Ms Karen Burke da Silva

Contact Details

Key Responsibilities

• First year biology coordinator/lecturer
• Redevelopment of teaching and learning within the biological sciences

Teaching

• Biology 1101 Evolution of Biological Diversity (Topic Coordinator and Lecturer)
• Biology 1102 Molecular Basis of Life (Lecturer)
• Biology 1112 Biology and Society (Topic Coordinator and lecturer)

Research

I have two very different areas of research interests: 

1. Science education at the university level
   I am interested in developing teaching techniques that can increase student interest and learning in science topics.  In addition, I am looking into the culture of science academics to examine their attitudes and interests toward teaching and research.
    

2. Behavioural Ecology/Evolutionary Genetics of mammals, birds and fish
   I am interested in the evolution of behaviours and morphologies that might be considered risky to the individuals that possess them.  For example, under what circumstances should high risk alarm calls evolve?  I am interested in other aspects of animal communication and reproductive behaviour.

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