Chris Floyd's Teaching Page

Research page | Personal page | CV(pdf)

Fall Semester 2006

BIOL 365, Animal Behavior. Study of animal behavior with emphasis on
evolutionary approaches; topics include feeding adaptations, predator-prey
interactions, habitat selection, communication, sociality, and mating strategies.
Students work together on lab/field exercises and conduct a semi-independent
research project.

BIOL 410, Mammalogy. Introduction to biology of mammals, including
taxonomy, evolution, thermoregulation, communication, behavioral ecology, and
field techniques (e.g., tracking and live-trapping). Lab/field identification of
Wisconsin species. Students will also carry out a semi-independent research project.

Spring Semester 2007

BIOL 211, Organismal Form and Function. Using concepts introduced
in the first two courses in the introductory biology sequence, students will
further develop their laboratory, reading, and critical thinking skills by
learning about and experimenting on plants and animals.

BIOL 340, Ornithology. Introduction to avian biology, including taxonomy,
evolution, reproduction, physiology, flight, communication, behavioral ecology,
and population census techniques (e.g., bird banding). Lab and field identification
of Wisconsin bird species. Students also conduct semi-independent research projects.

Summary of my teaching objectives

• Give the students the opportunity to discover, on their own or in small groups, the
  basic principles of the subject matter through hands-on field and lab exercises.
• Give interactive, visually dynamic lectures that provide a structural framework for
  understanding course material.
  
• Give the students the opportunity to develop their own research hypotheses and
  methods, collect data, and present the results of their work.
• Students gain practice conducting literature searches, reading scientific articles, and
  writing up their own research proposals and papers.
• Provide the opportunity to learn basic lab, field, and analytical techniques that will
  help students land jobs in a variety of biological fields, including environmental
  consulting and wildlife management.