Bates College, Lewiston, ME

Plant Physiology, BIO 380, Curriculum includes Community Engaged Learning.

A study of organismal and cellular functions important in the life of green plants. Topics include mineral nutrition, water relations, carbon assimilation, metabolism, and regulatory processes with an emphasis on how plant structure and function are influenced by pressures in the growing environment or by interactions with other organisms. Weekly laboratories provide a research-led approach to understanding physiological processes in plants. Prerequisite(s):BIO 190 and CHEM 108 in addition to one of the following courses: BIO 221, BIO 242, BIO 270, or BIES 271. Enrollment limited to 19.

 

Dendrology and the Natural History of Trees, BIES 271, Click here for the course-generated Bates tree website.

In this field-based course, students engage in the scientific study of the natural history and identification of trees and important shrubs native to New England, and some commonly planted non-native trees. Topics include the anatomy, function, taxonomy, biology, and uses of trees. Lecture topics support weekly outdoor laboratories, which include trips to such field sites as the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, and Wolfe’s Neck State Park. Study of the woody flora of New England serves as a foundation for further work in biology, environmental studies, conservation, or related fields. Prerequisite(s): BIO 117, 124, 190, or ENVR 203. Enrollment limited to 18.

 

Plants and Human Affairs, BIO 124 and BIO 117, Click here for the Bates News Feature

Economic botany is the study of how humans use plants for food, shelter, medicine, or textiles. Ethnobotany is the study of traditional knowledge and customs of particular human cultures concerning the use of plants for sustenance and for medicinal and religious purposes. This course provides a broad overview of both disciplines, with an introduction to plant anatomy and biology. Students explore the human uses of plants (and fungi) for perfumes, spices, medicines, hallucinogens, fermentation products, oils, rubber, textiles, wood, sugar, cereals, and legumes, in addition to exploring how various indigenous cultures have used plants. Not open to students who have received credit for BIO s11. Enrollment limited to 39.

 

Plant and Fungal Diversity, BIO 221

This course provides an overview of the evolution and diversity of plants and fungi. In lecture and laboratory studies, students are introduced to the anatomical and functional characteristics that define each group with an emphasis on adaptations to the environment. Throughout the course, the ecological importance and human uses of plants and fungi are explored. Prerequisite(s): one 100-level biology course. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 21.

 

 

Organismal Biology, BIO 190

An introduction to the biology of plants and animals with an emphasis on the evolution of structure, function, and diversity within these groups. The inquiry-based, collaborative laboratory studies introduce students to fundamental principles of form and function in the organismal world, the quantitative analysis of data, scientific writing, and utilizing the primary literature. This course is intended to serve as the entry point for all life science majors including biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and environmental studies (science concentration). Enrollment limited to 70.

 

The North Woods, s37, Curriculum includes Purposeful Work Infusion and Community Engaged Learning, Click here for the Bates News Feature

An investigation of the patterns and history of New England’s forests and associated plant communities, with an emphasis on field study and research. Students review the influences of geological patterns, climate, unusual soil and water conditions, natural disturbances, invasive plants and insects, and human activities on community type, occurrence, and history. Central to the course are visits to a variety of field sites, where students learn to describe the structure, composition, and history of several communities. Primary literature is emphasized. Prerequisite(s): BIO 270 or ENVR 310. Enrollment limited to 8.

 

The Natural History of Maine’s Neighborhoods and Woods, First Year Seminar, FYS 454, 2016, Curriculum included Community Engaged Learning.

This course introduces students to the natural history of Maine by exploring the native mammals, fish, plants, and insects, with consideration on how humans have shaped Maine’s natural environments. One overnight trip to the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area and one daylong trip to the Maine Wildlife Park are required. Relying upon natural history literature, poetry, and field guides related to Maine as a foundation, students utilize techniques in field studies to observe and document native wildlife and plants. A critical comparison of popular and scientific literature allows an evaluation of current and future health of Maine’s natural habitats.

 

Junior Seminar, BIO 460, 2016, Curriculum included Purposeful Work Infusion

Reading original biological literature is an essential skill for biology majors. Focusing on the topics addressed by invited speakers for the semester’s biology seminar program, students review articles, write analyses, and contribute oral presentations in a small group format. Students attend afternoon and/or evening seminars and discuss the content, context, and presentation of original investigations. Prerequisite(s): BIO 190, 242, and 270. One of these courses may be taken concurrently, only by permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for NRSC 460. Enrollment limited to 19.

 

Harvard College, Cambridge, MA

Teaching Fellow, Trees, Forests, and Global Change, SLS 25, Spring 2013.

Teaching Fellow, Plants and Human Affairs, OEB 59, Fall 2010 and 2012.

Teaching Fellow, Topics in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, OEB 399, Fall 2011, Spring 2012.

Teaching Fellow, Biology of Plants, OEB 52, Spring 2011.

Teaching Fellow, Biology of Trees and Forests, Science B-40, Spring 2009.

Teaching Fellow, Feeding the World; Feeding Yourself, Science B-64, Spring 2008.

Teaching Fellow, Foundations of Biological Diversity, OEB 10, Fall 2007.

Course Development, Assisted in the development of course content such as laboratory exercises, exams, and readings. Courses: Science B-40 (Spring 2009), Science B-64 (Spring 2008), OEB 10 (Fall 2007)

 

Harvard University, Harvard Extension School, Cambridge, MA

Lecturer, Trees and Forests in New England, Bios E-120, Spring 2012, 2013 and 2014. Co-taught in 2012 and 2013 with Donald Pfister, Ph.D..

Teaching Fellow, Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bios E-1a, Fall 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.

Teaching Fellow, Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Bios E-1b, Spring 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.

Course Assistant, Woody Plants and New England Forests, Bios E-146, Spring 2007 and 2010.

 

University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Teaching Assistant, Dendrology, FOR 21, Fall 2005.