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Syllabus Biology 495 Spring 06
1. SYLLABUS
BIOLOGY 495 (SECTION 1)
AQUATIC ENTOMOLOGY AND WATER POLLUTION
LECTURE AND LABORATORY (4 CREDITS)
SPRING 2006
Lecture: Tuesday and Thursday 8:00-9:20AM; HMB N304
Laboratory: Tuesday 6:00-9:00PM HMB N311
Instructor: Dr. Jorge A. Santiago-Blay
Office: HMB E-300E Hall
Office Hours: Monday 6-7PM, Tuesday 5-6PM, Wednesday 1-3 and 6-7PM. If you
cannot get a hold of me, please feel free to send me an email or leave a written
message in my mailbox or with Ms. Simone Osborne (Administrative Secretary,
Biology Department). Typically, Ms. Osborne can be reached from 8:00AM-4:30PM;
her phone number is (202)651-5385 (V/TDD).
E-mail: jorge.santiago-blay@gallaudet.edu
Phone: (202)651-5483 (voice)
Webpage: www.geocities.com/santiagoblay
You should make it a habit to use your Gallaudet University email and Blackboard to
communicate with me, particularly if you cannot be at Gallaudet University during my
office hours. If you experience difficulties with this course, it is your responsibility to
contact me (e.g. email, call, and/or visit me during office hours) for assistance. Students
are responsible for using Blackboard as a resource for learning.
Course Description
This is an in-depth consideration of aquatic insects and their use as biological
indicators of water pollution. This lecture portion of this course, which will involve
extensive readings, will include topics such as: arthropods, hexapodans, morphology,
respiration, habitat, life history and behavioral adaptations to aquatic life, ecology,
phylogeny, among others. The lecture portion of this course will include collecting and
analysis techniques and the recognition of aquatic insects and their morphology.
2. 2
Exit outcomes for this course (including the laboratory)
1. Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology, such as:
a. compare and contrast
b. understand how structure determines functions
c. integrate concepts (e.g. prepare concept maps)
2. Problem solving and critical thinking skills, such as:
a. information mining techniques (e.g literature searches)
b. ability to read and evaluate information. Some examples follow:
1. identify key concepts in a body of information
2. compare and contrast competing scientific ideas
3. compare and contrast scientific and non-scientific information
4. develop testable hypotheses
c. design and critique experiments following the scientific method
1. identify components of an experiment
d. observational and technical (field, laboratory, etc.) skills
1. identify labware by name
2. know lab safety features and comply with lab safety rules, including the use of
aseptic techniques
3. use dissection equipment, microscopes, pH meters, pipettes, balances,
spectrophotometer, gel electrophoresis, data collecting in the field, culture and
plating, PCR, etc.
4. use SI units and calculate measurements in metric
5. calculate and perform dilutions
e. analytical and quantitative skills
1. observe and collect data
2. develop graphs
3. analyze data qualitatively and quantitatively
4. interpret data and its analyses
5. modeling
6. see the big picture
f. written and oral communication skills
1. use word processing, spreadsheet (Excel), and presentations/posters (Power
Point) software
2. use scientific nomenclature, including prefixes, suffixes, and roots
3. write papers in different formats
4. cite references appropriately
3. To be aware of the interactions of biology, such as:
a. with other areas of knowledge (biological and non-biological)
b. through geography (space) and time
c. in the job market
d. with people (ethics)
3. 3
Requirements
1. Textbooks
Merritt, R. W. and K. W. Cummins. 1996. An introduction to the aquatic insects of
North America. Third Edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. Dubuque, Iowa,
U.S.A. 862 pp. ISBN: 0-7872-3241-6 (spiral bound). Available at the bookstore or
you may order online from many bookstores. A list of online bookstores (not
comprehensive) is included.
Mason, C. 2002. Biology of freshwater pollution. Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall. Essex,
England, United Kingdom. 387 pp. ISBN 0-13-090639-5 (hardcover)
2. Supplies: Students must bring a calculator, pens/pencils, the textbook, and notebook to
all lecture sessions.
3. Computer: Using the Blackboard via http://my.gallaudet.edu is required. Therefore, an
access to computer is mandatory for every student. Computers are available for
registered students on campus.
The course requires students to be prepared, which means reading and understanding
the assigned readings from the textbook and other assigned readings before coming to
lecture sessions. Students will be constantly encouraged and expected to use their critical
thinking skills when discussing topics.
Resources Provided by the Instructor and by the University
Handouts: Syllabus and Departmental Policies (during the first class session only).
Online Materials: PowerPoint notes, online activities, online grade book, and other
resourceful files located at http://my.gallaudet.edu.
Support Services:
1. Office for Students with Disabilities (SAC 1022) provides comprehensive support
services for students with disabilities. If you need support, go to OSWD as soon as
possible to discuss your needs. Do not wait until mid-semester as it may be too late
to get caught up course!
2. Tutorial and Instructional Programs (SAC 1221) provides free tutoring and
instructional support.
3. English Works! (SAC 1221) provides free tutorial assistance in writing projects. If
you need support, go to SAC 1221 as soon as possible. Do not wait until
midsemester – it may be too late to catch up! Walk-in hours for both TIP and English
Works! are Monday through Thursday 9AM to 9PM, and Friday 9AM to 4PM.
4. 4
Policies
1. Gallaudet University Academic Honesty Policy
Gallaudet University students are expected to represent themselves honestly at all
times and in all contact with University faculty, administrative, and staff personnel.
Misrepresentation on University documents, course assignments, or examinations is in
conflict with the spirit and teachings of a university. Thus, all students are expected to
learn and abide by the rules and regulations of Gallaudet University, to provide full and
accurate information on University documents, and to fully acquaint themselves with
proper procedures for doing research, writing papers, and taking examinations.
Standards of academic conduct are set forth in a document entitled University's
Academic Information 2005-2006 (see http://admissions.gallaudet.edu/catalog/05-06/05-
06_academic_information.pdf). Please, note that suspicion or actual violations will not
be treated lightly and disciplinary actions will be taken should such violations be proven
to occur.
If a student knowingly provides false information, forges, or conceals relevant
information on admissions, registration, or any other University documents, the student's
registration may be canceled. If such a discovery is made after a student is enrolled in the
University, that student may be dismissed from the University. A faculty member who
discovers that a student is involved in unethical practices in connection with required
coursework or examinations has full discretion to give a failing grade for the particular
assignment, a failing grade for the course, and/or to recommend dismissal.
2. On-Time attendance, active participation, and turning in homework on-time are
essential
Students are expected to attend all lecture sessions and arrive timely. Missing classes
will affect students’ participation grade (see “Grading”, page 6). Attendance is essential
to understand the material in this class. Please, do not expect me to bring (or email) you
handouts from previous class meetings if you are absent.
Active participation, an essential part of the learning experience, means paying
attention to and actively engaging in thinking about what is being said in class. I welcome
your comments and questions. Make sure to understand the material in class as this will
facilitate your ability to recall the material later. Exam questions are designed to test your
understanding of the concepts and depth of knowledge.
Homework must be submitted to the instructor in hard copy on the due date at the
beginning of class. Papers must not be placed in the instructor mailboxes. Late papers
will either be penalized or not be accepted (and receive a zero), in accordance with
the syllabus, and the discretion of the instructor.
5. 5
Assessments
1. Exams: There are two exams in this course, given during class periods. The midterm
will include materials discussed up to approximately the mid portion of this course and
the final will emphasize the second half of the semester but questions from the first part
are possible. Each exam is worth 25%.
2. Quizzes and/or Homework: There will be weekly quizzes and/or homework. The
quizzes will be given at the beginning of a lecture period and should typically not exceed
10 minutes. If you cannot arrive on time, you will miss the quiz. Homework must be
turned in at the beginning of the due class period. There is no makeup for
quizzes/homework. Each quiz/homework is worth 4%.
Material for all the exams and quizzes will be derived from lecture material as well as
assigned readings, handouts, and the laboratory.
Exams and quizzes cannot be rescheduled, or made up, except for extreme
circumstances such as university closing due to bad weather, hospitalization, a death in
the immediate family (e.g. mother, father, siblings), or a court order. If you are seriously
ill (e.g. hospitalized) on exam day, you must contact your instructor via phone or e-mail
before the exam. You are allowed to reschedule one exam because of a documented
(written letter on official letterhead from a doctor, including a phone number) illness. The
makeup exam will have to be taken within one week of the exam date. If you do not
contact your instructor before the exam is given, you will receive a grade of zero on that
exam.
Because you are given a syllabus at the beginning of each class, you must be
familiarized with the exam and quiz schedules. You are expected to show up on time,
ready to take quizzes and exams. Please look over the schedule carefully. Exam and quiz
dates will change only if the University is closed (e.g. snow emergency). If you see any
potential conflicts, please let me know immediately. Readings indicate chapters in the
required textbook or handouts.
Disruptive Behavior
As their sounds/vibrations may be disruptive to classmates, pagers, cell phones, and
other electronic devices must be turned off while you are in class. If you persist in
disruptive behavior, I will ask you to leave the room and return when you have finished
your business.
Grading
Two (2) Exams 50%
Participation: Weekly Quizzes (10 quizzes, 4% each) 40%
Presentation (during the last laboratory period) 10%
Total 100%
6. 6
Week 1
Lecture and Laboratory: Introduction to insects and to aquatic insects
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills (use of microscopes)
1. To distinguish insects and other arthropods from other animal phyla using
microscopes
2. To distinguish insects and other arthropods from each other using microscopes
3. To recognize the immature and adults of the major insect orders containing
aquatic insects (Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Plecoptera, Megaloptera,
Coleoptera, Diptera, and Trichoptera) using microscopes
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. We will study captioned videos on insects.
2. Study representative specimens of all animals phyla (preserved in liquids, pinned,
and on slides) - to kinesthetically and visually reinforce learning objectives.
3. Study representative specimens of all the major insect orders containing aquatic
insects (Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Plecoptera, Megaloptera,
Coleoptera, Diptera, and Trichoptera).
Assessments: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of previous
week(s) materials.
Weeks 2 and 3
Lecture and Laboratory: Principles of insect morphology
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills (use of microscopes)
1. To distinguish insects and other arthropods from each other by naming and
understanding the functional significance of their major body parts
2. To recognize the major orders of aquatic insects by naming and understanding the
functional significance of their major body parts and diagnostic structures
3. To master the use of the dissecting and compound microscopes
4. To become familiarized with the scanning electron microscope.
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Examine representative specimens of all major animal phyla that live in water
(preserved in liquids, pinned, and on slides).
2. Examine representative specimens of all the major orders of aquatic insects.
3. Competently use dissecting and compound microscopes
4. Field Trip - Week # 3 – Visit the National Museum of Natural History
7. 7
Assessment: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of previous
week(s) materials.
Weeks 4 and 5
Lecture and Laboratory: Insect Phylogeny with emphasis in the aquatic orders
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills (use of phylogenetic analysis packages)
1. To compare the three schools of classification (cladistics, phenetics, and
evolutionary)
2. To place insects and other arthropods in a generally accepted phylogenetic tree
3. To support each of the braches of the phylogenetic tree with, at least, one
characteristic or synapomorphy.
4. To generate computer generated phylogenies given a data set.
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Exercises on classification that can be done manually
2. Computer equipped with MacClade or PAUP*
Assessment: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of
previous week(s) materials.
Week 6
Lecture and Laboratory: Sampling aquatic insects
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills [observational and technical (field, laboratory, etc.), data
entry]
1. To recognize major sampling tools in aquatic entomology and their appropriate
uses
2. To sample aquatic insects in different environments with the appropriate tools
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Surber sampler, Malaisse trap, water sampler, nets, vials, alcohol, labels, etc.
2. Field Trip - Week # 6 (Thursday) - National Arboretum
Assessment: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of
previous week(s) materials.
8. 8
Week 7
Lecture and Laboratory: Adaptations for aquatic life I: Gas exchange
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills [preparation of specimens for scientific study].
1. To recognize common families of aquatic insects by naming and understanding the
functional significance of their major body parts, some of which are adaptations
to gas exchange
2. To prepare specimens of aquatic insects for scientific study (preserved in alcohol
or mounted on slides)
3. To master the use of the dissecting and compound microscopes
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Identify representative specimens of common families of aquatic insects.
2. Prepare specimens (pinned, on slides, in liquids) using standard entomological
equipment, such as slide warmers, mounting media (e.g. Euparal), etc.
Assessments: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of
previous week(s) materials. On the Thursday of week # 6 or 7, midterm.
Weeks 8 and 9
Lecture and Laboratory: Adaptations for aquatic life II: Life histories of aquatic insects
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills [observational and technical (field, laboratory, etc.) skills]
1. To recognize major families of aquatic insects by naming and understanding the
functional significance of their major body parts, some of which are adaptations
to gas exchange and their life histories
2. To prepare specimens of aquatic insects for scientific study (preserved in alcohol
or mounted on slides)
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Identify representative specimens of common families of aquatic insects.
2. Prepare specimens (pinned, on slides, in liquids) using standard entomological
equipment, such as slide warmers, mounting media (e.g. Euparal), etc.
Assessments: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of previous
week(s) materials.
9. 9
Weeks 10 and 11
Lecture and Laboratory: Ecological Principles and Ecology of Aquatic Insects
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills [observational and technical (field, laboratory, etc.), data
entry].
1. To qualitatively and quantitatively sample aquatic insects in different environments
with the appropriate sampling tools
2. To continue data gathering and begin data analysis of organisms collected
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Surber sampler, Malaisse trap, water sampler, nets, vials, alcohol, labels, etc.
2. Field Trip - Week # 10-11 (Thursday) - National Arboretum
3. To begin entering data on insects collected using Excel
Assessment: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of
previous week(s) materials.
Weeks 12-15
Lecture and Laboratory: Aquatic entomology and water pollution
Objectives: Subject matter knowledge of the core curriculum in biology. Problem solving
and critical thinking skills [observational and technical (field, laboratory, etc.), data
entry]. To be aware of the interactions of biology with other areas of knowledge
(biological and non-biological).
1. To compare the signature of different types of water pollution in aquatic insect
communities
2. To qualitatively and quantitatively sample aquatic insects in different
environments with the appropriate tools
3. To complete data analysis of organisms collected
To accomplish those objectives we will do the following activities
1. Surber sampler, Malaisse trap, water sampler, nets, vials, alcohol, labels, etc.
2. Field Trip - Week # 12 (Thursday) - National Arboretum
Assessments: Once a week (ideally on the first class day of the following meeting, a
Tuesday), an objectives-based graded quiz based on lecture and laboratory of
previous week(s) materials. A report based on the data collected (15%)
Week 16 – Final Exam
