Below is a list of courses that I currently teach. A link to the course syllabus follows the description of each course. All are delivered at Augustana. AUBIO 230 and AUBIO 411 are two courses in which I have been particularly engaged in piloting non-traditional teaching strategies. There is greater flexibility to try out teaching innovations in these two courses, simply because they do not have an accompanying lab, and thus, are less busy for both students and myself as instructor, than the other courses I teach which do have a lab.
AUBIO 111 - Integrative Biology I
An introduction to functional and developmental biology from molecules to systems, focusing on how organisms integrate different levels of organization in order to live and reproduce. This course covers key topics of biochemistry (metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis), molecular biology (replication, transcription, translation), cell biology (organelles, membranes, cell cycle), physiology (gas exchange, circulation, locomotion) and development (fertilization, gastrulation, differentiation). Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30. Notes: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUBIO 111 and 130 (2014).
Integrative Biology I is the current first-year biology course that I teach. It was developed by myself, Tom Terzin, and Sheryl Gares. I consulted with our lab coordinator when the labs were developed. There is constant communication between myself and the lab coordinator when I teach the course. I use Team-Based Learning as the instructional strategy when I teach this course. I have also used this course to pilot a learning philosophy assignment.
AUBIO 230 - Molecular Cell Biology
An examination of the composition, structure and function of eukaryotic cell membranes, including membrane transport, cell signalling, and cell-cell interactions. Protein sorting and cytoskeletal function are integrated with their membrane interactions. The social context of cells is also considered.
This course is a requirement for all Biology majors at Augustana. I developed and began teaching it in 2011. I have been using a number of innovative teaching strategies in this course. One is a learning portfolio that is presented as an e-portfolio, which provides students with an opportunity to develop their communication and research skills. Students can alternatively complete a Community Service-Learning assignment that provides them with the ability to complete the Experiential Learning requirement of Augustana's core curriculum. I teach this course using Team-Based Learning as the instructional strategy.
AUBIO 380 - Biochemistry: Proteins, Enzymes & Energy
The structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates. The structure and function of lipids, nucleic acids, and amino acids are introduced. The course focuses on how enzymes catalyze the oxidation of carbohydrates and how the cell conserves this energy in a useful chemical form.
I have taught this course many times since 1993 at both a 300 and the current 200-level. I use Team-Based Learning as the instructional strategy for this course. An example lab exercise I prepared for the 300-level version which had an accompanying lab component is found here, in the Artifacts section of my e-portfolio. These labs will be redeveloped for AUBIO/AUCHE 388 - Biochemistry Laboratory which is being produced for Augustana's new three-week blocks which will be implemented in 2017/18.
AUBIO 318 - Directed Reading
Supervised library research project, culminating in either a review paper or research proposal.
The link below is a sample syllabus, although each directed reading is constructed in close consultation with each individual student.
AUBIO 336 - Histology
A systematic and sequential consideration of fundamental cytology, the normal histology of the basic tissues, and the embryological development and microscopic organization of the major mammalian organs and organ systems. Emphasis is placed on the light- and electron-microscopic features of cells and tissues with direct correlation of structure and function.
I designed this course in 1995, modeled upon one of my graduate courses at UBC, taught by Dr. Ovalle. I wrote the lab manual and typically teach the lab that accompanies the lecture. An example of a lab exercise from the current manual is located here, in the Artifacts section of my e-portfolio.
AUBIO 381 - Biochemistry: Intermediary Metabolism
A course on the structure, function, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids at the level of cells. The inter-relationships of specialized organs with regard to the metabolism of the whole body are also discussed.
I have taught this course many times since 1993 and was restructured in summer 2016 in order to be taught using Team-Based Learning. This course had an accompanying lab component until 2014. A sample lab exercise is located here in the Artifacts section of my e-portfolio which will be redeveloped for AUBIO/AUCHE 388 - Biochemistry Laboratory to be offered as a three-week block after Fall 2017.
AUBIO 411 - History and Theory of Biology
An overview of the historical progression in the biological sciences, and their associated development in relation to prevailing philosophical, social, and cultural contexts.
I designed AUBIO 411, and have delivered it many times since first teaching it in 1996. It serves as the capstone course for Augustana’s biology major. Students in this course prepare a writing dossier which consists of two-page summaries written for each reading in the course. These two-page summaries are students' ticket into the class. I use a variant of Team-Based Learning for this course in which the two-page summaries and in-class team discussions replace the Readiness Assurance Tests. In-class applications of the course material vary from the typical TBL 4S apps to collaborative team assignments using Google Apps.
AUBIO 419 - Directed Studies
Supervised laboratory research project. I have supervised students in projects ranging from the study of amphibian development to the characterization of plant proteins and enzymes.
AUBIO/AUCHE 485 - Selected Topics in Biochemistry
In-depth examination of biochemistry.
The content of the course may vary from year to year, depending upon who teaches the course. Below is a link to the Winter 2010 offering, when I last taught it.