Courses Taught
Marine and Environmental Microbiology (OCS/BIOL 4090)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of concepts regarding the characteristics and ecology of microorganisms in our world. This includes discussion of the methodology used to investigate these microorganisms, and how this methodology is applied to understanding the roles of microorganisms in various marine, estuarine, terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, and human-related environments. Throughout this course, students will gain an appreciation of how microorganisms rule the planet, affecting every aspect of the environment we live in.
This course is cross-listed in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (OCS) and Biological Sciences (BIOL), and is taught every fall semester.
OCS-BIOL_4090_Syllabus_2018
Biological Oceanography (OCS 4550)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of concepts in biological oceanography. This includes discussion of the diversity of marine life, their spatial and temporal distribution, their effects on biogeochemical cycles, and the methodology used to investigate each of these topics.
This course is taught every spring semester.
OCS_4550_Syllabus_2019
Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) sections
In coordination with Bill Wischusen, Biology Coordinator, and Mindy Brooks, Biology Lab Coordinator, we are conducting CURE sections in freshman biology laboratory courses at LSU focused on marine viral ecology. Students learn by reading and discussing primary literature, collecting and processing samples from aquatic environments around LSU, and analyzing data collected from our prior research cruise to study viruses in a marine oxygen minimum zone. These CURE sections are funded by the National Science Foundation, Biological Oceanography grant 1658040.
CURE_Syllabus_2019
Introduction to Oceanography (OCS 1005)
The purpose of this course is to provide you with an appreciation for the important aspects of the ocean realm. I will introduce you to marine processes in the four fields of Oceanography (geological, chemical, physical and biological) with the goal of broadening your understanding of the oceanic environment. Throughout this course, you will develop an appreciation of the methods of critical thinking and an understanding of how knowledge about the ocean is acquired and applied, as well as how the oceanic environment can affect your lives and how you, in turn, affect the ocean.
While I no longer teach this course, it is taught every semester by many other wonderful instructors.
OCS_1005_Syllabus_spring_2018
Geaux Viral Lab 