VSC 105: Human-Animal Interrelationships

Course Description: 

            This course is designed to help the student understand how humans and animals have interrelated over time.  Starting with evolution and domestication and ending with current careers in the animal industry, this class will include a variety of topics that relate to how humans and animals work together in society.

Location and Time:

            MWF from 9:00-9:50 am in Bio West Rm 301

Instructor Information:

            Dr. Elaine Marchello
            Room 202, Vet Sci/Microbiology building
            621-3058
            evm@email.arizona.edu
            Office hours:  Open door policy

Course Objectives:

• To understand how the relationship between man and animal has evolved into what it is today
• To know how animals have been used in mythology, religion, art and literature
• To be familiar with animal rights and ethics
• To understand how animals are used for companionship, food and other needs
• To understand how humans and animals can share disease and/or influence the health of each other
• To become familiar with other areas of the animal industry and the careers that may be pursued

Required texts:

There are no books required for this course.

Class Notes: 

            Some of the class notes will be posted on the web.  They can be found at microvet.arizona.edu under VSC 105.  The availability of the notes will depend upon the individual speaker.  Some will give handouts, some will not.  Whether the notes are posted or not, you are responsible for the material.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you attend class.

Term Paper:

            All students will be required to write a short term paper.  The paper will be 3-5 pages in length, double-spaced.  More details as to the format will be given later in the semester.  A list of possible topics will be posted on the web.  Paper topics will correspond to material and information given to you in class.  You may choose one of these or pick one of your own as long as it pertains to the class material.

Grading Policy:

            The standard scale for grading will apply:

                        A = 90%-100%
                        B = 80%-89%
                        C = 70%-79%
                        D = 60%-69%
                        E = <59%

§        Grades will be based equally on hourly exam scores and the written paper and any other homework that may be assigned.

§        Any assignment that is turned in late will be subject to a loss of 10% of the total points

Attendance Policy:

            Attendance will not be taken each day, however if you are absent from class, you are still responsible for the material presented.  Instructor’s notes WILL NOT be available for copy. 

Subject to Change:

            Other than the grade and absence policy, this syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Notification of Objectionable Materials:

            Please turn off cell phones and pagers during class.  If one of these items disturbs the class, you will be asked to leave for that period.

Special Needs and Accommodations Statement:

            Students who need special accommodation or services should contact the SALT (Strategic Alternatives Learning Techniques) Center for Learning Disabilities (SALT Center, Old Main, PO Box 210021, Tucson, AZ  85721-0021.  (520) 621-1242  FAX (520) 621-9448  TTY (520) 626-6072,   http://www.salt.arizona.edu/, and/or the Disability Resources Center, 1540 E. 2^nd St, PO Box 210064, Tucson, AZ  85721-0064, (520) 621-3268  FAX (520) 621-9423,  http://drc.arizona.edu/.  The need for accommodations must be documented by the appropriate office.

Student Code of Academic Integrity:

            All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited, including, but not limited to: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism, modifying any academic work to obtain additional credit without the approval of the instructor, or attempting to carry out any of the above.  Committing any of the above will result in sanctions being imposed on the student’s scores or grade up to and including the assignment of an “E” for the entire course.  Please refer to:  http://w3.arizona.edu/~dos/standards/standardsindex.html

Confidentiality of Student Records:

http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/ferpa/ferpa.htm