Teaching
Fundamental Genetics (IBIO341)
This course a provides a foundational understanding of of the principles of heredity in animals, plants and microorganisms. Along with an introduction to classical and molecular methods in the study of gene structure, transmission, expression and evolution.
Biology of Birds (IBIO360)
In this course we emphasize the diversity, ecology, evolution, physiology, behavior and conservation of birds. The lab portion of this course is designed to provide opportunities for laboratory and field learning and development of ornithological skills. We detail avian morphology, emphasizing features useful for species identification and those that make birds unique among animals. We explore the diversity of birds, emphasizing visual and vocal identification of birds of Michigan, but also briefly covering global diversity. In both lecture and lab we contextualize this diversity by applying general principles of functional morphology, physiological ecology, and behavioral ecology.
Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMCB)
An introduction to the molecular and biochemical composition of cells and the organization and function of both DNA and cellular structures. This course emphasizes three foundational concepts: (1) the acquisition, transformation, and utilization of energy; (2) the determinants and regulation of macromolecular form and function; and (3) the encoding, storage, and translation of information.
Principles of Neuroscience
An introduction to the concepts and techniques of modern neuroscience. This course encompasses essential concepts including neuronal signal transduction and transmission, nervous system organization, sensory processing, and the neurobiology of behavior in model systems.
Genome Biology (Graduate)
A graduate-level course introducing foundational concepts in genome structure, function, and evolution. We detail current empirical approaches in genome biology and apply these tools in exercises and a class project — including genome assembly, alignment, annotation, and transcriptome analyses via UNIX-based bioinformatic applications and OSCER computing resources.
Data Wrangling and Visualization for Biology (Graduate)
A graduate-level seminar introducing a variety of tools — mostly centered around R — to handle computational and data presentation tasks commonly encountered in biology. The aim is to develop an approach to handling data and analyses in efficient, reproducible ways that can easily be shared with others.