Teaching

Practical Genomics (INTEGBI 134L)

Genome sequencing and analyses have transformed biology over the past two decades. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the world of computational biology and bioinformatics. Students will apply state-of-the-art techniques to analyze genome and microbiome data from the UC Berkeley campus fox squirrels and local California ground squirrels each week. Students will master practical bioinformatics skills and then take on their own scientific research projects, all using genomic data collected specifically for this course. In addition to learning about methods and techniques, we will explore key advances in the field of genomics over the past two decades of both humans and non-model organisms that have driven the current revolution in genome sciences.

This is a 4-unit lab course offered every Fall semester.

Syllabus

Breaking Language Barriers in Evolution and Ecology (INTEGBI 84)

Science is a universal enterprise, yet there are many barriers to effectively communicating and understanding science. One major hurdle is the predominance of a single language for publishing and communicating science. This is an issue both for aspiring young scientists who must learn English as a second language while mastering complex scientific topics as well as for members of our communities who would benefit from scientific information that is currently unavailable in their primary language. In this class we will combine readings and discussion of classic papers in the fields of Evolution and Ecology with an active goal to break down language barriers in science. During the semester, students will each translate one paper into a second language or into another creative format that communicates the science to a broad audience. Students will present their translated works and their experiences creating them in a final presentation at the end of the semester. Translations resulting from this seminar will be made available online. Bilingual and multilingual students are especially encouraged to take this seminar to help us break down language barriers.

This is a 1-unit P/NP Seminar offered every Spring semester.

Spring 2021: Class number 25878 - IB 24, section 005; Tuesdays 2-3pm

Spring 2022: Class number 28311 - IB 84, section 002; Thursdays 3-4pm

Spring 2023: Class number 25027 - IB 84, section 002; Thursdays 4-5pm

Spring 2024: Class number 20548 - IB 84, section 002; Tuesdays 4-5pm

Starting in 2024, this class is now co-taught with FRENCH 24

Syllabus

Translations from 2021 and 2022 are posted on Understanding Evolution

Example: see Sidlauskas, BL, MD Burns, TJ Buser, N Harper, and M Kindred. 2021. Teaching Ichthyology Online with a Virtual Specimen Collection. Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(2), 407-423. in Chinese

Berkeley Connect in Biology (INTEGBI 198BC)

Berkeley Connect in Biology (INTEGBI 98BC and 198BC) is a 1-unit evening class, offered Pass/Not Pass, that matches undergraduates with graduate student mentors. There are no papers, exams or outside reading. Participating students meet with their mentors one-on-one, and in small discussion groups with other students, to talk about their shared interest in biology, receive support during the transition to Cal, and build relationships with peers, mentors, and professors in a relaxed, friendly setting. In 2020-2021, we are specifically offering these INTEGBI sections for transfer students!

98% of Berkeley Connect participants say they would recommend the program to a friend. Berkeley Connect helps you make the most of your time at Berkeley and makes this big university feel a little smaller. We have found that this community-building program is even more important during these times of remote-learning, when we are all looking for new ways to connect. See more information here: https://www.berkeleyconnect.berkeley.edu/

See links for discussion guides on addressing burnout and imposter syndrome.