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.

Animal Physiology This course examines the body functions of animals and humans using general physiological principles and a comparative approach. Lectures will cover the function of each of the major physiological systems (nervous, endocrine, muscular, etc.) and will describe how animal physiology has been shaped by evolution to allow animals to survive in a wide range of environmental conditions. Lectures will focus mainly on physiological processes occurring at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Occasional journal article discussions will provide case studies of current topics in animal physiology. Laboratory exercises, reports and oral presentations emphasize experimental design, analysis and independent study using various methodological approaches including electrophysiology, neurotransmitter manipulations, nutritional analysis, and exercise physiology.  [(BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145) or NSCI 0251].

Hacking Inheritance The Genetic Age is upon us, with the ability to precisely edit the genomes of organisms in our hands. But should we? In this course we will explore the myriad ways gene-editing is used to address global crises in agriculture, public health, and more. Using both primary literature and popular press, we will dive into the history, innovations, and ethical concerns related to gene-editing efforts in medicine, neurobiology, and biotechnology to then predict the next frontiers of the field. Student work will reflect effective scientific communication to experts, non-experts, and policy makers.

Entomology Insects are one of the most successful animal groups on Earth, accounting for roughly 75% of all animal species. In this course we will examine several aspects of organismal biology in insects and related arthropods, such as comparative anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, sensory behavior, and evolution. Hands-on experiences with insects will occur in the field and the lab, culminating in an independent research project. Special topics will include medical and veterinary entomology, insect pest management, and the effects of climate change on insect populations. Oral and written reports are required.

Receptor Biology In this course we will focus on the wide range of membrane receptors and channels that are critical for cellular communication, neuronal connectivity, and sensory transduction. These complex proteins represent major targets in the pharmaceutical industry, and their study incorporates interdisciplinary techniques in structural biology, electrophysiology, synthetic chemistry, and pharmacology. After thoroughly engaging in the primary literature, we will emphasize discipline-specific writing and learn to summarize and communicate new findings to a wide range of expert and non-expert audiences.

Marvel Comics & Society Comic books and graphic novels are a powerful storytelling medium that often connects to both contemporary cultural issues and human emotions. Marvel Comics has long used their pages to tackle issues of race, poverty, gender, identity, science, and justice, either indirectly or head-on. In this course we will analyze both the source material and scholarship related to Marvel comics, as well as learn to communicate our own analysis and stories in both written and oral forms. Note: This course will focus on the comics, not any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Enrolled students must purchase a subscription to Marvel Unlimited (https://www.marvel.com/unlimited) for the duration of the term.

Gregory Pask

Reviews and ratings for Gregory Pask at Middlebury College.Gregory Pask teaches Cell Biology and Genetics, Animal Physiology, Hacking Inheritance and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Gregory Pask good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Classes with Greg are the best, and this class was no exception. His classes are ungraded, so entirely effort based. As long as you participate in discussion and come prepared with the (few) readings for each class, you'll have a great time. One of those classes where you get out what you put in. 

A classic Biology course for a reason! Pask is endlessly entertaining and friendly and made me feel excited for the course material (plus brought in baked goods and tea all the time to lecture). All assignments have some sort of creative component which make them pretty fun to complete, grading is effort-based and very fair, and learning is clearly the goal for the course as opposed to memorization. There's a independent lab research project on insects and a big community-wide presentation at the end of the semester, and otherwise assignments are well-spaced and the primary text for the course is really REALLY interesting and fun to read. Highly recommend!

I can't say enough good things about Professor Pask. I took this my freshman year as my first year seminar, and highly reccomend anybody take this course if offered again. I learned and had a ton of fun in this course. 