Shared Discussion and Lab UGTA duties across all three courses

• Attend mandatory weekly TA meetings (If you aren't available during the meeting time, you will not be considered for a TA position):

  • BIOL 113 - Fridays 11:45am - 1:15pm 

  • BIOL 114 - Fridays 1:30pm - 3:00pm 

  • BIOL 115 - Fridays 1:30pm - 2:45pm 

• Hold one 1-hour office hour per week

• Attend assigned discussion (BIOL 113 or BIOL 114) or lab (BIOL 115) section

• Minor grading responsibilities 

• Help students work successfully in a team

• Communicate with students, teaching team, and course instructors 

• Act as a leader in the classroom

BIOL113: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

In BIOL113 Discussions, students develop their understanding of the scientific process in fields of cellular/molecular biology. Students work in teams to develop a research proposal that identifies a knowledge gap in the peer reviewed literature and proposes a new study to address that knowledge gap. Discussion UGTAs work directly with these teams to help guide them through the process of creating their research proposal. Lecture TAs complete tasks associated with lecture, including proctoring lectures and exams and running study sessions on Wednesday nights. Lecture UGTA positions are only available for students that have already been a discussion TA for BIOL113 for at least one semester. 

BIOL114: Introduction to Organisms and Population Biology 

In BIOL114 Discussions, students work in teams to apply their knowledge of course concepts from lecture to develop a Species Survival Portfolio (SSP). The SSP is a paper focused on the conservation and biology of a fictitious animal - the Blade-tailed Caminalcule. Students use data collected from assignments throughout the semester to develop a narrative about the decline of the Blade-tailed Caminalcule, and recommendations for how to best conserve the species, and aid in its recovery. Discussion UGTAs are primarily responsible for helping students navigate their understanding of course content and apply it to the SSP in discussion. Lecture TAs primarily complete tasks associated with lecture. Lecture UGTA positions are only available for students that have already been a discussion TA for BIOL114 for at least one semester. 

BIOL115: Introductory Biology Lab

BIOL 115 is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). As such, students in the course work in teams to execute novel research projects. The course is an immersive science experience where students learn and practice assessing literature, executing techniques for data collection, collecting and analyzing data, and writing and sharing results. The primary responsibility of lab UGTAs is to help guide students through the scientific process. Lecture TAs complete tasks associated with lecture such as answering questions while students are working and participation assignment grading. Lecture UGTA positions are only available for students that have already been a lab TA for BIOL115 for at least one semester.