I think biology is fascinating, and I love to teach others all about it. Here at Lafayette College, I’ve had the opportunity to teach the following courses:
Michael Butler
Biology 317: Physiology of Extreme Animals
Interested in how geese can fly over Mt. Everest, how frogs survive being frozen, or how camels live in the desert? Me too, and we explore these topics and more in a discussion-based setting the heavily relies upon the most recent advances in the field. We also go to the Bronx Zoo (click on the image to the right). Prerequisite: Biology 251.
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
Biology 275: Behavioral Ecology
Why would an animal ever help to raise the young of other individuals? How do animals choose which prey to chase and which to ignore? Why are birds of paradise so absurdly beautiful? In this course, we explore these questions and many more, and develop the skills necessary to be a behavioral ecologist using indoor and outdoor lab exercises. Prerequisite: Biology 111.
Mike Butler
Biology 251: Human Physiology
How do muscles contract? How do your kidneys concentrate urine? How can you turn a slice (or 6) of pizza into more . . . you? In this course, we learn how every major system of the human body works in just 16 weeks. Prerequisite: Biology 111.
Mike Butler
Biology 111: Unity and Diversity of Biology
The first course in the introduction to biology series. We examine the “bigger” parts of biology, learning about plants, fungi, and animals by investigating their physiology, behavior, and ecology. Throughout, the importance of evolution to all aspects of biology is emphasized.
Mike Butler
First Year Seminar 106: Mate Choice: From People to Peacocks
Employ skills related to critical thinking and communication using the theme of mate choice. This theme is interpreted VERY broadly, and we cover topics ranging from killer bluebirds, U.S. tax law, the shape of insect phallic structures, animal orgasms, and the ethics of prostitution. Plus Donald Rumsfeld.
Mike Butler