
Teaching
See below for a list of courses that I teach here at Furman University. In most cases, descriptions provided are directly from the university course catalog.

BIO 210 Genetics
Prerequisite: BIO-101, BIO-102 or BIO-111
Introduction to the study of inheritance. Topics include: transmission of genes in cellular and organismal reproduction, structure and arrangement of genetic material in the cell, control and function of genes, and population genetics. Equal emphasis given to inheritance patterns and molecular genetics. Laboratories include testing the genetics of Drosophila and other organisms, and basic molecular techniques. 4 credits.

BIO 213 Population Genetics & Evolution
Prerequisite: BIO-101, BIO-102, or BIO-111
Overview of evolutionary mechanisms affecting population genetic structure over time and space. Topics include applicable genetic tools and analyses, species concepts, phylogeography, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics. Labs will focus on data collection, analysis, and interpretation in plant and animal systems. 4 credits.

BIO 346 Forest Ecology
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-222
This course will focus on forested systems of eastern North America, especially those of the southeastern United States. Topics will include interaction of plants, animals, and people in the context of forest conservation and management. Major topics will be covered through lecture, discussion of the primary literature, and experimental field labs. 4 credits.

BIO 400 Field Botany
Prerequisite: BIO-101, BIO-102 or BIO-111
Natural relationships of vascular plants, practice in the use of identification keys, experience in recognizing species in the field, techniques used in collecting and preparing herbarium specimens, and exposure to pertinent literature. Laboratories include field trips. 4 credits.

BIO 401 Economic Botany
GER: NE (Humans and the Natural Environment)
Prerequisite: BIO-101, BIO-102 or BIO-111
Introduction to plant biology as it pertains to human society. Topics include: life cycles, structure/function relationships, and uses of plants in society. Emphasis on medicinally and economically important plants. Lab exercises reflect the importance of plants as sources of food, fiber, and medicine. 4 credits.

BIO 402 Ethnobiology
GER: NWL (Empirical Study of the Natural World with laboratory) and WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: BIO-101, BIO-102 or BIO-111 and instructor permission
Travel study course focusing on the study of interrelations between humans, plants, animals, and their environment. A key component is understanding the past, present, and future importance of biodiversity and of change in these interrelations. 4 credits.

BIO 434 Ecology and Management
of Great Smoky Mountains
The objective of this course is to explore the ecology of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from historical and biological perspectives, as well as the political and economic impacts of both people on the park and the park on people. This class includes a required Spring Break trip and a required weekend backpacking trip in the Smokies.

MXP 236 Nature in Art:
Botanical form and function in clay
This on-campus May-X course brings together interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and comprehending the natural world through the fields of biology and visual art. Students develop an awareness and appreciation of botanical forms through the study of local and regional plant life, field observations, and creation of ceramic work that engages in a formal and functional dialogue with the natural world.