BIOL113: Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

This application is ONLY to become a BIOL113 Discussion TA.

In BIOL113 Discussions, students primarily work on developing skills in finding, reading and evaluating scientific information by way of primary literature (scientific peer-reviewed studies). Students work in teams to develop a scientific proposal that identifies and tests a novel, biological solution. Discussion UGTAs work directly with these teams to help guide them through the process of creating their scientific 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 

This application is ONLY to become a BIOL114 Discussion TA.

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

This application is ONLY to become a BIOL115 Lab TA.

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. 

Shared Discussion and Lab UGTA duties across all three courses

• Attend weekly 2 hour TA meetings:

  • BIOL 113 - Fridays 1:10-3:20pm

  • BIOL 114 - Fridays 1:10 - 3:20pm

  • BIOL 115 - Fridays 1:10-3:20pm

• 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