Course Descriptions
BIOL 3010 Evolution and Speciation
Theories and supporting evidence explaining evolution from the origin and pattern of organismal and genomic changes through time. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisite: BIOL 2010 or instructor’s permission. 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 adaptations in life history, physiology, behavior and morphology. Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, 1011 and 1012. 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 3160 Biophysics: Ion Channels & Disease
Examines ion channel structure and function and the ways in which this information provides insight into human disease. The focus is on the use of biophysical techniques in combination with molecular and genetic analysis of channel genes. 3 qtr. hrs
BIOL 3200 Invertebrate Evolution
A course designed to introduce students to the remarkable diversity of invertebrate life in terms of numbers of species, novel body plans and physiological adaptations. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, 1011 and 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, as well as 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 that affect gene frequencies in populations of plants and animals. Includes both theoretical and empirical studies from the current literature. Prerequisites: 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 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, 1011 and 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 system. 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 3642 Neuropharmacology
How psychoactive drugs exert their effects on the nervous system; drugs of abuse and drugs used in the treatment of psychotic and neurodegenerative disorders. Prerequisite: BIOL 3640. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 3643 Developmental Neurobiology
This course investigates the mechanisms involved in the maturation of neurons, and signals that direct neurons to their proper position in the central nervous system. Prerequisites: BIOL 3640, BIOL 3641. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 3644 Neuromuscular Pathophysiology
Cellular and molecular basis for normal nerve and muscle functions and the alteration of these functions by toxins, trauma and diseases of the brain, nerves and muscles; how specific insults produce clinical symptoms and pathology. Prerequisites: BIOL 2120. Recommended: BIOL 3640 or BIOL 3250. 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 3650 and instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 3670 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.
BIOL 3680 Advanced Techniques in Cell Biology
Varying topics that include current techniques used in cell biology research. 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 instructor’s permission. 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 instructor’s permission. 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(s): 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. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. 1–4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 3704 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
Topics vary; may include supramolecular structure, microscopy, membranes or techniques. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite(s): varies with course and instructor; instructor’s permission 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 or membrane biology. May be taken for credit more than once. Taught from original literature. Prerequisite(s): varies 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: instructor’s permission. 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 applications of genomics to basic and medical research. Prerequisites: BIOL 2510 and 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 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 4010 Cellular Motile Functions
Current literature in area of cell motility’s role of cytoskeletal elements as motile agents. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4030 Current Concepts in Evolution
New ideas and theories in field evolutionary biology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4040 Current Concepts in Animal Physiology
Selected topics in animal physiology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4050 Current Topics in Plant Biology
Varying topics; areas of plant-animal interactions, co-evolution, plant ecology and plant biochemistry/physiology. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4060 Gene Expression During Development
Varying aspects of gene control in developing systems, a different aspect each time course is offered. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4070 Hormone-Receptor Interactions
Series of lectures; understanding molecular, cellular basis of hormone action; experimental analysis of binding of hormones with their receptors; structurefunction relationships of hormone-receptor interactions; nature and action of mediators generated by hormone-receptor interaction. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4090 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.
BIOL 4130 Microevolution
Microevolution, the change of gene frequencies within populations; examination of forces that cause it and evaluation of its contribution to process of speciation. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4150 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.
BIOL 4210 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.
BIOL 4220 Graduate Seminar: Ecology and Evolution
A series of student preparations focusing on varied topics involving ecology and evolution. May be taken more than once for credit. 2 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4230 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.
BIOL 4301, 4302, 4303 Graduate Reviews
The experience is built around the departmental seminar series offered every quarter. 1 qtr. hr. per quarter.
BIOL 4310, 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.
BIOL 4320, 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.
BIOL 4330, 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.
BIOL 4610 Developmental Biology
The processes and mechanisms of development exemplified by higher animal embryogenesis, with consideration of simpler model systems. Laboratory sessions use live materials; course finishes with individual projects. Prerequisite: BIOL 2510 or equivalent. 4 qtr. hrs.
BIOL 4991 Independent Study (MS)
BIOL 4995 Independent Research (MS)
BIOL 5991 Independent Study (PhD)
BIOL 5995 Independent Research (PhD)
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