Course Goals: To provide an awareness of the biological
diversity, ecology, evolution, and cultural and environmental
value of reptiles and amphibians and to introduce the types and
sources of information that must be known should one decide to
select herpetology as a field of specialization in a 
professional career academically, such as for a graduate program,
or with state, federal, and private wildlife management and
conservation organizations. In this course we will examine the
evolutionary history of the reptiles and amphibians and the
patterns of biological diversity, life history, ecology,
reproduction, and behavior. Conservation will be a re-occurring
theme that will be interwoven through all topics discussed. 

 To accomplish these goals the following will be expected of 
each student: 

1. Know the phylogenetic origins and relationships of major
groups of reptiles and amphibians.  Know the taxonomy, 
systematic relationships, ecology, and geographic distributions
of the families of reptiles and amphibians of the world, the
genera of North America, and the species of Georgia. 

2. Know the biological features that characterize the classes
Reptilia and Amphibia and that make them distinctive from other
vertebrates and from each other. Have an awareness of the
diversity and variability within each class, including
morphology, physiology, behavior, genetics, ecology, and life
history.  Learn how reptiles and amphibians can serve as ideal
models for a variety of fields of study, such as life history,
genetics, and conservation biology.

3. Become familiar with the field and laboratory techniques used
in herpetology, including field collecting and research
techniques, specimen preservation and other museum protocols, 
and the regulations and guidelines associated with capturing,
handling, and conducting research on reptiles and amphibians. 

4. Become familiar with the herpetological literature including
journals, Web sites, and books.

5. Develop an awareness of major conservation issues related to
herpetofauna on a regional, national, and global scale. Become
aware of educational opportunities for which reptiles or
amphibians serve or could serve as the primary subject 
material. 

6. Become more informed biologically and culturally about the
field of herpetology and about reptiles and amphibians than
someone (fellow students, family, friends, politicians) who has
not taken the course and be prepared to explain the global and
regional value and importance of herpetofauna.

Herpetofaunal biodiversity of Georgia
General characteristics of reptiles and amphibians

Overview of distribution and characteristics of salamander
families
Salamander identification

Overview of phylogeny and evolution of reptiles and amphibians
Natural history, ecology, distribution of salamanders

Amphibian phylogeny	
Natural history, ecology, distribution, life history of anurans 

Overview of distribution and characteristics of caecilian 
families

Overview of distribution and characteristics of anuran families
Anuran identification

Overview of amphibian ecology and life histories

Amphibian biodiversity and conservation (global, regional)

Frog calls

Habitat management for amphibians
Overview of amphibian biology 

Reptile phylogeny	
Natural history, ecology, distribution of turtles 

Turtle identification
Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories
of turtles and crocodilians 
	
Lizard identification
Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories
of lizards and snakes

Snake identification
Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories
of lizards and snakes 

Overview of reptile biology

Inventory and monitoring techniques in herpetology
Overview of reptile biology
 
Reptile biodiversity and conservation (global, regional)
Diseases of reptiles
Captive Breeding
Endangered and invasive species