Teaching

I teach the following courses at MacEwan University:

Introduction to Evolution (BIOL 108)

Course description from the course outline: From the origin of life on earth through the evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, this course examines biological diversity. Using a phylogenetic approach to classification, the major taxonomic groups of organisms are introduced. Features that adapt these organisms to their environment are highlighted. Darwinian evolution and associated mechanisms are emphasized throughout.

Humans and their Environment (BIOL 103)

Course description from the course outline: This course provides an overview of global and local environmental issues that have accompanied human population growth. The course will explore examples of where critical actions are required to resolve environmental issues. Case studies compare environmental issues across countries.

Principles of Ecology (BIOL 208)

Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. These include interactions at the individual, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Topics presented include abiotic and biotic factors that form an organism’s environment, models of population growth and factors controlling growth, competition and predator-prey interactions in communities, and energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Laboratories emphasize collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of ecological data.

Conservation Biology (BIOL 367)

This course introduces the principles of conservation biology with an emphasis on ecological processes operating at population,community, and ecosystem levels. Threats to biological diversity, ranging from species introductions to habitat destruction are explored ranging from the design of protected areas through conservation legislation. Challenges in applying conservation strategies,such as ethical, economic, political, legal, cultural, and societal concerns, are examined.

Advanced Conservation Biology (BIOL 467)

Effective conservation requires a strong knowledge of general ecology and the biology of target species for biodiversity management. However, conservation is also influenced by ethical values, cultural traditions, political and legal constraints, historical context, and other aspects of how humans relate to and connect with the natural world. This course will explore these different aspects of conservation biology and how they influence decision making. This course will primarily focus on conservation in Canada.

For my students: more information about these courses can be found on mêskanâs.