Knowledge is not enough, we need imagination.
- Albert Einstein
Knowledge is not enough, we need imagination.
- Albert Einstein
Courses Taught
BIOL 250 Microbiology: This course is designed for the non-science majors interested in a career in the health field. This course provides an overview of microbial physiology, genetic and diversity with special emphasis on pathogens and diseases. In addition, current new articles and events are linked to course content. Factual learning is assessed by mid-term and final exams on the material covered in the textbook and presented during lectures.
BIOL 550 Bacteriology: This course is designed to introduce undergraduate majors to the principles of prokaryote (Bacteria and Archaea) physiology, genetic and diversity with special emphasis on pathogens and diseases and environmental microbiology. In addition, current new articles and events are linked to course content. Learning is assessed through discussions, a group classroom exercise, mid-term and final exams.
BIOL 599 Special Topics: Molecular Techniques in Microbial Ecology: This course is designed to introduce senior undergraduate and graduate students to the principles of molecular biology and bioinformatics within the framework of microbial ecology so that they may apply the techniques to their own research. The course consists of lectures and discussions and. In the future, I plan to include computer-based exercises in the course. Learning is assessed by take home exams that emphasison application and interpretation skills and the presentation of a research proposal both written and orally. Anonymous peer-review (screened by myself) of both components of the research proposal is also provided to the students.
BIOL 645 Senior Seminar: Application of high throughput sequencing to microbial ecology: Students practiced their presentation skills with "slide rodeo" presentation excerise, inwhich they are given 5 random slide and 5 minutes to develop and then presentation a story. This is followed by students choosing a recent publication on HTS and microbes related to either global or human health and then give a brief presentation followed by an question and answer period. Class time was aurgmented with communication via Google+. Presentation format is open and creativity is encouaraged. One of the most creativity presentation can be viewed at this link to YouTube.
BIOL 250L and 550L Microbiology and Bacteriology Lab: These courses are designed to compliment the material covered in the lecture courses and to provide student with direct hands on experience in working with bacteria. Student learn how to work aseptically, assay and characterize bacterial physiology and maintain laboratory manuals. Learning is assessed by quizzes, laboratory write-ups including the characterization and identification of an “unknown” bacterial isolate and a practical exam.
The following courses were taught at Texas A&M University
OCNG 251 Introduction to Oceanography: This course is designed to provide non-science major a overview on the ocean and earth system with special attention on the role of the ocean in human society and the impact of human activity on the ocean’s health. Factual learning is assessed by quizzes, in-class mid-term and final exams on the material covered in the textbook and presented during lectures. In addition, an outside reading of the popular press and writing assignment is given to link course content with current event and life decisions.
OCNG 650 Aquatic Microbial Ecology: This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the principles of aquatic microbial ecology including bacteriology, biogeochemistry, biodiversity and food web structures. In addition to the lecture- and discussion-based classes, it includes a laboratory component that covers two fundamental techniques in aquatic microbial ecology. This gives students hands-on experience on the techniques and interpretation of the results. Learning is assessed through discussions, take-home analysis/exercise-based exams, laboratory exercises, a written grant proposal and a oral presentation. Anonymous peer-review (screened by myself) of both components of the research proposal is also provided to the students.
OCNG 689 Special Topics in Molecular Marine Microbial Ecology: This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the principles of molecular biology and bioinformatics within the framework of marine microbial ecology so that they may apply the techniques to their own research. The course consists of lectures, discussions and computer-based exercises. Learning is assessed through discussions, take-home analysis/exercise-based exams, laboratory exercises, a written grant proposal and a oral presentation. Anonymous peer-review (screened by myself) of both components of the research proposal is also provided to the students.