HHMI Undergraduate Peer Leaders / BioCats (Biology Catalysts) An opportunity for senior and junior science majors to be part of the introductory biology instruction team.
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Fall '08 Bio 111 Peer Leaders |
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Fall '08 Biol 211 Peer Leaders |
Note: Selection of BioCats for Spring 2010 has begun. Please print off the application form and submit all application materials by November 16th for consideration.
Overview
A grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute is supporting the transformation of the introductory biology courses (Biol 111 and Biol 211) into team-taught courses. An instructional team consisting of a faculty member, a graduate student and HHMI-NMSU Undergraduate Peer Leaders meets once a week to review exercises and supplemental materials that are to be covered. During the workshop, Peer Leaders facilitate student activities including discussion of scientific papers, writing exercises and working through mathematical modules.
The primary goal is to enable students in the courses to develop their critical thinking, communication and quantitative reasoning skills. Students should also develop a better understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and a greater awareness of the role biology and life science plays in different disciplines.
Who are the Peer Leaders / BioCats?
A Peer Leader is a junior or senior majoring in biology, microbiology, biochemistry or other life sciences and is interested in improving the quality of science education at NMSU.
What are the benefits of being a Peer Leader / BioCat?
There are may benefits to being a Peer Leader.
- Strengthen your knowledge of basic biology.
- Gain valuable teaching experience.
- A salary of up to $1500 per semester.
- Become more involved in the life science community at NMSU.
How do I become a Peer Leader / BioCat?
Selections are based on interviews, science and math knowledge, and GPA. Peer Leaders are needed for both Biol 111 and Biol 211 each fall, spring, and summer semester. Contact Tonia Lane (646-6234) or Ralph Preszler (646-5346) for more details.
(Funding for the HHMI-NMSU Undergraduate Peer Leaders is provided by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical institute and by cost share funds from New Mexico State University.)