Naina Phadnis portrait
  • Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Instruction, School Of Biological Sciences
  • Associate Professor (Lecturer), School Of Biological Sciences

Current Courses

Fall 2024

  • BIOL 3205-001
    Microbiology Lab
  • BIOL 3205-002
    Microbiology Lab
  • BIOL 3205-003
    Microbiology Lab
  • BIOL 3210-001
    Microbiology
  • BIOL 3210-002
    Microbiology

Spring 2024

Teaching Philosophy

In my experience as a scientist I have found that the best learning, the most creative ideas and solutions have come from active discussions with colleagues. I hope to bring an element of this into my classroom by letting students actively engage in discussions. I like to use cooperative learning strategies to engage students of diverse backgrounds and learning capabilities.  I like my students to know that their opinions, remarks and feedback are respected and appreciated in my class. I believe in having a classroom where students can actively participate and question freely in a relaxed environment without any anxiety. I find it useful to set clear learning goals and expectations at the beginning of the class and then assess learning and participation at multiple steps along the way so that my teaching style and class activities can be modified according to student needs and learning. I hope that my students and I can work together over the years to develop a classroom that brings out the best in both of us.

Courses I Teach

  • BIOL 1610 - Fundamentals of Biology
    This course introduces the workings of life from the molecular to the organismal level. Course will cover fundamental concepts in molecular and cellular biology, energy metabolism, genetics, information flow, and integrations of cells to form tissues and organisms. This course integrates active learning strategies and the process of science throughout the course.
  • BIOL 3205 - Microbiology Laboratory
    This once-a week, one-credit laboratory course will equip students with a broad hands-on knowledge of common practices in a Microbiology laboratory. The course curriculum is designed based upon recommendations by the American Society of Microbiology and aims to provide laboratory and analytical skills to students on various essential topics and laboratory exercises in the field.
  • BIOL 3210 - General and Pathogenic Microbiology
    This is an introductory course in Microbiology with an emphasis on understanding pathogenic microbes and infectious diseases. This course will interest students pursuing health care-related professions. The first part of the course will focus on the structure and function of various microbes viz bacteria and viruses while maintaining focus on how these concepts apply to microbial pathogens. The second part of the course will focus on how humans are able to combat microbial pathogens by understanding the human immune system, vaccines and antimicrobials. The last part of the course discusses specific pathogenic microbes and the diseases caused by them.