Difference between revisions of "Field Herpetology"
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[http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/eebedia/index.php/Andrew_Frank Andrew Frank]''' <br/> | [http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/eebedia/index.php/Andrew_Frank Andrew Frank]''' <br/> | ||
− | + | Email: [mailto:andrew.frank@uconn.edu andrew.frank@uconn.edu] <br/> | |
Office: Biology/Pharmacy 322 <br/> | Office: Biology/Pharmacy 322 <br/> | ||
Phone: (845) 728-6551 <br/> | Phone: (845) 728-6551 <br/> |
Revision as of 18:47, 6 May 2015
EEB 3898 Special Topics: Field Herpetology
May Term, 2015
May 11th - May 29th, 2015
Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm in TLS 179
Depending on weather conditions some classes will be held at night 7-10 PM instead, allowing us to observe nocturnal amphibians
Contents
Instructor
Andrew Frank
Email: andrew.frank@uconn.edu
Office: Biology/Pharmacy 322
Phone: (845) 728-6551
Course Description and Objectives
Course Description
Herpetology is the scientific study of the amphibians and reptiles. In this course, we will examine the diversity of both groups, and learn about their basic biology. Students will learn about the diversity, ecology, physiology, behavior, adaptation and identification of the local herpetofauna through direct field experience. There will be various opportunities to observe these animals in the field during the day and at night, through which students will become familiar with standard methods for surveying for and handling these species. Students will apply this knowledge by developing and carrying out a short independent research project.
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to familiarize yourself with the local amphibians and reptiles of Connecticut, and the techniques that herpetologists use to capture and handle these animals. By the time the course is completed, you should be able to identify (by sight) any of the amphibians and reptiles native to Connecticut, including how to identify different species that closely resemble each other. You should also be able to perform any of the standard field techniques, and how to use them to your full advantage in a potential research study.
Course Procedures and Policies
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Grades:
Grades will be determined as follows:
- Midterm: 100 pts
- Final: 100 pts
- Field notebook entries: 75 pts
- Participation: 25 pts
- TOTAL: 300 pts
Attendance:
The Intensive Summer session I is only three weeks long. As a result, students are expected to be in attendance for every lecture and field trip, barring any illness or emergency situation. Missing one class during this session is equivalent to missing an entire week during the standard academic year.
Academic Integrity:
In accordance with the student conduct code, plagiarism and cheating may be punished by failure in the course or even dismissal from the University. Official University policy regarding Academic Integrity can be found in Appendix A of the Student Conduct Code.
Disabilities:
If you are requesting an accommodation for as a result of a disability, please contact the instructor and the Center for Students with Disabilities (Room 201 in the Wilbur Cross Building) during the first week of the session.
Course Materials
Required:
- Field Notebook – I would prefer if you use a composition book or the “Write in the rain” notebooks
- Textbook – A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America; Roger Conant and Joseph T Collins. Peterson Field Guides.
- Clothing you are willing to ruin.
Recommended:
- Boots
- Waders (Will be provided if you don't have any)
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
Schedule
Date | Lecture | Field Agenda* | Additional Materials |
---|---|---|---|
May 12 | Introduction, Class Objectives, Field Notebooks | Swan Lake, UConn Forest | Archived UC Berkeley Field Notebooks Notebook entry from Monday |
May 13 | Amphibians of Connecticut | Hillside Environmental Trail | |
May 14 | Reptiles of Connecticut | Fenton River/UConn Forest | |
May 15 | Environments and Field Techniques | Mansfield Hollow | |
May 16 | Amphibian Physiology | Rain...boooooooooo | |
May 19 | No lecture - Night Trip | Fenton River/UConn Forest* | |
May 20 | Physiology | Mansfield Hollow | |
May 21 | MIDTERM | TBD | |
May 22 | Conservation | Bone Mill Pond and Bicentennial Pond | |
May 23 | Collections/Locomotion | UConn Collections | |
May 27 | Feeding | Fenton River/UConn Forest | |
May 28 | Social Behavior | Mansfield Hollow | |
May 29 | Reproduction | TBD | |
May 30 | FINAL; Field Notebooks Due | UConn Dairy Bar? |
Pictures from Field Trips
Herps in the News
Additional Resources
Websites:
Local
Snakes of CT
Online Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of CT
Reptiles and Amphibians of CT
New England Herpetological Society
Amphibians
Video about Amphibian Extinction
Amphibiaweb
AMNH's Amphibian Species of the World
Amphibian Portal from USGS-NBII
General Herpetology
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
The Herpetologists' League
The Center for North American Herpetology
EMYSystem Online Turtle Resource
HerpNET
eNature Online Field Guides
Conservation
Turtle Conservation Project - New England
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
New England Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Turtle Conservation Fund
Amphibian Conservation Alliance
Most Threatened Turtles and Tortoises