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 Cell Biology and Genetics, Plant Molecular Physiology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Erik Solhaug good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was very well-paced and taught in an effective manner. Professor Erik was very understanding of assignments being turned it late and also was a great help when it came to explaining the assignments 

This course was a relatively basic intro to bio. I didn't really like the teaching style, which in my opinion relied too heavily on readings that were never really covered or even mentioned in lecture. However, all grading was on completion and that made the stress level much lower, which was very nice.

Professor Solhaug takes an "effort-based" approach to grading, which means correctness is not a factor, and you will succeed in the class as long as you put your best foot forward. The lectures are engaging, and the weekly group work is an effective way to solidify course concepts.