Spring 2002 Courses | Fall 2001 Courses

Learning is an adventure. As a teacher, I can provide the map and compass, but it is up to the student to find their own way through the wilderness. In the middle of this journey, students will often find themselves confused or even lost. As a guide, my philosophy is to provide students with the information they need to persevere, but at the same time, not make the journey for them.

At the end (of the semester, hopefully), when students take time to reflect, I hope they are able to see where they started and where they ended, knowing that they have truly increased their knowledge in a particular area of specialty. In addition, I hope that they are then prepared and willing to take bolder journeys in the future.

Spring 2002 Courses:

CA 201 - God, Evolution and Culture
This course examines creationist and evolutionary views of the origins of life and humans on earth and their relevance to our culture. Critical thinking with an open mind will be encouraged. Although the instructors have their own specific viewpoints, a major goal of this course is not to promote any particular ideology, but to promote constructive dialogue regarding different perspectives and ideologies, especially those at the crossroads between science and religion. We believe that "truth" can be revealed only by an on-going process of constructive conversation and empirical testing.

BI 489 - Biology Research
This course allows students to create research projects under the direction of myself and other faculty members. Attendance at a departmental journal club is expected. Presentation at a professional meeting is encouraged.

BI 495 - Internship Research/Seminar

Fall 2001 Courses:

BI 367 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
This course is a broad-based course on the comparative morphology of chordates and related proto-chordate groups. The course will delve into issues of evolution and systematics, development and organ systems. This is not a human anatomy course, although humans are good vertebrates with unique adaptations which will be addressed in concert with other vertebrate adaptations. The course will focus on homologies and adaptations of systems in a variety of vertebrate groups. The comparative approach is "a tool" as your book points out. This tool will enhance your understanding of vertebrate morphology and function in any group on which you may later wish to focus (e.g. humans for the pre-health profession students).

BI-368 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy LAB
This course is intended to give students hands-on experience with anatomy, morphology, and histology of representative vertebrates. We will focus on the anatomy of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias), mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), and cat (Felis domesticus). This is accomplished by active involvement in anatomical dissection of various prepared specimens. Participation in dissections will be a fundamental aspect of learning in lab. Students should also gain tremendously in the ability to observe. Take the time to really get to know your animals.