ Presenter,
 October 9 Examination # 1
 October 11 Annual Cycles and Reproduction in Fishes - Presenter
 October 16 Migrations and Navigation in Fishes - Presenter,
 October 18 Sensory Communication in fishes - Presenter
 October 23 Physiology in Fishes ­ Presenter,
 October 25 No Class Today: Work on Life History Reports
 October 30 Nutrition, Food and Feeding in Fishes ­ Presenter,
 November 1 Age and Growth Studies of Fishes ­ Presenter,
 November 6 Fish Diseases, parasites and predators - Presenter,
 November 8 Fish Toxicology (Water Pollution and Fishes) ­ Presenter, Dr. Del Nimmo
 November 13 Fisheries Management ­ Presenter,
 November 15 Aquaculture and Commercial Fisheries ­ Presenter,
 November 19 through 23 Thanksgiving Vacation
November 27 Conservation and Protection of Fishes ­ Presenter,
November 29 Fish Hobbies and Avocations ­ Presenter,
 December 4 Examination #2
 December 6 Wrap Up ­ All work for the semester is due today at class time.
 December 12 Final Examination Period ­ Attendance is Mandatory ­ 3:30 pm in LS 204 ­ All Work Turned in Will Be Handed Back to You Graded



Schedule of Laboratory and Field Sessions

 September 6  Begin Dissection of the Perch
 September 13   Independent/Group Study of Perch Dissection (optional)
 September 20   Dissection of the Perch
 September 27  Independent/Group Study of Perch Dissection (optional)
 October 4  Practicum on Perch Dissection
 October 11  Identification of Colorado Fishes
 October 18  Identification of Colorado Fishes
 October 25 Independent/Group Study of Colorado Fishes (optional)
 November 1 Identification of Colorado Fishes
 November 8  Independent/Group Study of Colorado Fishes (optional)
 November 15  Practicum on Identification of Colorado Fishes

The Laboratory Sessions will conclude on November 15 to accommodate the time spent on Field Sessions (Field Trips on Weekends)

Field Sessions: We will take one or more field trips on the following Sundays: October 14, 21 and 28 and November 4

Evaluation

2 Lecture Examinations ­ covers the material presented in Lecture Sessions (40 points)
link to sample test questions
1 Laboratory Practicum - covers the dissection of the Perch (10 points)
1 Laboratory Practicum ­ covers the identification of Colorado Fishes provided in
Laboratory Sessions or observed on Field Trips (10 points)
1 Skeleton Preparation or Alternative Project approved by me (10 points)

Construction of a dichotomous key to the Orders living fishes ­ this take-home activity replaces consideration of most of Chapters 4 through 16 in Lecture Sessions (5 points)

2 (undergraduates) or 3 (graduates) minilectures presented to the class on some of the topics chosen for the Lecture Sessions (15 points)
1 Life History Report on a native (to Colorado) non-game species if fish (5 points)

1 Field Journal ­ a record of all of our Field Work (5 points)

Grading System

Undergraduate Students: Of total points possible, 92 to100 points = A; 80 to 91 points = B; 68 to 79 points = C; 60 to 67 points = D; and less than 60 points = F.

Graduate Students: Of total points possible, 95 to 100 points = A; 85 to 94 points = B; 80 to 84 points = C; and less than 80 points = F.

Incomplete grades (IN) will be given only under extreme circumstances over which the student had no control and by prearrangement with me no later then December 6, 2001.

Examples of test questions link.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is required for both scheduled Lecture and Laboratory Sessions. There will be no makeup or retake of examinations or practicums. There is no way to make up Field Trips so don't miss any. There will be no unexcused absences accepted and three unexcused absences may lead to being involuntarily withdrawn from the Course by me. Excused absences will require written documentation that an absence was out of the control of the student. In my experience and belief, this seldom happens when people are accepting responsibility for themselves.

Assistance Outside of Class

I enjoy working with students on a personal level outside of class sessions. Please feel free to meet with me individually or together during my regular office hours. This semester they are: Mondays: 9:00 to 11:00am; Tuesdays: 10:00 to 11:00am; Wednesdays: 9:00 to 10:00am; and Thursdays: 10:00 to 11:00am. Other times can be arranged by appointment.

Disability Accommodation

Any student with a documented disability may be entitled to an accommodation for the disability as arranged by the Disabilities Services Office (Suite 232, Psychology Building). For an evaluation of your claim, call 549-2663 for an appointment. Discussions with personnel in that Office will be kept confidential. You must notify me by the end of the second week of classes if I have a role to play in an accommodation of a disability.