Teaching

In addition to teaching in the classroom environment, each semester I have 3-4 undergraduate researchers in my laboratory. These students are given their own projects (frequently directed toward inactivating genes in C. difficile). 


For those students interested in undergraduate research (BIOL 291 / 491), please inquire by email or stop by my office in BSBE 314C.

---

Biology 351 - Fundamentals of Microbiology

      This course provides a basic understanding of microbes, their biology and their importance.  For microbiology majors, this course serves as the foundation for further study of the field.  For non-majors, this course provides the basic information needed to understand how microbes affect our lives and livelihoods.  Topics range from general microbial physiology and metabolism to immunology and microbial pathogenesis.
         BIOL 351 is a writing-intensive class that fulfills the requirements for a W-course. The writing component includes writing exercises designed to develop skill in writing for different audiences (scientific and general). Writing assignments include short writing exercises (both in-class and take-home) and the preparation of laboratory reports.  Additionally, in-class exams include short-answer questions that test your ability to articulate your knowledge of microbiology.

    Textbook: OpenStax Microbiology

    Lab Manual: Microbiology Lab Manual, LeBoffe (Custom)

Biology 406 / Gene 406 - Bacterial Genetics

      This course is a study of the genetic processes of bacteria, especially Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, covering such topics as: (i) the mechanisms of DNA replication; (ii) DNA recombination and repair; (iii) the causes and characterization of mutations; (iv) selection of mutants; (v) gene transfer processes; and (vi)  the process and regulatory control of gene expression.
          Students will also experience reading, analyzing and discussing primary literature using seminal papers in microbial genetics and physiology.

    Textbook: Molecular Genetics of Bacteria 4th Edition by Snyder, Peters, Henkin & Champness.