BIOL 101, 102 General Biology
(3,3)
BIOL 101L, 102L General Biology Laboratory (1,1)
Ecology, pollution, drugs, sex education, disease problems,
body structure and function, phylum relationships, plant
growth and development. A student with a biology major
will not receive graduation or general education credit
for any of these courses. Three lectures and one two-hour
laboratory per week. (Fall/Spring)
BIOL 105 Attributes of Living
Systems (4)
BIOL 105L Attributes of Living Systems Laboratory (1)
Cell structure and function, cell energetics and biochemistry
genetics, ecology and evolution. Four lectures and one
two-hour laboratory per week. High school chemistry recommended.
(Fall/Spring)
BIOL 106 Principles of Animal
Biology (3)
BIOL 106L Principles of Animal Biology Laboratory (2)
Broad morphological, physiological, and ecological features
of principal phyla of animals and relationships between
them. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories per
week. Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or consent of instructor.
(Spring)
BIOL 107 Principles of Plant
Biology (3)
BIOL 107L Principles of Plant Biology Laboratory (2)
Organisms traditionally assigned to the plant kingdom;
bacteria, fungi, green-protists, algae, and true plants.
Morphology, reproductive biology, anatomy, and phylogeny
of each group. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories
per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or consent of instructor.
(Fall)
BIOL 113 Outdoor Survival (3)
Learning skills necessary for biologists working in
the field, including wilderness survival, wilderness medicine,
camping/climbing skills, edible/poisonous plants, urban
survival skills, and epidemiological/radiation/chemical
threats. Three one-hour lectures per week. (Spring)
BIOL 154 Technobiology (2)
BIOL 154L Technobiology Laboratory (2)
Exploration of the electrical, chemical and biological
languages of life. Students will learn to program life-like
events, build robots, and approach the study of life from
the point of view of synthesis instead of analysis. This
course may be used for honors credit if extra criteria
are met as dictated by instructor. (Alternate Fall)
BIOL 203 Human Nutrition (3)
Introduction to the science of the effects of food on
the body and the body's need for and utilization of essential
nutrients. (Fall/Spring)
BIOL 209 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3)
BIOL 209L Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory (2)
Introduction to form and function of the human body. For students in human performance and wellness, nursing, paramedical students, and biology majors. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories per week. (Fall)
BIOL 210 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3)
BIOL 210L Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory (1)
Continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology which covers additional body systems and disease processes. For students with an interest in pre-med, nursing, human health and biology. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL141/141L. (Spring)
BIOL 211 Ecosystem Biology (4)
BIOL 211L Ecosystem Biology Laboratory (1)
Ecological studies utilizing the concepts of population
biology: energetics, dynamics, distribution, and sociology.
Overnight and/or weekend field trips may be required.
Four lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
(Fall)
BIOL 221 Plant Identification
(2)
BIOL 221L Plant Identification Laboratory (2)
Identification of flowering plants through the use of
regional floras and recognition of common plant families.
Plant collection and herbarium techniques. Two lectures
and two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites:
BIOL107. (Fall)
BIOL 241 Pathophysiology (4)
Function of the human body with emphasis on interpretation
of those functions in relation to disease processes. Prerequisite:
BIOL 141 or 341. (Spring)
BIOL 250 Introduction to Medical
Microbiology (3)
BIOL 250L Introduction to Medical Microbiology Lab (2)
Microorganisms, especially the prokaryotic bacteria;
culture techniques, biochemical identification, and infectious
human diseases. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories
per week. (Spring)
BIOL 301 Principles of Genetics
(3)
BIOL 301L Principles of Genetics Laboratory (1)
Principles of genetics at the organismal, cellular,
and molecular level dealing with the genetics of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic organisms and viruses. Three lectures and
two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL105
and MATH 113; BIOL 202 recommended. (Fall, Spring)
BIOL 302 Cellular Biology (3)
BIOL 302L Cellular Biology Laboratory (1)
Form, function, and bioenergetics of the cell. Three
lectures and one two hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites:
BIOL 106, 107, CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
BIOL 310 Developmental Biology
(3)
BIOL 310L Developmental Biology Laboratory (2)
Embryonic growth and development of plants and animals.
Also errors in normal development, cancer, aging, and
related topics. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories
per week. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 315 Epidemiology (3)
Characteristic patterns of communicable disease occurrence
as related to individuals, geographic location, and time;
factors affecting disease occurrence, the nature of vital
statistics, sampling procedures, and study design. An
independent project is required. (Alternate Fall)
BIOL 320 Plant Systematics (3)
Systematic botany encompassing principles of classification,
nomenclature, and evaluation of current classifications
of angiosperms. Prerequisites: BIOL221. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 321 Taxonomy of Grasses
(2)
BIOL 321L Taxonomy of Grasses Laboratory (2)
A study of the grass family and grass-like plants (sedges
and rushes) dealing with the evolution, classification,
and identification of these plants. Two lectures and two
two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: BIOL107
or consent of instructor. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 331 Insect Biology (3)
BIOL 331L Insect Biology Laboratory (2)
Insect taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and physiology.
Insect collection required. Three lectures and two two-hour
laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 106. (Fall)
BIOL 332 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
(2)
BIOL 332L Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Lab (1)
Basic knowledge of the fundamentals of GIS with regard
to theoretical, technical, and application issues. Prerequisites:
GEOG 105, STAT200 or STAT 241 or consent of instructor,
GEOL 111 and GEOL 111L (recommended). (Fall)
BIOL 333 Marine Biology (3)
Study of the principles that govern biological systems in the ocean with an emphasis on the natural history, ecology, and evolution of marine organisms. Three one-hour lectures per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 106 and BIOL 107, or consent of instructor.
BIOL 335 Invertebrate Zoology
(3)
BIOL 335L Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory (1)
Study of the evolution, morphology, life history, ecology, and classification of inevertebrates with a focus on non-insect invertebrates. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 106 or consent of instructor. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 341 General Physiology (3)
BIOL 341L General Physiology Laboratory (1)
Function of the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive,
urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems of the human
body. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: BIOL106 or consent of instructor. (Alternate
Fall)
BIOL 342 Histology (2)
BIOL 342L Histology Laboratory (2)
Microscopic study of tissues and organs. Two lectures
and two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites:
BIOL l06 or BIOL 107 and consent of instructor. (Alternate
Fall)
BIOL 343 Immunology (3)
BIOL 343L Immunology Laboratory (1)
Immune system of animals with emphasis on human immune
response. Includes the immune organs and both cellular
and humoral responses. An independent research project
is required. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202 and BIOL202L, or BIOL
301 and BIOL 301L. (Spring)
BIOL 344 Forensic Molecular Biology (3)
BIOL 344L Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory (1)
Molecular biology and genetics used in forensic investigations, including the genetic basis of diversity and DNA typing techniques. Prerequisites: BIOL 105/105L and CHEM 131/1331L.
BIOL 387 Structured Research (1-3)
Independent research beyond the scope of the published
curriculum. Designed for advanced sophomore and junior
level students to participate in research activities under
the direction of a specific faculty member. May be repeated
for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisites: sophomore or
junior standing, or consent of instructor. (Fall/Spring)
BIOL 388 Teaching Science in the Secondary School (3)
BIOL 388L Teaching Science in the Secondary School Laboratory
(1)
Methods of teaching and construction of lessons and
curricula. To be taken not more than two semesters before
student teaching. Lesson presentation and numerous papers
required. Required for secondary certification. (Spring)
BIOL 395 Independent Study (1-3)
BIOL 396 Topics (1-3)
BIOL 403 Evolution (3)
Organismal and molecular evolution emphasizing its importance
as the unifying theory in biology. Evolution of natural
selection on genetic structure of populations. Prerequisites:
BIOL106, 107, 301, and senior standing. (Spring on demand)
BIOL 405 Advanced Ecological Methods (3)
BIOL 405L Advanced Ecological Methods Laboratory (2)
Examination of quantitative methods in population, community,
and ecosystems ecology. Extensive writing, computer work
and field trips are required. Three lectures and two two-hour
laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL105, 106, 107;
STAT311 is recommended. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 406 Plant-Animal Interactions (3)
Ecological, evolutionary, and applied approaches to
the studies of herbivory, ant-plant interactions, pollination,
and seed dispersal. Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106, 107;
BIOL 333 is recommended. (Spring)
BIOL 411 Mammalogy (2)
BIOL 411L Mammalogy Laboratory (1)
Classification, life histories, and ecology of mammals.
Overnight and/or weekend field trips may be required.
Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory or three-hour
field trip per week. Prerequisites: upper division standing
or consent of instructor. (Alternate Fall)
BIOL 412 Ornithology (3)
BIOL 412L Ornithology Laboratory (1)
Classification and life history of birds, including
field identification. Overnight and/or weekend field trips
may be required. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
or three-hour field trip per week. Prerequisite: upper
division standing or permission of instructor. (Alternate
Spring)
BIOL 413 Herpetology (3)
BIOL 413L Herpetology Laboratory (1)
Classification, evolution, morphology and ecology of
amphibians and reptiles. Overnight or weekend field trips
may be required. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisites: upper division standing or consent
of instructor. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 414 Aquatic Biology (3)
BIOL 414L Aquatic Biology Laboratory (1)
Classification, life history, and ecology of aquatic
animals. Overnight and/or weekend field trips may be required.
Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory or three-hour
field trip per week. Prerequisite: upper division standing
or permission of instructor. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 415 Tropical Ecosystems (2)
Coral reef, rain forest, and arid desert ecosystems
on Caribbean islands. Ten two-hour lectures, ten two-hour
laboratories, and ten six-hour field trips conducted at
the marine station and primate colony of the University
of Puerto Rico. Prerequisites: one year of biological
sciences and consent of instructor. (Semester break on
demand)
BIOL 416 Ethology (3)
BIOL 416L Ethology Laboratory (1)
Mechanisms and evolution of behavior utilizing captive
animals and field trips. Overnight field trips may be
required. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per
week and several field trips, possibly overnight. Prerequisites:
BIOL106,107, and consent of instructor. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 418 Wildlife Management (3)
BIOL 418L Wildlife Management Laboratory (2)
Examination of wildlife biology and management. Topics covered include managing habitat, mammals, birds, fish and other small animals. Three one-hour lectures, one one-hour laboratory, and one three-hour field trip per week. Prerequisites: Upper division standing; BIOL 211 recommended.
BIOL 421 Plant Physiology (3)
BIOL 421L Plant Physiology Laboratory (2)
Plant-water relationships, plant mineral nutrition,
photosynthesis, plant growth and development at the molecular
and cellular level to account for plant growth at the
organismal level. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories
per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 107, CHEM 121 and also recommended
CHEM 122. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 423 Plant Anatomy (3)
BIOL 423L Plant Anatomy Laboratory (2)
Form, variability, and structure of the tissues comprising
the body of the higher plant. Three lectures and two two-hour
laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL107, 107L. (Alternate
Spring)
BIOL 425 Molecular Genetics (3)
Nature and expression of genetic information at the
molecular level in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Prerequisite: BIOL 301. (Alternate Spring)
BIOL 426 Introduction to Electron Microscopy (2)
BIOL 426L Introduction to Electron Microscopy Laboratory (2)
History, theory, and techniques of electron microscopy. Some detailed knowledge of biology, histology, chemistry, and physics is required to investigate selected specimens thoroughly. Special attention will be paid to the operation of the microscopes at Mesa State College. Prerequisites: restricted to juniors and seniors with instructor approval.
BIOL 431 Animal Parasitology (3)
BIOL 431L Animal Parasitology Laboratory (1)
Common and important parasites of domestic animals and
man. Ecology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control are
discussed with examples from the Protozoa, Trematoda,
Cestoda, Nematoda, and Arthropoda. An independent research
project is required. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
per week. (Alternate Fall)
BIOL 441 Endocrinology (3)
BIOL 441L Endocrinology Laboratory (1)
Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system of vertebrates.
Laboratory: emphasis on normal and abnormal endocrine
functions. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 106 or consent of instructor.
(Alternate Fall)
BIOL 442 Pharmacology (3)
Principles underlying absorption, distribution, metabolism,
and excretion of drugs with emphasis on mechanisms of
action and physiological responses. Prerequisite: BIOL
141 and one year of chemistry, and junior or senior standing.
(Alternate Fall)
BIOL 450 Mycology (2)
BIOL 450L Mycology Laboratory (2)
Fungi, with emphasis on comparative morphology and development,
classification, physiology, genetics, and ecological relationships.
Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of fungi
in industry, agriculture, and medicine. Two lectures and
two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: BIOL
107 or consent of instructor. (Fall)
BIOL 482 Senior Research (2)
Designed to introduce students to appropriate procedures
for conducting literature reviews, designing experiments,
collecting and analyzing data, and preparing written and
oral presentations of such experiments. Two lectures per
week or equivalent. Prerequisites: senior standing, 2.80
GPA, and consent of instructor. (Fall)
BIOL 483 Senior Thesis (2)
Students prepare an in-depth thesis elaborating on a
major conceptual issue(s) in biology. The purpose of the
thesis is to ascertain the student's ability to collect
a broad array of information and integrate this into a
logical conceptual framework that traverses organizational
levels of living systems. The thesis topic must be approved
by the instructor. Prerequisites: senior standing and
consent of instructor. (Spring)
BIOL 487 Advanced Research (1-3)
Provides students with an individualized research experience
on a topic approved and directed by a specific faculty
member. A detailed report in the form of a scientific
journal article must be provided to the instructor. May
be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisites: BIOL482
or consent of instructor; BIOL387 is highly recommended.
(Fall/Spring)
BIOL 495 Independent Study (1-3)
BIOL 496 Topics (1-3)
BIOL 494 Seminar (1)
Current problems, topics, and research procedures in
biological sciences and medicine. Topics announced each
semester. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and consent
of instructor. (Alternate Fall)
BIOL 499 Internship (2,4,6,8,10)
Work experience obtained on a job where assignments
are primarily biological projects. The amount of credit
award is determined by the school based on the nature
of the assignment. Prerequisites: biology major, senior
standing with either a 2.80 GPA in major courses, completion
of BIOL482, or consent of instructor. (Fall/Spring/Summer)
BIOL 533 Marine Invertebrate Communities
Techniques of collection and lab examination of marine invertebrates from intertidal and subtidal habitats. Design and execution of a research project and a written paper are required. Seven eight-hour labs and seven two-hour lectures will be conducted at a marine biological station. Prerequisites: undergraduate degree in biology or a related field AND instructor permission.
