Courses taught by Michael Russell at Villanova

General Biology - Biology 2106 is the second of a the two-semester introductory course for majors in Biology.  As in any introductory science course there is far too much material to cover in too little time.  We use the standard college text (Biology by Campbell, and Reece published by Benjamin Cummings) and attempt to give students a comprehensive introduction to the life sciences.

Biostatistics and Experimental Design - The overall objective of Biology 3105 &7805 is to instill in students a practical understanding and appreciation of the role of statistics in biology.  To accomplish this objective we focus on three specific goals throughout the course: i) the conceptualization of experimental design and the execution of a variety of statistical tests; ii) the proper written and oral expression of statistical results especially with regard to hypothesis testing; and iii) the effective graphical presentation of quantitative and statistical information.  Although some theory is necessary to understand the appropriate application of statistics in the life sciences, we will place considerably less emphasis on statistical theory and the computational aspects of statistical analysis.

Invertebrate Zoology - Biology 3505 introduces the diversity of life in the Animal Kingdom. Invertebrates are an enormous group of disparate organisms with a vast array of morphologies, physiologies, and life histories. By necessity, our treatment of any individual group is superficial at best. However, throughout the course I emphasize common features among different groups of invertebrates paying particular attention to embryology, development, and grades of construction. With select groups we explore in greater depth various aspects of invertebrate biology such as physiology, development, ecology, systematics, and behavior. Besides the traditional laboratory and lecture format, students attend departmental seminars and graduate student presentations that touch on some aspect of invertebrate zoology. These extracurricular activities serve as an introduction to current research focusing on invertebrates.

Marine Biology - Biology 3485 is an intensive study of the basic principles of oceanography and the life sciences of the oceans and coastal biomes.  We focus on functional biology, ecology, and biodiversity.  The overall objective of this course is to instill an understanding and appreciation of the interaction of organisms with the major physical processes in marine systems.  Another goal is to get students to speak the language of marine biology and think critically about the problems marine biologists try to solve.  To that end, we complement the readings from the textbook with peer-reviewed journal articles, guest lecture(s) from practicing marine scientists, and student-led discussions of projects that focus on current issues in the field. 

Methods in Marine Ecology - Biology 3952.  The purpose of this seminar is to give students opportunities to actively participate in, and contribute to, on-going research projects in marine ecology.  Specifically, we will focus on two main themes:

Experiment Design and Data Analyses: We have two major sea urchin projects currently taking place (particle ingestion from sedimentary rock substrates, and Hsp expression in response to salinity).  We will review the conceptualization of the ideas behind these projects, how these ideas were cast as testable hypotheses, and the design and execution of the experiments to quantitatively evaluate the hypotheses.  These experiments take place within the logistic constraints of the lab, e.g., seawater systems, equipment and facilities – as well as time-frames of the different projects.  The particle ingestion of sedimentary substrates project grew out of a student project from last spring on purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus).  The lead investigator on this project is Tri Nguyen and we are nearing completion of data collection and soon will be concluding the experiment with the dissection of the sea urchins.  Alex Mott (MS candidate) is the lead investigator on the other project.  He collected green sea urchins (S. droebachiensis) from the Gulf of Maine and will be setting up lab experiments for HSP analyses over the next few weeks.  As these projects unfold, students will participate in the steps involved in data-entry, statistical analyses, and visual and graphic displays of the results (posters and slides – see schedule of conferences).  There is also the possibility to participate in and contribute to the planning and design of a seminar project (not all students are required to assist with this project).

Sea Urchin Husbandry & Seawater systems: Sea urchins are robust marine invertebrates but they do require a level of husbandry.  All of the research we do in the lab depends on maintaining a healthy population of sea urchins.  Their health in turn depends on sea water systems that are carefully tuned to their basic physiological requirements.  Students will learn through hands-on experience the concepts and practical considerations of re-circulating seawater systems (there are two in the lab).  These systems are the “life-blood” of our laboratory research program.  We have to maintain these systems at optimal levels of temperature (we use chillers at 11 – 13 C°), salinity (31 – 33‰), as well as pH, Phosphate, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Magnesium.  Students will actively participate in the maintenance of these systems – monitoring the levels of these parameters as well as preparing and processing the food and waste products of the sea urchins.