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https://departments.sciences.ncsu.edu/lsfy/
Erica Kosal, PhD

Courses

Classes taught by Dr. Kosal at NC State University

Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity (BIO181)

Why the Course is Relevant

This course introduces students to ecology, evolution, and biodiversity within the theme of medicinal organisms, that is focuses on finding new medicines for human diseases and ailments. 

Being able to understand the everyday challenges of life through these topics is relevant to every person (such as understanding why your antibiotics aren’t working well anymore to understanding how bioindicator species are signals for environmental and therefore human health). Finally, this course is a part of the NC State effort to enhance students’ critical and creative thinking skills.  We will work on these skills in order to problem solve, make decisions, and grow your talents in these areas.

  • Taught every spring semester
  • Online, free textbook created by Dr Kosal
  • Graduate students teach lab (Teaching Assistants – TAs) & Undergraduate students help in lecture (Learning Assistants – LAs)

Critical & Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences (LSC101)

Why the Course is Relevant

To solve problems, you need to think through issues critically and creatively.

Employers value critical thinking – according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking and complex problem solving are the two most valued skills that employers desire

Rhetoric is used to persuade and when scientists write or speak, they need to be able to communicate the importance of their ideas.

  • Taught every fall semester
  • Undergraduate students and former LSFY students help during class (Learning Assistants – LAs)
  • Two books used – one is available for checkout at the library in digital format (The New Science of Learning, 2nd edition by T Doyle and T Zakrajsek) and one can be purchased through the bookstore or amazon (Writing in the Biological Sciences by A. Hofmann)- this is a great book to keep for reference in future courses and semesters

There are 2 sections offered for students who are members of the University Honor Program. Th

Students will work in groups of 4 people throughout the semester to create a product that incorporates creative thinking in a novel way. These groups present their product to the class at the end of the semester.