My Teaching

 

 

I have had the good fortune to teach a variety of classes whilst at UCA. Everyday I am excited and enthusiastic to get into the classroom and am always searching for that critical "ah-ha" moment where students realy "get it".

The courses I teach at UCA are:

Biol 1440: Biology I This is a general survey course focusing on the Biology of the cell and how characteristics are passed from generation to generation.  We will also look at how an organism directs its cellular and genetic machinery to develop a variety of cell type that make it’s body plan.

Biol 1441: Biology II This is a general survey course focusing on the diversity of life.  During this course we will discuss the major domains and kingdoms, as well as some of the driving forces that create this diversity.  We will also look at some anatomy and physiology of plants and animals

Biol 2490: Genetics A Lecture and Lab course designed to give you an introduction to heredity and variation, focusing on topics such as classical Mendelian genetics, linkage and recombination, chromosome abnormalities, population genetics and molecular genetics. Examples of genetic analyses are drawn from a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, Drosophila and humans

Biol 3345: Molecular Biology, Techniques and  Controversies This course is designed to introduce, discuss and have you think about the application of the tools of molecular biology

Biol 4405/5405: Developmental Biology This lecture and lab course will study the procedures by which organisms grow and develop.  The course will focus on the genetic control of cell growth, differentiation, morphogenesis in both plant and animal systems.

Biol 4470/5470: Biology of Seed Plants This lab and lecture course will introduce, discuss and have you think about the seed plants.  Throughout this course we will talk about plant diversity, structure, form and function.  We will also talk about human intervention through the green revolution and biotechnology and how it has played on agriculture and global ecology.

Biol 4300: Field Studies in New Zealand This short term study abroad course is  designed to provide students with first-hand experiences of the impact humans can have on the native flora and fauna in the diverse geographic landscape of the world’s youngest nation.  Students will learn through continuous discussion and instruction by the primary instructor.  Lectures with be given by professionals throughout New Zealand, in museums, crown research institutes, and universities.  In particular we will survey the natural flora and fauna of New Zealand and try to identify it respective geographies (including cave systems, coastal regions, native New Zealand forest, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, geothermal areas, and alluvial river plains), and then discuss the impacts of the geography and human influences on the flora and fauna and its relation to this genetic diversity.    Lodging is expected to be in youth hostels (dormitories) that are in abundance across the country.  We will also spend a night on a traditional living Marae (Maori village) where we will have a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Maori culture.