teaching

Teaching is a central part of what we do in the Schilder Lab. Our courses span the breadth of animal physiology — from the molecular machinery of insect cells to the ecological and evolutionary pressures that have shaped invertebrate diversity — and share a common emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-driven learning. Whether characterizing invertebrate sensory systems in the lab, sampling insect communities in the Pennsylvania landscape, or designing original experiments to test physiological responses to environmental stress, students in our courses are trained to think and work like scientists. We emphasize the importance of trial-and-error based learning and bring the research interests of the lab directly into the classroom, with recurring themes of energetics, locomotion, stressor physiology, and comparative approaches to animal function woven throughout.

Current courses
ENT 410 — Insect Structure & Function (3 credits) An exploration of how form meets function in insects — from the physiological systems that power their extraordinary diversity to the genetic and environmental factors that regulate them. Students develop a working understanding of insect physiology and its relationship to ecology and evolution, with particular attention to how insects sense and interact with their environment.

BIOL 457 — Comparative Invertebrate Physiology (3 credits) A lecture and laboratory course examining anatomy, energetics, sensory biology, and behavior across the invertebrate tree of life. Students investigate how marine, freshwater, and terrestrial invertebrates respond to environmental stressors — including temperature extremes, dehydration, starvation, and hypoxia — through a mix of guided experiments and student-designed investigations. Lab work covers muscle physiology, organismal energetics, and mechano-, olfactory, and visual sensing, with ample room for independent inquiry.

Previously taught courses
BIOL 473 — Laboratory in Mammalian Physiology (2 credits) A hands-on laboratory course integrating physiological concepts from the molecular to the organismal level in mammals. Students develop bench skills, engage with primary scientific literature, and practice scientific writing — all while learning to work responsibly with laboratory animals.

BIOL 479 — General Comparative Endocrinology (3 credits) A comparative survey of how hormones coordinate developmental, physiological, and behavioral processes across the animal kingdom. Moving beyond the standard model-organism focus, this course covers vertebrate endocrinology broadly and draws on invertebrate research to illustrate fundamental principles of hormone action and evolution.

ENT 518 — Insect Field Ecology & Natural History (2 credits) A field-based course immersing students in the insect biodiversity of Pennsylvania. Students learn collection, sampling, and curation techniques; develop field notebook skills; and explore the natural history, behavioral ecology, and chemical ecology of insects in both agricultural and natural settings. The course emphasizes the connections between insect biology and broader concepts in evolutionary success and pest management, and builds students’ confidence as field scientists and collaborative problem-solvers.