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Biology Department Classes Offered
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.)
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 field/laboratory requirement for natural sciences.) 1 unit - Bertrand
Forest Ecology of the Colorado Front Range. Uses Colorado's 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 requirement) (Also listed as Southwest Studies 200.) 1 unit -- Snyder.
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, Gray.
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.
Ecology of the Pikes Peak Region. 1 unit -- Ebersole
Winter Ecology. An integrative course, combining many facets of the physical and biological sciences, while focusing on the special adaptations of winter-active organisms in cold regions. The course will be based partly off-campus. EXTRA COST. (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) 1 unit -- Visiting Professor.
Women's Health. Presents students not majoring in biology with an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of women's health. The course combines historical and contemporary medical/biological understandings of women's bodies through the life cycle with analyses of the social, economic and political issues and consequences of these understandings. Topics include the women's health movement and activism; the impact of race, class, gender and cultural disparities on women's health; women and mental health; diseases of special concern to women; medicalization of women's life process. (Also listed as Women Studies 206.) 1 unit -- Feder, Lostroh.
102 Introduction to Evolution. A short introduction to the principles, methods, results, historical course, 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. CH 107 or strong high school chemistry
background strongly recommended. (Meets the laboratory/field requirement for
natural sciences.) 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 laboratory/field requirement for natural sciences.) 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 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
—Drummond, Gray, Linkhart.
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.) (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 BY321/SC 321. (Also listed as Sport Science 207.) Prerequisite:
109, 210, CH 107, 108. 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. Laboratory and field experience. Prerequisite: either 1) 1
unit from 105, 107, 108, 109, GY130 or 140 and CH 107 or 2) EV 112 and EV 155
with strong high school biology; a college-level biology course strongly
recommended. (Meets the laboratory field requirement for natural sciences.)
(Also listed as Environmental Science 208 and Southwest Studies 208.) 1 unit —
Drummond, Ebersole, Gray, Snyder.
210 Cell Biology. Structures and functions of cells, organelles and biological macromolecules 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 — 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 one
college biology course or consent of instructor. (No credit if taken after EC
200 or MA 117.) 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. No prerequisite, however, 109 or 105 would be helpful. Limit 16 students (Not offered 2009-10) .5 unit -- Hathaway.
256 Mathematical Models In Biology.
An Introduction to selected quantative 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 356.) 1 unit. --- Brown.
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.
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 (BY301 recommended).
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 Research Problems in Biology. Independent research projects based on laboratory or
field investigation. Prerequisite: Two courses from 105, 107, 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 —
Bertrand, Ebersole, Gray, Hathaway, Heschel, Huang, Kelso,
Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder, Wilson.
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
discussion of current literature. Prerequisite:
105 and 208.
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. (Also
listed as Sport Science 321.) Prerequisite:
BY/SC 207. 1 unit — Herman .
330 Parasitic Protozoa. The biology of protozoa 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.)
340-349
Special Topics in Biology. Special topics in biology not offered on a
regular basis.
342 Ecology and Biogeography of 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. Students must enroll in BY341 in the preceding January Half-Block. A separate grade will be assigned for each course. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, junior or senior standing, BY208, 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. Prerequisite:
At least sophomore standing and demonstrated interest (through prior coursework)
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 361.)
356 Mathematical Models In Biology.
An Introduction to selected quantative 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 256.) 1 unit. --- Brown.
360 Bacteriology. 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.
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 — 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: BY208
(BY202 recommended). (Meets the Critical Perspectives: Scientific Investigation
of the Natural World lab or field requirement.) EXTRA EXPENSE.
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: BY210 and CH251. BY361 strongly recommended.
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,
BY 208 and enrollment in BY 370.
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 will include
impacts of indigenous cultures on forest ecosystems and 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.
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 245, 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.
410 Ornithology.
Identification, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of birds,
including field and laboratory work. Prerequisite:
203 or consent of instructor. (Also listed at 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:
108, 208 or consent of instructor. 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. 1 unit — Kelso.
417 Advanced Neuroscience Seminar. An in-depth, student-centered exploration of advanced
issues in fundamental areas of neuroscience. Topics may include but are not
limited to cellular and molecular neuroscience, nervous system development,
sensory and motor systems, regulatory systems, behavioral and cognitive
neuroscience. Prerequisite: PY312/BY311 and PY201 or BY220. (Also listed as
Psychology 417.) 1 unit — Jacobs.
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.
440 Special Topics in Biology.
Special topics in biology not offered on a regular basis
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 field work 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.
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
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: BY210 and BY361
or BY210 and CH382.
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:
210, 361, and Chemistry 250.
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:
210, 361, and Chemistry 250.
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. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor or Biology 105 or 212 and 210 (Biology 364 or 208
recommended).
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 advisor. 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 — Bertrand, Ebersole,
Hathaway, Heschel, Huang, Kelso, Linkhart, Lostroh, Snyder,
Wilson.
Copyright 2006 Colorado College