Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Thanks for your interest in Bi 212 with Katri (she/her). 

I (Katri) love teaching biology and learning in a stimulating environment, as I have found student engagement is key to the process of classroom success.  I enjoy engaging with students in-person and seeing the process of learning in the classroom through a mix of active learning exercises, traditional lecture, and peer collaboration. This course is a continuation of the principles of biology series.  We build on concepts from Bi 211, and cover topics ranging from genes to animal/plant anatomy and physiology. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Includes the process of science, molecular biology, as well as the physiology and anatomy of plants and animals. Includes some dissection of plants and animals. The second of a three-course sequence for students majoring in biology or related sciences, including pre-medical, pre-dental, chiropractic, and pharmacy. Prerequisites: BI 211

COURSE ENGAGEMENT: Interacting with the material in multiple ways is a crucial way to build the robust foundation that will help you apply biology to your life. To help build opportunities for this interaction the course has several different aspects including in class activities including in-class assignments and homework. At times we will use the online quizzes built into our D2L course to allow you to work on material at your own speed and to review concepts as needed.  To help encourage these interactions they have specific points associated with them – if at any point the course structure is a barrier to you, please let me know.

LECTURE:  We meet twice a week in-person for lecture.  While lecture consists of traditional "lecture" style of info delivery, I also incorporate lots of active learning activities within the class.  Expect to work with classmates throughout the term.

LAB: Labs meet in person once a week.  Lab activities are based on labs in the lab manual or in provided handouts and give us a chance to work on topics in a more hands on manner. Most weeks lab quizzes and/or assignments happen in person in the lab. In addition, other lab assignments will be collected over the course of the term. Many of these assignments will be focused on reading and writing scientific papers.

Please fee free to reach out to Katri Laukkanen if you have questions about lecture.  Katri.laukkanen@pcc.edu. 

Basic Microsoft suite including word, PowerPoint...etc.  Basic internet access.