Todd Tracy Professor of Biology
Education:
Ph.D., Colorado State University
M.S., Colorado State University
B.A., Cornell College
712-707-7340
ttracy@nwciowa.edu
VPH 213
Dr. Tracy is one of two ecologists in Northwestern's biology department. His research interests include avian vocal communication, prairie restoration, plant genetics, and the impacts of invasive species on the forests and prairies of the Midwest. He and his students present their research at the Iowa Academy of Science conference every spring. Prior to joining Northwestern’s faculty in January 2002, he taught at Kirkwood Community College, Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, and Colorado Christian University.
BIO115 - General Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology
General Biology I emphasizes the unity of life, examining the processes common to living organisms, and introduce the diversity of life, examining unicellular organisms. This introduction will provide students with a basic understanding of macromolecules, cell structure and function, respiration and photosynthesis, the cell cycle, meiosis, the relationship between gene structure and function, mechanisms of evolutionary change and Christian perspectives on evolutionary biology. (4 credits)
BIO116 - General Biology: Ecology and Organismal Biology
General Biology II is an introduction to organismal biology emphasizing the diversity of life forms. Representative organisms from the plant and animal kingdoms will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to basic ecological concepts and Christian perspectives on stewardship. (4 credits)
BIO205 - Ecology
A study of the processes determining the distribution and abundance of organisms in space and time, their exchange of matter and energy with their environment, the measurement of these phenomena, and the application of ecological knowledge in the care of creation. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116 (4 credits)
BIO280 - Vertebrate Zoology
An in-depth study of the major groups of vertebrate species. Topics include vertebrate taxonomy, classification, comparative vertebrate anatomy, physiology, behavior, and life histories. Prerequisites: BIO115 and 116. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BIO330 - Topics in Ecology
Advanced studies of the function and structure of local ecological communities and/or life forms. Courses will emphasize the use of fieldwork, research projects and/or primary literature.Prerequisites: BIO205 or permission of instructor.(2-4 credits; a minimum of 4 credits will be offered per year)
CHE101 - College Chemistry
An introductory course in inorganic chemistry. The treatment of topics is predominantly descriptive and the content is especially suited to meet the needs of students whose programs require only one year of chemistry.(4 credits)
NSC101 - Introduction to Earth Science
Board of Directors, Iowa Academy of Science
Advanced Placement Environmental Science Exam Reader, Table Leader, and Question Leader, Educational Testing Service
Instructor at Wheaton College Science Station near Rapid City, SD
Environmental Science Content Expert and Test bank Developer , Pearson Education
Interim Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs, School of Professional Studies, Colorado Christian University
Affiliate Professor, School of Professional Studies, Colorado Christian University
Instructor and Visiting Professor, Department of Biology, Colorado State University
Adjunct Faculty, Science and Math Department, Front Range Community College
Laboratory Coordinator, Department of Math/Science, Kirkwood Community College
Laboratory Instructor, Kirkwood Community College
IOWATER volunteer water quality monitor
Au Sable Institute Academic Advisory Council
Iowa Academy of Science
Sioux County Birders Club
NWC Scholarship Grant, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015
Mellon Foundation Environmental Research Initiative (with student Erin Brogan), 2008-2010
Iowa Science Foundation grant #ISF-07-10, 2007-2008
Iowa Science Foundation grant #ISF-06-08, 2006-2007
Graduate Assistant Teaching Award, Colorado State University
