Sample Teaching Assignments

The following course descriptions are examples of courses that have been taught by IRACDA Scholars.

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Biochemistry Theory and Principles

This course introduces the principles in biochemistry. You will learn the structure and function of biomolecules, kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, major metabolic pathways that synthesize and degrade biomolecules, the storage and transmission of genetic information in organisms. 3 credits= 3 hours per week.

Biochemistry Laboratory

This laboratory course will use an applications-based approach to biochemical techniques. You will apply the concepts learned in the biochemistry lecture course to gain experience in protein purification and characterization, modern molecular biology techniques, enzyme kinetics and immunological techniques. You will extensively utilize techniques and instrumentation widely used in academic and industry laboratories. You will apply the regulatory affairs standards and document your work as per these standards. 2 credits= 4 hour lab per week.

General Biology for allied health majors

Focuses on the concepts of biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, molecular genetics and heredity reproduction, and overview of transcription & transcription. The course is intended for allied health majors (i.e. nursing, MLT) and others not requiring a majors-level introductory biology. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

General Biology II for science majors

This is the second semester of introductory biology. Topics include principles of evolution, ecology, biodiversity and an introduction to living systems. Class includes a weekly lab meeting. 

General Ecology

This sophomore level course examines the interrelationships of organisms and their environments, emphasizing the historic development of fundamental principles at the levels of individuals, population, community, and ecosystem through examination of theoretical and empirical findings. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

Genetics

This sophomore level course examines the organization, storage, maintenance, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Molecular data and Mendelian principles are applied to understand genetics at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

Introduction to Human Genetics

A non-majors, general education lab course that explores the basic principles of human genetics.  Topics include the scientific method, Mendelian genetics, sex determination, karyotyping, molecular genetics, genetic counseling, the Human Genome Project, genetics of immunity and cancer, and population genetics.  Lecture 3 hours per week.  Lab requires a minimum of 3 hours per week of self-directed lab work.

Human Anatomy

A rigorous and demanding study of the human body, intended for students pursuing careers in the health professions.  Emphasis is on both gross and microscopic anatomy.  Laboratory includes small mammal dissection, basic histology, and the gross and microscopic study of the human organ systems.  Small mammal dissection is required for course completion.  Lecture 3 hours per week.  Lab requires a minimum of 3 hours per week of self-directed laboratory work.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This is the second course of a two-course sequence. Course offers students a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems: circulatory (heart, blood vessels, blood), non-specific and specific defenses, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and early development. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

Human Physiology

A study of the principles of human biological function with emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Lecture and laboratory experiences include EMG, ECG, pulmonary function, hormone studies, exercise studies and independent investigations. Lecture 3 hours. Lab requires a minimum of 3 hours per week of scheduled and/or self-directed lab work.

Physiology (from one of the other institutions; but equivalent to previous)

This course provides an in-depth study of the functioning of most body systems including the muscle, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and endocrine systems. Dysfunctions may be included, but normal physiology will be stressed. The lecture/theory portion of this course is offered BOTH on campus in the classroom and as a Web course. This course includes two hours of required lab per week, which must be taken on campus.

Human Biology

This introductory non-science majors level course provides students with a one semester overview of the structure and function of the human body. Majority of students are pursuing a Health Services degree. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

Human Diseases and Drugs

This course uses active-learning and interactive strategies to introduce principles of common human diseases and their pharmaceutical treatments and examine social influences on diseases and treatment. You will predict how genetic and lifestyle choices injure structures to change functions to cause diseases, compare and contrast the most commonly prescribed drugs, and calculate dosages. You will also apply the scientific process by making predictions/forming hypotheses, collecting data to test predictions/hypotheses, and analyzing and communicating results. This course includes a laboratory-like experience.

Introduction to Evolutionary Biology

A non-majors, general education course that explores the process of biological evolution and the fundamental mechanisms and concepts by which evolution works.  Topics typically covered include the nature of science, the science history of evolution, evidence and processes of evolution, natural selection and adaptation, role of DNA variation and gene regulation in evolution, origin of life, macroevolution and the tree of life.  Lecture 3 hours per week.

Microbiology

This course is a study of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, infection, immunity, human diseases and microbiology of food and water. Laboratory exercises stress detection, isolation and control of microorganisms. Class includes a weekly lab meeting.

Organic Chemistry-1 (lecture)

This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence which covers the synthesis, reactions, nomenclature and structure of organic compounds. Topics include chemical structure, kinetics and enthalpy of reactions, resonance, acidity, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry; the syntheses and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides; as well as NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectroscopy. This course has an optional lab

Organic Chemistry-2 (lecture)

This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence which covers the synthesis, reactions, nomenclature and structure of organic compounds, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, nitriles, acid derivatives, amines, heterocycles, acetoacetic and malonic acid syntheses, and polymers. This course has an optional lab. 4 hrs lecture per week.

Organic Chemistry-1 (lab)

This course is the laboratory component that accompanies Organic Chemistry 1. Laboratory work consists of separation, purification, and identification techniques, both with ordinary chemical methods and with IR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, column chromatography, and refractive index instrumentation. 4 hour lab per week.

Organic Chemistry-2 (lab)

This course is the laboratory component that accompanies Organic Chemistry 2. Laboratory work consists of syntheses, purification, and reactions of organic compounds and unknown identification, both with ordinary chemical methods and with IR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, column chromatography, and refractive index instrumentation. 4 hour lab per week.

Pathophysiology

This course provides an in-depth study of the chemical, biological and psychological process involved with alterations of health, using systemic and non-systemic approaches. This course is offered BOTH on campus and as a Web course.

Postdoctoral Fellows in the Minnesota IRACDA program teach at North Hennepin Community College and Normandale Community College. These colleges are located within the greater Twin Cities metro and serve a diverse population of students that includes many under-represented minorities within the STEM fields.