My approach to teaching biology
I LOVE teaching Principles of Biology I because I LOVE biodiversity. I find every organism endlessly fascinating and am always learning new things that I will enthusiastically share (with everybody - my students, colleagues down the hall, my Facebook friends, my patient spouse, etc.). It is my primary goal to make this wonderment infectious, to make my students want to learn more about the organisms that they share the planet with. Biological Processes in the Environment is an important extension because it links organisms to the ecosystem processes on which the planet relies. I feel this mission is imperative as education is the best means to slow biodiversity loss and climate change; two of the most critical issues facing humanity.
In addition to teaching introductory courses, I am the faculty in charge of the Principles of Biology I (since Fall 2021). This inquiry-based lab allows students to explore various taxonomic groups and learn more about biodiversity.
Recent syllabi
Fall syllabus for Principles of Biology I - BIOL 2110
Spring syllabus for Principles of Biology I - BIOL 2110
Honors contract for Principles of Biology I (Fall semester only)
Syllabus for Biological Processes in the Environment - ENSCI 2510
Publication
In class activities
Biederman LA. 2016. Prokaryote metabolism review
Biederman LA. 2016. Protostome classification review