Undergraduate TA - Physiology (BIOL 288) - Spring 2025 - Dr. Lonthair

The BIOL 288 Undergraduate Teaching Assistant will serve in an instructional capacity for Physiology in the Spring 2025 semester by providing instructional assistance and peer mentoring.

Example of Responsibilities of the UTA:

  • Attendance of class (Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM)
  • Provide general assistance to the faculty member in instructional activities
  • Tutor students
  • Proctor examinations
  • Grade 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 
    1. Details here: https://propel.umass.edu/propel-information-students
  4. Submit a 3-5 minute video of you teaching a difficult topic in BIOL 288. 
    1. Submission form here: https://forms.gle/iymcBh96MrcVc9Sk6
Name of research group, project, or lab
BIOL 288 - 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

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
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  1. You must have taken BIOL 288 (Physiology) and received an overall grade of 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
Teaching - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
8
Project start
Spring 2025 (January 2025 - 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. | 28 appl.
Hours
5-7 h/wk
Project categories
Animal Physiology