Molecular Genetics This course will focus on the structure and function of nucleic acids in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Lectures will center on molecular mechanisms of mutation, transposition, and recombination, the regulation of gene expression, and gene control in development, immune diversity and carcinogenesis. Readings from the primary literature will complement the textbook and classroom discussions. The laboratory will provide training in both classic and contemporary molecular-genetic techniques including nucleic acid isolation and purification, cloning, electroporation, nick-translation, Southern/Northern blotting, DNA sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR.

Sweet Biology: Sugars as Signals and Metabolites Sugars rule the world of life. The acquisition, storage, and efficient usage of sugars are critical throughout biology from animals to plants to single-celled bacteria. In addition to their roles as primary metabolites, sugars can act as regulatory molecules, having major influences on various biological processes. In this course we will examine how different sugars influence the molecular regulation of metabolism and physiology using numerous examples from plants, animals, and unicellular organisms. To accomplish these aims, we will read primary literature on topics including energy storage, growth, and physiology, all in the context of nutrient sensing and signaling. Assignments will include in-class literature discussions, presentations, scientific writing and peer-review, and a final written popular science article. This is a non-lab course. (BIOL0145 and BIOL 0140)  3 hrs lecture.

Cell Biology and Genetics In this introduction to modern cellular, genetic, and molecular biology we will explore life science concepts with an emphasis on their integral nature and evolutionary relationships.  Topics covered will include cell membrane structure and function, metabolism, cell motility and division, genome structure and replication, the regulation of gene expression and protein production, genotype to phenotype relationship, and basic principles of inheritance.  Major concepts will be illustrated using a broad range of examples from plants, animals, and microorganisms.  Current topics in biology will be integrated into the course as they arise.

Plant Molecular Physiology When you look at a plant, what do you see? One might observe that plants are green, and they don’t move. Some might question whether plants are truly alive. In this course, we will challenge the notion that plants experience the world passively. Inside a plant, there are many highly active, dynamic processes by which a plant senses aspects of its environment and initiates complex responses that allow it to defend itself, alert its neighbors, or overcome harsh environments. Specifically, in this course we will focus on multiple aspects of plant molecular physiology, including major hormonal responses, developmental stages, vascular transport, nutrient acquisition, and metabolism, all in the context of building our understanding of the genes and proteins that catalyze these essential processes. The lab portion of this course will introduce students to common methods used by plant geneticists to test gene function, including mutational analysis, molecular cloning, and plant transformation, among others. (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145) 3 hrs lecture / 3 hrs lab.

Erik Solhaug

Reviews and ratings for Erik Solhaug at Middlebury College.Erik Solhaug teaches Molecular Genetics, Sweet Biology, Cell Biology and Genetics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Erik Solhaug good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Erik has a passion for teaching especially when it comes to his research speciality, plants. I found his teaching style to be helpful because all grades a labor based. In terms of lab, I really enjoyed it because it was actually super helpful to learn all of the different techniques. 

I love Erik and his passion, and I definitely learned some very important scientific skills; however, I didn't learn as much microbiology as I had hoped. However, I do love his teaching style and support.

He was just not very clear in his teaching, and I didn't learn anything new from AP Bio. He was super nice, but the curriculum was just not great. I also think the ungrading is good, but it should not be that way in a foundational class.