Biology Courses 2009-2010
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.)
Block 1: Studies in Biology: Forest Ecology of the Colorado Front Range. Uses Colorados forest ecosystems to explore fundamental concepts of ecology with emphasis on multi-species interactions. Includes readings, class discussion and numerous day trips for field investigation. Students will conduct field research and present findings in written and oral formats. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 200.) 1 unit Snyder.
Block 2: Studies in Biology: Science and Ethics of Genetics. The contemporary social, ethical, legal and medical issues associated with genetic technology. Readings and discussion of the basic concepts of molecular genetics, the current state of genetic technology, and the legal, ethical and medical views of our genetic future. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit Bertrand.
Block 3: Studies in Biology: Essentials of Human Form and Function. (Also listed as Sport Science 120.) 1 unit Herman.
Block 4: Studies in Biology: Biodiversity and Conservation. Provides a biological perspective on current environmental issues by exploring the origin, evolution, and value of biological diversity. Critically analyzes conservation efforts that address extinction and depletion caused by overexploitation, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Includes lecture, readings, discussion, and independent projects. 1 unit Drummond.
Block 5: Studies in Biology: Biodiversity and Conservation. Provides a biological perspective on current environmental issues by exploring the origin, evolution, and value of biological diversity. Critically analyzes conservation efforts that address extinction and depletion caused by overexploitation, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Includes lecture, readings, discussion, and independent projects. 1 unit Gray.
Block 5: Studies in Biology: Science and Ethics of Genetics. The contemporary social, ethical, legal and medical issues associated with genetic technology. Readings and discussion of the basic concepts of molecular genetics, the current state of genetic technology, and the legal, ethical and medical views of our genetic future. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit Bertrand.
Block 6: Studies in Biology: Plants and People. Examines how people use plants and how plants use people. Includes field trips and labs to understand aspects of how plants function and how they are distributed across landscapes. Topics also include an introduction to agricultural methods from Mayan to Monsanto, medicinal uses for plants, and the biology of invasive plants. The lectures, readings, and discussions will explore the relationships between plants and humans and the impact that these relationships have on our natural environment. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World requirement.) 1 unit Heschel.
Block 8: Studies in Biology: Biodiversity and Conservation. Provides a biological perspective on current environmental issues by exploring the origin, evolution, and value of biological diversity. Critically analyzes conservation efforts that address extinction and depletion caused by overexploitation, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Includes lecture, readings, discussion, and independent projects.1 unit Drummond.
104 Introduction to Evolution. An introduction to the principles, methods, results, history, and conclusions from the study of the evolution of organisms. Some consideration of the philosophic and religious opposition to the theory of evolution. Not intended for biology majors. 1 unit Huang.
105 Biology of Plants. The study of plants with emphasis on the flowering plants. Relationships between form and function, growth and development and evolutionary and ecological relationships are examined through laboratory and discussion activities. Prerequisite: Chemistry 107 strongly recommended. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit Ebersole, Heschel, Kelso.
107 Biology of Microbes. An introduction to the microbial world including prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes with emphasis on the biology of bacteria and viruses. Relationships involving structure and function, growth and human interactions, genetic applications and biotechnology, infectious processes, and microbial diseases will be examined through discussion and laboratory activities. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit Lostroh, Wilson.
108 Biology of Invertebrates. The patterns of structure, function, life histories, and phylogeny of major invertebrate groups. Through laboratory and discussion, adaptive features are approached in the context of the environments of representative forms. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit Hathaway.
109 Biology of Vertebrates. The patterns of structure, function, life histories and phylogeny of major vertebrate groups. Through laboratory and discussion activities, adaptive features are approached in the context of the environments of representative forms. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit Drummond, Gray, Linkhart.
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.
203 Field Zoology. A field course involving collection, identification, preservation, population studies and life history studies of animals of regional ecosystems. Systematics, evolution and biogeography are emphasized. Prerequisite: Biology 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 203.) 1 unit Linkhart.
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 109, 210 and Chemistry 107, 108. (Also listed as Sport Science 207.) 1 unit Herman.
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.) 1 unit Drummond, Ebersole, Gray, Snyder.
210 Cell Biology. Structures and functions of cells, organelles and biomacromolecules and the flow of energy and information within and among them. Laboratory and lecture course designed to provide a thorough, modern introduction to eukaryotic cells. Intended for natural science majors. Prerequisite: Chemistry 108 and Biology 105 or 107 or 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. Chemistry 250 strongly recommended. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit Department, Huang.
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 requirement.) 1 unit Ebersole.
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. Limit 16 students. Prerequisite: Biology 105 or 109 recommended. (Not offered 200910.) .5 unit.
301 Animal Cell Physiology. Functions of animal cells including: osmosis, membrane transport, neuronal potentials, chemical signaling, contractility, and cellular aspects of the immune system. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and Chemistry 250 (or equivalent). (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
304 Immunology. A survey of the main elements of the human bodys 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 200910.) 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.
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 one block ahead. 0.5 or 1 unit Bertrand, Ebersole, Gray, Hathaway, Heschel, Huang, Kelso, Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder, Wilson.
312 Plant Diversity and Conservation. A comparative study of the life histories, ecology and evolution of organisms traditionally considered in the realm of botany, including flowering plants, gymnosperms, lower vascular plants, bryophytes, and fungi. Issues in plant conservation such as habitat fragmentation, pollinator disruption, invasive species, and genetic erosion will be discussed. Includes discussion of current literature. Prerequisite: 105 and 208. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
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 Herman.
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. 1 unit Hathaway.
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: Consent of instructor or two Zoology Courses. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
342 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis. 1 unit.
Block 3: Special Topics in Biology: Ecology and Biogeography in Patagonia. (Taught in Argentina.) This course, taught in Argentina, will study the ecology and biogeography of Andean mountain forests and the ecology of several marine vertebrates at the Atlantic coast. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and junior or senior standing, Biology 208 and 341. EXTRA EXPENSE. 1 unit Ebersole
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.
356 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.
361 Molecular and Classical Genetics. Nature, transmission and expression of hereditary information; readings and discussions of current literature in molecular and classical genetics; lecture and laboratory will include basic principles of molecular and classical genetics with an emphasis on concepts and laboratory techniques used in contemporary molecular genetic research. (No credit after 351.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 210 and Chemistry 250. 1 unit Bertrand, Huang, Wilson.
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 200910.) 1 unit.
363 Virology. The molecular biology and biochemistry of viruses, including attachment and penetration of host cells, replication in host cells, cytopathic effects on host cells, and the evolution of viruses. Through lecture and discussion of primary literature, the course emphasizes the experimental basis of current understanding of virus function. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and Chemistry 251. Biology 361 strongly recommended. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
364 Plant Cell Physiology. Structure and functions of plant cells including respiration, photosynthesis, photorespiration, nitrogen metabolism, water potentials and mineral nutrition. Emphasis on laboratory investigations or research paper and discussion of contemporary ideas in the discipline. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 210 and Chemistry 250 (or equivalent). (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
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: Junior or Senior standing, Biology 208 and enrollment in Biology 370. (Not offered 200910.) .5 unit Linkhart, Snyder.
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. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, Biology 208, 369 and good swimming ability. EXTRA EXPENSE. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit Linkhart, 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 245, 382 and. 1 unit.
409 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 one block ahead. 0.5 or 1 unit Bertrand, Ebersole, Gray, Hathaway, Heschel, Huang, Kelso, 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. 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. 1 unit Gray.
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: Biology 361. 1 unit Kelso.
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 200910.) 1 unit.
440 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis. 1 unit.
Block 2: Special Topics in Biology: Conservation Biology. This course is intended for advanced students in biology. It will cover selected topics and issues in modern conservation biology, including types, values, and assessments of biodiversity from genes to ecosystems, definitions of keystone species and their importance, rarity and extinction, invasive species, and genetic issues of small and isolated populations. Additional population genetics topics will include the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, factors affecting gene frequencies, variance and introductory evolutionary genetics. Lab and fieldwork will introduce problems and local issues, and provide opportunities to learn basic techniques. Students will be encouraged to pursue related in depth research projects in the following block under the rubric of BY309/409. Prerequisite: BY208, BY361 and consent of instructor. 1 unit Heschel, Kelso.
Block 7: Special Topics in Biology: Developmental Biology. Study of how the fertilized egg develops 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: BY361. 1 unit Huang.
463 Seminar in
Bacteriology. Biology of bacteria with molecular, biochemical and
evolutionary considerations of ultrastructure, heredity,
metabolism, growth and regulation. Through reading, discussing
and critiquing primary literature, and developing a research
proposal, the course integrates students knowledge of biology
and chemistry. Major assignments include written critiques of
primary literature and a research proposal summarizing current
understanding of a problem and then defending a set of new
experiments to address the problem. Prerequisite: Biology 210 and
Biology 361 or Biology 210 and Chemistry 382.
464 Molecular Biology: Microbial. A lecture and laboratory course designed to complement BY465. Lectures will cover DNA replication, transcription and repair; gene regulation; virulence; plasmids and vectors; mutagenesis; genomic library production/screening; and genomics. Laboratories will introduce conventional cloning strategies; PCR amplification; T/A cloning; and PCR-based fingerprinting techniques (RAPDs, rep-PCR and ARDRA). There will be a paper on a current topic in microbial molecular biology and a bioinformatics project. Prerequisite: Biology 210, 361 and Chemistry 250. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
465 Molecular Biology: Animal/Plant. A lecture and laboratory course designed to complement BY464. Firsthand laboratory experience in the basic techniques and concepts of molecular biology, supplemented with readings and discussions of current literature. Lectures will cover Eukaryotic vectors, production of transgenic animals and plants, disease screening, gene therapy, and DNA fingerprinting. Laboratories will cover basic transformation, DNA fluorescent labeling, Southern analysis, Western analysis, and bioinformatics. Prerequisite: Biology 350 or 351 or 361 and Biology 210 and Chemistry 250. (Not offered 200910.) 1 unit.
474 Plant Environmental Physiology. Whole plant physiology with an emphasis on selected environmental factors that influence various aspects of plant growth and development. Includes discussion sessions on contemporary ideas in the discipline, an independent laboratory/field investigation and an emphasis on writing a scientific paper. (364 or 208 recommended.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or Biology 105 and 210 (BY 364 or 208 recommended). (Not offered 200910.)1 unit Heschel.
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. 0.5 or 1 unit Bertrand, Ebersole, Hathaway, Heschel, Huang, Kelso, Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder, Wilson.