Contemporary Issues in Biology (Biol 10003)
The course "Contemporary Issues in Biology" is designed for nonscience majors and I currently serve as course coordinator. The course focuses on the exciting contemporary issues in biology ranging across the subdisciplines of molecular biology, physiology, evolution and environmental science. Examples of issues covered in the course include: the Human Genome Project, DNA Fingerprinting, Cloning, Drug Addiction, Antibiotic Resistance, AIDS, Human Evolution, Acid Rain, Global Warming and the Ozone Hole. The lecture portion of the course focuses on the biological concepts underlying issues presented in readings from Time Magazine, U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek. Each lab is conducted in the computer laboratory and consists of topics examined by introductory videos and web searches. For the syllabus, click Contemporary Issues in Biology.

Ecology (Biol 30403)
Ecology is required for undergraduate students majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. It is a team-taught course, introducing students to the major concepts of ecology. For the syllabus, click Ecology.

Introduction to Biological Research (Biol 40021, Biol 60011)
All undergraduate biology majors and biology graduate students must take Biol 40021 or Biol 60011, respectively. The course "Introduction to Biological Research" was developed to expose students to the diversity of research approaches used in biological research and to familiarize students with the research programs of individual faculty hoping to stimulate student interest in the Department's Murphy Undergraduate Research Program. All research faculty in the Biology Department teach in the course, introducing the students to research in each faculty member's scientific field. Students frequently comment that this course is their only exposure to the scientific work of faculty and why the faculty feel so passionately about their scientific disciplines. As a result of this course, some undergraduates opt for hands on research experience and become young investigators in our labs. At the end of the course, all students must take an exam, the Majors Field Test in Biology, to assess their biological knowledge compared to other students across the nation. For the syllabi, click Introduction to Biological Research.

Ecology of Lakes and Streams (Biol 50703)
This course is designed for Biology and Environmental Science majors at the senior/graduate student level. In this course, we examine the interrelationships between major physical, chemical and biological components of lake and river ecosystems. Each lecture consists of a round-table discussion of major papers published in the leading scientific journals in the field including Science, Nature, Limnology and Oceanography, and the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The lab focuses on field and laboratory techniques used to sample and analyze physical, chemical and biological components of lakes and rivers. For the syllabus, click Ecology of Lakes and Streams.

Ecology of Fishes (Biol 50803)
This course is designed for Biology and Environmental Science majors at the senior/graduate student level. In this course, we examine some of the major controversies and challenges of the field. Examples of topics covered in the course include: loss of biodiversity, effects of nonindigenous fishes, overharvest of marine fishes, history of the fisheries of the Great Lakes, and mercury and food webs. Each lecture class consists of a round-table discussion of major papers published in the leading scientific journals in the field including Fisheries, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society and the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The laboratory focuses on fisheries techniques and the identification of freshwater fishes. For the syllabus, click Ecology of Fishes.

Scientific Presentations (Biol 60001)
This course introduces students to the preparation of professional scientific presentations using Powerpoint. All graduate students in Biology are required to take this course. For the syllabus, click Scientific Presentations.