The Science of Teaching: Evidence-Based Approaches in Biology Education

School of Biological Sciences Seminar Program

The goal of these seminars and conversations on teaching is to engage in discussions about evidence-based education methods and teaching practices in our own division and in other departments, divisions, and institutions. Seminars will feature invited speakers, and conversations on teaching will be led by colleagues within the School of Biological Sciences. The times and days of the events will vary.

2025-26 Seminars

Genome Science as a scaffold for teaching literacy in biology with artificial intelligence

Dr. Steve Briggs
UC San Diego

Date: Monday, 12/1

Location: 3500 Pacific Hall

Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Host: Ella Tours (etours@ucsd.edu)

It is my great pleasure to announce our next Conversation on Teaching: our colleague Steve Briggs will speak about his innovative Genome Science course (60-90 students), where he has students work in groups to dissect cutting-edge papers in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. At the end of this transformative class, students write a research proposal. Recently, Steve has been exploring incorporation of AI in grading in this course. Please join me in this exciting conversation! Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

View the recording here (Zoom login required). Passcode: @@^1tc36

Flyer Presentation Slides

Cultivating Values That Attract and Support Underrepresented Students in STEM Classrooms

Dr. Selene Bobadilla
UC Riverside

Date: Friday, 10/10

Location: 2130 Bonner Hall

Time: 2:00 - 2:50 pm
Host: Claire Meaders (cmeaders@ucsd.edu)

Join us for a workshop that explores what it means to pursue a career in STEM. For many underrepresented (URM) students, science isn’t just about curiosity or discovery—it’s about equity, justice, and giving back to their communities. This session will highlight how URM students are driven by a commitment to reduce disparities, advance racial justice, and create change both locally and globally. Together, we’ll explore how STEM classrooms can better honor these values by designing courses that connect science to humanitarian projects, service learning, and culturally affirming experiences.

Flyer

Education Research and Innovations in Teaching Symposium

Speakers: UCSD Faculty

Date: Wednesday, 9/24

Location: York Hall Room 3010

Time: 9am – 5pm
Symposium Schedule: https://bit.ly/SOTschedule
*Welcome, coffee, and pastries starting at 8:45am

Science of Teaching Committee: Claire Meaders, Stacy Ochoa, Melinda Owens, and Ella Tour

Notes: Please RSVP for lunch before Friday, 9/19, 4 PM: https://bit.ly/SOTrsvp