Biology 113: Gateway to the Biological Sciences
As with any introductory course, a primary goal of Biology 113 is to provide science major students with a sound basis in basic biological concepts that will serve them well in their academic track that lies ahead. Biology 113 presents the molecular and cellular aspects of biology that include DNA structure and gene function, Mendelian inheritance, cell structure, function and reproduction along with related energy pathways of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The course also presents an introduction to early animal development. Faculty from several departments within the College of Biological Sciences teach Biology 113 on a rotating basis. Each instructor contributes her/his own individual teaching style, ideas and experience to the course.
Biology 113 is currently in a gradual state of development that will ultimately fulfill several goals of the Center for Life Sciences Education (CLSE). Current lab exercises that are more traditional in format are scheduled for replacement by inquiry method lab work where students form their own hypotheses, test them for validity through experimentation of their own design and interpret the results as a basis for a conclusion. Related to this lab method is CLSE's plan to implement a learning cycle approach in the lecture hall. Students first encounter biological topics and concepts in the laboratory by the exploratory manner described above, which the professor later expands and develops in lecture period — the inverse sequence of events usually seen in traditional teaching. And although no sooner than sometime in 2007, the complete renovation of Jennings Hall will give Biology 113 pristine, new laboratory rooms that are definitely worth the wait!
| Teaching in Summer 2008 | Teaching in Spring 2008 |
|---|---|
Dr. John CoganDr. Caroline Breitenberger | 
Dr. Randy SchollRibosomal protein (RP) genes have been studied extensively in E. Coli, yeast and animals. Many genetic traits are associated with RPs: Resistance to trichothecene mycotoxins is conferred by ribosomal protein L3 (RPL3) of yeast, and the minute phenotype of Drosophila is the result of mutant RPs. Since trichothecenes are produced by some plant pathogenic fungi, we are studying Arabidopsis ribosomal protein L3 (ARP). Our previous studies have shown that there are three members of the ARP family, one of which (ARP1) is very abundant… more. 
Dr. Richard SwensonOur research is focused primarily on the study of a family of proteins that use derivatives of riboflavin (vitamin B2) as essential cofactors or coenzymes for their biological activity. Our emphasis is the investigation of the structure of the protein, its influence on the chemical and oxidation-reduction and other chemical properties of the bound flavin cofactor, and the role of the cofactor in catalysis and/or electron transfer. Flavoproteins are often an integral part of… more. |
