Undergraduate TA - Introductory Biology II (BIOL 152) - Spring 2025 - Dr. Lonthair

The BIOL 152 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) will serve in an instructional capacity for Introductory Biology II for the Spring 2025 semester, by providing instructional assistance and peer mentoring.

Example of Responsibilities of the UTA:

  • Attendance of class (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:15 AM to 12:05 PM)
  • Provide general assistance to the faculty member in instructional activities
  • Tutors students
  • Proctors examination
  • Grades tests and homework

To apply, I ask that you do the four (4) things below. The inability to complete these four components will lead to immediate disqualification of the application.

  1. Please respond to the Essay Prompt (300 words maximum):
    • What do you see as the role of an undergraduate TA? What most interests you in the role? How do you see learning the skills involved with the role benefitting you in the future?
  2. Confirm your availability to attend all class sections.
    • Upon request, please provide a screenshot/copy of your schedule inclusive of both classes and other commitments.
  3. Submit a copy of your resume and unofficial transcript in your profile 
  4. Submit a 3-5 minute video of you teaching a difficult topic in BIOL 152. 
Name of research group, project, or lab
BIOL 152 - Dr. Lonthair
Why participate in this opportunity?

Students will gain experience in providing directed mentoring and tutoring of students in the field of Biology, with an emphasis on Physiology, Ecology, and Evolution

Students will learn 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.

Additionally, the faculty mentor provides mentoring both concerning the practice of teaching but also supports student's long-term career objectives.

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Animal Physiology
Ecology
Evolution
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  1. Students must have received an overall grade in BIOL 152 (Introductory Biology II) of a B+ or higher.
  2. Exhibit skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
  3. Exhibit skill in planning, organization, and coordination of activities
  4. Exhibit skill in both verbal and written communication
  5. No physical qualification required
Time commitment
5-7 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Service - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
8
Project start
Spring 2025 - January 2025 to May 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
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
8 sp. | 15 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk
Project categories
Evolution (+2)
Animal PhysiologyEcologyEvolution