PLPPM 2010/2013, Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds / Mushrooms, Molds and More – 6 TAs, Spring
An introduction to fungi for non-science majors. The course has two versions: PLPPM 2010 (2cr) meets for 2 lectures per week;PLPPM 2013 (3cr)adds one lab/discussion on Wed or Fri.
Each graduate TA runs one 50min Wed or Fri lab. Graduate TAs receive structured mentoring in teaching from Hodge & McKellar. Each Grad TA is assisted by and mentors one undergrad TA. TogetherourTAs are called the Shroom Squad. Responsibilities include attendance at all lectures (TR 1:25pm), exam proctoring and grading,leading one to two review sessions a semester,staffing in our three major demonstration labs, improvements to demo lab materials, mentoring one undergrad TA, self-assessments of own teaching, and contributing to the warm, proactive, and supportive vibe of the Shroom Squad.
PLPPM 3010, Biology and Management of Plant Diseases – 2 TAs, Fall
Course Summary and Goals
Biology and Management of Plant Diseases is an introduction to the world of diseases of plants and the biology of the pathogens that cause them. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts of plant pathology and apply them both philosophically and practically to achieve an understanding of how one would identify and address disease problems. Additional emphasis will be placed on how plant diseases and their management affect our lives and shape our culture.
TA responsibilities
The TAs for the course will serve as primary instructors for the laboratory sections. Presently, there is 1 TA, but in years past, there has been two. The TA does the responsibilities described below and the TA serves as the instructor for the 1st laboratory section. With only 1 TA, the instructor has served as the primary instructor for the second laboratory section. TAs will design the tests, quizzes, and assignments with the instructor. They will collate and analyze student free response activities. Under the instructor of record’s supervision, the TAs will grade exams, grade quizzes, grade handouts, and be responsible for upkeep of the student gradebook. They will also serve to proctor the exams.
PLPPM 3190, Mushrooms of Field and Forest – 1 TA, Fall (7 weeks starting the 2nd week of semester)
An introduction to mushroom identification and ecology. The course meets Wed afternoons (field trip, 1:25-4:25pm) and Wed evenings (lab ID sessions, 7:30-9:30pm) until mid-October. The course cap is 24 students.
The TA attends all field trip and lab sessions, where he/she is critical for student safety in the field. Other responsibilities include stocking the class library with borrowed books from Mann, gathering materials for field trips and putting them away afterwards, assisting in exam grading and practical exam set-up, managing specimens on the fungus dryer, and assisting students who are learning to observe and ID fungi in labs.