Courses

An alpine glacier in the Canadian Rockies

BIOL 308 Botany (4 credits) – Next offered Spring 2024

This is our general botany course that covers cellular, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of plants. This is the entry course for upper-level specialty courses in botany at ODU. In the lab, students participate in a variety of experiential learning activities.

BIOL 346 Plant Geography (3 credits) 

Plant Geography is the science of documenting and understanding spatial patterns of plant diversity.  In this course we will consider evolutionary, ecological, and geological processes that contribute to past and present distributions of plants across the globe.  Interdisciplinary aspects of plant geography, such as climate change and conservation biology will also be discussed.

BIOL 400/500 Plant Systematics (4 credits)  

In this lecture and lab course we explore vascular plant diversity using a phylogenetic framework and the modern practice of plant systematics. Labs give students an opportunity to practice collecting and identifying plants through lab activities and field trips to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Blackwater Ecological Preserve, and other local natural areas.

BIOL 749/849 Biogeography (3 credits) – Next offered Fall 2023

In this graduate level course we explore the methods of biogeography and relevant biogeographic patterns in terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Topics in historical biogeography and ecological biogeography are covered. In the course I combine traditional lectures with student-led discussions of the primary literature.

BIOL 497/498 Undergraduate Research and Independent Study (credit varies) 

These courses are reserved for students interested in working with me on a research project either in the lab or through a review of relevant references. Contact me if you are interested in completing such a course.