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Principles of Biology I (BIO111): I teach the lecture component of this course in the Fall Semester. BIO111 lecture is divided into three major sections. In the first section, we study basic chemical properties of biologically important molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and water. We will also study enzymes and their importance in the metabolism of living organisms. In the second part of the course, we explore the basic unit of all life – the cell. In this part of the course, you will examine the structure of animal and plant cells and the means by which cells harvest and use energy from the environment. You will learn how cells reproduce and how they become specialized and combine to form tissues and organs during the course of embryonic development. The third part of the course will be focused on structure and function of genes and the means by which genetic traits are passed along from one generation to the next. Link to syllabus.
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Introduction to Biotechnology (BIO494): This course is taught every Spring Semester. In BIO494, students are introduced to basic techniques in Molecular Biology, Cell Culture, Bioinformatics, and Protein Analysis/Purification, with an emphasis on trouble-shooting, calculations, and applications in health care and agriculture. Key principles related to these techniques are addressed from a practical view with the goal of 1) Gaining a broad understanding of biotechnology and its applications. 2) Developing basic laboratory skills in molecular biology. 3) Learning to understand and evaluate primary research literature. And 4) Becoming proficient at written and oral presentation of scientific information. Link to syllabus.
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Molecular Biological Approaches in Research (BIO596): I frequently teach this course in the Fall semester. Students in BIO596 learn about the use of novel molecular approaches thata are used to address current questions in the life sciences. The format of BIO596 that I have taught in the past has been that of a seminar or journal club in which students will chose a primary research article (or set of related articles) in which a technical approach (i.e. RNA interference, microarrays, stem cells, etc.) has been used to explore biologically important questions. Each student presents a seminar on the research article and submits a written, critical evaluation of the research reported in the article. The student presentation is expected be a critical description/evaluation of the research; the presentation should facilitate discussion among the students in the class. Those students not presenting are expected to participate in the discussion by asking questions and furthering discussion. Link to syllabus.
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