Konow teaches integrative courses that highlight form-function-mechanics links in organismal biology.
As a mentor, he seeks to grow student's critical thinking abilities, and enthusiasm for high-impact, independent research.
As a mentor, he seeks to grow student's critical thinking abilities, and enthusiasm for high-impact, independent research.
Form Feeds Function In Vertebrate Evolution - BIOL 4480/5480 - Spring 2024
We explore how anatomy (Form) shapes physiology and biomechanics (Function) as it has evolved across vertebrates. This is a vast topic for one semester, so we focus on musculoskeletal function and sensing, while introducing development, and strategically priming you on vital organ function and circulation.
To build your understanding of how form feeds function, I have developed an innovative cadaver dissection lab (BSL2-certified) using fresh-frozen and unfixed specimens obtained commercially or donated from Mass Fish and Wildlife (under permit). Uniquely, you get to pull on tendons and ligaments to experience how muscles move bones around joints to generate movement. We dissect an astounding diversity, especially for mammals, recently including bobcat, bear, otter, and beaver. We also pursue Curricular Undergraduate Research Participation (CURE) where measurements of jaw and limb muscle metrics are taken in class and used in our lab's research. This course satisfies requirements in our EEOB, BMEBT, and General Biology options and is directly relevant for both pre-health and basic biology students.
Syllabus
FFFIVE site
We explore how anatomy (Form) shapes physiology and biomechanics (Function) as it has evolved across vertebrates. This is a vast topic for one semester, so we focus on musculoskeletal function and sensing, while introducing development, and strategically priming you on vital organ function and circulation.
To build your understanding of how form feeds function, I have developed an innovative cadaver dissection lab (BSL2-certified) using fresh-frozen and unfixed specimens obtained commercially or donated from Mass Fish and Wildlife (under permit). Uniquely, you get to pull on tendons and ligaments to experience how muscles move bones around joints to generate movement. We dissect an astounding diversity, especially for mammals, recently including bobcat, bear, otter, and beaver. We also pursue Curricular Undergraduate Research Participation (CURE) where measurements of jaw and limb muscle metrics are taken in class and used in our lab's research. This course satisfies requirements in our EEOB, BMEBT, and General Biology options and is directly relevant for both pre-health and basic biology students.
Syllabus
FFFIVE site
Biology of Movement - from Molecules to Migrations - BIOL 4490L/5490L - Fall 2024
Every second lesson involves primary-literature based discussions of key muscle physiology principles, followed by experiments on our own muscles to appreciate those principle in the next lesson. We study muscle at multiple scales, e.g., as whole organs in our own bodies, but also at much finer scales, e.g., by exploring how protein interactions affect muscle force and speed. Through hands-on experiments and instruction you will obtain literacy in signal analysis, statistical data interpretation, quantitative data reporting, and bioinstrumentationthat are critical skills for preparing you for independent final projects, and to investigate hypotheses you might develop in your future career. The course satisfies requirements in our EEOB, BMEBT, and General Biology options and also attracts ENG and BNS students.
Syllabus
Every second lesson involves primary-literature based discussions of key muscle physiology principles, followed by experiments on our own muscles to appreciate those principle in the next lesson. We study muscle at multiple scales, e.g., as whole organs in our own bodies, but also at much finer scales, e.g., by exploring how protein interactions affect muscle force and speed. Through hands-on experiments and instruction you will obtain literacy in signal analysis, statistical data interpretation, quantitative data reporting, and bioinstrumentationthat are critical skills for preparing you for independent final projects, and to investigate hypotheses you might develop in your future career. The course satisfies requirements in our EEOB, BMEBT, and General Biology options and also attracts ENG and BNS students.
Syllabus
Senior Seminar, BIOL 4150 Fall 2019
Key course documents
Senior seminar syllabus View File
Senior seminar lesson plan View File
How to lead a paper discussion View File
How to discuss biology in society View File
Sign up and written assignments
Sign up for presentations and papers here
Post written assignments here here
Discussion Papers
First invited speaker discussion Download File
Second invited speaker discussion Download File
...more to follow
Key course documents
Senior seminar syllabus View File
Senior seminar lesson plan View File
How to lead a paper discussion View File
How to discuss biology in society View File
Sign up and written assignments
Sign up for presentations and papers here
Post written assignments here here
Discussion Papers
First invited speaker discussion Download File
Second invited speaker discussion Download File
...more to follow
