Rhea Datta's teaching focuses on delivering the core principles of molecular biology, genetics, and development, while emphasizing that science in that science is a method informed by logic, reason, and empirical evidence. She conveys to her students that science is not a static compendium of facts and definitions, but rather a dynamic and evolving process of exploration. That its value lies not only in testing hypotheses and understanding minute details, but also in disaffirming theories and defying the status quo. Above all else, future scientists must realize that their work impacts social issues on a global scale. The science classroom produces not only doctors and researchers, but also writers, public health officials, community outreach workers, policy makers, and lawyers. Keeping that in mind, aside from textbooks and research papers, Datta's reading lists include popular science articles, news coverage, and real world applications to situate academic content within a global context.
Prior to joining the faculty at Hamilton College, Datta has taught at Indiana University, New York University, and Sarah Lawrence College.
Prior to joining the faculty at Hamilton College, Datta has taught at Indiana University, New York University, and Sarah Lawrence College.
Courses
Developmental Biology (BIO334)
Developmental biologists study the formation of a single cell to complex multicellular beings between fertilization and birth. This course will integrate organismal, cellular, genetic, and molecular approaches to the study of animal development. Topics covered will include embryogenesis, developmental genetics, axis specification, morphogen signaling, stem cells, cloning, limb formation, sex determination, and mechanisms of developmental evolution, as well as congenital defects and issues in human development. Prerequisite, 100, or 101, or 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Offered in the Fall.
Developmental biologists study the formation of a single cell to complex multicellular beings between fertilization and birth. This course will integrate organismal, cellular, genetic, and molecular approaches to the study of animal development. Topics covered will include embryogenesis, developmental genetics, axis specification, morphogen signaling, stem cells, cloning, limb formation, sex determination, and mechanisms of developmental evolution, as well as congenital defects and issues in human development. Prerequisite, 100, or 101, or 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Offered in the Fall.
Mechanisms of Developmental Evolution (BIO234)
Examines the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary change that drive morphological diversity in the animal kingdom. This course integrates genetics, molecular biology, development, and evolution. We will study adaptation, mechanisms of selection, speciation, plasticity, the origin of novelties, developmental constraints, and the evolution of gene regulatory networks in the context of development and patterning. Prerequisite, 100, or 101, or 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. Offered in the Spring.
Examines the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary change that drive morphological diversity in the animal kingdom. This course integrates genetics, molecular biology, development, and evolution. We will study adaptation, mechanisms of selection, speciation, plasticity, the origin of novelties, developmental constraints, and the evolution of gene regulatory networks in the context of development and patterning. Prerequisite, 100, or 101, or 102, or 115, or consent of instructor. Offered in the Spring.
Senior Thesis (BIO550, 551, 552)
An intensive library and laboratory or field research project carried out in association with a faculty member. Prerequisite, acceptance by the department of a written proposal.
An intensive library and laboratory or field research project carried out in association with a faculty member. Prerequisite, acceptance by the department of a written proposal.