Dianne Jedlicka

This introductory lab course focuses on Horses, Donkeys, and Zebras (equines). We will study the anatomy of their skeletal structures as well as the biomechanics and physiology of movement, muscles, and joints to help us understand the dynamics of predator/prey in wild populations. We will also learn about equine reproductive physiology in terms of herd behaviors, dominance, altruism, mate choice, and the natural selection of traits. Understanding the conservation of wild populations will involve looking into the genetics of island populations. We will study behaviors and training techniques of the modern domestic horses and donkeys.

After learning about Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics of articulations, the students will incorporate this knowledge in their Discussion section of their individual research. Scientific Methodology will be used in 2 observational lab research assignments. Live research data can be collected in person at a farm or Lincoln Park Zoo OR via zoo/farm cameras from around the world. Content will be 98% scientific. The except will be the social science details on Indigenous Peoples and their interactions with horses/donkeys.

LAB: One observation data collection and hypothesis research project on Donkey or zebra behaviors and interactions.. Short Scientific Paper required and hypothesis presentation required.
LAB: One observation data collection. Hypothesis research project on Horse Behaviors and interactions. Short Scientific Paper required. Hypothesis presentation required.
LAB: One Wild Population Lab/study. (could focus on zebras or donkeys or horses in a wild population around the world).
LAB: Skull knowledge test.
LAB: Skeleton knowledge test. (Walk around practical).
Some possible activities might include a video or video clips, Poster building from gleaned internet/book information is a great 'flipped' activity!

This course serves as a basic introduction to human anatomy. The skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, nervous, and reproductive systems are covered, with special emphasis on the skeletal system in reference to other mammals (a little bit of comparative anatomy!). The physiological processes of the aforementioned systems are examined allowing students to understand the processes. Laboratories include the use of plastic human and mammal models and dissections of preserved ?recycled? sheep organs (kidney, brain, heart, and eye). Labs designed by students while observing concerts at Chicago Symphony Center will focus on the Nervous system (especially special senses) and the Endocrine system (hormones). Other labs will be conducted at our Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History.

This course is an introduction to the principles of ecology, emphasizing detailed field investigations of natural communities. Natural History studies allow for many aspects of knowledge to be applied to the understanding of a Biological concept. Among the topics explored are the dynamics of lake ecosystems, forest succession, trophic structure in streams, dune ecology, and territorial behavior in breeding birds and mammals. Lecture/Discussions examine major themes in modern ecology, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and species diversity. Selections from nineteenth- and twentieth-century American naturalists (Thoreau, Muir, Burroughs, and Leopold) provide perspective on the relationship of humanity to nature. Global warming and pollution dynamics are explored. Lab activities at the Field Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium strengthen the understanding of these concepts.

This course is an introduction to the principles of ecology, emphasizing detailed field investigations of natural communities. Natural History studies allow for many aspects of knowledge to be applied to the understanding of a Biological concept. Among the topics explored are the dynamics of lake ecosystems, forest succession, trophic structure in streams, dune ecology, and territorial behavior in breeding birds and mammals. Lecture/Discussions examine major themes in modern ecology, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and species diversity. Selections from nineteenth- and twentieth-century American naturalists (Thoreau, Muir, Burroughs, and Leopold) provide perspective on the relationship of humanity to nature. Global warming and pollution dynamics are explored. Lab activities at the Field Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium strengthen the understanding of these concepts.

Why do birds migrate? When do whales sing? What does a bee's dance mean? Animals have fascinating behaviors that have both puzzled and amazed observers. This class will explore current theories behind these actions. The lecture/discussion aspects of this course will focus on theories and concepts while the lab component will focus on collecting (Virtual zoo camera) observational data on local fauna and coming up with hypothesis to explain the observed behaviors. Student-collected original data will then be discussed and new or additional theories proposed. This course includes VIRTUAL Zoo camera data observations from any zoo around the world that has zoo cameras!

Why do birds migrate? When do whales sing? What does a bee's dance mean? Animals have fascinating behaviors that have both puzzled and amazed observers. This class will explore current theories behind these actions. The lecture/discussion aspects of this course will focus on theories and concepts while the lab component will focus on collecting (Virtual zoo camera) observational data on local fauna and coming up with hypothesis to explain the observed behaviors. Student-collected original data will then be discussed and new or additional theories proposed. This course includes VIRTUAL Zoo camera data observations from any zoo around the world that has zoo cameras!

Why do birds migrate? When do whales sing? What does a bee's dance mean? Animals have fascinating behaviors that have both puzzled and amazed observers. This class will explore current theories behind these actions. The lecture/discussion aspects of this course will focus on theories and concepts while the lab component will focus on collecting (Virtual zoo camera) observational data on local fauna and coming up with hypothesis to explain the observed behaviors. Student-collected original data will then be discussed and new or additional theories proposed. This course includes VIRTUAL Zoo camera data observations from any zoo around the world that has zoo cameras!

This introductory class concentrates on mammalian classification and general structural features. Skeletal and other anatomical comparisons are made as the more 'primitive' mammals are compared to the more 'advanced' mammals. The survey portion of the course begins with egg-laying and pouched mammals, then examines shrews, bats, hooved mammals, rodents, rabbits, carnivores, and primates. Unusual mammals such as pangolins, aardvarks, whales, and tapirs provide insight into evolutionary and ecological processes. This liberal science class includes both lecture and laboratory components. Some labs take place at the Lincoln Park Zoo and/or the Shedd Aquarium.