Teaching Activities

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of courses in the two domains of ecology/evolution to biochemistry/cell/molecular biology. My two courses, described below, focus on contemporary, research-driven topics in the medical arena (new cancer drugs, medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, stem cell therapy, cancer stem cells, genetic testing, personalized medicine, tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, business of biology, etc.). I am the sole instructor for Biology 311 and have shared teaching duties in Biology 485A/B with Dr. John G. Baust who is the primary instructor. Syllabi for both courses are included below. 

Principles of Cell Biology (Biology 311) - This course enrolls approximately 450 students each year (225 in the fall semester; 225 in the spring semester) and is heavily focused on research methods and problem solving. The course is flavored with many current references to biomedical and biotechnology discoveries with emphasis on stem cell biology, tissue engineering, bioethics and new approaches to treating cancer. Case histories of individuals who have shaped the world of cell biology are also emphasized. The Discussion Sections include problem sets, contemporary case histories and debate sessions on issues such as the use of human embryonic stem cells for cell therapy. 

Stem Cell Biology I and II (Biology 485A/B)- These two courses were designed by me and funded by NYSTEM - the NYS division that funds stem cell research. Each course consists of a series of lectures followed by student seminars. I am a guest lecturer in the course giving the first several background lectures on stem cell biology, human embryonic stem cells, cell therapy, clinical trials, FDA, bioethics and patents. No course in science is more interdisciplinary given that we discuss molecular biology, politics, patent law, bioethics, regulatory agencies, and the impact of religion on the use of human embryonic stem cells.  Stem Cell Biology I emphasizes the science behind stem cells; whereas Stem Cell Biology II focuses more on the commercialization of stem cells and their clinical applications. A laboratory exposure module is conducted at our biotechnology company, CPSI Biotech, in Owego, NY. To read a recent article on this stem cell course that appeared in the Fall 2012 Binghamton University Magazine click on  "stemcell BU Magazine.pdf" below. Also see http://www.bupipedream.com/news/68567/robert-van-buskirk-pw/. This course is no longer taught as of Fall 2019 due to the retirement of Dr. John Baust who was the primary instructor.