2015-2016 Graduate Catalog

College of Natural and Health Sciences

School of Biological Sciences

BIO 501 Current Issues in Biology

Course varies in content, reviewing current issues of biology. S/U graded. Repeatable, under different subtitles, maximum of six credits.

1-6

BIO 502 Biomedicine and Careers

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Masters in Biomedical Science program. This course will assist students in preparing for careers in biomedicine. Topics include biomedical ethics, interpersonal skill development, professionalism, the application process, interviewing skills and strategies to finance continued education.

1

BIO 508 Workshop

A variety of workshops on special topics within the discipline. Goals and objectives will emphasize the acquisition of general knowledge and skills in the discipline. Repeatable, under different subtitles.

1-3

BIO 509 Advanced Placement Biology

Consent of instructor. Topics in biological sciences and pedagogy related to establishment and maintenance of a biology advanced placement program. S/U graded. Repeatable, no limitations.

2

BIO 512 TA Development Seminar

Explores instructional strategies related to effective teaching of undergraduate laboratory learning environments. Intended to help develop teaching skills of graduate teaching assistants in the Biology program. S/U graded.

1

BIO 513 Professional Renewal

Update skills and knowledge of professionals in the discipline. Goals and objectives will be specifically directed at individual professional enhancement rather than the acquisition of general discipline knowledge or methodologies. S/U or letter graded. Repeatable, under different subtitles.

1-3

BIO 521 Advanced Genetics

Prerequisites: BIO 220 and CHEM 331; recommend CHEM 481. Survey experimental advances in gene regulation of growth, maintenance and protection of all organisms including the human species with special emphasis on recent developments in the field.

3

BIO 524 Genomics

(3 lecture) Fundamental concepts of genomics. Introduction to the tools and techniques in the field of genomics, including genetic transformation, DNA sequencing, cDNA library synthesis, microarray, bioinformatics and sequencing of model organisms.

3

BIO 525 Molecular Genetics

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 220. Examination of protein synthesis, DNA replication, gene expression, gene structure, and regulation of gene expression.

3

BIO 526 Population Genetics

Prerequisites: BIO 111, BIO 220, MATH 131. Investigation of empirical and theoretical population genetics. Topics will include: mutation, selection, migration, drift, genomics, quantitative genetics, human genetics, gene families, linkage disequilibrium, coalescence, and molecular clocks.

3

BIO 527 Bioinformatics

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 111, BIO 220. An Introduction to the information technology of genomics and proteomics and their application to biological fields as diverse as evolution and medicine.

3

BIO 528 Developmental Biology

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 220 or consent of instructor. Exploration of animal development. Emphasis on the genetic basis of cell organization and identity during embryogenesis and differentiation. Topics include fertilization, gastrulation, axis specification, patterning, organogenesis, stem cells.

3

BIO 529 Developmental Biology Laboratory

(3 laboratory) Corequisite: BIO 528. Classic model organisms such as sea urchin, fruit fly, chick, zebrafish, flat worm, and mouse will be used to observe and manipulate the events of animal development in living organisms.

1

BIO 530 Plant Systematics

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 111. History of plant taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, family recognition, and identification of local flora using keys. Native plant collection and field trips required.

4

BIO 531 Teaching College Biology

(3 lecture) This course prepares students for everyday classroom teaching experiences in college biology including small and large classrooms and laboratory settings using a variety of best-practices teaching strategies.

3

BIO 532 College Biology Course Development

(3 lecture) This course prepares students to effectively design college biology course curriculum using backwards design to develop learning objectives, syllabi, student assessments, and evaluation of course effectiveness.

3

BIO 533 General Parasitology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 101 or BIO 111. Study of the symbiotic relationships of parasitism as exemplified by typical parasites of humans, domesticated and wild animals, stressing life cycles, pathogenesis, systematics and hostparasite relationships.

4

BIO 534 Mammalogy

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 111. Study of the functional biology, ecology and behaviors of mammals. Laboratory stresses the identification and ecology of Colorado species. Field work required.

4

BIO 535 Survey of Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 111. Investigation of the biology of the cold-blooded vertebrates including their evolution, ecology and behavior. Laboratory stresses the identification and biology of Colorado species.

4

BIO 537 Morphogenesis of Algae and Fungi

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 111. Study structure, morphogenesis and Phylogenetic relationships of organisms grouped with algae and fungi. Comparative study to explore multiple kingdom concepts. Ecological, medical and economic aspects of mycology and phycology explored.

4

BIO 538 Ornithology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 111. Study of the evolution, general biology, diversity, ecology and behaviors of birds. Laboratory emphasis will be on identification. Field trips required.

4

BIO 539 Molecular Ecology

(3 Lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 220. Co-requisite: BIO 539L. Investigation of the usage of molecular data to answer ecological questions. Topics include: marker selection, genetic characteristics of organisms, population analyses, phylogenetics conservation genetics, and phylogeography.

3

BIO 539L Molecular Ecology Lab

(3 Laboratory) Prerequisite: BIO 220. Co-requisite: BIO 539. Laboratory to accompany BIO 539. Study of the techniques used to collect molecular data for ecological and evolutionary studies.

1

BIO 540 Anatomy and Morphogenesis of Plants

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 111 and BIO 330. Study of the evolution of vascular plants as revealed by anatomy and morphology.

4

BIO 541 Advanced Human Anatomy

(1 lecture, 6 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 341 and BIO 350. An in depth regional study of the anatomical structures of the human body. Spatial relationships among structures are emphasized. Laboratory includes organ and virtual dissection.

3

BIO 542 Molecular and Cellular Laboratory

(2 Laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 220 and concurrent or previous enrollment in either BIO 525 or BIO 550. Study of the theory and techniques currently used to investigate cells and molecules. Development of the laboratory and problem solving skills to successfully conduct experiments.

2

BIO 544 Comparative Vertebrate Adaptations

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 345 or consent of instructor. Study of the diverse adaptations of vertebrates, from morphological to molecular levels of organization; includes significant overview of relevant primary literature.

4

BIO 545 Pathogenic Microbiology

Prequisites: BIO 351BIO 381 recommended.  This lecture course addresses medically-relevant microorganisms and disease. Particular emphasis is placed upon mechanisms of pathogenesis, including microbial virulence factors and immunopathology, epidemiology and public health.

3

BIO 546 Pathogenic Microbiology Laboratory

Prequisites: BIO 351; BIO 381 recommended. Co-requisite: BIO 545. Students will learn techniques for the isolation, propagation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms.

1

BIO 547 Immunology and Disease

(4 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 210 required. BIO 350 and BIO 351 recommended. Study the disease process and immunological resistance to disease with major emphasis on initiation and regulation of adaptive immunity.

4

BIO 548 Virology

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 351. Recommend BIO 381. Study of the principles of virology, including biochemistry, structure, taxonomy, transmission, isolation and identification strategies.

3

BIO 549 Virology Laboratory

(3 laboratory) Co-requisite: BIO 548. Study and development of laboratory skills in animal virology, including virus propagation, quantification, and detection assays.

1

BIO 550 Cell Physiology

(3 Lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 220 and CHEM 331, recommended CHEM 481 or CHEM 381. The study of the structural and functional relationships among biological macromolecules, cell organelles and cell processes.

3

BIO 552 Mammalian Physiology I

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 210 or BIO 345 and CHEM 381 or CHEM 481. In-depth examination of the physiological function of various organ systems of mammals.

3

BIO 553 Mammalian Physiology II

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 210 or BIO 345 and CHEM 381 or CHEM 481. Continuation of BIO 552. In-depth examination of the physiological function of various organ systems of mammals.

3

BIO 554 General Plant Physiology

(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 111 and CHEM 331. Study physiological factors influencing the chemical and structural composition of plant absorption and utilization of water and minerals; photosynthesis, translocation, respiration, nitrogen metabolism and growth and development.

4

BIO 555 Reproductive and Developmental Biology

Prerequisites: BIO 110 and CHEM 331, recommend CHEM 481. Examination of the anatomy, physiology and mechanisms of reproduction and development with an emphasis on mammals.

3

BIO 556 Current Topics in Biomedical Research

Prerequisites: BIO 110 and CHEM 331; recommend BIO 450. Examine current biomedical research, molecular, cellular, and physiological studies of human and model systems. Mechanisms regulating normal function, effects of toxicants and drugs, and the role of genetic mutations. Repeatable, no limitations.

2

BIO 557 Mammalian Physiology I Laboratory

(3 laboratory) Co-requisite: BIO 552. Laboratory experimentation, small group discussion and active learning exercises to complement BIO 552.

1

BIO 558 Mammalian Physiology II Laboratory

(3 laboratory) Co-requisite: BIO 553. Laboratory experimentation, small group discussion and active learning exercises to complement BIO 553.

1

BIO 559 Plant Reproductive Growth and Development

Prerequisite: BIO 354. Advanced study of the genetic, physiological and environmental factors that influence reproductive development in flowering plants.

3

BIO 560 Behavioral Ecology

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 362. Study of the principles of behavioral ecology, including the evolutionary basis of behavior, economic models of behavior, interspecific interactions, and social behavior.

3

BIO 561 Plant Ecology

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 360. Examination of plant communities, effects of environmental factors on plants, as well as community measurement and evaluation, modeling techniques, energy flow through ecosystems, and community dynamics.

3

BIO 562 Conservation Biology

(3 Lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 111. Examination of the fundamental principles of conservation biology (biodiversity, habitat degradation, extinction, restoration, planning) with discussion of current topics (climate change, conservation genetics, landscape vs. ecosystem conservation, sustainable development).

3

BIO 563 Animal Communication

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 362. Study of the principles of animal communication, including signal modalities, signal design and signal evolution.

3

BIO 564 Plant Ecology Lab

(3 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 110BIO 360 concurrently. Laboratory to accompany BIO 561 plant ecology. Examines methods of plant ecology including monitoring community structure and function, population dynamics, physiological tolerance, and data analysis. The lab will include both field and laboratory experiements.

1

BIO 565 Current Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Research

(2 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 111BIO 360 and BIO 465. Examine current topics in ecology and evolutionary biology research. Focus on speciation, microevolution, range shifts, species interactions, and ecosystems. Topics will include both applied and basic studies. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.

2

BIO 566 Animal Physiological Ecology

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 360. Study of animal function and how environmental conditions influence the physiology of animals. Emphasis will be on vertebrate systems but invertebrates will be included.

3

BIO 567 Animal Physiological Ecology Laboratory

(3 laboratory) Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 360, BIO 566 concurrently. Laboratory to accompany BIO 566 - animal physiological ecology. Includes instruction on the theory behind and use of physiological equipment/instruments and an examination of how environmental conditions affect animal function.

1

BIO 568 Disturbance Ecology

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 110 and BIO 360. Study of natural and anthropogenic disturbances (fire, flood, insects outbreaks) effects on populations, communities and ecosystem function.

3

BIO 569 Conceptual Issues in Evolution

Prerequisite: BIO 465 or consent of instructor. Study of the guiding principles in modern evolutionary biology. Focus on concepts of fitness, selection, adaptation, form and function, concerted evolution and the nature of biological variation.

2

BIO 570 Coevolution in Ecological Systems

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 360BIO 465 or consent of instructor. Survey of contemporary primary literature on coevolution and ecology, including symbiosis, mutualism, competition, pollination, mimicry, parasitism, seed dispersal, etc.

3

BIO 572 Species and Speciation

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 465. Examination of the theoretical and pragmatic perspectives of species recognition and critical review of speciation. Includes considerations of species recognition in context of conservation biology.

3

BIO 573 Animal Communication Laboratory

Prerequisite: BIO 362. Co-requisite: BIO 563. Laboratory to accompany BIO 563 Animal Communication. Study and application of research techniques in the field of Animal Communication. Students will plan and conduct research.

1

BIO 574 Behavioral Ecology Laboratory

Prerequisite: BIO 362. Co-requisite: BIO 560. Laboratory to accompany BIO 560 Behavioral Ecology. Study and application of research techniques in the field of Behavioral Ecology. Students will plan and conduct research.

1

BIO 576 Pharmacology

Prerequisite: BIO 246 or BIO 350 or BIO 552. A mechanistic study of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs) and pharmacodynamics (drug actions and interactions). Examples of important bioactive chemicals will be discussed.

3

BIO 580 Mammalian Endocrinology

(3 lecture) Prerequisites: BIO 210 and BIO 350. Survey of endocrinology including neuroendocrine physiology, mechanisms of action, regulation of homeostasis, endocrine dysfunction, quantifying hormones.

3

BIO 581 Neurobiology

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 350 or consent of instructor. Examination of the development, anatomy, and physiology of the nervous system, with an emphasis on humans. Topics will include mechanisms mediating behavior and major brain diseases.

3

BIO 582 Cancer Biology

(3 lecture) Prerequisite: BIO 220. Study the principles of cancer biology including the mechanisms involved in its progression; the roles of DNA damage, heredity, and the environment; and treatment and prevention.

3

BIO 584 Current Topics in Biological Education Research

Examine current topics in biological education research.  Focus on teaching, learning, and assessment of biology as well as school policy and curriculum development.  Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.

2

BIO 585 Topics in Field Biology

After preparatory work, study biology in the field on a state, national or international basis.

1-10

BIO 591 Biology Roundtable

An intensive facilitated discussion on current and cutting-edge topics in the Biological Sciences taken from peer-reviewed literature and input from visiting scholars. S/U graded. Repeatable, no limitations.

1

BIO 592 Internship in Biological Sciences

Consent of instructor required. On-the-job experience in professional areas under the supervision of an area specialist. S/U graded.

1-3

BIO 594 Foundations of Biological Research

Required for all incoming master's students in biological sciences. Introduction to the scientific method and experimental design, written and oral presentation skills, grantsmanship, ethics and responsible scientific conduct.

2

BIO 595 Special Topics in Biology

Study of any biological topic at an advanced level. Repeatable, maximum of six credits.

1-6

BIO 596 Foundations of Clinical Research

Masters only. Required for students completing a Master's in Biomedical Science degree. This course examines the components of clinical research including design, conduct, analysis of trials, and dissemination of results.

2

BIO 622 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.) Repeatable under different subtitles, maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

1-4

BIO 691 Seminar in Biological Sciences

(1 lecture) Invited speakers will present research topics in content biology and biology education. Graduate students will also present their research proposals and final defenses of their theses or dissertations. Repeatable, no limitations.

1

BIO 693 Review of Biological Literature

Majors/Minors only. Master students only. This course teaches students how to conduct a thorough review of scientific literature on a focused biological topic and prepare a written comprehensive report following standard scientific format and style.

3

BIO 697 Graduate Research

Consent of instructor. Qualified graduate students spend a minimum of 38 clock hours per semester hour on a research problem. Before credit is given, a well-written report must be submitted to the instructor.

1-6

BIO 699 Thesis

S/U graded. Repeatable, no limitations.

1-6

BIO 792 Doctoral Supervised Teaching

Experience supervised college level biological sciences teaching. Develop course outlines and effective teaching techniques. Students must have completed oral and written comprehensive exams prior to being eligible for this course.

1-6

BIO 797 Doctoral Proposal Research

Four credits required of all doctoral students before admission to candidacy.S/U graded.

1-4

BIO 799 Doctoral Dissertation

Twelve credits required of all doctoral candidates. S/U graded.

1-12

College of Natural and Health Sciences

School of Biological Sciences