Biology Courses  2000-2001


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 natural sciences.)

Block 1: Field Biology of the Pikes Peak Region. A field course that scientifically explores the diversity, and structural and physiological differences among biological communities of the five life zones in the region. Several day-long field trips are scheduled. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Drummond.

Block 4: The 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 laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Bertrand.

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. CH 107 or strong high school chemistry background strongly recommended. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Ebersole, Olney, Department.

106 Introduction to Human Nutrition. This half-block course is an introduction to the biologic foundations of human nutrition. (1/2 unit of natural science, no lab/field credit.) (No credit toward the major.) (Not offered 2001-01.) (January half-block.) 1/2 unit – Storey.

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 laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Andrews, 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 laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) l 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 laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Hathaway, Rosenbaum, department.

120 Human Heredity. Designed for students not majoring in the natural sciences. A consideration of those aspects of the science of heredity having special relevance to human life and human societal development. Some emphasis on the intellectual development of the science of heredity. (No credit for the biology major if taken after BY 351 or 361.) (Not offered 2001-01.) 1 unit.

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: 105 or consent of instructor. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 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: 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Rosenbaum, department.

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 211. (Also listed as Sports Science 207.) (No credit if taken after BY/SC 205.) Prerequisite: 109, 210, CH 107, 108. 1 unit – Kola.

208 Ecology. The analysis of distributions, abundances, and interrelationships of organisms. Populations, communities, and ecosystems are investigated, and implications for humans considered. Laboratory and field experience. Prerequisite: 1 unit from 105, 108 109, GY 130 or 140 and CH 107. (Meets the laboratory field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Ebersole, Rosenbaum, Snyder, Vargo, department.

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: CH 108 and BY 105 or 107 or 108 or 109 or consent of instructor. CH 250 strongly recommended. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit – Anderson, Bertrand, Olney, Wilson.

211 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. (Also listed as Sports Science 211.) Prerequisite: 207. (No credit if taken after BY/SC 205.) 1 unit – Department.

218 Coral Reef Biology. The natural history and ecology of coral reef communities, with emphasis on invertebrate animals, but also including fishes. Part of the course will be taught at a coral reef location where daily field trips will include opportunities for snorkeling and SCUBA (certification required for SCUBA). Meets the laboratory/field requirement for the natural sciences. Prerequisite: At least one of the following courses or equivalent; 105, 108, 109, 118 or 210. Ability to swim required. (Offered alternate years. Not offered 2000-01.) 1 unit.

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 one college biology course or consent of instructor. (No credit if taken after EC 215 or MA 117.) 1 unit – Ebersole, department.

240–249 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in Biology not offered on  regular basis.

Block 2: 249 Autumn Field Ecology uses the natural events of the season as a springboard for exploring numerous biological phenomena. Topics for class discussion and field investigation include timekeeping in plants and animals, migratory preparations and long-distance navigation in birds, insects and select mammals, autumn rut among the ungulates, seed architecture and dispersal, food caching behavior, the extraordinary demands of hibernation and much more. Based partly off-campus – plan to spend every day in the field with some overnights. Extra cost. Prerequisite: At least one college biology course or consent of instructor. 1 unit – Marchand.

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. No prerequisite, however 109 or 105 would be helpful. Limit 16 students. (January half-block.) 1/2 unit – Hathaway.

245 Bioanalytical Chemistry. Analysis of biomolecules using chemical and biological techniques. Emphasis will be placed on protein and DNA structure, chromatographic and electrophoretic separations and methods of quantitation. Course format includes laboratories, special projects and discussions of current literature and reviews. Prerequisite: CH 251. (Also listed as Chemistry 345.) 1 unit –Drossman.

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: 210 and CH 250 or equivalent. 1 unit – Capen.

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: 210. 301 recommended. (Not offered 2000-01.) 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: 208 or consent of instructor. 1 unit – Ebersole.

309, 409 Research Problems in Biology. Independent research projects based on laboratory, field, or library investigation. Prerequisite: Two courses from 105, 108 or 109 and 210 (a total of 3 biology courses), 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. Prerequisites may be waived by written petition to the department, submitted by the student, through the supervising instructor for the course. (Class, laboratory or field activities arranged.) (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 or 499 may count toward the Biology major.) 1/2 or 1 unit – Department.

311 Neuroscience. An introduction to brain-behavior relations that explores human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The neural substrates of several areas are explored, including sensory systems, motor systems, emotions, memory, attention, and higher cortical functions. Laboratory work emphasizes gross neuroanatomy and neurohistology. Prerequisite: PY 100 or 101, or BY 109, or consent of instructor (PY 201 recommended). 1 unit – Jacobs.

312 Plant Diversity & 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 field and laboratory work, and discussion of current literature. Prerequisite: 105 and 208. 1 unit – Kelso.

330 Parasitic Protozoa. 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 protozoa. Prerequisite: 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: 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: Two zoology courses or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Women’s Studies 332.) 1 unit – Rosenbaum.

340–349 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis.

Block 3: 340 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. Prerequisite: MA 126 and one college level biology course or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Mathematics 241.) 1 unit – Janke.

Half-Block: 341 Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Ecology of Belize. This course will serve as preparation for a full-block course taught in Belize. This half-block will require students to read extensively on some aspect of tropical forest ecology, coral reef ecology, and Mayan cultural ecology and present a report to the class. Students may have to visit the library at the University of Colorado in Boulder to find reading materials. To receive credit, students must enroll and successfully complete both this half-course and the full-block course, BY 342 Special Topics in Biology: Tropical and Mayan Cultural Ecology in Belize. A separate grade will be assigned for each course. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, BY 208, and enrollment in BY 342 (January half-block.) XX unit – Capen, Snyder.

Block 5: 342 Special Topics in Biology: Tropical and Mayan Cultural Ecology in Belize. This course, taught almost entirely in Belize, will allow students to study: 1) tropical forest ecology in southern Belize, 2) the cultural ecology of Mayans in the rainforest, and 3) coral reef ecology on Belize's barrier reef. The study of Mayan cultural ecology will be enhanced by student homestays with Mayan families in a tropical forest village. This course is linked to the January half-block course, BY 341 (Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Ecology of Belize), and students must enroll in both courses. A separate grade will be assigned for each course. EXTRA EXPENSE. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, BY 208, BY 341, and ability to swim. 1 unit – Capen and Snyder.

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. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing and demonstrated interest (through prior course work) in the natural sciences. 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: 210 and at least sophomore standing. 1 unit – Hathaway.

351 Principles of Genetics and Evolution. Nature, transmission and expression of heredity information in living organisms; methods of classical and molecular genetics; changes in genetic information which underlie the process of evolution; and the process of evolution itself. Prerequisite: 210 or consent of instructor. (No credit after 350 or 361.) (Not offered 2000-01.) 1 unit.

360 Bacterial Physiology. Biology of bacteria and their viruses with molecular, biochemical and evolutionary considerations of ultrastructure, heredity, metabolism, growth and regulation. The laboratory, integrated with lectures, forms a significant part of the course. Prerequisite: 107, 210 and CH 250 or equivalent. 1 unit – Andrews.

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. Prerequisite: 210 and CH 250 or consent of instructor. (No credit after 351.) 1 unit – Anderson, Bertrand, 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: 208. (Not offered 2000-01.) 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: 105, 210 and CH 250 (or equivalent) or consent of instructor. 1 unit – Olney.

401 Seminar in Human Physiology. A capstone course primarily for senior biology majors. Through class discussions, readings in the primary and secondary physiology literature, and laboratory work, the course integrates students’ previous knowledge of zoology, cell physiology, physics, and chemistry in an understanding of the functioning of the human body. Prerequisite: 301. (Not offered 2000-01.) 1 unit.

403 Research Problems in Biochemistry. An independent research project Intended for biochemistry majors and based on laboratory investigation in biochemistry. The original research topic should be chosen by the student with advice from member(s) of the department prior to registration in the class. Prerequisite: Chemistry 345, 382 and consent of instructor. (Also listed as Chemistry 403.) (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409 and 499 may count toward the Biology major.) 1 unit – Chemistry and Biology departments.

410 Ornithology. Identification, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of birds, including field and laboratory work. Prerequisite: 203 or consent of instructor. 1 unit – Department.

412 Entomology. Evolution, taxonomy, structure, physiology, development, behavior and ecology of insects. Laboratory includes identification, dissection, experimentation, curation and field work. Prerequisite: 108, 208 or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2000-01.) 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. 1 unit – Heim.

440–449 Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis.

Block 1: 442 Microbial Extremophiles in Colorado. Selected topics in microbiology with particular emphasis on the isolation and identification of microbes from hot springs, salt flats, alkaline lakes and endolithic microbial communities in Colorado. Laboratory is the major component of the course. Prerequisite: 360 or consent of the instructor. 1 unit – Andrews.

Block 8: 447 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria. A lecture and lab course designed to build on BY361 (Classical and Molecular Genetics) but which will focus exclusively on the prokaryotes. Lectures will cover the genetic mechanisms of topics such as: DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, nutritional preferences and pathways, horizontal gene transfer; cell-cell communication, gene regulation, and signal transduction. Labs will illustrate the lecture concepts and introduce students to many molecular biology techniques. Additional components of the class will be a paper and oral presentation based on the primary literature in a selected area and an independent project. Prerequisite: 107 or 360, 210, and 361. Limit 8 students. 1 unit – Wilson.

450 Advanced Microbiology. Selected topics from microbiology with particular emphasis on the isolation and identification of microorganisms from hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Laboratory is the major part of the course. Prerequisite: 360 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. (Not offered 2000-01.) 1 unit.

465 Molecular Biology. Firsthand laboratory experience in the basic techniques and concepts of molecular biology supplemented with readings and discussions of current literature and reviews. Prerequisite: 210, 361, and Chemistry 250. 1 unit – Bertrand.

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 Department of Biology faculty who agrees to serve as the project and thesis adviser. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Only 2 units from 309, 403, 409, may count toward the Biology major; only 1 unit of 499 may count toward the major.) 1/2 or 1 unit – Department.

 

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