Dissection Lab: Comparative Anatomy (Thur)
Description:
Students will investigate the comparative anatomy of a variety of organisms and organs through a semester-long dissection study. Students will complete dissections of organisms from a range of phyla, in order of increasing complexity of the organism. A preliminary list of dissections includes: a sponge, hydra, flatworms, clam, earth worm, starfish, grasshopper, crayfish, crab, squid, octopus, bony fish, and shark. Students will examine major systems in each such as digestion and respiration. Students will also investigate characteristics of major organ systems in higher order animals through the dissections of a heart, brain, kidney, eye, muscles/tendons, and intestines/stomach.
The class will cover lab safety, practice proper dissection techniques, and learn how to set up and maintain a lab journal with notes and drawings of cells, organs, and organisms. Students will also use microscopes to look at tissue samples throughout the semester. In order to accommodate student distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak, all small organism and organ dissections will be done individually, not with a class partner. Dissections of larger, more complex organisms (such as shark), will be performed as an instructor-led, in-class demonstration.
The final list of organs and organisms may vary depending on availability. This class will not include the dissection of amphibians, reptiles, or mammals due to cost, class duration, and ethical and safety concerns. The instructor will provide links to recommended, online virtual dissections of these additional phyla. Note: This class was last taught in two quarters in Fall 2019, and much content will be repeated.
Prerequisites: Students must be able to read at grade level and have age/grade-level dexterity and fine motor skills for the detailed instrument work in this class.
Topics in this Series: Comparative Anatomy Dissection Lab (Semester 1) and CSI Forensic Science Lab (Semester 2).
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0.5 -– 1.0 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Students will be given pre-lab work each week that must be completed before they will be allowed to begin the week's dissection.
Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $110 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
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