BIO564 - Human Physiology: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant - Fall 2026

The primary responsibility of the BIO564 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (uTA) is to serve in an instructional capacity, and thus will provide professional-level instruction, peer mentoring, and instructional assistance under the direct supervision of Dr. Lonthair to students in Human Physiology (BIO564) for the Fall 2026 semester.

Example of Responsibilities on the uTA:

  • Attendance of class (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM)
  • Provide general assistance to the faculty member in instructional activities
  • Tutors students
  • Proctors examination
  • Grades tests and paper

Application Materials:

  1. Please provide a short essay (1-2 paragraphs) about what you hope to gain out of the undergraduate teaching assistant role, and why you are applying.
  2. Submit documentation of completion of BIO564
Name of research group, project, or lab
BIO564 (Human Physiology)
Why participate in this opportunity?

Students will gain experience in providing directed mentoring and tutoring of students in the field of Biology, with emphasis on human physiology. Students will be able to think on their feet, communicate professionally, and be patient with others. The faculty member will provide support to the student throughout in order to enhance these skills. Furthermore, students will gain a deeper knowledge of the material due to the nature of teaching the material to their peers.

Logistics Information:
Field(s) of Study
Biology
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  • Completion of BIO564 previously (with any instructor). Must have received a letter grade of A- or higher. 
  • Knowledge of issues pertaining to the area of human physiology.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
  • Skill in planning, organization, and coordination of activities
  • Skill in both verbal and written communication
  • No physical qualification required
Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Credit for Research and Teaching
Number of openings
3
Techniques learned
  • Improved communication skills
  • Improved time management skills
  • Increase in knowledge and understanding of topics in human physiology
Contact Information:
Mentor
Joshua Lonthair
jlonthair@umass.edu
Faculty
Name of project director or principal investigator
Dr. Joshua Lonthair
Email address of project director or principal investigator
jlonthair@umass.edu
3 sp. | 1 appl.
Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
Field(s) of Study
Biology