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An Introduction to Comparative Zoology

Zoology is the field of biology that involves the study of animals. Comparative zoology uses natural variations and differences to understand the patterns of life at all levels and the critical role of organisms in ecosystems. #academic
Dr. Mallakin MSc, PhD
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(146)
Rising Star
Class
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What's included

8 live meetings
6 in-class hours
Assignments
1 hour per week. Learners will have short quizzes, multiple-choice, and crossword puzzles throughout this course. Additionally, throughout the course, they will have discussion questions that they will be required to respond to.
Assessment
I consider the following components to evaluate the students in this class. 1) Their attendance and if they attended every class. 2) Did they participate in the class discussion. 3) Have they handed in their assignments and science project. I will write a report to the parent for how the student did in the class and their assignments. This will be a good indication of well they understood the materials.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
The course will examine the comparative anatomy, physiology, and behavior of a wide range of animal groups. The eight sessions will include topics such as locomotion, respiration, circulation, digestion, excretion, and reproduction. This course will examine the physiological processes that enable animals to live within a diverse range of environments. Lectures will focus on the underlying events that mediate physiological processes and contribute to whole animal homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of the body to maintain a relatively constant equilibrium even in a changing environment. Animal physiology processes such as temperature regulation, blood pressure, and blood flow, and the release of hormones at specific times will be discussed. In addition, the mechanisms in animal physiology such as diffusion, osmosis, feedback systems, and homeostasis will be explored.

I will use a PowerPoint presentation and a few short videos when necessary during the class. This is a lecture-style class, comprehensive, and there is time for Q&A.

The course includes eight lessons:
Session One: ANIMAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Study of different types of skeletons. Comparison of the advantages & disadvantages of each skeletal type and the relationship to the specific lifestyle/habitat of different organisms. Study of growth and development.
Session Two: LOCOMOTION AND MOVEMENT
Introduction to muscle action & animal biomechanics. Study of specific types of locomotion and the adaptations exhibited by different animals to achieve movement.
Session Three: RESPIRATORY MECHANISMS
Different respiratory structures and their efficiency. Comparison of various mechanisms of respiratory exchange (e.g. aquatic vs. terrestrial respiratory mechanisms). Understanding of diffusion and counter-current exchange.
Session Four: CIRCULATORY MECHANISMS
Presence or absence of a circulatory system. Functions of circulatory systems. Open vs. closed systems, and single vs. double systems. Comparison of circulatory fluids, cell types, oxygen-carrying capacity.
Session Five: EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE, SEASONS & CLIMATES
Understanding of ectotherms and endotherms. Adaptations to temperature change, seasonality & climate. Homeostasis and acclimatization.
Session Six: DIFFERENT METHODS OF FOOD ACQUISITION & DIGESTION
Food or prey location & selection. Herbivores vs. carnivores. Variations in nutrient acquisition
Session Seven: OSMOREGULATION and EXCRETION
Examination of different excretory pathways, structures & end products (ammonia; urea; uric acid). Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle & habitat. Osmoregulation in different groups.
Session Eight: REPRODUCTION MECHANISMS
Asexual vs. sexual reproduction. Gamete production, fertilization mechanisms (internal vs. external). Reproductive strategies & mating behavior.
Learning Goals
1. To understand the general principles of animal classification and describe the characteristics of the major animal phyla.
2. To gain an appreciation for the diversity of animal forms and understand the unity which exists within this diversity.
3. To explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships.
4. To acknowledge how organisms interact with their environments and how environmental conditions.
5. To be able to use the general principles in the field to discuss the current and future issues.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
8 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
ANIMAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
 Study of different types of skeletons. Comparison of the advantages & disadvantages of each skeletal type and the relationship to the specific lifestyle/habitat of different organisms. Study of growth and development. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
LOCOMOTION AND MOVEMENT
 Introduction to muscle action & animal biomechanics. Study of specific types of locomotion and the adaptations exhibited by different animals to achieve movement. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
RESPIRATORY MECHANISMS
 Different respiratory structures and their efficiency. Comparison of various mechanisms of respiratory exchange (e.g. aquatic vs. terrestrial respiratory mechanisms). Understanding of diffusion and counter-current exchange. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
CIRCULATORY MECHANISMS
 Presence or absence of a circulatory system. Functions of circulatory systems. Open vs. closed systems, and single vs. double systems. Comparison of circulatory fluids, cell types, oxygen-carrying capacity. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Learners will not need to use any applications, models, or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools. I will provide PPT or PFD’s of the material in the class. Class components include lecture, discussion, readings from scientific journal articles, and group projects if applicable (e.g. research paper on a topic of current interest).
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Hardison, Ross C. (2003). “Comparative Genomics.” PLoS Biol. 1(2): e58. Harper, Douglas (2017). “Zoology.” Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2017-04-16 from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=zoology. “Zoogeography.” Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved 2017-04-16 from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoogeography. “Zoology.” Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved 2017-04-16 from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoology.
Joined December, 2020
4.8
146reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Science from University of Waterloo
Master's Degree in Science from University of Waterloo
Hello dear students and parents, thank you for visiting my profile. I am a coach, an educator, and a biomedical science researcher. I enjoy teaching different areas of the scientific field, in particular biology, chemistry, physics, and how science connects the world around us in so many ways that are sometimes unimaginable. I always encourage learners to get excited about learning new concepts and to apply them in different settings. I have taught classes on entrepreneurship, biology, chemistry, physics, healthcare-related courses, biomedical sciences, anatomy & physiology (A&P), diseases, AP, SAT, MCAT, and psychology. I also enjoy hosting classes that my students request. 

The world is vast, and I believe the young generation should be allowed to experience different aspects of this amazing world. Triggering interest, expanding their knowledge, and supporting & inspiring the learners are my main goals. 

I have an extensive academic background, with MS. And Ph.D. degrees in biological sciences from Canada and PDF training in the USA in molecular and cancer biology. I have had bioinformatics and biomedical training, and postdoctoral and work experience at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), LSU Health Science Center (LSUHSC), and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. I have experience as a coach, tutor, and academic faculty and besides, previously worked in industrial and medical settings. 

As part of my teaching philosophy, I have tried to encourage learners to be independent thinkers and to find connections in life and ideas. This will help them stay excited about learning and be a lifelong learner. Let me take your loved ones on this educational journey. My courses are designed to be relevant, highly informative, and aimed to inspire and gain the interests of the age groups they are made for. I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to teach your youngsters on this platform, which can unite people from all over the globe, with the same interests. I usually begin class by asking what they know about that particular topic, what they would like to know, and finally, what they have learned that they did not know before that class.

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My passions are reading, research, activism, and education. My hobbies include painting, skiing, road biking, fishing, and traveling to exciting destinations.

AWARDS, HONOURS, PRESENT & PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
.  Graduate Scholarships, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada, (1992, 1994-1999) 
.  Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Ontario, Canada, 1996
.  CNTC (Laurentian Chapter of SETAC) Award, 1996
.  Society of Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Award, 1997
.  Member of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineering)	
.  Member (Research Scientist) of AACR (American Association of Cancer Research)
.  Member of NSPIRES (NASA Solicitation & Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System)
.  Member of Astrobiology Road Mapping Community, JPL NASA, USA
.  Stakeholder at Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, ROC

CLASS SIZE

I wish my classes to have a maximum of 7 learners (minimum of 2). From my experience, these are good combinations to ensure the best learning experience for your learner. Nevertheless, I never cancel any class with just one learner or selected at a specific time (e.g. Europe, South Asia,...etc) based on a learner's availability. 

CLASS RULES

. Be on time for your classes as classes are relatively short (50-60 min) and specifically there’s a lot of material to be covered for AP classes. Starting on time not only shows respect for your teacher and classmates but also allows more time to ask questions on more complicated subjects. Based on Outschool policy educator may leave after ten minutes if no learner shows up for the class. There would be no makeup class for missed sessions.

. Create a quiet and comfortable study space during your classes. Find a location that is free from any distractions, pets, background noises, or cell phones.

. Be prepared for your classes. You should come to class with the syllabi and writing material you’ll need to fully participate in the lesson. Assignments that were scheduled for each lesson should be completed and submitted before the next class.

. You should not eat during your classes. Occasional drinking is no problem. You shouldn’t engage in activities that don’t contribute to the lesson including eating. 

. Be respectful toward your teacher and your classmates.  Refrain from using virtual wallpaper or background that is not appropriate. Class environments consist of people from all walks of life. Learn from listening to your educator and others and try to understand them.

. Grades and certificates (need to be approved by Outschool) will be available based on your request. Be advised that a complete full name and address can not be put on the certificate based on the platform policy.

I look forward to meeting you in my class!
Best wishes,
A.Mallakin


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Live Group Course
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$240

for 8 classes
2x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Completed by 30 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-7 learners per class

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