Course varies in content, reviewing current issues of biology. S/U graded.
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.
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.
(1 Lecture, 1 Laboratory) The most common field techniques for both plant and animal biology, focusing on biodiversity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Examination of protein synthesis, DNA replication, gene expression, gene structure, and regulation of gene expression.
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.
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 laboratory) 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.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) History of plant taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, family recognition, and identification of local flora using keys. Native plant collection and field trips required.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the functional biology, ecology and behaviors of mammals. Laboratory stresses the identification and ecology of Colorado species. Field work required.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Investigation of the biology of the cold-blooded vertebrates including their evolution, ecology and behavior. Laboratory stresses the identification and biology of Colorado species.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the evolution, general biology, diversity, ecology and behaviors of birds. Laboratory emphasis will be on identification. Field trips required.
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 Laboratory) Laboratory to accompany
BIO 539. Study of the techniques used to collect molecular data for ecological and evolutionary studies.
(1 lecture, 6 laboratory) 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.
(2 Laboratory) 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.
(
BIO 220 with a minimum grade of C)
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) Study of the diverse adaptations of vertebrates, from morphological to molecular levels of organization; includes significant overview of relevant primary literature.
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.
Students will learn techniques for the isolation, propagation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms.
Explore the cause of disease in animals with a detailed emphasis on functions of the immune system that provide resistance to disease.
Study of the principles of virology, including biochemistry, structure, taxonomy, transmission, isolation and identification strategies.
(3 laboratory) Study and development of laboratory skills in animal virology, including virus propagation, quantification, and detection assays.
Study of the structural and functional relationships among biological macromolecules, cell organelles and cellular processes.
Advanced systemic physiology, with an emphasis on humans. Essential and advanced topics in systemic physiology, focusing on homeostatic systems.
In-depth examination of the physiological control systems in the human.
(3 lecture, 3 laboratory) 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.
Examination of the anatomy, physiology and mechanisms of reproduction with an emphasis on mammals.
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.
(3 laboratory)Laboratory experimentation, small group discussion and active learning exercises to complement
BIO 552.
(3 laboratory) Laboratory experimentation, small group discussion and active learning exercises to compliment
BIO 553.
Study of the principles of behavioral ecology, including the evolutionary basis of behavior, economic models of behavior, interspecific interactions, and social behavior.
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.
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).
Study of the principles of animal communication, including signal modalities, signal design and signal evolution.
Examines methods of plant ecology including monitoring community structure and function, population dynamics, physiological tolerance, and date analysis. The lab will include both field and laboratory experiments.
Examine topics in current ecology and evolutionary biology research. Focus on speciation, microevolution, range shifts, species interactions, and ecosystems. Topics will include both applied and basic studies.
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 laboratory) 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.
(Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 566 and
BIO 360 with a minimum grade of C)
Study of natural and anthropogenic disturbances (fire, flood, insects outbreaks) effects on populations, communities and ecosystem function.
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.
Survey of contemporary primary literature on coevolution and ecology, including symbiosis, mutualism, competition, pollination, mimicry, parasitism, seed dispersal, etc.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Causes and mechanisms of disease at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Cellular homeostasis and adaptive mechanisms, histopathology, toxins/toxicants, infectious disease, senescence, and target tissues.
(Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 341 or Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 541 with a minimum grade of C) and (Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 350 or Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 552 or Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 553 with a minimum grade of C) and (Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 381 or Concurrent Prerequisite
BIO 547 with a minimum grade of C)
Survey of endocrinology including neuroendocrine physiology, mechanisms of action, regulation of homeostasis, endocrine dysfunction, quantifying hormones.
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.
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.
Examine current topics in biological education research. Focus on teaching, learning, and assessment of biology as well as school policy and curriculum development.
After preparatory work, study biology in the field on a state, national or international basis.
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.
On-the-job experience in professional areas under the supervision of an area specialist. S/U graded.
Introduction to the scientific method and experimental design, written and oral presentation skills, grantsmanship, ethics and responsible scientific conduct.
Study of any biological topic at an advanced level.
This course examines the components of clinical research including design, conduct, analysis of trials, and dissemination of results.
Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
Special Notes
Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thesis S/U graded.
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.
Four credits required of all doctoral students before admission to candidacy. S/U graded.
Twelve credits required of all doctoral candidates. S/U graded.