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Biology Department Classes
100 Studies in Biology. Presents students not majoring in biology with inquiries into contemporary issues and phenomena in the biological sciences. Activities include lectures, readings, discussions, and laboratory or field experiences. May not be counted toward a biology major. (May meet the laboratory/field requirement for critical perspectives.)
DNA and Biotechnology. 1 unit — Holzen.
Biodiversity and Conservation. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Drummond.
Ecology and Biometeorology of the Mediterranean. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor (Admission to Mediterranean program: Morocco and France). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Gray, Taber.
Forest Ecology of the Colorado Front Range. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 200.) 1 unit — Snyder.
Plants and People. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Wilson.
Science and Ethics of Genetics. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Bertrand, Hourdequin, Killian.
101 Introduction to Molecular Microbiology. This course introduces the theory and practice of microbiology, with an emphasis on laboratory investigations of bacterial life. The origins of life on earth, the isolation, cultivation and identification of bacteria, bacterial genetics, and infectious disease including HIV/AIDS will be examined through discussion, laboratory work, and lecture. Can count as 1 unit of lower-level elective credit toward a Biology major. Prerequisite: 2 yrs Studies in Humanities Biology and 1 yr Studies in Humanities Chemistry or consent of instructor. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Not offered 2011-12.) 2 units.
105 Biology of Plants. The study of plants with an emphasis on the flowering plants. Relationships between form and function, growth and development and evolutionary and ecological relationships are examined with attention given to the chemical bases of plant life, the fundamentals of metabolic pathways, and the integrative nature of plant structures from cellular to ecological levels. Prerequisite: Strong high school Chemistry highly recommended. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Ebersole, Heschel, Kelso.
106 Biology of Animals. An introduction to the biology of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Evolution and functional architecture of animal body plans, patterns of structure and function, survival strategies, principles of animal ecology and evolution, and phylogeny of animal groups examined through lab, discussion, and investigative activities. Prerequisite: (Strong high school chemistry highly recommended) No credit after Biology 108 or 109. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Drummond, Gray, Linkhart, Snyder.
107 Biology of Microbes. An introduction to the world of Bacteria, Archaea, microscopic Eukarya and viruses. Emphasizing the role of microbes as causal agents of major human disease (TB, AIDS, malaria); as essential components of the human microbiome; as critical elements in biogeochemical processes; and as tools in agriculture, industry and food production. Lecture, discussion, student presentations and laboratory projects. No credit towards the Biology major if taken after Biology 101 or 231. Prerequisite: Strong high school Chemistry highly recommended. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Wilson.
131 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology. Structures and functions of biomacromolecules, organelles, and cells and the flow of energy and information within and among them. Laboratory and lecture course designed to provide an introduction to molecular and cellular biology, with emphasis on how to address questions experimentally. Prerequisite: Chemistry 107 or consent of instructor. No credit after Biology 210. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit — Holzen, Killian, Lostroh.
202 Field Botany. A field course involving collection, identification, and preservation of vascular plants, emphasizing evolution, ecology and biogeography. Takes advantage of the major ecosystems of the Pikes Peak region. Prerequisite: Biology 105. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 202.) 1 unit — Kelso.
205 Human Evolution. Fossil and genetic evidence for human evolution as well as the implications of evolution for understanding the adaptations of modern humans. Nature and timing of the developments that led from our distant, rodent-like ancestors to humans as we are today. Evolutionary theories that have been proposed to explain these changes. Adaptive significance of changes in the relationship between members of our lineage is also stressed. Through lectures, laboratories, discussions, and student presentations, students learn some of the basic principles of molecular genetics and discuss the use of genetics in evolutionary research. No credit toward Biology major if taken after Biology 231. Prerequisite: Biology 105 or 106 or 107 or 108 or 109 or Anthropology 101. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Also listed as Anthropology 201.) 1 unit — Bertrand, Fish.
207 Human Anatomy. A cadaver dissection course designed to help students gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the structure of the human body. Designed to meet the needs of students interested in pre- and allied health fields when taken in conjunction with BY/SC 321. Prerequisite: Biology 131 or 210, Biology 106 or 109, and Chemistry 108. (Also listed as Sport Science 207.) 1 unit — Department.
208 Ecology. The analysis of distributions, abundances, and interrelationships of organisms. Populations, communities, and ecosystems are investigated, and implications for humans considered. Prerequisite: Chemistry 107 and 1 unit from Biology 105, 107, 108, 109, Geology 130 or 140. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 208.) 1 unit — Drummond, Ebersole, Gray, Heschel.
220 Biostatistics and Experimental Design. Emphasis on application rather than theory or derivation. Topics: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, regression, t-tests, Chi-square, analysis of variance, selected non-parametric methods, statistical inference and experimental design. Prerequisite: At least 1 college biology course or consent of instructor. No Credit after Economics 200 or Mathematics 117. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Ebersole.
231 Genetics. Nature, transmission and expression of hereditary information; lecture and laboratory will include principles of molecular and transmission genetics with an emphasis on concepts and laboratory techniques used in contemporary molecular genetic research. Prerequisite: 1)Biology 131 or 210;and 2) Chemistry 108 or consent of instructor. No credit after Biology 361. 1 unit — Holzen, Huang, Killian, Lostroh.
240 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in Biology not offered on a regular basis. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
244 Histotechnique. Students will acquire the basic knowledge necessary to prepare animal and plant tissues for examination by light microscopy. Theoretical aspects of fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning techniques, and the art of staining will be emphasized. Interpretation of results will be facilitated through lecture/discussion sessions highlighting the basics of histology. Prerequisite: Biology 105 or 109 recommended. (Not offered 2011-12.) .5 unit.
249 Special Topics in Biology. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
256 Mathematical Models in Biology. An introduction to selected quantitative models drawn from ecology, genetics, and physiology. For each model the course includes an investigation of the mathematical methods used, an evaluation of the model, and some elementary simulation techniques. (Offered alternate years). Prerequisite: Mathematics 126 and 1 college biology course. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) (Also listed as Mathematics 256.) 1 unit — Brown.
280 Population Genetics. Classical genetics as it applies to understanding the evolution of populations. This course examines the following topics: genetic issues of small and isolated populations, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, factors affecting allele frequencies, variance and F-statistics, molecular methods, and quantitative genetics. This course also includes discussions of contemporary issues in applied population genetics and laboratory investigations. Prerequisite: Biology 131 or 210, Biology 208, and Chemistry 108; or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
304 Immunology. A survey of the main elements of the human body's defenses against invading microorganisms. Emphasis is on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of B and T lymphocyte functioning, along with consideration of autoimmune and immune deficiency diseases. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 210 (BY 301 recommended). (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
308 Advanced Ecology. Field studies and theoretical topics selected to illustrate the research process and ecological thought. Will include use of ecological literature. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 208. 1 unit — Ebersole, Snyder.
309 Research Problems in Biology. Independent research projects based on laboratory or field investigation. Experimental studies completed away from campus must receive prior departmental approval. (Class, laboratory or field activities arranged.) (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 or 499 may count toward the Biology major.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2 from 105, 107, 108 or 109 and 210 (total 3) and arranged 1 block ahead. 1 unit — Ebersole, Gray, Kelso, Killian, Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder, Wilson.
321 Human Physiology. The course provides an integrative approach to understanding basic anatomical and physiological relationships of major organ systems in the human body through human cadaver dissection. Designed to meet the needs of students interested in pre and allied health fields when taken in conjunction with BY/SC 207. Prerequisite: BY/SC 207. (Also listed as Sport Science 321.) 1 unit — Department.
330 Parasitic Protozoa. The biology of parasitic protozoa in humans and other animals. Lecture, laboratory and readings will focus on host-parasite relations, life histories, morphology, and physiology of parasitic protozoa. Prerequisite: Biology 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
331 Parasitic Helminths. The biology of worms parasitic in humans and other animals. Lecture, laboratory and readings will focus on host-parasite relations, life histories, morphology, and physiology of parasitic helminths. Prerequisite: Biology 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. 1 unit — Hathaway.
332 Animal Behavior. A comparative study of the diversities of behavioral systems of animals. Lecture, laboratory and field work include ethological theories and methods, emphasizing observation, denotation and analysis of behavior. Prerequisite: Biology 208 and either 106 or 109; or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
341 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in Biology not offered on a regular basis. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
342 Special Topics in Biology. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
343 Special Topics in Biology. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
344 Scanning Electron Microscopy. Basic principles of electron optical systems, image formation, specimen preparation, and photography. Individual instruction in the care, use and operation of the instrument as a research tool is emphasized. in the natural sciences. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and prior course work in natural science. 1 unit — Hathaway.
345 Transmission Electron Microscopy. Basic principles of electron optical systems, image formation, specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, and photography. Individual instruction in the care, use, and operation of the instrument as a research tool is emphasized. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and Sophomore standing. 1 unit — Hathaway.
348 Special Topics in Biology. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
349 Special Topics in Biology. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
350 Advanced Genetic Analysis. Lecture and discussion of primary literature and advanced topics in genetics. This course is tailored for students interested in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current genetic research in an interactive setting. Lecture and literature topics may include mitotic recombination, meiotic drive, recombinant inbreds, SNP mapping, trans-sensing, and techniques in the molecular-genetic manipulation of cells, and organisms. Prerequisite: Biology 231, 280, or 361 and Chemistry 250. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
359 Bacterial Genetics and Physiology. Molecular biology and genetics of microbes with emphasis on bacteria. Ultrastructure, heredity, physiology, and evolution of bacteria from a molecular perspective. Laboratory emphasizes experimental design and analysis in microbiology. Prerequisite: Biology 231 or 361. 1 unit — Lostroh.
362 Plant Ecology. Descriptive and analytical studies of plant communities and populations. Field work includes sampling techniques and their application to answer specific research questions. Readings and discussions cover the various perspectives and theories of plant ecology. Prerequisite: Biology 208 (BY 202 recommended). (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
363 Virology. The molecular biology and biochemistry of viruses, including attachment to, penetration of, and replication in host cells. Through discussion, laboratory, and lecture, the course emphasizes the experimental basis of current understanding of virus function. Laboratory emphasizes propagation and analysis of bacteriophages. Prerequisite: Biology 231 or 361. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
365 Plant Physiology. Whole plant physiology with an emphasis on growth and development through examination of structure and function of cells and organs, metabolism, stress biology, and phytohormones. Includes discussions of primary literature in the discipline, a laboratory investigation and an emphasis on writing a scientific paper. Prerequisite: Biology 105 and Biology 131 or 210 and Chemistry 250 or consent of instructor. No credit after Biology 364 or 474. 1 unit — Heschel.
366 Comparative Animal Physiology. A whole-animal perspective on survival and maintenance of homeostasis in variable and often stressful environments. We will focus on aspects of water balance, feeding, digestion, metabolism, respiration and circulation. Course includes field and laboratory investigations. Prerequisite: Biology 208 and 131, and one from Biology 106, 108 or 109; or consent of instructor. 1 unit — Gray.
367 Animal Ecology. A field course involving collection, identification, and population and life-history studies of animals of regional ecosystems. Principles of animal ecology, behavior, and biogeography, are emphasized through field case studies and discussion of primary literature. Field work includes sampling techniques and their application to answer specific research questions. Prerequisite: Biology 208 and either Biology 106, 108, or 109; or consent of instructor. No credit after Biology 203. (Also listed as Southwest Studies 303.) 1 unit — Linkhart.
369 Tropical Ecology. Introduction to the ecology of tropical wet forests and coral reefs, with emphasis on the high biological diversity common to these ecosystems. The course is linked to BY 370 Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Ecology, and students must enroll in both courses. Prerequisite: Jr or Sr standing, Biology 208 and enrollment in Biology 370. (Not offered 2011-12.) .5 unit.
370 Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Ecology. Ecology of tropical wet forests and coral reefs taught at forest and reef sites in the tropics. Field studies, theoretical topics, and primary ecological literature will be used to explore interactions in these systems, with emphasis on selected organisms and system characteristics. The course is linked to cross-cultural experience with local people. The course is linked to BY 369 Tropical Ecology, and students must enroll in both courses. EXTRA EXPENSE. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing, BY 208, BY 369, and good swimming ability. 1 unit—Linkhart, Snyder. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
375 Environmental Microbiology. Study of the ecology of microbes in environments as diverse as deep-ocean volcanic vents; termite hind guts; the lithosphere; the human guts; plant roots; ice of the Arctic and Antarctic; and terrestrial models of extra-terrestrial environments. Emphasis on discussion of primary literature in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology. Significant laboratory component and minor field component. Prerequisite: Biology 107, or 101, Biology 131 or 210, Biology 231 or 361, and Chemistry 108; or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
378 Laboratory Investigation in Molecular Microbiology. A laboratory-intensive course with supplementary discussions and lectures. Topics include experimental design and analysis, genetic manipulation of bacterial plasmids and chromosomes, bioinformatic analysis of bacterial genomes, and physiological analysis of bacterial mutants. Prerequisite: Biology 359 or 363. 1 unit — Lostroh.
380 Advanced Cell Biology. Study of select processes that occur in eukaryotic cells such as cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane transport, protein targeting, cell-cell communication, and regulation of cell division and death. Heavy emphasis on how questions in cell biology are addresses experimentally. Course includes lectures, discussion of primary literature, and laboratories. Prerequisite: Chemistry 250 and either Biology 231 or 361. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
389 Patagonian Ecology and Biogeography. Introduction to the ecology and biogeography of Patagonia, including montane, steppe and coastal ecosystems. The course is linked to Biology 390 Ecology and Biogeography of Patagonia, and students must enroll in both courses. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Biology 208 and enrollment in Biology 390. (January half-block.) .5 unit — Snyder.
390 Ecology and Biogeography of Patagonia. On-site investigations of the ecology and biogeography of Andean mountain forests and Patagonian steppe and studies of the ecology of several marine vertebrate species at the Atlantic coast. Students will read and present original literature, meet with local scientists at their study sites, and develop hypotheses that could be tested in the ecosystems we visit. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, Biology 208, Biology 389 (half-block), and consent of instructor. (taught in Patagonia) Extra Expense. 1 unit — Snyder.
403 Research Problems in Biochemistry. An independent research project intended for biochemistry majors and based on laboratory investigation in biochemistry. The student should choose the original research topic with advice from member(s) of the department prior to registration in the class. (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 and 499 may count toward the Biology major.) Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biochemistry 245, 382 and. 1 unit.
409 Research Problems in Biology. Independent research projects based on laboratory or field investigation., consent of instructor, and registration at least one block prior to the block in which the research is to be initiated. Experimental studies completed away from campus must receive prior departmental approval. (Class, laboratory or field activities arranged.) (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 or 499 may count toward the Biology major.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2 from 105, 107, 108 or 109 and 210 (total 3) and arranged 1 block ahead. 1 unit — Ebersole, Gray, Kelso, Killian, Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder, Wilson.
410 Ornithology. Identification, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of birds, including field and laboratory work. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 203. (Also listed as Southwest Studies 410.) 1 unit — Linkhart.
412 Entomology. Evolution, taxonomy, structure, physiology, development, behavior and ecology of insects. Laboratory includes identification, dissection, experimentation, curation and field work. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 108, 208. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
415 Seminar in Evolutionary Biology. A capstone course primarily for upper level biology students. We will examine and critique classical concepts of evolutionary theory and their modern extensions through reading scientific literature and by drawing upon students' previous knowledge and experience in diverse fields of biology. Prerequisite: 2 units from Biology 105, 106, 107, 108 or 109 and 1 unit from Biology 231, 280, or 361. 1 unit — Kelso.
421 Conservation Biology. Conservation issues of plant and animal species, habitats, and ecological systems will be examined through reading, discussion, and project-based exploration of local, national, and global examples. Core components of conservation biology theory such as habitat fragmentation, problems of small populations, rarity, genetic erosion, reserve design, and invasive species will be emphasized in the context of the local environment. Prerequisite: Biology 105 and 131 and 208, and one from Biology 106, 108, 109. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
422 Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Ecology. This course explores links between the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere across many different scales, from the microorganism to the globe. The primary focus will be on the cycling of biologically important elements in natural and managed ecosystems with an emphasis on how these cycles will change under increased human influence. Students will gain hands-on research experience using analytical techniques in the field and the laboratory, and they will share their results in a formal scientific paper and presentation. Prerequisite: (BY/EV 208) and (EV 155 or Geology 130 or 140) and (MA 117 or Biology 220 or Economics 200) or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
440 Special Topics in Biology. Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis.
Ecology 2. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Biology 208 or Environmental Science 209, Biology 220 or Environmental Science 228, and one from Biology 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 202, 203; or consent of instructor. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit — Ebersole.
Genetic Screens. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Junior or Senior standing. 1 unit —Holzen.
Stem Cell Biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and Junior or Senior standing. 1 unit — Killian.
442 Special Topics in Biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
443 Special Topics in Biology. Prerequisite: Biology 208. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
446 Special Topics in Biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
447 Special Topics in Biology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
450 Seminar in Molecular Biology. A capstone course intended for upper level students in the Molecular and Cellular Biology track. The course will focus on understanding the molecular structural principles of proteins, protein-protein interactions, directed evolution, and emerging technologies in molecular biology. Students will present a paper from the literature and critique scientific proposals that address these and other topics. Students will be expected to propose next steps in the research process, given expected results. Prerequisite: Biology 231, 280 or 361 and Chemistry 250. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
463 Seminar in Bacterial Pathogenesis. Biology of infectious bacterial disease with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. Through reading, discussing and critiquing primary literature, and developing a research proposal, the course integrates students' knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry. Prerequisite: Biology 231 or 361, Biology 359, and Chemistry 382. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
466 Developmental Biology. Study of the development of the fertilized egg into a multicellular organism with multiple cell types, tissues, and organs working together. Emphasis on the genetic regulation of developmental processes, cell-cell communication, and the methods by which these processes are elucidated. Course includes lectures, discussion of primary literature, and laboratories. Prerequisite: Biology 231 and 380, or Biology 361; or consent of instructor. 1 unit — Huang.
475 Techniques in Molecular Ecology and Systematics. A course on the techniques employed in molecular ecology and molecular systematics, such as DNA fingerprinting, DNA sequencing, phylogenetics and "DNA barcoding." The class will discuss primary literature in the areas of ecology, systematics, conservation biology and biodiversity, with an emphasis on the appropriate application of molecular techniques in these disciplines and on the interpretation of molecular data. Laboratory projects will involve DNA sequencing and phylogenetics. Prerequisite: Biology 208 and either Biology 231, 280 or 361 or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2011-12.) 1 unit.
499 Senior Thesis. Writing of the senior thesis based on data from an undergraduate research project. The thesis topic is to be chosen by the student following consultation with a member of the Biology Department faculty who agrees to serve as the project and thesis advisor. (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 may count toward the Biology major; only 1 unit of 499 may count toward the major.) 1 unit.
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