BIO 1000-3 Human Biology for Non-Majors (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This one-semester course familiarizes the student with the principles of the living world, the basic form and function of the human body, and how these two relate to each other. Basic variations of life forms and the interrelationships of the human body to the surrounding world are the main thrusts of the course. This course does not apply toward a biology major or minor. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

BIO 1010-3 Ecology for Non-Majors (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This one-semester course familiarizes the student with the fundamentals of human ecology of North America. Classical concepts of ecology and modern environmental pressures are brought together to give both a background to and a discussion of existing environmental problems. A field trip to the Denver Museum of Natural History is required outside of class. This course does not apply toward a biology major or minor. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

BIO 1080-3 General Introduction to Biology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests

Corequisite: BIO 1090

This introductory course serves as the foundation for all other professional biology courses (for majors, minors, paramedical, premedical, and other biology students). Emphasis is on cellular and molecular biology, energy systems, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Offered in lecture format. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science. A student must successfully pass both BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 to receive General Studies credit.)

BIO 1090-1 General Introduction to Biology Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: minimum performance standard on reading, writing and mathematics preassessment placement tests

Corequisite: BIO 1080

This mandatory laboratory accompanies BIO 1080. This course introduces basic laboratory techniques and will reinforce/explore concepts introduced in BIO 1080. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science. A student must successfully pass both BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 to receive General Studies credit.)

BIO 1230-1 Understanding Medical Terminology (Self-Paced) (1 + 0)

This self-paced course uses an audiovisual system to teach the meanings of 350 Latin and Greek word parts (elements) and how they can be combined to interpret and understand 10,000 complex medical terms.

BIO 2100-5 General Botany (3 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 or equivalent

This is a one-semester introductory survey of the plant kingdom with an emphasis on evolutionary theory, life cycles, anatomy and morphology, and vascular plant physiology.

BIO 2200-5 General Zoology (3 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 or equivalent

This is a one-semester introduction to concepts and principles of taxonomy, nutrition, respiration, reproduction, excretion, locomotion, environmental awareness, structure-function, economic importance, ecology, and evolution, for all major animal groups, protozoa through mammals.

BIO 2310-4 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 + 3)

Prerequisite: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 or permission of instructor

The is the first of two courses addressing the structure and function of the human body. Topics include tissues, anatomy, the musculoskeletal system, and neurophysiology. Course content and level are designed for allied health science students and for human performance, sport and leisure studies majors. 

BIO 2320-4 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 + 3)

Prerequisite: BIO 2310 or permission of instructor

This is the second of two courses addressing the structure and function of the human body. Topics include endocrinology; circulation; and the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Course content and class level are designed for allied health science students and for human performance, sport and leisure studies majors.BIO 2320 cannot be used as credit toward a biology major or minor if the students also takes BIO 3320.

BIO 2400-4 General Microbiology (3 + 2)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090, plus one year of high school chemistry, or one semester of college chemistry, or permission of instructor

This is a one-semester introduction to the microbial world, including discussions of bacteria, blue-green algae, fungi, protozoans, and viruses.

BIO 3000-3 Advances in Biology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 and CHE 1800 or permission of instructor

The course examines the impact of modern science and technology on the future development of biological science. Topics include space and diving physiology, the impact of the information revolution (computers and the Internet), the science of exobiology, new techniques to study biology, directors in modern medicine and nanotechnology.

BIO 3010-3 Microtechnique (1 + 6)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100, or BIO 2200, or permission of instructor

This is exclusively a laboratory course that is taught partially by demonstration with the use of prepared projection slides and specialized equipment such as microtomes, warming tables, staining series, and embedding ovens. Students are expected to prepare their own slides, using both plant and animal tissues.

BIO 3050-4 Cell and Molecular Biology (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 and CHE 3100, or permission of instructor

This is the study of the chemical bases and interrelationships of cellular structure as related to cellular function.

BIO 3140-5 Plant Physiology (3 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 or permission of instructor

This course is a comprehensive survey of the internal chemical changes within plants and how these changes control growth and development. Discussions include water relations, transpiration, food transport, ion uptake, photosynthesis, respiration, plant movements, flowering, dormancy, and senescence.

BIO 3150-2 Plant Hormones (2 + 0)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 or permission of instructor

This course is a study of the roles of the natural hormones such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid in the growth and development of vascular plants. The use of synthetic substances (growth regulators) such as weed killers and growth retardants is also discussed.

BIO 3160-4 Plant Anatomy and Morphology (2 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of cell types, tissue systems, and the anatomical structure of stems, roots, and leaves of vascular plants. The development and evolutionary history of vascular plants will be discussed.

BIO 3180-4 Vascular Plant Taxonomy (2 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 or permission of instructor

The identification and collection of the common vascular plants of Colorado is studied. Lectures include principles plant terminology, characteristics of major plant families, phylogenetic relationships, and uses of the plants. Laboratories consist of identification of the plants in the field and on herbarium mounts. A student collection is required.

BIO 3210-4 Histology (2 + 6)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200, or BIO 2310, or BIO 2320, or permission of instructor

A comprehensive study of the microscopic structure and appearance of body tissues and of the tissue composition of body organs, mainly as seen in mammals. Emphasis is placed on the laboratory. Correlations are drawn between structure and function. Laboratory drawings are required.

BIO 3220-5 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3 + 6)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 or permission of instructor

A comprehensive study is made of the evolution of structure and function of vertebrates. The laboratory portion of the course is emphasized and will consist of detailed dissections of vertebrates representing several classes. 

BIO 3250-4 Arthropod Zoology (3 + 3)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 or permission of instructor

A survey is made of the major classes of arthropods. The arachnids, crustacea, diplopoda, chilopoda, and insects are covered in much greater detail than is possible in a general zoology course. The subarthropods are covered briefly.

BIO 3270-4 Parasitology (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 and junior or senior standing

A study is made of the structure, function, taxonomy, and life cycles of those parasites important to humans, domestic animals, the economy, or that illustrate parasitological principles.

BIO 3300-3 Advanced Human Biology for Non-Majors (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1000, or BIO 2310, or BIO 2320, or permission of the instructor, and satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements

This course is designed to be an advanced sequel to BIO 1000. It addresses the more complex aspects of human body functions and how the body deals with insults such as bombardment of microorganisms, various dietary practices, pollution, and socio-economic challenges. Topics include immunity, AIDS, genetics, stress, cancer, and aging. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

BIO 3320-4 Advanced Human Physiology (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090, two additional semesters of Biology, one year of chemistry

This in-depth physiology course covers the function of the human body as it relates to homeostasis. This course emphasizes membrane transport, fluid compartments, acid/base balance, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and neurotransmission. BIO 2320 cannot be used as credit towards a biology major or minor if the student also takes BIO 3320.

BIO 3340-3 Endocrinology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090, two additional semesters of biology, and CHE 3100 required, or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of the major human endocrine organs and their hormones. Topics include normal anatomy and physiology of each gland, cellular mechanisms of hormone action, and endocrinopathies.

BIO 3350-4 Immunology (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090, CHE 3100, and junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor

This course is a study of the humoral and cell-mediated immune response. Topics include immunobiology, immunochemistry, hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases, and theories of antibody formation.

BIO 3360-4 Animal Physiology (4 + 0)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 and CHE 1810, or permission of instructor

This is a lecture course for science majors on the physiological process common to most animals, and on the physiological adaptations and acclimation to environmental challenges-especially with respect to temperature, moisture, and oxygen availability.

BIO 3500-3

(SPE 3500) Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: BIO 2310 or permission of instructor

Corequisite: BIO 3501 or SPE 3501

This course examines the anatomy and physiology underlying human communication. Specific systems studied include respiration, phonation, articulation, audition and the nervous system. Students explore how anatomical and physiological deficits relate to communicative pathology.

BIO 3501-1

(SPE 3501) Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism Laboratory (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: BIO 2310 or permission of instructor

Corequisite: BIO 3500 or SPE 3500

This laboratory provides experiential learning to support the content presented in SPE/BIO 3500, Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism.

BIO 3530-3

(HES 3810) Physiology of Aging for Non-Biology Majors (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1000 or equivalent, completion of all Level I General Studies course requirements or permission of instructor

This course views aging from both the biological and the physiological perspectives. Theories on the biology of aging and cultural variations of aging will be explored. The concepts of continuity and change will be used to study the cellular and molecular events throughout the lifespan that lead to aging and disease. Causes, physiological and pathological changes, and factors that contribute to life prolongation and the strengthening of physiologic competence to improve the quality of life as individuals age will be addressed. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

BIO 3550-4 Urban Ecology (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 or one semester of chemistry, physics, or earth science, or permission of instructor, and satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements

An analysis is made of the urban ecosystem and the factors involved: water, transportation, solid wastes, energy, land, political institutions, economics, social patterns, communications, recreation, shelter, nutrition, and population. Field trips to key environmental locations in the greater metropolitan Denver area and field trip reports are required. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

BIO 3600-4 General Genetics (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 1080 and BIO 1090 and two additional semesters of biology required, one year of chemistry strongly recommended, or permission of instructor

A study is made of classical genetics, with emphasis on numerical analysis of inheritance. The molecular biology of replication, transcription, and translation is presented. Genetic variation and human genetic diseases are discussed.

BIO 4120-4 Algology (2 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100

This course is a survey of algae, with emphasis on the freshwater forms of the U.S. Evolutionary theory, ecology, life cycles, and anatomy and morphology are discussed. The laboratory stresses culturing techniques and taxonomy.

BIO 4160-4 Mycology (2 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 or BIO 2400

This course is a survey of the fungi with emphasis on the lower fungi, imperfects, and plant pathogenic ascomycetes. Culture techniques, identification, life cycles, and economic importance are stressed.

BIO 4250-4 Entomology (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 2200 and junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor

A study of the structure, physiology, and evolution of the insects. The internal, as well as external, structure of the insects is considered and the importance of these structures on the insects is developed both in lecture and laboratory.

BIO 4270-3 Herpetology (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: BIO 2200 and BIO 4540 or BIO 4550, or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of the characteristics, taxonomy, evolutionary trends, and environmental adaptations of amphibians and reptiles. Identification of Colorado species will be emphasized in the laboratory. Current literature readings will be assigned. At least one weekend field trip will be required.

BIO 4280-4 Ornithology (3 + 3)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of the life of birds, especially as related to their evolutionary origins, adaptations for flight, and exploitations of various ecological niches. Includes consideration of behavior, physiology, and classification. Required field trips may include one weekend trip.

BIO 4290-3 Mammalogy (2 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 2200 and 4540 or 4550, or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of taxonomic, physiologic, and anatomic characteristics of modern orders of mammals. Illustrative environmental adaptations and major evolutionary trends will be discussed. The laboratory will include study-skin preparation and identification of representative mammalian species.

BIO 4400-4 Microbial Physiology (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 2400 and CHE 3100 (may be taken concurrently), or equivalent, or permission of instructor

A detailed study of the organization and structure of bacterial cells is presented. An emphasis is placed on biosynthesis, polymerization, and assembly of bacteria.

BIO 4440-3 Virology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 2400 and BIO 3600, or permission of instructor

A survey of the interactions of viruses and their hosts is presented. The emphasis is on bacterial and animal host forms.

BIO 4450-5 Pathogenic Microbiology (3 + 4)

Prerequisite: BIO 2400 or permission of instructor

A comprehensive study of human bacterial pathogens. The emphasis is on etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of human diseases. Laboratory studies involve isolation and identification.

BIO 4470-4 Microbial Genetics (3 + 3)

Prerequisites: BIO 2400 and BIO 3600, or permission of instructor

A study of current information on the mechanisms of microbial inheritance and expression of genetic informa-tion, intended to develop perspectives relative to the evolution of the field, applications to higher organisms, and directions in current research.

BIO 4510-3 Microbial Ecology (3 +0)

Prerequisites: BIO 2400 and six hours of upper-division microbiology courses, or permission of instructor, satisfactory completion of all Level I and II General Studies course requirements, senior standing

This course is a detailed study of microbial ecology, emphasizing population interactions, quantitative ecology, habitat ecology, and biochemical cycling. Discussion of biotechnological aspects of microbial ecology will be included. (Senior Experience)

BIO 4540-4 Plant Ecology (4 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 2100, or permission of instructor, senior standing, and satisfaction of all Level I and II General Studies course requirements

This course, in either a lecture/seminar or self-paced format, proceeds from a study of concepts (matter and energy, food webs, nutrient cycles, succession) to a discussion of populations, communities, and biomes, emphasizing the interrelationships and interdependence of living things with each other and with their nonliving environment. This course, in lecture/seminar format, is approved for Senior Experience credit or can be applied to the biology major or minor requirements, but cannot be applied to both Senior Experience and a biology major or minor. The self-paced format can be used for biology major or minor requirements, but not for Senior Experience credit. (Senior Experience)

BIO 4550-4 Animal Ecology (3 + 3)

Prerequisite: BIO 2100 and BIO 2200, or permission of instructor

A detailed consideration is made of population dynamics, intra- and interspecific interactions, niche segregation, species diversity, speciation, and distributional patterns. Appropriate readings from current literature will be required.

BIO 4810-4 Vertebrate Embryology (2 + 6)

Prerequisite: BIO 2200 or permission of instructor

This course is a survey of events, evolutionary patterns, and control mechanisms in early embryonic development of various classes of vertebrates, from fertilization through early organ formation. Laboratory includes the study of living fish embryos. Lab drawings are required.

BIO 4850-3 Evolution (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: BIO 3600 or permission of instructor, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements, senior standing

This course will develop an awareness and understanding of organismic evolution as the foundation of biological thought. The major features of evolution-variation, natural selection, adaptation and speciation-and their significance to the origin and evolution of major plant and animal groups are investigated. A research paper and an oral presentation will be required. (Senior Experience)