Each year I host a seminar for upper level students. I strongly believe that a biology major should be 'fluent in biology', that means they should be able to read and speak the language. To practice and perfect these skills each seminar is discussion based and focuses on articles in scientific journals. Assignments will include presentations of background material (oral and 'wwwritten'), leading class discussions, & critiques of scientific articles. The seminar topic will vary from year to year but the class format and assignments will be similar.

Spring '04 : Genetically Modified Organisms: 1/9/04 The seminar requires permission. If you did not contact me for permission last semester--you must do so. If you did receive permission (but didn't get the class) you still have permission but I must sign a form to add it during drop/add.

What does it mean when we say that something is genetically modified? How do scientists modify the genes of an organism? What are we genetically modifying? and Should we being doing that? These are the types of questions we will be addressing in this seminar. Along these lines we will read articles about GMOs that are currently available and their potential implications to our health and well being as well as the health and well being of the environment.

Fall '02: Genetically Modified Organisms: As of
The focus of this seminar is on genetically modified plant species although genetic modification of animals may enter into the discussion. I am a molecular biologist by training so expect discussions of cellular mechanisms and genetics. The seminar will bring together a wide variety of topics in the biological sciences including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, experimental methods and bioethics

Fall '01: From Venoms and Toxins to Drugs Through student background presentations, journal article discussion and web projects this seminar included topics ranging from garlic's effects on vasodilation to marijuana, nicotine, nettles and cone snails. The class project explored the FDA approval process by developing ficticious drug that cures erectile dysfunction.

Fall '00: From Venoms and Toxins to Drugs (The use and development of naturally occurring substances for 'good' or 'defense' --in medicine, religious rituals, warfare)

Spring '00: From Venoms and Toxins to Drugs (The use and development of natural substances into medical remedies)