Teaching

This course provides an introduction to basic cell structure and function and the genetic basis of inheritance. Topics covered include basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and cellular respiration, genetics and molecular biology. This course is designed to be the second course in the core requirements for biology majors, and is also recommended for pre-health professional, pre-veterinary students, other science majors and undeclared students considering science as a major. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory). You can find out more about what we have done in this course with the hashtag #BIO011.

The study of microbial cell structure, physiology, ecology, genetics, and taxonomic diversity. Laboratory exercises focus on identification, growth, metabolism and genetics of prokaryotes, with special emphasis on bacteria. Course will provide extensive experience in the cultivation of various microorganisms. Consideration is given to interaction of microbes with the environment, including humans. Students will participate in group-based interactive workshops, in which they will be expected to engage fellow students in collaborative discussions (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory). You can find out more about what we have done in this course with the hashtags #BIO025 , #BIO143 and #BIOL134.

Advanced exploration of microbial ecology, physiology and metabolic diversity as they relate to the field of environmental biotechnology. Laboratory exercises combine fieldwork with modern molecular techniques, introducing the application of genomics, microbial community analysis and bioinformatics to the study of microbiomes in nature. Additionally, students will engage in hands-on utilization of bench-scale bioreactors for the study of microbial metabolic processes with industrial applications. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory). Also offered as a grad course, BIOL 265. You can find out more about what we have done in this course with the hashtag #BIO253

Bioinformatics unites biology with computer science, math and statistics. More specifically, the field explores how vast amounts of biological data are stored, accessed, manipulated, and most importantly, used to answer biological questions. Students will learn how the major international bioinformatics databases are organized and utilized to obtain information relevant to fields such as molecular biology, genetics, medicine, evolution and conservation biology. Bioinformatics searches and applications are based on probabilistic algorithms; therefore, students will learn to interpret and evaluate the statistical parameters associated with each methodology. Also offered as a graduate course (BIOL 273)

Much of your continued education in the life sciences after graduation, regardless of your degree, will be obtained by attending seminars and conferences. You will also, from time to time, be expected to host seminar speakers, and presumably you will be expected to present talks of your own. This course is designed to help ease your transition into this aspect of your professional life.