Please note that research is not apart of my current appointment, but comes out to approximately 15% FTE. Melanie integrates her background in molecular biology and learning sciences with her practical experiences in the classroom to understand how people learn and understand biology. Her research and creative works take on four major forms: (1) As author of Biology Everywhere she is an in demand speaker (including speaking at TEDxCU in 2021); (2) Studying epistemological beliefs about science, or beliefs one has about the nature of science knowledge and how that knowledge is generated through science inquiry. In particular, she is interested in how technological based assessments can be used to ascertain what people believe about the nature of science knowledge; (3) Barriers and levers to interdisciplinary research collaborations, particularly between learning scientists and discipline based education researchers; (4) Efforts to promote evidence-based science communication for scientists.
GRTE 5030 - Graduate Natural Sciences for Teachers
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Addresses special topics in natural sciences with an emphasis on building conceptual understanding of content and enhancing teacher's practice in teaching this content.
MCDB 1150 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Covers biologically important macromolecules and biological processes, together with an introduction to cell structure, function, and physiology. Provides the foundation for advanced MCDB courses to majors, and a rigorous overview of modern biology to non-majors. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Recommended prerequisite: high school chemistry and algebra, and recommended corequisite of MCDB 1152.
MCDB 1152 - Problem Solving Co-Seminar for Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in a corequisite course, MCDB 1150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 1150.
MCDB 2150 - Principles of Genetics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Introduces the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Covers three areas: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Attention is given to genetic mapping, recombinant DNA procedures, and gene expression. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 or CHEN 2810 (minimum grade C-) and recommended corequisite of MCDB 2152. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 2222.
MCDB 2152 - Problem Solving Co-Seminars for Genetics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in MCDB 2150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 2150.
