Herpetology: Biol 583/783

Herpetology class is offered in the fall, every other year. Download current syllabus.

“Herpetology” comprises two classes: a 3-hr. lecture section (Biol. 583/783, Dr. Rafe Brown) and a 2-hr. lab section (Biol. 418/701, led by Dr. Brown and a Teaching Assistant).  Attendance is mandatory in both classes in which students are registered students (see Expectations, below).  We strongly recommend that all students taking lecture also register to take the lab portion of the class.  We realize this simply may not be possible for some students. However serious student, with a genuine interest in Herpetology will profit greatly from the combination of the two classes.  In future years the lab portion of the class will probably be required.

The Herpetology Lecture portion of the class will consist of two lectures (9:30–10:50, Tues/Thurs.) by Dr. Brown; Herpetology Lab meetings will usually begin with short commentary or orientation on the subject matter, accompaniedby examination of specimens, with exercises and instruction provided by the TA and/or Dr. Brown.

Text Book: Zug, G. R., L. J. Vitt, and J. P. Caldwell.  2001.  Herpetology.  An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles.  2nd Edition.  Academic Press.  630 pp.  ISBN 0-12-782622-X

Additional Reading: Powell, R., J. Collins, and J. Hooper.  1998.  A key to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Continental United States and Canada.  University of Kansas Press. 

Pough, F. H., et al.  2003.  Herpetology, 3rd edition.  Prentice Hall.  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.  577 pp.  ISBN 0-13-850876-3. 

Duellman, W. E., and L. Trueb.  1986.  Biology of Amphibians.  The Johns Hopkins University Press.  Baltimore, Maryland.  670 pp.  ISBN  0-8018-4780-

Lecture Text: The text book for the class will be Herpetology: An Introduction to the Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles, 2nd edition” by George Zug, Laurie Vitt, and Janalee Caldwell (2001: Academic Press; ISBN: 1-12—782622–X).  Other texts are available in the library and will be available in lab.  New and used copies are available at Amazon.com and other on-line book retailers.

Laboratory: Powell, R., J. Collins, and J. Hooper.  1998.  A key to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Continental United States and Canada.  University of