Courses at Weber State University

Taxonomy of Vascular Plants

Course Objectives - Taxonomy of Vascular Plants course focuses on two broad areas: 1) the evolution, diversity, and classification of vascular plants and 2) approaches surrounding contemporary and historic plant systematics. The first area will involve exploring the current diversity of vascular plants, with an emphasis on features that characterize and distinguish groups of plants, particularly at the levels of families, orders, and classes. We will also particularly examine this diversity through an evolutionary and comparative lens to understand current patterns of plant variation. The second area will involve investigating plant diversity in the manner of contemporary plant systematists, which includes studying morphometrics, chromosomal variation, breeding systems, and nomenclature. Through class, we will interact with the greater Ogden community and use our plant taxonomy and systematics knowledge to enhance natural experiences for the community (community engaged learning [CEL]). Syllabus 

Evolutionary Survey of Plants

Course Objectives - The evolution of plants and their subsequent diversification is the result of adaptation to a terrestrial environment. This course for science majors examines evolution and evolutionary mechanisms, and how they drive the development of increasing complexity within biological systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on autotrophic organisms, like plants, and their important symbionts. The concepts of plant diversity, ecology, reproduction, and life history strategies will be studied. Syllabus 

Plant Biology

Course Objectives - The objective for this course is to introduce you to the unique features of plant biology. We will cover the origins of life; important plants of the world and their habitats; plant diversity, structure, function, and reproduction; plants and environmental science; plants that changed history; practical botany; and botany as a science. Syllabus 

Plant Evolution

Course Objectives - The Plant Evolution course focuses on two broad areas: 1) the patterns of evolution of plants from prokaryotes to seed plants and 2) current patterns and processes of evolution among plants. The first area will involve an examination of the evolutionary patterns of plants, with a focus on land plants, and will include tracing patterns of evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes to land plants to vascular plants to seed plants. This section of the course will explore patterns, evolutionary innovations, and notable taxa throughout the history of plants. The second area will involve an investigation of the current patterns and processes influencing plant evolution. This includes variation within and among populations, strategies for reproduction and breeding systems in plants, patterns of selection, speciation, macroevolution, etc. We will discuss these aspects of plant evolution as well as delve into modern (and previous) methods for examining patterns and processes of evolution in plants. Syllabus

Plant Geography

Course Objectives - Plants are distributed across the planet, and they follow particular patterns in their geographic distribution. The manner in which plant communities are assembled, the characteristics of these plant communities, and the way in which researchers understand the origin, growth, and human modifications of these communities are important topics for botanists to explore as there are a myriad of patterns that cross communities, are restricted to particular communities, and have arisen independently in multiple regions. To this end, Plant Geography will be an investigation of our current biomes, patterns of plant distributions, and experience with methods botanists use to examine the geography of plant taxa. Syllabus

Courses at Kettering University

General Biology

Course Objectives - Biology is the science of life. The study of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, their cellular and chemical processes, and the interactions between and among various organisms are part of this area of science. Through this course, you will gain a greater understanding of the natural world and the organisms that inhabit it. Lecture Syllabus and Lab Syllabus

Ecology

Course Objectives - Ecology is the study of the Earth and the various processes that influence the function of the planet. This course will provide you with a framework in which to view the world, not just from an aesthetic point-of-view but also from one that is scientific, curious and critical. In class, we will discuss multiple aspects of ecology, and we will visit various types of ecosystems to understand the diversity that exists in Michigan. Through both of these experiences, you have the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the natural world, its importance, its complexity, and the interactions that humans have with the planet. Syllabus 

During 2016, I updated the Ecology course at Kettering to focus more on analyzing ecological data to understand approaches ecologists take to investigate the impacts of disturbance on ecosystems and their organisms.  If you would like to learn more on the redesigned course, visit this page.  Syllabus from redesigned course

Human Biology

Course Objectives - Given that we are humans, understanding how we function, from the cellular and molecular level to the organ systems and organism level, is quite useful.  Additionally, we will focus on the relationship between human biology and that of other animals to better grasp the variation of particular biological processes.  Through this course, you will gain a greater understanding of human biology, including molecular functions, physiology, and current issues in biology. Syllabus 

Biological Techniques II

Course Objectives - Experimental design and the scientific method are necessary skills for biologists.  A myriad of manners exist in which to design and execute experiments, interpret the results, and prepare manuscripts.  Trying to determine the most appropriate ways to undertake all of these aspects of the scientific manner can be dizzying, especially as the amount of methodology, data, and knowledge increases rapidly.  Understand the ways in which to critically address science and biology will allow you to come a competent researcher, and this course will help you do so. Syllabus

Biology in Modern Society

Course Objectives - Biology is the science of life, and the science permeates all aspects of our lives, ranging from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the interactions we have with others and the environments in which we live. Because of this, as well as new and developing methods on biological topics, it is important as humans in today’s society that we understand the myriad of manners in which biology fits into our lives and society as a whole. To this end, we will focus on exploring our natural environment and various ways in which we, as humans, interact with the environment, historically and presently, and discuss biological, social, and environmental impacts of these interactions on the environmental and human society. Syllabus

Courses at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)

Principles of Biology II/General Botany

Course Objectives - Plants permeate every aspect of our life, from the food we eat, to the materials with which we construct our homes, to the medicines we take when we are ill.  Through this course, you will be exposed to various aspects of plants, botany, and biology, such as plant form and function, plant reproduction, plant diversity, economic botany, and other aspects of biology specific to plants.  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to think critically, write, and present on certain aspects of botany.

According to Socrates, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”  By gathering and discussing botanical and biological knowledge throughout this course, you will have the opportunity to stoke your intellectual flame.  If you do so, your flame will burn brighter, and your ability to create, analyze, and synthesize information will grow.  If not, the kindling will sit idle, not helping build the fire of your botanical and biological intellect. Syllabus