Teaching
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture (BIOL 161)
This is the first lecture course of a two semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology, which is the branch of biology that focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Lectures will take a "systemic" approach to anatomy and physiology, focusing on one body system at a time. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture include: basic anatomical and directional terminology; fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology; histology; the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; special senses, and the endocrine system. Each unit will build on previous knowledge to establish a cohesive picture of the human body. Throughout the course, students will build a strong foundation in the form and function of the human body from the cellular to the gross anatomical level. This knowledge will be contextualized by incorporating information about clinical cases, personal health and lifestyle choices, and human development.
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (BIOL 162)
This is the first laboratory course of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The A&P I laboratory complements the A&P I lecture by providing students with hands-on experiences such as examination of preserved specimens and anatomical models, and performing physiological experiments. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory include: anatomic orientation and terminology; the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system; special senses; skeletal system and muscular system.
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (BIOL 164)
This is the second laboratory course of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The A&P II laboratory complements the A&P II lecture by providing students with hands-on experiences such as examination of preserved specimens and anatomical models, and performing physiological experiments. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory include: the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.
Mammalian Anatomy (BIOL 129)
This is a general introductory course to mammalian anatomy with an emphasis on humans. Lectures cover the major body systems, starting with the bones and finishing with the nervous system. Labs complement what we discuss in the lecture with hands on experience of examining bones, plastic models of various structures and dissections of cats. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human anatomy on both a histological (cellular) and gross anatomical scale.
Biology: Basic Concepts, and Biodiversity (BIOL 110)
This is the first biology course taken by students who intend to major in biology. It provides a foundation for the basic concepts that govern life. In addition, these concepts are used to explain the processes of evolution which contribute to the biodiversity that we observe today. The course objectives have remained unchanged and seek to provide students with a fundamental understanding of: 1) features of life; 2) how basic genetic processes provide continuity between generations; 3) how genetic variation arises and contributes to evolutionary processes; 4) how structure relates to function; 5) how the diversity life is studied and explained by evolution.
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms (BIOL 240W)
A study of development and physiological processes at the organismic level. This course provides an understanding of the major unifying principles as they apply to the study of the development and physiological mechanisms utilized by organisms from both animals and plants. In lecture a comparative approach will be taken in the examination of reproduction, development, and physiology primarily at the organismal level. In laboratory, experimental, investigations of both animal and plant systems will reinforce the concepts covered in lecture. Through the lab, students are expected to become proficient in the interpretation and presentation of experimental results through written and oral reports. Taken together with the other core courses in the biology curriculum BIOL 24OW will help students to integrate concepts ranging from molecular and cellular events through principles governing entire populations and ecosystems. Further, BIOL 24OW provides the foundation on which students further their study of animal physiology and development.
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (BIOL 421)
This upper level course is designed to provide students with a broadly applicable understanding of anatomy across different taxa. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of vertebrate anatomy and be able to apply comparisons between phylogenetically distinct vertebrate species to illustrate evolutionary adaptations and the relationship between structure and function. Unique adaptations such as those of ruminants and birds will be explored in addition to the more common fish, amphibians and mono-gastric mammals typically used to illustrate these principles. We also use the book by Neil Shubin, ‘Your Inner Fish’ as well as the documentary series of the same name as a basis for discussion sessions about the evolution of vertebrates. Laboratory activities utilizing preserved specimens of a number of different vertebrates, including the dogfish shark and the cat, will emphasize structure identification and functional adaptations.
Animal Behavior (BIOL 429)
This upper level course is designed to introduce students to the mechanisms, functions and origins of animal behavior. Major topics covered are: 1) the scientific study of animal behavior, 2) the development of behavior (including environmental, physiological and genetic impacts), 3) how animals interact with their environment (finding food, choosing where to live, avoiding predators, dealing with competitors), 4) mating behavior (choosing and obtaining mates, mating systems and parental care), 5) social and human behavior. There is a strong evolutionary focus, aiming to understand how natural selection shapes animal behavior. We also address the ethical considerations surrounding research involving animals.
Research Project (BIOL 494)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
Internship in Biology (BIOL 495)
Practical off-campus experience in Biology under the supervision of a professional and a faculty member.
This is the first lecture course of a two semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology, which is the branch of biology that focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Lectures will take a "systemic" approach to anatomy and physiology, focusing on one body system at a time. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture include: basic anatomical and directional terminology; fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology; histology; the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; special senses, and the endocrine system. Each unit will build on previous knowledge to establish a cohesive picture of the human body. Throughout the course, students will build a strong foundation in the form and function of the human body from the cellular to the gross anatomical level. This knowledge will be contextualized by incorporating information about clinical cases, personal health and lifestyle choices, and human development.
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (BIOL 162)
This is the first laboratory course of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The A&P I laboratory complements the A&P I lecture by providing students with hands-on experiences such as examination of preserved specimens and anatomical models, and performing physiological experiments. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory include: anatomic orientation and terminology; the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system; special senses; skeletal system and muscular system.
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (BIOL 164)
This is the second laboratory course of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The A&P II laboratory complements the A&P II lecture by providing students with hands-on experiences such as examination of preserved specimens and anatomical models, and performing physiological experiments. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory include: the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.
Mammalian Anatomy (BIOL 129)
This is a general introductory course to mammalian anatomy with an emphasis on humans. Lectures cover the major body systems, starting with the bones and finishing with the nervous system. Labs complement what we discuss in the lecture with hands on experience of examining bones, plastic models of various structures and dissections of cats. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human anatomy on both a histological (cellular) and gross anatomical scale.
Biology: Basic Concepts, and Biodiversity (BIOL 110)
This is the first biology course taken by students who intend to major in biology. It provides a foundation for the basic concepts that govern life. In addition, these concepts are used to explain the processes of evolution which contribute to the biodiversity that we observe today. The course objectives have remained unchanged and seek to provide students with a fundamental understanding of: 1) features of life; 2) how basic genetic processes provide continuity between generations; 3) how genetic variation arises and contributes to evolutionary processes; 4) how structure relates to function; 5) how the diversity life is studied and explained by evolution.
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms (BIOL 240W)
A study of development and physiological processes at the organismic level. This course provides an understanding of the major unifying principles as they apply to the study of the development and physiological mechanisms utilized by organisms from both animals and plants. In lecture a comparative approach will be taken in the examination of reproduction, development, and physiology primarily at the organismal level. In laboratory, experimental, investigations of both animal and plant systems will reinforce the concepts covered in lecture. Through the lab, students are expected to become proficient in the interpretation and presentation of experimental results through written and oral reports. Taken together with the other core courses in the biology curriculum BIOL 24OW will help students to integrate concepts ranging from molecular and cellular events through principles governing entire populations and ecosystems. Further, BIOL 24OW provides the foundation on which students further their study of animal physiology and development.
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (BIOL 421)
This upper level course is designed to provide students with a broadly applicable understanding of anatomy across different taxa. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of vertebrate anatomy and be able to apply comparisons between phylogenetically distinct vertebrate species to illustrate evolutionary adaptations and the relationship between structure and function. Unique adaptations such as those of ruminants and birds will be explored in addition to the more common fish, amphibians and mono-gastric mammals typically used to illustrate these principles. We also use the book by Neil Shubin, ‘Your Inner Fish’ as well as the documentary series of the same name as a basis for discussion sessions about the evolution of vertebrates. Laboratory activities utilizing preserved specimens of a number of different vertebrates, including the dogfish shark and the cat, will emphasize structure identification and functional adaptations.
Animal Behavior (BIOL 429)
This upper level course is designed to introduce students to the mechanisms, functions and origins of animal behavior. Major topics covered are: 1) the scientific study of animal behavior, 2) the development of behavior (including environmental, physiological and genetic impacts), 3) how animals interact with their environment (finding food, choosing where to live, avoiding predators, dealing with competitors), 4) mating behavior (choosing and obtaining mates, mating systems and parental care), 5) social and human behavior. There is a strong evolutionary focus, aiming to understand how natural selection shapes animal behavior. We also address the ethical considerations surrounding research involving animals.
Research Project (BIOL 494)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
Internship in Biology (BIOL 495)
Practical off-campus experience in Biology under the supervision of a professional and a faculty member.