Teaching interests
Biology 329: Cell and Molecular Biology (Offered in Fall)
Description and objective: Lectures will cover the important principles behind cellular and molecular biology, including how these principals apply to cutting-edge topics in medicine and biological research. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, structure and function of biological molecules, structure and function of organelles, and gene and protein expression and regulation.
Required text: Karp's Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts & Experiments (8th edition) by Iwasa and Marshall.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to understand the following:
1.The properties of and differences among prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
2. The synthesis, chemical properties, and function of major biological macromolecules.
3. The origin and function of cellular organelles.
4. The nature of genetic information, its organization and replication, and the relationship of genetic information to protein expression and function.
5. The structure, function, and organization of the cytoskeleton and membrane systems.
Biology 443: Developmental Biology-WR;CUE (Offered in Spring)
Description and objectives: Lectures will highlight critical themes in animal development, including cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis, and covers specific topics such as developmental anatomy, embryonic development, axis formation, organ, tissue, and limb development, and cell-cell communication. The course also briefly addresses similarities and differences in developmental strategies among animals and other multicelluar organisms.
Required text: Developmental Biology (11th edition) by Gilbert and Barresi.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and articulate the major tools used in the study of development, including genetic, molecular, physiological, and anatomical approaches.
2. Describe early embryonic development in select animals, including general similarities and differences among phyla and classes.
3. Describe the origin, formation, and differentiation of major germ cell layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).
4. Describe the origin, formation, and differentiation of major tissues, organs, and systems, including kidneys, muscles, bones, limbs, the nervous system, the circulatory system, and the respiratory system.
5. Articulate and apply general principals of development across multicellular organisms among different kingdoms.
This class is designated a WR class, and includes written tests and a term paper. This class also qualifies as a CUE course, and integrates knowledge from a wide range of previous courses and fields such as genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology.
Biology 643: Advanced Developmental Biology (Offered in Spring)
This course is offered concurrently with Biology 443, and is aimed toward graduate students. In addition to the requirements stated above, students will participate in a journal club in which one individual presents an research paper to fellow students.
Biology 404, 405, 406-WR: Independent Research Opportunities and 501, 502, 504-WR: Independent Study Opportunities
A limited number of students are selected for laboratory research projects and independent study projects in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Please contact the instructor to inquire about availability.