Reproducible Biology in R Reproducibility is essential at all stages of research and allows for the validation and replication of science, enhancing collaborations and connectivity. The open-source nature of R programming and its ability to analyze and visualize datasets make it a powerful tool in biology. In this course, we will learn the basics of reproducible coding in R and RStudio (no prior knowledge required). Primarily, we will cover: 1) Data structures and creating publication-quality figures; 2) How to ask and answer scientific questions using basic statistics; 3) Creating shareable documents using Rmarkdown; and 4) Reproducibility using GitHub, shell commands, and LaTeX - all within RStudio. Each week will involve a combination of structured lecture, group work, and coding exercises. (Requires BIOL 140 or BIOL 145).

Ecology and Evolution In this introduction to ecology and evolutionary biology we will cover the topics of interspecific interactions (competition, predation, mutualism), demography and life-history patterns, succession and disturbance in natural communities, species diversity, stability and complexity, causes of evolutionary change, speciation, phylogenetic reconstruction, and population genetics.   The laboratory component will examine lecture topics in detail (such as measuring the evolutionary response of bacteria, adaptations of stream invertebrates to life in moving water, invasive species and their patterns of spread).  We will emphasize experimental design, data collection in the field and in the laboratory, data analysis, and writing skills. This course is not open to seniors and second semester juniors in the Fall.

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.

Lauren Ash

Reviews and ratings for Lauren Ash at Middlebury College.Lauren Ash teaches Reproducible Biology in R, Ecology and Evolution, Cell Biology and Genetics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Lauren Ash good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Ash is one of the nicest profs at Middlebury. This class is perfect for J Term because you can finish homework in class. Data science is super applicable to the current job market and it's a nice Biology elective or pre-med elective to round out your schedule. Definitely recommend

This class was very fun, particularly the lab in which you get to go on field trips to different nature sights to collect data. Professor Ash was an incredible and extremely accommodating lecturer: she explained the material very thoroughly and the exams reflected almost exactly what we went over in the lecture. Overall, I had a great experience in this class.

Lauren was always very enthusiastic during lectures and available if we had questions about problems/exams etc. The exams were graded very fairly, and we had many opportunities to increase our grade in the class.