Department of Biological Sciences

Course Descriptions

PDF of Current Courses

BIOL 0500 - Biology of Women.
This course offers an overview of cell biology, genetics and endocrine physiology, as well as a discussion of "female" biology and women's health issues. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 0940 - Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine.
A sequence that provides an introduction to the career areas in veterinary medicine through lectures, guest speakers, and demonstrations. Cannot be applied toward a major in biological sciences. 2 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 1010 - Concepts in Biology.
A series that provides an introduction to the biological sciences and their methodologies for the student planning to major in biology or another science. BIOL 1010 emphasizes molecular and cellular levels of organization; BIOL 1011 focuses on organismal and regulatory biology; and BIOL 1012 emphasizes ecology, the biosphere, and biological diversity. One three-hour laboratory per week. 3 qtr. hrs. each.

BIOL 1013 - Honors Concepts in Biology.
Weekly seminar for honors students taking the Concepts in Biology series. Co-requisite(s): corresponding quarter of BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 1 qtr. hr. each.

BIOL 1020 - Concepts in Biology Lab.
Experimentation and activities to complement and reinforce lecture material. Co-requisite(s): corresponding quarter of BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 1 qtr. hr. each.

BIOL 2010 - General Ecology.
This course is a combination of ecology and environmental science. The first half of the course involves an introduction to the field of ecology emphasizing ecosystems and population ecology. The latter part of the course focuses on global and regional environmental issues. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2020 - Heredity and Evolution.
This class is an overview of the basic principles in genetics and how this discipline applies to topics in human disease, the environment, and evolution. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2090 - Biometry.
Statistics in biological research; emphasis on procedures, applications of regression, correlation, analysis of variance, and non-parametric tests. Includes instruction on computer-aided (Mac and PC) statistical analysis and presentation of results. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2120 - Cell Structure and Function.
Chemical composition of cells; structure and function of cell organelles; the interrelationship of the cellular unit with its environment; mechanisms of energy conversion within cells; functions of excitability, contractility, and cell growth. One three-hour laboratory per week included. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012 or NATS 1220, 1221, 1222. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2310 - Biodiversity of Flowering Plants.
This course deals with all aspects of the variation found among the Angiosperms. Lecture topics will include the origin of the angiosperms, early radiation and primitive angiosperms, floral morphology, angiosperm sex: the birds and the bees, diversity in tropical systems, diversity in temperate systems, the comparative floras of the northern and southern hemispheres, weird and wonderful plant breeding systems, modern plant genetics and the flora of Colorado. The laboratory course will teach the use and creation of multi-entry computerized identification keys, how to describe and identify plants, and a five lab series on the Colorado flora. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012 or NATS 1201, 1202, 1203. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2450 - Human Anatomy.
A systematic approach to the anatomy of the human body. Four lectures and one three-hour laboratory each week. 5 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2510 - General Genetics.
Mechanisms of heredity; application to all forms of life. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. One three-hour laboratory per week included. 5 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2560 - Molecular Genetics.
The molecular basis of heredity and genetic control, using in vitro systems and microbial and eukaryotic models. The molecular basis of heredity and genetic regulation considering in vitro systems as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic models. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 2630 - Comparative Anatomy.
A survey of major extinct and living groups of vertebrates; evolution and adaptive significance of structure. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3010 - Evolution and Speciation.
Theories and supporting evidence explaining evolution from the origin and pattern of organismal and genomic changes through time. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012 and either 2020 or 2510. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3020 - Aquatic Ecology.
An introduction to the ecology of fresh-water and marine organisms including aquatic adaptations, community organization, food chains, nutrient cycling and man's impact on aquatic ecosystems. Prerequistite: BIOL 2010 or permission of instructor. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3030 - Alpine Ecology.
Ecology of alpine and subalpine regions of Colorado; organization and distribution of communities and populations, succession, energy flow, nutrient cycling, population adaptions in life-history, physiology, behavior, and morphology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3040 - Plant Ecology.
Analysis of plant distribution, plant-environment relationship, and effects on community formation, structure, and function. Includes laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: BIOL 2010. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3050 - Animal Ecology.
The evolutionary ecology of animal populations. Topics include limits to distribution and abundance, population extinctions, cooperative and antagonistic interactions among species, ecological contexts of feeding, social, and mating patterns. Includes lab oratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1011, 1012, 1013 or NATS 1201, 1202, 1203. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3060 - Tropical Ecology.
Biological composition of tropical ecosystems; biodiversity, biogeochemistry; causes and biological consequences of tropical deforestation; ecologically based approaches toward sustainable tropical forest use. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2010. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3070 - Ecological Field Methods.
Through a series of field exercises, students learn principles and procedures of field methodology, data analysis, and technical writing in ecology. Problems drawn from population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Prerequisite: BIOL 2010. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3100 - Microanatomy.
Microscopic organization of tissues and organs; correlation of organization with function. Emphasis on mammalian systems. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 5 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3120 - General Microbiology.
Fundamental principles; the role of bacteriology in biological phenomena. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3130 - Molecular Evolution.
This course considers the evolution of macromolecules and the reconstruction of evolutionary history of genes and organisms. Prerequisite: BIOL 2560. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3150 - Intracellular Dynamics.
Focuses on spatial and temporal control of intracellular processes with an emphasis on neuronal and endocrine cells. Topics include vesicular traffic, protein targeting, dynamics and spatial organization of signaling complexes. Emphasis on modern techniques of cell and molecular biology with examples from primary literature. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3170 - Electron Microscopy.
A course designed to introduce the techniques of specimen preparation for electron microscopy and the procedures of electron microscope operation. This includes fixation, embedding, sectioning, E.M. operation, darkroom practices, and the interpretation of electron micrographs. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3200 - Invertebrate Evolution.
A course designed to introduce students to the remarkable diversity of invertebrate life, both in terms of numbers of species, novel body plans and physiological adaptations. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3240 - Biomechanical Kinesiology.
The structure of the human body and the analysis of anatomical mechanisms of movement. Prerequisite: BIOL 2450. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3250 - Human Physiology.
A sequence that provides physical and chemical aspects of the cell; functional relationship of the mammalian organ systems. Laboratory demonstration of physiological principles and development of surgical techniques and procedures. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 5 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3255 - Exercise Physiology.
The effects of various types of exercise on the muscular, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, and practical aspects of human subjects under various physiological stresses. Prerequisite: BIOL 3250. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3300 - Plant Taxonomy.
Lecture and laboratory on the systems of plants with emphasis on flowering plants. Classification, nomenclature, and identification of plants. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3400 - Ornithology.
Biology of birds with an emphasis on ecology and behavior. Field and laboratory work stresses bird identification and ecological relationships of birds. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3410 - Animal Behavior.
In this class, students gain an understanding of the diversity of animal behaviors and how they enable animals to live in the natural world. Students examine the structure, control, and function of behaviors, and some of the factors that shape behaviors. In addition, students gain some insight into human behavior. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3550 - Population Genetics.
The forces which affect gene frequencies in populations of plants and animals. Includes both theoretical and empirical studies from the current literature. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510 and college algebra. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3560 - Molecular Biology Laboratory.
Techniques in gene excision, cloning, and reinsertion are demonstrated. Gene sequencing is also accomplished. Prerequisite: BIOL 2560. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3565 - Flora of Tropical Australia.
This coure deals with the unique plants found in the rain forests and sclerophyll forests of tropical Australia. For those seeking 2 or more credits, there will be a 10 day field trip to tropical Australia in July following the course. A third credit is available for those choosing to write up a research project following the field trip. 1-3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3570 - Proteins in Biological Systems.
Proteins considered in their biological setting: protein synthesis and degradation; survey of protein functions in vivo; evolution of proteins; introduction to protein biotechnology. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120, CHEM 2451, 2452, 2453. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3610 - Developmental Biology.
The processes and mechanisms of development, exemplified by higher animal embryogenesis, with consideration of microbial model systems. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3620 - Vertebrate Embryology.
Development processes in placental mammals; analysis of vertebrate cyto-differentiation and morphogenesis. Laboratory treats embryonic anatomy of amphibians, birds, and mammals. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 5 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3640 - Introductory Neurobiology.
Focuses on the organization and function of the vertebrate central nervous system. The nature of the action potential, the biochemistry of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, the functional anatomy of the nervous system, and the phylogeny of the nervous sys tem. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3641 - Systems Neuroscience.
Structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, emphasis on functional systems including sensory perception, motor control and consciousness. Prerequisite: BIOL 3640. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3650 - Endocrinology.
Mechanisms of hormone action, evolution of vertebrate endocrine systems, analysis of the function integration of hormonal responses in the maintenance of homeostasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3655 - Molecular Neuroendocrinology.
Anatomical/immuniological, biochemical and molecular approaches used to analyze neuroendocrine pathways in the hypothalamus/pituitary system. Prerequisite: BIOL 3650 and instructor's permission. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3670 - Molecular Immunology.
The organs, cells, and molecules which underlie the mammalian immune response; relationship of the immune system to disease. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3680 - Advanced Techniques in Cell Biology.
Varying topics that include current techniques in used cell biology research and laboratory course. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3700 - Advanced Topics in Ecology.
Topics vary; may include plant, animal, biochemical, alpine, or aquatic; one topic per quarter. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from the original literature. Prerequisite: one quarter of undergraduate ecology and/or permission of instructor . 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3701 - Advanced Topics in Genetics.
Topics vary; may include genetic methods, molecular genetics, human genetics, chromosomes, or population genetics; one topic per quarter. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from the original literature. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510 and/or permission of instructor. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3702 - Advanced Topics in Regulatory Biology.
Topics vary; may include endocrinology, physiology, or immunology; one topic per quarter. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from the original literature. Prerequisite: vary with topic and instructor; permission of instructor is usually required. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3703 - Advanced Topics in Developmental Biology.
Topics vary; may include gene expression in development, developmental immunogenetics, developmental biochemistry, or aging; one topic per quarter. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be taken for credit more than once. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3704 - Advanced Topics in Cell Biology.
Topics vary; may include supramolecular structure, microscopy, membranes, techniques; may be taken for credit more than once. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite: vary with course and instructor; permission of instructor is usually required. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3705 - Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology.
Topics vary; may include biochemistry, supramolecular structure and function, molecular genetics, membrane biology; may be taken for credit more than once. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite: vary with course and instructor; permission of instructor is usually required. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3706 - Advanced Topics in Evolution.
Topics vary, but may include molecular evolution, plant evolution and animal evolution. Prerequisite: permission from instructor. 1-4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3800 - Human Molecular Biology.
Molecular basis of heredity and genetic control, using in-vitro systems and microbial and eukaryotic models; molecular basis of heredity and genetic regulation considering in-vitro systems as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic models. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3820 - Genomics and Bioinformatics.
This course is designed to introduce upper level biology, molecular biology, and computer science majors to the human and model organisms genome projects, and to consider the applciations of genomics to basic and medical research. Prerequisites: BIOL 2510 and BIOL 3800. 4 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3910 - Viruses and Infectious Human Diseases.
This course delves into the organization of viruses at the molecular level and numerous diseases that these agents cause in humans. The mechanism of action of viruses is a major theme of the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 3800. 3 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3940 - Molecular Research: Proposal and Defense.
This course provides students with an opportunity to research a topic of personal interest in the field of cell and molecular biology and then to develop a comprehensive experimental plan to address a salient research question. The proposed research strategy is presented in the form of a scientific grant proposal. 2 qtr. hrs.

BIOL 3950 - Undergraduate Research.
Participation in faculty research programs by agreement between the student and the faculty member. 1-5 qtr. hrs. A maximum of five quarter hours of BIOL 3950 and/or BIOL 3991 may be applied to the 45-quarter-hour requirement for a major in biological sciences. Arr.

BIOL 3991 - Independent Study.
Student independently studies a topic in biology under the supervision of a faculty member. It is the student's responsibility to identify the faculty supervisor before registering for the class. 1-5 qtr. hrs. A maximum of five quarter hours of BIOL 3991 and/or BIOL 3950 may be applied toward the 45-quarter-hour requirement for a major in biological sciences. Arr.

BIOL XXXX - Testing New Course.
This is the course description

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