Courses Taught at Eastern Washington University:
(4 per quarter)
Typical number of students in a class
TA or grader provided?
Times Taught
Biol 171
General Biology: The molecular, cell, genetics and immunology part of general biology series.
50-125
No
14
Biol 172
General Biology: The systematics and evolution part of general biology.
35-100
No
2
Biol 173
General Biology: The anatomy and physiology part of general biology.
35-70
No
2
Biol 270
Investigations in Biology: A course that teaches and practices research in biology.
18-22
No
9
Biol 410
General Genetics: Classical, molecular and evolution/environmental genetics.
40-65
No
17
Biol 436
Cell Biology: Organelles, molecular trafficking, signaling, cell cycle regulation and intercellular communication and connections.
35-80
No
18
Biol 477
Embryology: Features and control of gametogenesis and embryogenesis, regulation of development at the molecular level, and current topics in embryology.
35-70
No
13
Biol 596
Advanced topics: Topics in molecular development: Role of DNA methylation in vertebrate development.
10-15
No
1
Biol 498
Premed seminar: Discussions on medically related ethical issues.
10-15
No
7
Biol 598
Graduate Seminar: Graduate students’ talks and posters.
10-20
No
3
Biol 499/599
Undergraduate Directed Studies and Graduate Research.
N/A
No
Over 100 students.
Biol 499
Experimental Mammalian Embryology Lab: A lab that included in vitro fertilization, cloning, biopsy, sexing, cryopreservation, developmental studies and more. Students loved it but we have just one usable dissection scope, so it was impractical to continue it.
10
No
4
Biol 499
MCAT Study Course: Course designed to provide preparation for the MCAT and DAT
2-16
No
2
Courses Initiated and Developed by Dr. Herr at Eastern Washington University:
1) Cell Biology, 2) Embryology, 3) Premed Seminar, 4) MCAT Study Course, 5) Experimental Mammalian Embryology, and 6) the Advanced Topic Course for a specified topic.
Additional Courses Dr. Herr Would Be Interested in Teaching:
In order of interest: Any Genetics Related Course and/or Lab (Molecular, Human, Animal, Medical Genetics, Molecular Biology. Genomics); Any Cell Biology Related Course and/or Lab, Any Developmental Biology Related Course and/or Lab, Animal Reproductive Biology, Biology of Aging, Specialty Courses, Embryo Transfer, Immunology, Endocrinology and Biochemistry. I am extremely interested in distance and technology based education.
Additional Teaching Experiences:
I wrote the textbank for a major general biology textbook (see the publications section), which improved my ability to teach general biology in addition to improving other skills. I am currently on the next edition of the text bank.
As a graduate student, I taught. The courses are listed in general information. Also I conducted many workshops and technical training courses, some of which are listed in the publications sections.
Student Centered Learning and Service Course Activities:
Biol. Invest. General Genetics Embryology Directed Studies Cell Biology Cell Biology Cell Biology
Course Number & TiTLe
171, Intro Cell & Mol.
Students must read the text prior to the lectures. Students must provide a complete chapter outline for each chapter prior to the lecture on that material.
3
173 Intro Physiology
Outlines for each chapter as above.
2
173 Intro Physiology
Student teams were assigned chapters to lecture on, in addition to chapter outline assignments. This quarter was an outstanding success for student learning
1
270
This is a student learning course for all sections taught.
2
410
Students work on problems in teams with a group discussion leader. Leaders are "paid" with directed study course credits. Also, students must read chapter before lecture. This is verified by unannounced exams.
11
477
Exams on each chapter are given before the lecture on the chapter. The exams are very detailed.
7
499
Students helped me teach General Biology and as Group Discussion Leaders in Genetics. Also, I have had students work on numerous research projects, including embryology, cryobiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Over 50 students
436
Students worked in pairs to lecture on the chapters. This could only be done when the enrollment was low, the first quarter I taught the course.
1
436
Cell’s student discussion and chat site: In use this quarter.
1
436
Cancer Web Site: A site 80 cell biology students are constructing during the winter quarter of this year.
1
Extreme Effort to Improve Student Learning:
Dr. Herr’s Genetics 310 web site: Over 40 Megs of notes, images, animations, instructions, homework and more. This site even has a DNA art gallery! The Embryology 477 web site is a state of the art site as well. It even has streaming video! Professional textbook activities also strengthened my teaching skills.
Proof of Excellence in Teaching Activities:
I have been provided many kind words from my students: Letters, Cards and Statements in Student evaluations. Also, I have received excellent (to very good) Student Evaluation Scores. I was nominated by the students of the Department of Biology for teacher of the year during the ‘98-’99 academic year. I received promotion to Associate Professor and tenure.