Carol RhodesContact Information Office: 18-212 |
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Carol Rhodes teaches general biology classes and human biology. Because many of her students are non-science majors, she approaches her classes with the goal of teaching them the basics.
"Everyone needs to determine if claims and references are valid. I like to incorporate current issues into my science classes to help students understand that science is important for everyone. How many people voted for or against stem cell research last year without knowing anything about the issue?" Students in Rhodes' classes are asked to investigate a current scientific issue such as low-carbohydrate diets, genetically modified plants and animals, or stem cell research. The students must deliver a poster and oral presentation on the issue that includes both sides of the debate. "I still teach the basics of biology but I want students to get the bigger picture of why the basics are important in today's world." Rhodes earned her bachelor's degree at UC-Davis and her PhD in plant genetics at the University of Minnesota. She was born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose. Prior to teaching she worked in private industry, using biotechnology for crop improvement. | |