Teaching

Courses  taught by Dr. Nowak

• BIOL 1107. Biological Principles I.  3-3-4.
  A cellular approach to biology. Topics include cell chemistry, cell structure and function, energy metabolism and cell differentiation, and techniques used to study them. Laboratories employ principles of spectrophotometry and differential centrifugation to examine enzyme kinetics, quantification of protein and subcellular fractionation. For science majors.
• BIOL 3300. Genetics. 3-2-4.

  Prerequisite: BIOL 1107, BIOL 1108 (co-requisite), BIOL 3300L (co-requisite).

  Principles of genetics including classical, molecular, population genetics and cytogenetics. Importance of genetics as a foundation for other divisions of biology is stressed. This laboratory course will explore concepts in both transmission and molecular genetics. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the principles of segregation and independent assortment. Sex linkage, epistatic relationships, and the principles of human karyotyping will also be examined. Exercises in molecular genetics will introduce students to the process of recombinant DNA technology and will demonstrate the principles involved in molecular separation techniques. 

  Students, please check the course page on Desire2Learn for course information and handouts.

• BIOL 7300 - Research Methods Across Biology

  3 Class Hours 3 Laboratory Hours 4 Credit Hours

  Prerequisite: Admission and enrollment in the Master of Science in Integrative Biology program.

  Biological disciplines are diverse and require various and specialized techniques that have become essential to the process of scientific inquiry. This course introduces graduate students to diverse research methods and literature as used in the various biological disciplines such as ecology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, zoology, botany and microbiology. Activities in the course may include, but are not limited to, lectures on research strategy and tactics, experimental design and technology, and use of statistical methods. Use of various research methods will be supported through review of the scientific literature, and possibly demonstration.

• BIOL 7634 - Cell Signaling

  3 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 3 Credit Hours

  Prerequisite: Admission and enrollment in the Master of Science in Integrative Biology program and a grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3300, CHEM 3500, or permission of the graduate program coordinator.

  This course will introduce students to a selection of signal transduction pathways and explore their function in the regulation of cellular processes, development, adaptation, and sensory response. General topics will include receptor-ligand complexes, signal generators, signal cascades and signal networks. Specific topics will include guanylate and adenylate cyclases, G-protein linked receptors, kinases and phosphatases, hormone receptors, nitric oxide pathways, applications in feedback regulation, development and pharmacology.

  Course team taught with Dr. Smith and Dr. Hudson.

• BIOL 4390 - Developmental Biology

  3 Class Hours 3 Laboratory Hours 4 Credit Hours

  Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 3300.

  Developmental process of animals and plants from formation of gametes through the embryonic stages, birth, maturation and aging. Emphasis on anatomical development, experimental embryology and molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation. Laboratory emphasizes studies in developmental biology techniques including plant and animal cell and tissue culture.

  Students, please check the course page on Desire2Learn for course information and handouts. Course team taught with Dr. Davis.