Course Descriptions
BIOL3010 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.
BIOL3020 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. Prerequisite: BIOL 2010 or instructor's permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3030 Alpine Ecology
Ecology of alpine and subalpine regions of Colorado; organization and distribution of communities and populations, succession, energy flow, nutrient cycling, population adaptations in life history, physiology, behavior and morphology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1010, 1011, 1012. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3060 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.
BIOL3070 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.
BIOL3100 Microanatomy
Microscopic organization of tissues and organs; correlation of organization with function. Emphasis on mammalian systems. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 5 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3120 General Microbiology
Fundamental principles; the role of bacteriology in biological phenomena. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3130 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.
BIOL3150 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.
BIOL3200 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.
BIOL3240 Biomechanical Kinesiology
The structure of the human body and the analysis of anatomical mechanisms of movement. Prerequisite: BIOL 2450. 3 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3250 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.
BIOL3255 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.
BIOL3400 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.
BIOL3410 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, as well as some of the factors that shape behaviors. In addition, students gain some insight into human behavior. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3550 Population Genetics
The forces that 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.
BIOL3560 Molecular Biology Laboratory
Techniques in gene excision, cloning and reinsertion are demonstrated. Gene sequencing is also accomplished. Prerequisite: BIOL 2560. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3565 Flora of Tropical Australia
This course 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.
BIOL3570 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.
BIOL3610 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.
BIOL3620 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.
BIOL3640 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 system. Prerequisite: BIOL 2120. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3641 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.
BIOL3650 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.
BIOL3655 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.
BIOL3670 Molecular Immunology
The organs, cells and molecules that underlie the mammalian immune response; relationship of the immune system to disease. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510. 3 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3680 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.
BIOL3700 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 instructor’s permission. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3701 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 instructor’s permission. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3702 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.
BIOL3703 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: instructor’s permission. May be taken for credit more than once. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3704 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: varies with course and instructor; instruc¬tor's permission is usually required. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3705 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: varies with course and instructor; permission of instructor is usually required. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3706 Advanced Topics in Evolution
Topics vary, but may include molecular evolution, plant evolution and animal evolution. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3800 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.
BIOL3820 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 applications of genomics to basic and medical research. Prerequisites: BIOL 2510 and 3800. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3910 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.
BIOL3940 Molecular Research: Proposal and Defense
This course provides students 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.
BIOL3950 Undergraduate Research
Participation in faculty research programs by agreement between the student and the faculty member. 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. 1-5 qtr. hrs.
BIOL3991 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. 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. 1-5 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4010 Cellular Motile Functions
Current literature in area of cell motility’s role of cytoskeletal elements as motile agents. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4030 Current Concepts in Evolution
New ideas and theories in field evolutionary biology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4040 Current Concepts in Animal Physiology
Selected topics in animal physiology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4050 Current Topics in Plant Biology
Varying topics; areas of plant-animal interactions, co-evolution, plant ecology, plant biochemistry/physiology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4060 Gene Expression During Development
Varying aspects of gene control in developing systems, a different aspect each time course is offered. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4070 Hormone-Receptor Interactions
Series of lectures; understanding molecular, cellular basis of hormone action; experimental analysis of binding of hormones with their receptors; structure-function relationships of hormone-receptor interactions; nature and action of mediators generated by hormone-receptor interaction. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4090 Biometry
Statistics in biological research; emphasis on procedures, applications of regression, correlation, analysis of variance and nonparametric tests. Includes instruction on computer-aided (Mac and PC) statistical analyses and presentation of results. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4130 Microevolution
Microevolution, the change of gene frequencies within populations; examination of forces that cause it, evaluation of its contribution to process of speciation. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4150 Special Topics in Advanced Biology
Topics of special interest to teaching and research faculty presented as needed to complement and expand existing curriculum. May be taken more than once for credit. 1-4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4210 Graduate Seminar: Cell Biology
A series of student presentations focusing on varied topics involving cell biology. May be taken more than once for credit. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4220 Graduate Seminar: Ecology and Evolution
A series of student preparations focusing on varied topics involving ecol¬ogy and evolution. May be taken more than once for credit. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4230 Graduate Seminar: Molecular Biology
A series of student presentations focusing on varied topics involving molecular biology. May be taken more than once for credit. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4301, 4302, 4303 Graduate Reviews
The experience is built around the departmental seminar series offered every quarter. 1 qtr. hr. per quarter
BIOL4310, 4311, 4312 Graduate Seminar: Selected Topics in Regulatory Biology
A faculty-led journal club seminar series offered every quarter on topics in cell biology, endocrinology and neurobiology. 2 qtr. hrs. each
BIOL4320, 4321, 4322 Graduate Seminar: Selected Topics in Molecular Biology
A faculty-led journal club seminar series offered on topics in molecular biology. 2 qtr. hrs. each
BIOL4330, 4331, 4332 Graduate Seminar: Selected Topics Ecology/Biodiversity
A faculty-led journal club seminar series offered on topics in ecology and biodiversity. 2 qtr. hrs. each
BIOL4610 Developmental Biology
The processes and mechanisms of development, exemplified by higher an¬imal embryogenesis, with consideration of simpler model systems. Labora¬tory sessions use live materials; course finishes with individual projects. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2510 or equivalent. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL4991 Independent Study (MS)