Course Syllabus
Printable syllabus (DOCX or PDF) and Schedule
Course Description
This course explores human and nonhuman primate musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on functional adaptations. We consider the human body in the context of our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates, in order to understand how and why our bodies work the way they do. Using an evolutionary framework, we will explore the primate body considering its phylogenetic constraints and its different functional requirements: locomotion, feeding activities, digestion, thermoregulation, dexterity, communication, among others.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should
- be able to recognize and identify major systems and their function in the primate body
- be fluent in the use of anatomic terminology commonly used to describe primate functional adaptations
- be able to distinguish processes of evolutionary adaptation from those of development
- be able to identify and describe behaviors often inferred from morphology
- understand the shared evolutionary history and connections among primate anatomies
Requirements
Attendance and participation in lecture is expected. Our classroom is not equipped with video or streaming technology; lectures will not be streamed or recorded. Slides, when available, will post on Canvas within 24hrs of lecture. (I do not provide slides in advance.)
There is no required textbook. Readings will be posted on Canvas.
We will rely on some online visualization apps and resources - some of these require purchase. We will discuss these more in class and I will post information on specific sites and apps and where to get them.
This is a learning lab-based course with limited “lectures” – most visuals will be image-based. You will want to take comprehensive, detailed written/typed notes and use handouts and drawings. You will find it helpful to have a study group/partner for note comparisons and study sessions. Handouts, diagrams, figures, and other pertinent documents will be posted on Canvas and you may find it helpful to print these and bring them with you to class (or use digital annotations) so that you may make notations directly on them.
All materials provided in this class (handouts, exams, videos, slides, etc.) are protected materials, which are provided solely for your personal academic use. It is illegal to share, upload, copy or otherwise distribute any of these materials without the university’s and/or my consent. This includes sharing on sites like Chegg or Coursehero AND in use with online social media such as Facebook/discord/slack study groups. I highly encourage group study, just please respect that the materials involved are proprietary.
Assessments and Weights:
- 25% Weekly Quizzes: Each Friday we will have an in-class anatomy quiz based on the week’s topics. You may drop the two lowest grades – this includes missed quizzes due to absences.
- 20% Online Assignments: About every other week you will have an online activity or analysis to complete as homework - for practice identifying structures or discussing the relationships between them.
Exams: There will be three exams during the quarter. The two midterms will be non-cumulative (addressing the material covered up to the exam (and after the previous exam). The final exam will be cumulative and cover all the material in the quarter. These exams will be in a multiple choice, short answer format.
- 15% Midterm 1
- 15% Midterm 2
- 25% Final
Any portion of these plans may be subject to change should we need to make adjustments during the quarter. In the event that we need to do so, a new and updated version of the syllabus will be provided.
Late Work and Make-up Policies
Late assignments will be accepted for up to 24hrs after their due date for 50% of earned points. Anything submitted after this 24hr late period will not be accepted. This policy does NOT apply to in-class quizzes; these cannot be submitted late nor made-up. You are allowed to drop the two lowest grades among these instead.
- On a 10pt assignment, you have earned 8/10 correct answers. If you turn it on time, you receive 8/10 pts. If you miss the deadline but can turn it in within the 24hr late window, you will receive 4/10 pts – 50% of your earned points. After 24hrs, the score is zero.
Make-up work in extenuating circumstances: If you know in advance that you will need to reschedule an assignment due to athletic, military, or other legitimate obligations, please contact me as soon as possible to make those arrangements ahead of deadlines. Personal travel for vacations or other holidays are not considered excused absences and not eligible for make-up consideration.
In the case of unforeseen extenuating circumstances (medical situations or other significant absences), please contact me ASAP (within 24hrs). We can discuss missed assignments on a case-by-case basis. Once a week has passed without contact, unless there are truly extreme extenuating circumstances, then it is too late to address missed work.
Open Student Hours, Communication & Extra Help
Weekly Open Student Hours will be held in person or by request on Zoom. Times and contact information are posted on Canvas under “Support & Student Hours.” You may always make an appointment if those times do not work for you.
It is my general policy not to respond to email between the hours of 6:00pm and 7:00am on weekdays, and very limited access on weekends. If, however, you have an emergency arise during these times, please note “Urgent” in the subject line of your message and I will try to address it as soon as possible, even during “off hours”.
It is part of my commitment to you that I am available for weekly open student hours, appointments, and email. I encourage you to meet with me to discuss course materials or just to say hi. If you are having concerns with the material or your grade and want to review/discuss it, please contact me – we will try to find ways to approach the material that work for you If you are experiencing personal or home-related issues that are impacting your work and performance in this class, please make me aware of your situation (with as little or as much information as you are comfortable sharing) as early as possible. I will work with you to help in any reasonable ways I can. We have much better options when addressing these things promptly; the closer to the end of the quarter we get, the narrower those options become.
Our return to campus and in-person instruction during this pandemic may be subject to unpredictability for all of us. We may all be affected by personal and health related issues for ourselves and our family and friends. In this environment, communication is crucial. Please, if you find yourself needing help – reach out.
Student Conduct
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an environment where the free exchange of ideas is an integral part of the academic learning environment. University policy states that students must treat one another and the instructor in a respectful and considerate manner. By accepting admission to the University of Washington, each student also makes a commitment to understand, support and abide by its code of conduct regarding academic and personal integrity (http://www.washington.edu/cssc/student-conduct-overview/student-code-of-conduct/). Violations of expected conduct, including suspected plagiarism, cheating or other unacceptable behaviors will be reported to the office of Community Standards & Student Conduct (CSSC).
Access & Accommodation
This class and the University of Washington are committed to providing inclusive and accessible learning environments, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for all individuals. To request accommodations for this class please contact Disability Resources for Students (DRS) at: (206) 543-8924 (voice & relay) or e-mail at: uwdrs@uw.edu, Office 011 Mary Gates. If you have already established accommodations through DRS, please communicate with me and your TA at your earliest convenience so that you may discuss your needs in this course.
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy. Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form.
Course Summary:
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