Hoshaw, Justin

My name is Justin Hoshaw, and I will be your instructor for Microbiology 250.  I earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I worked in several labs, gaining valuable experience and developing many laboratory skills.  I majored in biology, genetics, and agricultural journalism.  I then pursued graduate work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, earning my Master of Science in molecular, cellular, developmental biology, and genetics.  After graduating, I worked at Chromatin, Inc. in Chicago, researching crop genetics for many species.  My passion for science and teaching has brought me to Waubonsee Community College, where I hope to use my knowledge and experience to give students the same appreciation and fascination with science that I have.  I thoroughly enjoy teaching this class because it allows me to share my passion for biology and sustainability and my knowledge of various useful laboratory techniques.

To be successful in this course, I expect students to have read the assigned material before coming to class and be ready to participate in classroom discussions.  My goal for this class is that everyone leaves with the ability to discuss biology topics covered in this class with others comfortably.  I want to emphasize the major concepts in this course, but there will still be smaller pieces of information that you will be responsible for understanding.

I look forward to having a fun and interactive discussion during class.  I fully believe that the more you contribute, the more you will walk away with, so please ask your questions, and if you have a relevant story or information, I’d appreciate you sharing it! 

M.S.: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

     Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics

B.S.: University of Wisconsin-Madison

     Biology, Genetics, and Agricultural Journalism

BIO 120: Principles of Biology I

Course Description: This course includes an introduction to science, general chemistry, organic chemistry, cell structures and their functions, cellular activities (photosynthesis, respiration, and reproduction), classical and molecular genetics, and evolution. Selected topics discussed in the lecture are expanded upon and explored in the laboratory. Emphasis in the laboratory is on cellular functions and processes. NOTE: This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence of biology majors lecture and lab. This course is designed for biology majors and/or students pursuing health-related careers in medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc. Some physical education majors may need to take this course. If you transfer, it is strongly recommended that you take Principles of Biology II (BIO122) at Waubonsee to ensure your biology credits will be accepted by your transferring school.

Why I love this course:  This course is awesome to teach because we cover material that is crucial for having a good understanding of several important science and biology topics that are relevant to your life.  The course focuses on understanding cell biology, and it's impressive how an understanding of this area of biology can lead to a better understanding of evolution, energy, cancer, metabolism, photosynthesis, and biotechnology.

BIO 250: Microbiology

Course Description: This course focuses on the biology of microorganisms, including their morphology, genetics, metabolism, evolution, and ecology. Human-microbe interactions in health and disease are emphasized. Scientific methodologies and current issues in microbiology are addressed. Students develop laboratory skills for safe handling, isolation, observation, and identification of microorganisms. Although there is no prerequisite for this course, at the 200-level, this is a rigorous and fast-paced class. This course is required for admission to WCC’s Nursing Program and many transfer health professions programs. Microbiology is a recommended major elective for pre-med, pre-dent, pre-vet, pre-pharmacy, and biology majors. Still, you should check with your transfer school to be sure it will be accepted. You should not be in this class if you are not entering a science or health-profession major.

I love this course: It is terrific because we build an amazing foundation for students to continue to build on whether they enter a health profession or research area.  The course focuses on the information relevant to your future education and career goals while covering several topics that are great to understand in today's world.  Some of the issues we cover are antibiotic resistance, vaccines, pathology, immune system function, allergies, common diseases and disease treatments, and the importance of the human microbiome.

I set up and run my course to help you optimize your time.  Based on brain research and test scores, you will be responsible for reading the chapter and completing the homework before coming to class.  Once in class, we can discuss the chapter in more depth and review what I expect you to know for the exam.  After class, I expect you to study the material again before completing an online quiz.  Based on your performance on that quiz, you may want to go back and study some more.  This is how you should be studying for all of your classes.  If you do this, you will remember the material better and have a more in-depth understanding.  I try to encourage you to work smarter, not harder or more but keep in mind that my courses do require a lot of reading and studying because these are complicated aspects of biology that you are not familiar with.  Although I avoid having you memorize material as much as possible, I expect you to understand the material well and make connections, which takes time and practice.  Don't forget that I'm here to help answer questions and clarify anything you are struggling with.  I want you to succeed, and I will do everything I can to help you!

I have collected many resources over the years.  I am happy to share those resources with you.  My resources focus on study tips, practice questions, differences between high school and college, differences between high school and college exam questions, public speaking tips, test anxiety tips, and how-to reference resources.  Since websites are constantly evolving and moving, please email me with any requests.

Please refer to a current syllabus to view current office hours.

I am on campus and available much more than what is listed on the syllabus, but these are consistent times when I am around.  Since I often meet with students, faculty, and other campus groups, I highly recommend you email me to set up a time if you are interested in stopping by; this ensures that I am available right away and enables me to have important documents ready for review.