Biology 305: Genetics (Spring, Course Page)

Genetics is one of those fields that affects the way we think about everything else in Biology.  Far from being a historical subject, genetics is at the leading edge of modern biological research.  This course will be a rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of genetics.  Along the way, we will explore how modern genetic research is done, the technologies that it has led to, and the big unanswered questions that are still out there.

First Year Seminar 109 - Me, Myself, and My 23 (Fall 2010, Course Page)

Would you have your own genome sequenced?  Will we be able to create medicines personally tailored for each individual patient?  What does genetics tell you about your deep ancestry? How is genetics impacting reproductive choices?  This seminar will introduce the basics of genetics through an exploration of the impacts of modern genetic technology on how we live, die, and reproduce.

Biology 312: Molecular Biology (Fall, Course Page)

This course will give you a solid understanding of the principles underlying the field of Molecular Biology.  In addition we will explore experimental design, methods, and interpretation of experimental results as it pertains to Molecular Biology.  Along the way we will touch on new and emerging topics such as RNA interference, Therapeutic Cloning, Stem Cells, and Epigenetics.

Biology 446: Neurodevelopment (Spring 2011, Course Page)

This course will examine the experimental underpinnings of our knowledge about neurodevelopment.  We will take a comparative approach to the subject by focusing on model systems and their contributions to our understanding of nervous system development and function.  Finally, the course will touch on the different human pathologies associated with alterations in neurodevelopment.

Independent Study and Bachelors Essay (Biology 399, 448, and 499)

I am always interested in having students pursue research projects in my lab.  Both my current research as well as future projects are amenable to undergraduate research and expose students to numerous fields including: molecular biology, neurobiology, genetics and cell biology.  Furthermore, working in my lab also provides an introduction to human genetics and disease and the use of model systems as a way to understand disease mechanisms.

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