Teaching Philosophy
It has been documented that the attention span of an average college student is approximately 2-3 minutes during a standard class lecture. In an attempt to combat, or compete with, the deluge of thoughts (all scientific of course) running rampant in your heads, I have adopted a variety of active learning strategies. These activities are used in combination with material presented via the “basic” lecture format. I strongly believe that everyone has a unique mode of learning (hearing, writing, processing and recalling) facts and concepts. Thus, during the semester you will be exposed to a number of different teaching techniques designed to help you determine your most efficient learning mode. Undoubtedly, you will not “connect” with each teaching method that I expose you to but hopefully you will wor
k hard to determine how you learn best!
This class is extremely challenging and exciting, and although I will explain the various biological mechanisms through lecture, web-based activities, experimentation in the laboratory and group projects; however, you ultimately will have the final responsibility for your learning. I do not subscribe to the model of the professor pouring information from her head into the heads of the students. When you work hard to master the material, you understand it –and it is yours forever. In working vigorously on your own, and in your group, you are developing study skills that will carry you through the rest of your college career and the rest of your life.
Courses Taught at Elizabethtown College:
Bio111 – Molecules, Cells, and Animal Systems
The study of the chemical and cellular basis of life, human and animal anatomy and physiology, cellular reproduction, heredity and animal development. For Biology majors and those students taking additional biology courses. This course fulfills one of the Natural and Physical Sciences Core requirements for Biology majors.
Sample Syllabus for Bio 111
Link to Blackboard
Bio212 – Cell Biology
Study of the cell from a molecular perspective and integrated approach. Morphological and physiological study of cells, cell mechanisms, and cell organelles are explained through understanding the interaction of biological molecules. Laboratory involves qualitative and quantitative investigations of cellular and molecular construction of enzymatic pathways through various extraction and analysis techniques.
Link to Blackboard
Bio101 – Principles of Biology
(Natural and Physical Science Core Course)
Designed for the non-biology major. This course will present an overview of the major biological concepts and ideas emphasizing their relevance to our daily lives. The course is designed to stimulate discussion of current biological issues and is intended to provide an understanding of the basic mechanisms of life.
Sample Syllabus
Link to Blackboard
Bio311 – Experimental Design in Cell Biology
A practical and theoretical examination of current techniques employed to study cellular biology. Proficiencies in experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and critical review of current literature are developed. Mammalian and plant tissue culture techniques, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, polyacrylamide and capillary electrophoresis, western analysis, and cellular apoptosis assessed by electron microscopy are emphasized.
Sample Syllabus
Link to Blackboard