NEM 6102 Fall Term 2005

Khuong B. Nguyen 2220 EYN (392-1901 ext 193) kbn@ufl.edu

Nematode Taxonomy and Systematics

Course objectives:

1.      Understand the quandry and proposed solutions to “the species problem.”

2.      Learn how to describe (and evaluate descriptions of) species of nematodes.

3.      Learn the systematic framework for the Nematoda.

4.      Learn the fundamentals of taxonomic theory and its utility in scientific endeavors.

5.      Learn the taxonomic status of some of the most common nematodes.

6.      Learn to identify commonly encountered nematodes.

Lecture Schedule [tentative]

Thursday 12:50 - 1:40 p.m. (Period 6)

Room 2217 ENY (Building 970)

Aug.    25       ICZN, Orders in Nematoda

Sept    01       Drawing Techniques, Order Tylenchida + Aphelenchida

           08       How to Describe a New Species, Order Tylenchida

15       Orders Tylenchida

            22       Order Rhabditida

            29       Order Rhabditida

Oct     06       Order Dorylaimida

           13      

           20      

           27        EXAMINATION on ICZN, Taxonomy, Systematics & Classification

Nov     03        Orders Mononchida, Mermithida and Oxyurida

10                    Orders Enoplida, Chromadorida, and Desmoscolecida

17          Orders Monhysterida, Araeolaimida, and Desmodorida

                         SLIDE COLLECTION DUE

CLASS ASSIGNMENT:

            1. Describe a "new species" of nematode.  

            2. Make permanent slides of 10 different genera of nematodes.

             1.  Each of you will make camera lucida drawings, SEM photos, perhaps 35 mm photos, and will write a description of a "new species."  Write your paper according to the format used in a recent volume of the Journal of Nematology.  Have two class members or other graduate students review your paper before you turn it in.  List the names of the two reviewers.  I will edit your paper and either "accept" it for publication, with or without revision, or "reject" it.  Your grade will be based upon quality and completeness of the description and illustrations, and proper format.  Your paper is DUE NO LATER THAN 17 December 2005.

            2.  Each of you will collect and make permanent slides of 10 different genera of nematodes.  Please collect from the Natural Area Teaching Laboratory located between our building and the Division of Plant Industry.  We will explain to you the techniques for making permanent mounts.  Your grade will be based on quality of slides and quality and correct identification of specimens.

LABORATORY PRACTICAL EXAMINATION

            The examination will consist of 25 different specimens for you to identify.  You may use your notes or any other written material but may not consult with others.

             Your final grade will be based on the one lecture examination (12%), the "new species," description (13%), the three laboratory quizzes (10% each = 30%), the slide collection (10%), and the laboratory practical examination (35%).

 Texts:  None – We will draw most class material from many sources, including primary literature.

 Statements Required by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

U. F. Academic Honesty Policy:  As a result of completing registration at the University of Florida, every student has agreed to the following statement:  “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work.  I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”

 UF Software Policy:  All faculty, staff and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use.  Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator.  Because such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.

 UF Counseling services:

1.  University counseling Center, 301 Peabody Hall, 392-1575, personal and career counseling.

2.  Student Mental Health, Student Health Care Center, 392-1171, personal counseling.

3.  Sexual Assault Recovery Services, Student Health Care Center, 392-1161, sexual assault counseling.

4.  Career Resource Counseling, Reitz Union, 392-1601, career development assistance and counseling.