Zoology Honors
This one-year course is designed for students desiring an in-depth study of zoology. This course is designated as honors level by the accelerated instructional pacing and depth of content. General areas of study include levels of organization, evolutionary theory, ecological adaptations, and the anatomical and physiological characteristics of all major animal phyla. Emphasis will be placed on diversity within the animal kingdom as it relates to physiological adaptations and environmental pressures. This course serves to familiarize students with educational and occupational opportunities in the field of zoology. Demonstrations and lab experiences that employ proper safety techniques are essential to this course. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one of the elective credits required for high school graduation.
Course Scope and Goals
- To apply and demonstrate the prior knowledge of the scientific method through proper laboratory technique. [NS: N.12.A.4]
- To recognize the major levels of organization characteristic of living things.
- To relate evolutionary processes to species development. [NS: L.12.D]
- To interpret the interrelationship between animals and their environment. [NS: L.12.C]
- To explore the classification of animals through traditional and modern systematics.
- To employ the appropriate terminology in describing anatomical regions and body symmetry.
- To distinguish basic animal forms related to the presence or absence of body cavities.
- To compare and contrast anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary relationships between acoelomate phyla. [NS: L.12.D]
- To compare and contrast anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary relationships between pseudocoelomate and eucoelomate phyla. [NS: L.12.D]
- To recognize diversity of anatomical, physiological, and behavioral characteristics of invertebrate and vertebrate eucoelomates. [NS: L.12.B]
- To discuss the socioeconomic importance of various animal phyla. [NS: N.12.B]
- To develop hands-on familiarity with representative examples of major animal phyla.
- To evaluate career opportunities related to zoology. [NS: N.12.B]
- To examine the moral and ethical issues relevant to zoological study. [NS: N.12.B.3]
Approved November 2012.
CPD-SCI-SG-6548H