photo: Crotaphytus collaris auriceps near Moab, Utah by Barney Oldfield
Teaching
BIO1000 BIOLOGY FOR YOUR LIFE. This course provides non-biology majors with an appreciation for the diversity of life, and the overwhelming evidence for the evolutionary continuity of all life forms. We learn how cells are constructed and function, how genetic traits are inherited, how organisms interact with their environments, how humans are related to - and arose from - other primates. Students further explore biological topics that impact our daily lives through small group writing assignments, and learn about animal life on the FSC campus through photo-PowerPoint projects.
BIO2230 GENERAL ZOOLOGY. In this course we explore invertebrate and vertebrate animal diversity in detail. We examine evidence for the emergence of major animal groups from pre-existing taxa, view evidence for the emergence of novel vertebrate structures from anatomical precursors, explore the vast and detailed support for hominid evolution from the fossil record, and compare the form and function of animal organ systems. In the laboratory portion of the course we dissect a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, and learn to identify their characteristic features as we compare them across major taxonomic groups.
BIO3900 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. Through the combination of lecture and numerous small group projects, students will gain an understanding of the following:
BIO4461 RESEARCH: ECOLOGY. This senior capstone course for Biology majors provides a small group hands-on research experience. The research process includes:
BIO2230 GENERAL ZOOLOGY. In this course we explore invertebrate and vertebrate animal diversity in detail. We examine evidence for the emergence of major animal groups from pre-existing taxa, view evidence for the emergence of novel vertebrate structures from anatomical precursors, explore the vast and detailed support for hominid evolution from the fossil record, and compare the form and function of animal organ systems. In the laboratory portion of the course we dissect a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, and learn to identify their characteristic features as we compare them across major taxonomic groups.
BIO3900 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. Through the combination of lecture and numerous small group projects, students will gain an understanding of the following:
- behavioral development
- neural and hormonal mechanisms underlying the control of behavior
- evolution of behavioral strategies in predator-prey relationships
- costs and benefits of territorial behavior
- signal design, signal information, and the evolution of communication
- sexual selection and mate choice
- parental behavior
- social behavior
- sexual conflict and adaptive mate preferences in humans
BIO4461 RESEARCH: ECOLOGY. This senior capstone course for Biology majors provides a small group hands-on research experience. The research process includes:
- conception of a research question
- conducting a literature search
- writing a research proposal
- setting up the project
- data collection
- statistical analysis of the data
- write-up of research results in the format of a scientific journal paper
- presenting the research as a poster and PowerPoint talk
Other courses taught at Florida Southern College
BIO1500 Biological Essentials
BIO2750 Evolution
BIO3150 Ecology
BIO4999 Senior Seminar in Biology
BIO2750 Evolution
BIO3150 Ecology
BIO4999 Senior Seminar in Biology