Nearly 880 undergraduates enrolled in BIOLOGY 173 experienced science up close during their recent tours of the University of Michigan's Research Museums Center (RMC). Over 22 hours of tours, students explored world-class collections from multiple disciplines, including paleontology, zoology, and anthropology.
Led by Lecturer Carly J. Nowicki, BIO 173 emphasizes developing observational skills and using sensory tools to explain natural phenomena. The tours provided students with an opportunity to see these principles in action. “For me, the success of the tours is measured by student engagement and response—and they definitely responded!” said Nowicki.
After visiting the RMC, students excitedly shared their observations and feelings about the collections, often sounding “more like scientists” as they used evolutionary and technical terminology to describe what they saw.
The tours were made possible through collaboration with UMMP volunteers Jie Geng, Teddy Matel, Lindsey DeHaan, Adam Rountrey, Jen Bauer, Anne Kort, and Matt Friedman.
BIO 173 is offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters, with tours giving students a glimpse into research applications and potential careers in biology. Interested in learning more about the RMC or BIO 173? Visit lsa.umich.edu/rmc or email eeb-webinfo@umich.edu for more information.
