Biology 335: Mycology (taught in fall alternating with
Plant Pathology)
Mycology (from the Greek word mykes = mushroom) is the
study of fungi. The organisms we call "fungi" span three
kingdoms and inhabit virtually every ecological niche on
earth. There are over 69,000 described species, but it is
estimated that there may be at least 1.5 million species in
existence. Although there are fungi that are plant or human
pathogens, there are actually more fungal friends than
foes! In fact, without the unique ability that fungi have
to break down organic matter, especially cellulose, life on
this planet would grind to a halt in a few years! Biology
335 is a 4 credit class with two lectures and two labs per
week.
Biology
333: General Microbiology (I co-teach it with Dr. Crowther
in summers)
This 4
credit class (2 lectures, 2 labs per week) will introduce
you to the many facets
of microbiology, to include, bacteria, viruses, metabolism,
genetics, and immunology. Current relevant news
stories are also included in the course.amazing
world of bacteria and viruses (and some fungi thrown in as
well). Offered both Fall and Spring semesters by Dr.
Crowther.
See my Bio 333 web page with
lab images and special links.
Biology
490: Senior Seminar (taught Spring semesters)
Current topic: Women in Science
The purpose of this class is to give students practical
experience in giving oral and poster presentations, and
also to explore contributions made by women in biology.
During the first part of the course, we will be discussing,
as a class, the life and scientific contributions of three
important women scientists, Marie Curie, Rosalyn Franklin,
and Barbara McClintock. During the latter part of the
semester, each student will be required to give a seminar
15-20 minutes in length on a woman of her choice who has
made significant contributions to biological science.
Finally, a poster will be prepared on the same topic.