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Home , Herpetology

Dr. Robert A. Thomas, Loyola University New Orleans, 12-29-17

HERPETOLOGY BIOL A345 Sec 001 (lecture, MW 4:55-6:10pm, C/M 304) and BIOL A346 Sec 001 (lab, F 1:30-4:20pm, MO 558). Spring 2018

PROFESSOR: Dr. Robert A. Thomas C/M R332E Office: 504.865.2107 Home: 504.833.7727 Cell: 504.909.6568 e-mail: [email protected] Home page: http://www.loyno.edu/lucec Office Hours: TR 9:30 am - 10:30 am; MW 1:30 - 2:30 pm; other times by appointment.

Loyola University Mission Statement Loyola University New Orleans, a Jesuit and Catholic institution of higher education, welcomes students of diverse backgrounds and prepares them to lead meaningful lives with and for others; to pursue truth, wisdom, and virtue; and to work for a more just world. Inspired by Ignatius of Loyola’s vision of finding God in all things, the university is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, while also offering opportunities for professional studies in undergraduate and selected graduate programs. Through teaching, research, creative activities, and service, the faculty, in cooperation with the staff, strives to educate the whole student and to benefit the larger community. Approved by Loyola University New Orleans Board of Trustees - March 5, 2004

SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the study of morphology, adaptation, classification, distribution, and of and . Field work and identification of North American groups and field studies of local fauna. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory.

COURSE GOALS: See documents on Blackboard.

EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES • To share knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of ; • To be able to use the scientific literature; • To proficiently view and understand basic habitats and their relationships, and to use field observation techniques; • To logically apply techniques of scientific evaluation and the scientific method when addressing challenges associated with natural and human-caused environmental changes; • To be able to communicate science effectively in oral and written form; • To be an advocate for scientifically-based decisions in -related societal issues.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

• Thomas, Robert A. Current. Herpetology class notes. On Blackboard.

• Powell, Robert et al. 2012. A key to amphibians & reptiles of the continental United 1

Dr. Robert A. Thomas, Loyola University New Orleans, 12-29-17

States and Canada. 2nd edition. Univ. Kansas Press. ISBN 978-0-7006-1833-0. $20.

• Powell, Robert, Conant, Roger and Joseph T. Collins. 2016. Peterson field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern and central North America. Houghton-Miflin. ISBN 978-0-544-12997-9. $21.

RECOMMENDED TEXT (NOT REQUIRED):

• Pough, F. Harvey, R. M. Andrews, M. L. Crump, A. H. Savitzky, K. D. Wells, and M. C. Brandley. 2016. Herpetology. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates, Inc, Sunderland, MA. ISBN 978-1-60535-233-6. About $118. • Vitt, Lurie J. and Janalee P. Caldwell. 2014. Herpetology. An introductory biology of amphibians and reptiles. 4th edition. Academic Press, New York. ISBN 978-0-12- 386919-7. About $90.

Various additional readings may be made available on blackboard, reserve at the library, or in my office.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

• Seat belts and desk handles • Heavy duty mind-expanders • Critical thinking rally caps

CLASS COMMUNICATION (REQUIRED): It is your responsibility to keep abreast of communiqués issued during the semester regarding the class. Check often (daily) or you will definitely miss important information. Not getting the messages is not a valid excuse – you snooze, you lose. You should already be signed on the blackboard site (tell me this week if it does not appear when you open your blackboard).

• CLASS LISTSERV: You are required to subscribe to the class listserv. All announcements and changes as the course progresses may be shared via this listserv. To subscribe, simply send an email to [email protected]. In the body of the email, write subscribe herp, and follow with your email address you want to use. You should almost immediately receive an email telling you that you have been successfully subscribed. Note: You will receive emails from me on this list only at the address you subscribe from. You may subscribe from more than one email if you wish. Don’t risk losing points by failing to do this immediately. Signing up for the class listserv must be done by the end of the second week of classes, otherwise you are docked 10 points.

"I wish I had signed up as instructed. I missed so much and felt I was always playing 2

Dr. Robert A. Thomas, Loyola University New Orleans, 12-29-17

catch up. Now I get it. I see why it is required." Anonymous, Spring 2013

• BLACKBOARD: Many elements of this course will be available to you on the class Blackboard site (http://loyno.blackboard.com). You may find announcements, corrections/adjustments to the syllabus (including due dates), clarifications, references, etc. You are well advised to check it often – and always make note of announcements. Most of you have used Blackboard and you access it the same way as usual. If you have problems, go to the Monroe Library Reference Desk.

SUPPLIES: Supplies are minimal, but required. • Each student must have a tool for turning logs and materials for maintaining herps collected in the field (cloth bags, zip lock bags). • It is required that each student has either a current Louisiana basic fishing license (cost - $11 - freshwater only) or a "Wild Louisiana Stamp" (Code 73, cost - $5). These may be obtained at any sporting goods store (Puglia’s, 1925 Veterans Blvd., Metairie), Walmart, K Mart, etc. Get it immediately!

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

FINAL COURSE REFLECTION – 50 points – Due at Final, May 4th To be discussed in class. This must be taken seriously and thoroughly.

FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are required and a component of the course - 15 pts deducted for each missed - none excused. Additionally, part of the class participation 50 pts will apply to your enthusiasm during field trips.

• Night: one in either January or February (TBA; this trip is weather dependent and will last from lab time to mid-night or later) (winter ) April 25th (spring and summer frogs).

• Day: Jan 13 (7:00 am-11:30 am) - and misc herps - Norco Jan 28 (7:00 am-12:00 pm) – Marbled & more - Madisonville Mar 11 (7:00 am – 5:00 pm) - Washington & St. Tammany parishes Apr 14 (1:00 pm – 10:00 pm) – Stennis, Mississippi

FIELD NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL FIELD TRIPS: 100 points Class field trip journal sheets due the lab after the field trips (no exceptions); individual trip field notes due April 27th in lab. For each collecting stop on each field trip, you must fill out one of the Field Data Sheets provided (you may use your own field journal system, but during the course you are required to use the Field Data Sheets, too). All blanks must be filled with succinct data. Fill in the data at the time of each stop - don't rely on

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Dr. Robert A. Thomas, Loyola University New Orleans, 12-17-15 memory (which fades rapidly)! The Field Trips folder on blackboard has guidelines on journaling, how to take field notes, and examples of filled out data sheets. Be sure to read it before the first field trip. We will discuss options on the first field trip and/or in lab. Each student is required to go on four field trips without the professor, so field notes must be submitted covering all class field trips plus your four individual trips (these may be made with fellow classmates). Each individual trip must be to a new location and be for a minimum of 2 hours in duration. Field notes are extremely important in field biology; take them seriously, and with impeccable ethics.

PROJECT:

• ANOLE OBSERVATIONS - 25 points - due April 20th Write a detail description of the activities of an anole during a one hour observation time. Pick out an obviously territorial male. Note such things as confrontations, number of dewlap extensions, hiding behavior, etc. Do not watch a sleeping !

EXAMS & POINT DISTRIBUTIONS: The following exam schedule will be followed: LECTURE: Feb 21 100 pts (Exam I) Mar 21 100 pts (Exam II) May 4 100 pts (Exam III) 50 pts (Final course reflection)

LAB: Mar 2 100 pts (practical) April 20th 25 pts (anole observation) Apr 27 100 pts (practical) Apr 27 50 pts ( calls) Apr 27 100 pts (field notes) Apr 27 50 pts (participation)

POTENTIAL BONUS POINTS: There are provisions for bonus points for exceptional performance in the field (see Blackboard under Field Trips). These points are based on the performance of this class vs. former classes, subgroups within this class against one another, each of you against the professor, and finding listed on the extra point list. You can also get bonus points on the frog call test by knowing them very well.

You may choose to which course you want bonus points assigned. If you do not make a choice, they will all go toward BIOL A346. 4

Dr. Robert A. Thomas, Loyola University New Orleans, 12-17-15

FINAL GRADE: The final grade will be based on the following point distribution: A 92.6-100% A- 90-92.5% B+ 87.5-89.9% B 82.6-87.4% B- 80-82.5% C+ 77.5-79.9% C 72.6-77.4% C- 70-72.5% D+ 67.5-69.9% D 65-67.4% F Below 65%

HELP ALONG THE WAY: A student needing special accommodations should contact Richelle Voelker, Director of Disability Services at 865-2990 (Academic Resource Center, Room 112, Marquette Hall). A student wishing to receive test accommodations (e.g., extended test time, taking the test away from the normal class, etc.) should provide the professor with an official Accommodation Form from Disability Services in advance of the scheduled test date.

If you would like to speak with a personal counselor, contact Counseling & Career Services, DC 208, 504-865-3835.

The Academic and Career Excellence (ACE) Center, Room 101 Monroe Library, is an excellent resource. In effect, this is one stop shopping and one can work on projects there (using computers and other resources), and get instant advice from the following offices: Academic Enrichment, Counseling and Career Services, Disability Services, English Writing Lab, Mathematics Center, Monroe Library, Ross Foreign Language Center, and Writing Across the Curriculum. The information number is 864-7141.

There will be no class accommodations without certification from one of the above sources.

INTERRUPTION OF THE SEMESTER:

At times, ordinary university operations are interrupted as a result of tropical storms, hurricanes, or other emergencies that require evacuation or suspension of on-campus activities. To prepare for such emergencies, all students will do the following during the first week of classes: 1. Practice signing on for each course through Blackboard. 2. Provide regular and alternative e-mail address and phone contact information to each instructor.

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In the event of an interruption to our course due to the result of an emergency requiring an evacuation or suspension of campus activities, students will: 3. Pack textbooks, assignments, syllabi and any other needed materials for each course ad bring during an evacuation/suspension 4. Keep up with course work during the evacuation/suspension as specified on course syllabi and on-line Blackboard courses. 5. Complete any reading and/or writing assignments given by professors before emergency began.

Assuming a power source is available: 6. Log on to university Web site within 48 hours of an evacuation/suspension. 7. Monitor the main university site (www.loyno.edu) for general information. 8. Log on to each course through Blackboard or e-mail within 48 hours of an evacuation/suspension to receive further information regarding contacting course instructors for assignments, etc. 9. Complete Blackboard and/or other online assignments posted by professors (students are required to turn in assignments on time during the evacuation/suspension period and once the university campus has reopened.) 10. Contact professors during an evacuation/suspension (or as soon as classes resume on campus) to explain any emergency circumstances that may have prevented them from completing expected work.

Further information about student responsibilities in emergencies, including pre- evacuation and post-evacuation for hurricanes, is available on the Academic Affairs web site: http://academicaffairs.loyno.edu/students-emergency-responsibilities

Additional emergency-planning information is also available: http://academicaffairs.loyno.edu/emergency-planning

RULES & REGULATIONS: The following will be strictly enforced.

ATTENDANCE: This is not a correspondence course, and students should realize there is a high correlation between attendance and grades. Regular class attendance is expected. Each class absence over four will drop your class average by one letter grade. Three lates count as one absence. Arriving 15 minutes late to class counts as an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to see the professor after class to have an absence changed to a late. There is no need to contact the professor if you’ll be late or absent; the four cuts are allowed for personal reasons. On the other hand, if you use your four cuts frivolously and then get sick or you or your friends/family have a personal problem, you will suffer the consequences. If you miss the beginning classes, each counts as an absence.

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EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY. Arrangements must be made prior to the original exam date. If arrangements are not made before the original exam date, or the make-up is missed, the grade will be "0."

KEEPING EXAMS: You may NEVER take your exam out of the classroom, nor make a copy. If you do, you receive a zero (0) on the exam and/or an F in the course.

DEADLINES: Late policy. You must meet the deadlines for assignments. You will be docked 2% for each day past the deadline (the first day begins immediately after the class in which the assignment was due). After 5 days, you will be assigned the zero (0) that you earned by not being timely with your assignment.

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PROPER GRAMMAR IS EXPECTED. ALL misspelled words are 2 point off each (unless the word is misspelled in such a fashion that it changes its meaning or it is a scientific name, in which case the point loss may be more drastic!).

FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS: It is important that you follow all directions for assignments and exams. If you do, assignments and exams will be graded; if not, they will be returned and considered not submitted.

LOYOLA ACADEMIC HONOR PLEDGE: In accordance with the Academic Honor Code of Loyola University New Orleans, I pledge I will not cheat, lie, falsify, plagiarize, or participate in any form of unauthorized collaboration, misuse or misrepresentation of my academic work or the academic work of others in any manner. I will be honest in all academic endeavors and conduct myself in a manner that protects and promotes the intellectual and ethical integrity of the University. 8

PLAGIARISM1: You are being educated to be a credible . If you plagiarize others, you lose the credibility that is so precious to your field. You are also guaranteed an F in this course, and possible expulsion from the university (see student handbook regarding plagiarism). And yes, the professor does submit papers to an internet plagiarism site (turnitin.com) for evaluation.

Information/data/quotation/opinion/statement of fact taken from any other source must be attributed. You may paraphrase statements of others, but must cite the source. If the material is taken directly from another source, it must be placed in quotes and reproduced with complete accuracy. Failure to do so is plagiarism and will be treated accordingly.

EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY: Arrangements must be made prior to the original exam date. If arrangements are not made before the original exam date, or the make-up is missed, the grade will be a zero (0).

LEAVING THE CLASS DURING AN EXAM: You may not leave the room during an exam - ever. If you are ill, make arrangements with the professor.

KEEPING/COPYING EXAMS: You may NEVER take your exam out of the classroom, nor make a copy. If you do, you receive a zero (0) on the exam and/or an F in the course.

CLASSROOM DECORUM: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately in class. It is against accepted classroom etiquette to indulge in such activities as private conversations (either verbal or non-verbal), cell phone interruptions and/or use, gum chewing, etc. Multiple offenses will result in ejection from class. Students are reminded that when the professor begins roll-call, all conversation is to cease immediately.

TECHNICAL DEVICES: You are welcome to use your laptop to take notes and/or view documents we are discussing. DO NOT READ YOUR EMAIL OR DRIFT OFF TOPIC.

1 The second paragraph of this section is taken from Dr. Cathy Rogers. 9

Turn cell phones off, and NEVER check them or use text messaging, twitter, or other social networks in class. I WILL MAKE EMBARRASSING COMMENTS IN CLASS IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THESE RULES!

FACILITIES: Please use the facilities before coming to class. It is rude to get up and leave in the middle of lecture. That understood, I don’t want you to have an accident in class!

OBEY THE SYLLABUS: And immediately point out discrepancies to the professor.

CLASS LECTURE SCHEDULE: note field trips

Jan 8-10 Introduction, objectives, history and people of herpetology, slides of venomous snakes & policy for handling Jan 13 Field Trip: Norco (7:00 am-12:00 pm) Jan 15 No Class – Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan 17 Classification and , current state of herp classification and how we will frame it Jan 19 - LAST DAY TO DROP COURSES- MIDNIGHT Jan 22-24 of Reptilia, , Meantes Jan 27 Field Trip: Madisonville for salamanders (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm) Jan 29-31 Continuation of last lecture; Caudata (part) Feb 5-7 Caudata (part, end Exam I material); Anura (part) Feb 12-14 No Class – Mardi Gras Feb 19-21 Anura (part, Feb 19) & Exam I (Feb 21) Feb 26-28 Anura (part) Mar 5-7 Reptilia; Serpentes (part) Mar 11 Washington Parish/Talisheek Field trip, 7am-6pm; we will stop at Zestos in Bogalousa for walnut malts Mar 12-14 Serpentes (part) Mar 19-21 Serpentes (part, Mar 19) & Exam II (Mar 21) Mar 26-Apr 2 No Class – Spring break 10

Apr 3 - Advising begins for Summer & Fall 2018 - SEE YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISER Apr 4 Sauria (part) Apr 9-11 Sauria (part); Apr 14 Stennis, Ms. Field Trip – 11am-10pm Apr 16-18 Chelonia; Registration for Summer & Fall 2018 begins - REGISTER AT YOUR EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY (April 16) Apr 23-25 , Sphenodontida Apr 25 Frog field trip to Jean Lafitte Coquille Trail, 7-11 pm. May 4 Exam III/Final Reflection 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

CLASS LAB SCHEDULE:

Jan 12 Introduction to lab, local venomous snakes, listen to and discuss frog calls Jan 19 , salamanders (part) Jan 26 Salamanders (part) Feb 2 Frogs (part) Feb 9 Frogs (part), tadpoles and larvae Feb 16 No Class – Mardi Gras – look for herps under Mardi Gras trash Feb 23 Snakes (part) Mar 2 Exam I Mar 9 Snakes (part) Mar 16 Snakes (part) Mar 23 Amphisbaenids, (part) (Dr. Bob in herpless place) Mar 30 No class – Spring Break – look for herps on beach Apr 6 Lizards (part) Apr 13 (part) Apr 20 Turtles (part), Crocodilians April 27 Frog call test; Exam II, Lab clean up, Field Notes due in lab.

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