Teaching

Course Description:

Principles of contemporary molecular genetic methods. Emphasis is on basic concepts, experimental design, and research strategies used in biological research. This is a 3 credit discussion/laboratory course designed for students interested in a practical background in applied agricultural genetics. Students will learn how use PCR, PCR-RFLP, DNA sequencing, and microsatellite DNA analysis for molecular diagnostics, population genetics, and molecular systematics. Students are encouraged to apply these molecular methods to the organism that they are using for their graduate research.

ENTO 410V Forensic Entomology (co-taught with Dr. Dayton Steelman) 2006

Course Objectives:

1. To provide a broad understanding of the biology and ecology of specific insects and other arthropod groups that are most commonly involved in forensic investigations

2. Provide insight into how DNA is used in molecular diagnostic procedures in the identification of insects and other forensic samples such as livestock fingerprinting and fish and game enforcement

3. To provide methodology relative to collecting, analyzing, preserving and using entomological information in forensic investigations

4. Experiences in the identification of various life stages of insects and other arthropods of importance to the field of forensic entomology

5. Insight as to how entomological information of a forensic nature is presented and otherwise used in formal proceedings in courts of law.

ENTO 410V Medical/Veterinary Entomology (co-taught with Dr. Dayton Steelman) 2007

Course Objectives:

1. Provide an introduction to members of the Phylum Arthropoda that include representatives of direct or indirect importance to the health of humans, pets and livestock.

2. Course will also cover clinical symptoms of disease, arthropod and parasite life-cycles, epidemiology, and methods to control arthropod-borne diseases.

3. Recent advances in the field of medical/veterinary entomology, such as DNA analysis, will be presented.