Professional Bio

I’m a teacher, naturalist, and lifelong explorer of the living world. My passions include birding, hiking in the mountains, and studying everything from insects to wild plants.

For more than 30 years, I’ve taught biology and science education at the high school, community college, and university levels—most recently as a professor at the University of Central Arkansas. Over the years I’ve taught courses in evolution, botany, anatomy, and the art of teaching science, always with a focus on sparking curiosity and helping students see the connections between life, learning, and nature.

This site is where I share two sides of my journey:

Science & Teaching – reflections on teaching biology and how students learn best.
Birding & Natural History – field notes, photos, and stories from time outdoors.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: science is not just a subject, but a way of seeing the world—full of questions, surprises, and wonder.

Dr. Mark W. Bland

I’m a teacher, naturalist, and lifelong explorer of the living world. My passions include birding, fishing, hiking in the mountains, and studying everything from insects to treee.

For more than 30 years, I’ve taught biology and science education at the high school, community college, and university levels—most recently as a professor at the University of Central Arkansas. Over the years I’ve taught courses in evolution, botany, anatomy, and the art of teaching science, always with a focus on sparking curiosity and helping students see the connections between life, learning, and nature.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: science is not just a subject, but a way of seeing the world—full of questions, surprises, and wonder.

EDUCATION

PhD Biological Education, School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 2004.

Dissertation: The Effects of Student-produced Renderings on Achievement in Introductory Biology.

-- Housed in the School of Biological Sciences at UNC, this dual-focus program produces graduates who are “multifaceted scholar[s] and educator[s] with a solid background in biology and [in the] teaching of biology.”

MS Biology, Department of Biology, Fort Hays State University.

Thesis: Growth Curve Studies of Taphrina During the Saprophytic Phase.

BS Forest Resources: Science Option, College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Range Sciences, University of Idaho.

COURSES TAUGHT

University of Central Arkansas

Exploring Concepts in Biology. Lecture and lab.
Mechanisms of Evolution. Lecture and lab.
Biology of Seed Plants. Lecture and lab.
Graduate Seminar: Effective teaching for TA’s.
Teaching Internship I. Field experience, BSE students.
Integrated Methods for Mathematics and Science.
Secondary Science Teaching Methods. Lecture and lab.
Concepts of Science. Lecture and lab.
Teaching Internship II. “Student teaching” experience.
Research Methods for Mathematics and Science.
Special Topics in Physics. The study of teaching and learning. (Co-taught with Physics Dept.).

North Platte Community College

Introduction to Biology (non-lab course)
General Biology and Lab
Introduction to Zoology and Lab
General Botany and Lab
Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Lab
Physical Geography and Lab

Flathead Valley Community College

General Biology I: Principles of Biology & Lab
Biology II: The Diversity of Life & Lab
Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology & Lab
General Botany & Lab
Field Botany
Forest Habitat Typing
Basic Physical Science & Lab
Introduction to Earth Science
Introductory, Intermediate, and College Algebra

Macksville High School

Biology
Advanced Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Applied Biology/Chemistry
Chemistry
Advanced Chemistry
Physical Science
General Science