Teaching

I teach the following courses at MacEwan University:

Organisms in their Environment (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 the diversity of life on earth. Using a phyletic approach to classification, the major taxonomic groups of organisms are introduced. These include prokaryotes, numerous protists, plants, fungi, and animals. Features that adapt these organisms to their environment are emphasized using Darwinian evolution as the underlying principle.

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 the population growth of humans. Principal areas in which critical decisions are now required are identified. Detailed case studies of specific environmental topics compare Canada (a developed country) with a developing country.

Principles of Ecology (BIOL 208)

Course description from the course outline: 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, energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Laboratories emphasize collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication of ecological data.

Conservation Biology (BIOL 367)

Description from the course outline: This course introduces the principles of conservation biology with an emphasis on ecological processes operating at population, community, and ecosystem levels of organization. Threats to biological diversity, ranging from species introductions to habitat destruction will be discussed along with conservation solutions ranging from the design of protected areas through conservation legislation. The course involves a major oral presentation and peer work. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions.

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