Current Courses:
BIO 100 Bio Peer Mentoring Program – Mentees Sections
Bio 100 (1-credit) is seminar-style workshop course that will focus on developing a peer-to-peer network between first year students and juniors/seniors. Each session will include discussion of a short reading that will be done before class. Topics will include metacognition, tools and resources for academic success, and popular science. Students will also engage with faculty from Biology introductory and core courses to hear personal stories about how to succeed at Syracuse University.
BIO 300 Bio Peer Mentoring Program – Mentors Section
Bio300 (1-credit) is a seminar style workshop course that will focus on developing peer mentoring skills and introducing junior and senior level students to the topics covered in Bio100 such that they can facilitate conversations about the topics. Each session will include discussion of a short reading that will be done before class. Bio300 students will serve as peer mentors to first year students, and so must also have availability to attend one session of Bio100 for the semester in addition to the Bio300 class session.
BIO 419 Junior/Senior Thesis Seminar
A discussion-student presentation format course designed to introduce highly qualified students to biological research. Students present progress reports on their thesis research. The course is designed for open communication among people with interests in biological research. It must be taken for four semesters. Juniors and seniors only.
BIO 460/BCM 460 Research Experience
BIO 460 (Biology and Biotechnology) and BCM 460 (Biochemistry) are for majors who wish to participate in a faculty member’s research. Student research projects in the Coleman lab incorporate use of the scientific method, experimentation, data analysis, data presentation and interpretation, and the responsibilities of scientific integrity. Projects focus on understanding cell wall formation in trees and will develop skills in tissue culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant physiology. Contact Dr. Coleman directly for more information.
Previously Taught:
BIO 459/659 – Plants and People
Plants are critical for sustaining life on Earth. They sequester carbon dioxide and convert solar energy to forms that can be used, acting as key agents against climate change. In addition they are a key source of food, clothing and fuel. This course will focus on how plants function individually, and as they interact with their environment. The course goals are to gain an understanding of basic plant biology at the molecular level, to understand the role of plants in the environment and in society, and to use this information to make informed opinions and decisions about current environmental issues including air pollution, land conservation, climate change and genetic modification. As plants are a model system for molecular genetics, cell biology and biochemistry research, this class is an excellent elective for students interested in these areas.
BIO 421 – Capstone Seminar in Biotechnology
This is a seminar course for upper-level students, particularly (but not limited to) those completing a major in Biotechnology. Students will evaluate scientific papers, current news stories, and biotechnology related issues. This evaluation will occur through reading, oral presentations, written assignments, and class discussion.