The University of Findlay
Summer 2021
The mission of The University of Findlay is to equip our students for meaningful lives and productive careers.
Course Number: ANSC 443: Marine Animal Anatomy, Biology, and Conservation (Online) Credit Hours: 3
Class Time/Place: Loop Abroad Online; May 31- July 30, 2021; Live or Forum Based Discussions Wednesdays 7pm-8pm EST
Prerequisites, Co-requisites and Course Description: Did you know that approximately 30% of living vertebrate species are marine-associated? This course is about all marine life: corals, invertebrates, bony fishes, sharks and rays, sea turtles, marine birds, and marine mammals. Learn about the role of each of these species in the ocean ecosystem and the critical issues of marine conservation. Finally, discuss the common diseases and unique challenges of marine veterinary work as it is practiced in sea turtle and marine mammal rescues as well as aquariums around the world. This course will help you gain an understanding of marine and reinforce your understanding of non-marine vertebrate behavior and anatomy by comparison and contrast.
Instructor: Max Polyak, DVM, MPhil
Instructor Contact Information: [email protected]
Course Objectives: The following Learning Objectives will be addressed or assessed as part of the course: ● Understand the role of water quality in the context of aquatic animal health in captive and wild environments ● Understand the anatomy, physiology and selected disease processes and treatments in the health of invertebrates, bony fish and elasmobranchs in captive management settings ● Understand the anatomy, physiology and selected disease processes and treatments in the health of marine birds, reptiles and mammals in captive management and wild settings ● Understand and identify all 7 sea turtle species, their ecosystem, life stages and biological behavior. ● Understand and Analyze common conditions encountered in sea turtle rehabilitation environments, including chronic debilitated syndrome, fibropapillomatosis, brevotoxicosis, buoyancy syndrome, vessel strikes and predation, and the treatments and prognosis for them. ● Evaluate the role of sea turtle rehabilitation in the greater ecological and political landscape of a One Ocean and One Health perspective. Required Textbooks and Other Materials: All required texts, research articles and information will be provided in online modules
Instructional Strategies: Case Analysis x Library and Internet Research x
Debate x Practice/drill x
Discovery/Independent Research x Problem-solving x
Discussion/Questioning/Interviewing x Reading assignments x
Experiential Learning Role-playing/simulation games
Field Experience Service Learning
Group Presentation Video/Audio Review and Critique
Laboratory Experiences Other
Lecture x
Methods of Assessment: Your course grade will be determined as follows: Abstracts Participation x
Attendance x Peer Evaluation
Capstone Project Portfolio
Case Study Portfolio Lab Performance
Exams Presentations
Group Projects Professional Evaluation
Homework Assignments x Quizzes x
Internet Research Research project
Journaling Other
Lab Performance Oral/written review of literature x
Grading: Your course grade will be determined as follows: Assignments and quizzes: 70% Participation: 30%
Grading Scale/Distribution: A-F grading Scale: Grade Points Grading Scale
A 4.00 93-100
A- 3.67 90-92
B+ 3.33 87-89
B 3.00 83-86
B- 2.67 80-82
C+ 2.33 77-79
C 2.00 73-76
C- 1.67 70-72
D+ 1.33 67-69
D 1.00 63-66
D- 0.67 62-60
F 0.00 below 60
U 0.00
Pass/Fail Grading Scale: 70-100% = Pass 69% and below = Fail
University Honor Code: Each and every student of the University will adhere to the following Honor Code:
“I will not knowingly engage in any dishonorable behavior, cheat, steal, lie, or commit any act of plagiarism during any academic work, course, or endeavor. If I observe an act which I believe violates the University’s Honor Code, I may, at my discretion, report it to the appropriate personnel.”
Student Acknowledgement of University Honor Code: “I acknowledge that I have fully complied or will comply with all aspects of the University’s Honor Code in submitting this work.”
Student Rights and Responsibilities Statement, Article VIII-Academic Integrity: http://catalog.findlay.edu/en/current/Undergraduate-Catalog/Student-Rights-and-Respons ibilities-Statement/VIII-Academic-Integrity
University Diversity Statement: As part of our commitment to achieve excellence, the University of Findlay values and actively promotes a welcoming and supportive environment that honors the many aspects of diversity. We aspire to foster acceptance of, respect for, and appreciation of all persons in our campus community. We celebrate our commonalities and unique differences, and we acknowledge that diversity broadens learning, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and prepares our students for meaningful lives and productive careers.
Course Policies and Practices: Attendance and Participation Policy
Students must attend and participate in the live and message board discussions to get full credit for participation and attendance. Students must communicate with instructors in advance of missing a live session to make up the participation points. Course assignments can include readings, research, exams, and writing assignments.
Time and Commitment This course is composed of 12 modules with 1-2 modules per week . Modules will have a combination of a pre-recorded online lecture for 1-2 hours (can be watched at any time), an assignment (1-2 hours of work that can be completed throughout the week it is assigned), and a live online meeting (at a set time) or discussion board activity for 1-2 hours.
Policy on Late Assignments Students are expected to complete and submit assignments on time. Please plan ahead and avoid waiting until the deadline to submit an assignment. Students are expected to contact their instructor ASAP if they are having technical issues submitting an assignment. Students will automatically receive a 20% score reduction for assignments turned in late. All assignments MUST be submitted by the last day of the course to receive credit for the assignment. Special Services: If you are a student with a disability, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor and register with the Office of Disability Services ([email protected]) at least one week prior to a needed service so reasonable accommodations can be made.
Course and Instructor Evaluation: Each student is expected to complete the course and instructor evaluation which is sent electronically to the student by the Office of the Registrar. The electronic notification comes in the form of an e-mail from the UF Registrar’s Office with the following subject line: Online survey for the designated course (e.g., BIOL 102).
Last Date of Attendance Policy: Instructors are required to indicate the last known date of attendance when a final grade of “F” or “U” is assigned to a student.
Course Modules Course Format: Each module is made up of a 1-2 hour lecture, a 1-2 hour guided discussion, and an assignment. Course assignments can include readings, research, exams, and writing assignments.
Modules (not necessarily in this order)
1. Basic Aquatic Animal Husbandry & Health 2. Invertebrate Anatomy and biology 3. Bony Fish Anatomy and Medicine 4. Elasmobranch Anatomy and Medicine 5. Marine Bird Anatomy, biology and medicine 6. Marine reptile anatomy, biology and medicine discussion 7. Marine mammal anatomy, biology and medicine 8. Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation- Biological behavior, Ecology and Conservation 9. Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation- Anatomy and Necropsy Technique 10. Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation- Sea Turtle Triage 11. Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation- Sea Turtle Physical Exam 12. Sea Turtle Medicine and Rehabilitation- Hatchling Management & Care