Maria Abate Teaching at
Boston University and Beyond
NS 201 Biological Science I: Evolution and Biodiversity begins with an introduction to the
characteristics of life and the unifying concept in biology — organic evolution.
Once evolution is introduced, the course takes a historical approach to a
thorough examination of pre-Darwinian models and the Darwinian paradigm.
Cellular reproduction and classical genetics are also examined since they
directly support evolutionary theory. This unit on evolution culminates with an
examination of the modern synthesis of evolutionary ideas. Next, the course
examines the result of evolution—the diversity of life on Earth. This
investigation of organismal diversity leads to the
question of how life on Earth originated. Alternative theories of the origin of
life are considered with particular emphasis on chemical evolution, which
culminated in the origin of the smallest unit of life — the cell. Study of the
chemistry of life completes the first semester. A weekly laboratory examines lecture topics in more depth.
NS 202 Biological Science II: Cellular Basis of Life, Ecology concentrates on the cell as the
basic structural and functional unit of life. Students examine the functional
morphology and biochemistry of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The
importance of the evolution of biochemical pathways and their implications for
extant life forms is stressed. The course also examines advances in modern
molecular biology and explores both scientific and sociological concerns raised
by such developments as recombinant DNA technology and the human genome
project. Finally, modern theories of ecology, ecosystem dynamics, and organismal associations are explored. This solid foundation
in ecology allows a serious consideration of the technological impact of humans
on the delicately balanced ecosystems of Earth. The interrelationship between science and society that has been explored
throughout the year leads to the Capstone Project, which concludes the
sophomore year. A weekly laboratory examines lecture topics in more depth.
NS 212 Directed Study: Student pursues independent research including interdisciplinary
topics for a semester.
BI
391/392/491/492:
Undergraduate Research in Biology. Research in biological science.
Students design and implement a research project for a semester.
Other
Courses:
In
October 2008, I was invited to
Previous Years:
Behavioral Ecology
Experimental Biology
Evolutionary Ecology
Ichthyology
Introduction to Ecology
Marine Biology
Marine and Coastal Ecology
Tropical Ecology
I
developed many of the laboratories for these courses. See the Journal of Biological Education
39(2), pages 81-86 for some of my ideas for testing the adaptive significance
of fish territoriality. Contact
me for reprint.
Dr. Kari Lavalli and
I hosted the Boston
Area Behavior Club, a seminar series at Boston
University that students regularly attended to learn about the latest research
concerning the biology, ecology and evolution of behavior from scientists in
the Boston area.
Research Interests and
Collaborations
Undergraduate Research Program: People
Undergraduate Research Program: Research
Send an
email to Maria Abate