Courses I teach: Undergraduate

BIO 110 Life Science (nonmajor) (3)

Basic concepts in the study of living systems, including human beings. Uses the study of biology to illustrate approaches of science in understanding the universe. The role of science in modern society and the impact of human civilization on other organisms considered. Designed to satisfy the general education requirements for life science. 3 lectures/problem-solving. Optional 1 three-hour laboratory. Staff.

BIO 115/L Basic Biology (3/2) Every Quarter

Introduction to living things; covering levels of organization from molecules to ecosystems. Designed as a prerequisite course for non biological science majors who are required to take this course in their curricula. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 2 three-hour laboratories. George.

BIO 122 Foundations of Biology: Reproduction and Development (3/2)

Reproduction and development are examined at several levels of organization, from molecules, cells and tissues, to organisms, populations and communities. Exemplar organisms are chosen to highlight developmental strategies among biological systems, as well as strategies that maximize reproductive success. Laboratory reinforces biological principles and provides exposure to basic methodology, equipment, and data analysis. Designed as the second of three foundation courses required of all majors offered by the Biological Sciences Department. 3 lecture/problem-solving, 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: BIO 121/121L. Bozak, Eskandari, George, LaMunyon.

BIO 311 AIDS: Current Topics and Concerns (4)

An overview of the biology of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including AIDS and the impact these diseases and current therapies have on society at large. Topics include distribution, transmission, sexual practices, current scientific research, effects on immune system, treatments, testing and counseling. Selected topics will be presented by guest speakers. Two 2-hour lectures/discussions. Open to all majors. BE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.

Study of general ant biology, including internal and external morphology, identification, chemical communication and behavior, plants and other symbiotic relationships; ecology and the evolution of social behavior and its significance in ants. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 2 three-hour laboratory/field problems. Prerequisite: ZOO 426/426L or BIO 325/325L or equivalents ,(AGB 165/L, AGB 401/L) or consent of instructor. George.

BIO 416L Baja Field Studies (4) Once a year  

BIO 499 Special Topics

• Tropical Biology Field Course: Venezuela
• Biology of Ants Pilot Course

ZOO 137 Invertebrate Zoology (3/2)

Evolution and general biology of major phyla of invertebrate animals, Protozoa to Chordata; introduction to the structure and function of invertebrate organ systems. 3 lectures.

ZOO 138 Vertebrate Zoology (3/2)

Evolution and general biology of animals within the phylum Chordata; introduction to the structure and function of invertebrate organ systems. 3 lectures.

ZOO 234/L Human Anatomy (2/2)

Lectures devoted to a description of human gross anatomy. Laboratories emphasize systematic anatomy and use preserved human organs and dissected cadavers when available. 2 lectures/problem-solving.

ZOO 426/L Introduction to Entomology (3/1)

General aspects of insect structure and function, development, behavior and influence on human activity; includes a survey of the principal insect groups.

AS A GUEST LECTURER:

ANT 491/499 Forensic Anthropology (4)

Theory and techniques of forensic science. Instruction in human anatomy, osteology, and dentition; tools of anthropometry, facial reconstruction. Visiting experts in field applications (autopsies, crime scene analysis, criminal profiling, mortuary practices). Analysis in paleodemography, epidemiology. 4 lecture-discussions. Prerequisites: One course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.

TAUGHT ELSEWHERE:

• Plant Ecology Field Course
• Insect Ecology Field Course

Courses I teach: Graduate

BIO 532 Tropical Field Biology (2-6)

A 2-3 week field trip in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Venezuela or other tropical countries including study and field problems on tropical ecosystems. Lectures by local biologists, Cal Poly faculty. Visits to ecological reserves, institutions and various field sites in other tropical countries. Field trip fee required. Recommended: BIO 415/415L and knowledge of Spanish. Prerequisites: Graduate or advanced undergraduate standing, consent of instructors and BIO 485. George, Stewart, Szijj

BIO 575/542L Pollination Ecology (Spring Quarter every 3rd year)

The course consists of two lectures and a lab or field time. Lectures will cover pollination syndromes, angiosperm pollinator coevolution, and biogeographical patterns of pollination. Laboratory field work will emphasize techniques of data acquisition and quantification, as well as methods of observation for various types of pollinators.

• Generic syllabi

Education

GEORGE, CHRIS D. (1987) Professor, Biological Sciences. B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1973; M.S., 1974; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 1987.

Department Committees

I am a member of these committees within the Biological Sciences Department: Budget, RTP, chair of the Biotrek Steering Committee, member of Executive Advisory to the Chair, Select Teaching Associate of the Year, coordinator of Basic Biology.

Professional Interests

I study various aspects of ant ecology and behavior, observing ants in such diverse habitats as desert, chaparral and riparian communities of southern and Baja California and thorn forest scrub, llanos, Andean paramo, cloud forest and rainforest communities of Australia,Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. I teach an Ant Biology course, BIO 407/407L each fall quarter (Ant Biology). I am also interested in the insect and hummingbird pollination of flowers and other insect-plant interactions in general. I teach a course in Pollination Ecology, BIO 575/542L, every three years in the spring quarter . I often present a special lecture on Forensic Entomology in the Readings in Forensic Anthropology course, ANT 491/499 in the spring quarter.

Here is a list of my academic specialties:

Entomology; Ant biology and behavior; Ecology of desert and tropical ant communities; Insect-plant and insecti-vertebrate interactions in desert, chaparral, and tropical communities; Hummingbird and insect pollination of flowering plants.

Over 10 years ago, while working together with a former student and now lecturer Chris Brady, I developed BioTrek when we first put together a rainforest simulation in a prep room of a BIO 115 lab. A cloud forest appearance was made using a humidifier and a cassette player to simulate animal sounds. This got the attention of the university community. For the next few years it developed on the Building 8 rooftop (College of Science). In 2002, it was moved to the a new greenhouse next to the new Biotechnology building. Besides the rainforest, there is also an Ethnobotany garden and an aquatic learning center, which makes this a unique educational resource. The point of Biotrek is to stress to students of all ages the importance of biodiversity. It's so important for young people to understand the implications of a global ecosystem - that our future is dependant upon our conservation efforts now. It's very difficult to make the importance of of conservation and preservation seem real to kids who've never seen anything like a rainforest environment, except maybe on television, and who may never have the opportunity to travel to one. They think "What does this have to do with me?" What Biotrek can do is make those abstract ideas concrete. I wrote and developed an educational curriculum that accompanies BioTrek. For more on the BioTrek project, call (909)869-6701.

• See the official university press release here.
• Read the article in the Fall 2002 Polytrends.

Experts List

As part of the the Advancement Division's Experts program, I answer questions that people have about ants. Here is an article I wrote in an issue of Panorama on how to deal with fire ants.

Travel with Students

I travel with groups of undergraduate and graduate students often accompanied by colleagues to far away destinations like tropical Australia,Ecuadorian rainforests, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica's mountains and Venezuela's coral reefs, Andes, rain and cloud forests for tropical biology studies.

Student Advising

Advising of Students: I am advisor to more than 50 undergraduate students and Graduate Advisor to 6 graduate students in the Biological Sciences with the following projects:

I am also currently advising 10 students in the Four-Year Pledge Program. I have served as SEES (Science Education Enhancement Services) Advisor for the last 9 years, advising 20-25 SEES students per quarter.

Campus Links

Here are links to other Cal Poly sites:

Biological Sciences Department

Project

Textbooks and other supplies can be purchased on campus at Bronco Bookstore.

Here is where my original Master's thesis is located at the Cal Poly Library

IIT WWW Policy

Ownership: Dr. Chris George

Responsible Parties: Dr. Chris George and Andrew Leung

Last Revision: Fall Quarter 2004

Click here to return to the university's home page:

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