Meeting Abstract
This Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy course emphasizes phylogenetic and functional/biomechanical approaches to understanding anatomical characteristics. Course content is organized regionally, with major units on cranial morphology and feeding; appendicular/axial morphology and locomotion; and then coverage of organ systems. To enhance this approach and incorporate recommendations of “Vision & Change” and departmental learning outcomes, morphometric projects were added to expose students to analyses of skeletal shape associated with different modes of feeding and locomotion. Projects are assigned after the appropriate lectures and after students complete surveys of the skeletons and muscles. Student teams (2-3 individuals) collaborate to obtain skeletal measurements on two or three species (10 individuals each); organize data; apply statistical and graphical analyses; and present their findings in oral presentations. For the first project on feeding morphologies, the instructor guides discussion of possible outcomes and selection of measurements on two species. Each team adds two measurements of their own selection and submits a spreadsheet of the organized data. The second project focuses on locomotion and is entirely student-driven, with each team selecting species for comparison, developing hypotheses and selecting appropriate measurements. A few weeks after the second projects, students are asked to evaluate the projects, providing opinions about value of the projects and whether to retain them in the course. Since 2015, student response has been very positive, with 100% expressing the opinion that projects should be retained. “They make learning the material interesting. We have to use research and critical thinking to come up with explanations for the results.” Most frequently expressed student responses will be presented.
