Teaching

"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." -- Evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky

This upper division Area B GE course provides a comprehensive introduction to why evolution is such a fundamental part of modern biological theory. Students will explore both short-­term (micro) and long-­term (macro) evolutionary processes and will investigate the intriguing patterns that can result from those processes.

This class is a survey of the many fascinating fields of genetics. Functional and molecular genetics is concerned with how DNA encodes RNA and proteins, how genotype determines phenotype, and how gene expression is regulated. Classical and transmission genetics focuses on how heritable traits are passed from one generation to the next and how new alleles arise in populations. Many contemporary genetics topics span these fields – from answering "how does novelty arise in biological systems?" to "what creates and maintains biological diversity?"

This laboratory course is focused on understanding the scientific method through experimental design and hypothesis testing using molecular genetics techniques. The breadth and depth of modern genetics research is immense, and consequently the approaches that we will undertake are diverse. They include laboratory exercises using a wide range of organisms as well as significant use of bioinformatic analysis tools used by modern geneticists.

This class is designed to support our first-year students in Biology, Botany and Zoology. It is an introduction to the impact of their chosen scientific discipline on student life and society, including the practical aspects of the study of the disciplines and associated careers from different perspectives. This course supports students' academic and personal goals and helps to connect them with their major, peers, faculty, department, college, University and local community.

This course will introduce students to the incredible molecular and cellular processes behind how a single cell becomes a complex animal, a multicellular organism with specialized tissues and organs. Students will consider the various chemical and physical cues that trigger initial differences among cells in the early embryo, and how these cues trigger changes in gene expression. In lab and lecture,  we will examine key developmental processes in different types of organisms, including sea urchins, flies, frogs, mice and humans. Our goal is to explore the conservation and diversity of developmental mechanisms in animals.

These courses are a series of ways for undergraduates (BIOL490/499) and graduates (BIOL690/699) to earn course credit for conducting research and/or writing a thesis. For example, BIOL499 is a credit for undergraduates who participate in research projects. Students can also perform more intensive research and complete a written thesis (BIOL 490). Enrollment in these courses is provided only with instructor approval, so please look at the prospective students page to learn more about how to join the lab.