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Course Descriptions - Biology

The course descriptions listed are updated from time to time as information changes. The University reserves the right to terminate or change these requirements as and when it deems appropriate.

BL 204E-W TOPICS IN BIOLOGY: (3.00) Introduces students to scientific inquiry in the context of a focused biological topic. Develops student knowledge of biological content and includes discussion of relevant societal end ethical issues. Topics have included Human Genetics, DNA, Biotechnology, and Animals in the Environment. *Note-This course has been approved to satisfy Category II natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 205E-W. Co-Requisite(s) BL 205E-W.   Corequisite(s): BL 205.  

BL 205E-W TOPICS IN BIOLOGY LABORATORY: (1.00) Introduces students to scientific inquiry through participation. Involves exercises accompanying and reinforcing lecture content. * Note- One three-hour laboratory per week. Co- requisite(s) BL 204E-W.   Corequisite(s): BL 204E-W.  

BL 208 BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3.00) Introduces students to scientific inquiry in the context of human biological variation and evolution. Develops student knowledge of human genetics, human evolution, the fallacy of human biological races, and the fossil evidence of human evolution. NOTE: This course has been approved to satisfy the core natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 209. Co-requisite(s): BL 209   Corequisite(s): BL 209.  

BL 209 BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY LAB (1.00) Introduces students to scientific inquiry through participation. Includes exercises accompanying and reinforcing lecture content. Emphasizes the skeletal system, with examples used to illustrate hypothesis testing and use of evidence in making inferences about human relationships. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Co-Requisite(s) BL-208   Corequisite(s): BL 208.  

BL 216 HUMAN BIOLOGY (3.00) Introduces students to natural science in the context of the human organism. Develops student knowledge of the biology and bioethical issues associated with scientific understanding of human disease, genetics, and biotechnology. NOTE: This course has been approved to satisfy the core natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 217. Does not fulfill requirements for pre-nursing or other pre-heath programs. Co-requisite(s): BL 217   Corequisite(s): BL 217.  

BL 217 HUMAN BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Introduces students to scientific inquiry through participation. Involves exercises accompanying and reinforcing lecture content. NOTE:One three-hour laboratory per week. Co-requisite(s): BL 216   Corequisite(s): BL 216.  

BL 230 HUMAN BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH-RELATED SCIENCE (3.00) Introduces students to basic human biology. As part of this introduction, it develops student knowledge of the basic terms and concepts central to understanding biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, immunology, cancer, and genetic medicine. NOTE: Designed specifically for pre-Nursing students. Does not fulfill the Natural Science Core requirement or requirements for other pre-Health programs, such as pre-Medicine, or Biology.     

BL 254 INTRO TO MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY (3.00) Surveys major groups of medically important pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoans. Emphasizes microbiological principles, and introduces immunologic and epidemiologic concepts.   Corequisite(s): BL 255.  

BL 255 INTRO TO MED MICROBIOLOGY LAB (1.00) Involves laboratory experiments accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics.   Corequisite(s): BL 254.  

BL 260 PRINCIPLES OF BIO: MOLECULAR & CELLULAR (3.00) Introduces students to natural science, particularly the hypothesis testing and data analysis used in contemporary molecular and cellular biology. Develops student knowledge of the terms and concepts of cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Highlights social and ethical issues. NOTE: Designed for Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, and Neuroscience majors, as well as for pre-medical and other pre-health-science students. This course has been approved to satisfy the core natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 261 or BL 261H. Offered every Spring Semester. Corequisite(s): BL 261 or BL 261H.   Corequisite(s): BL 261,BL 261H.  

BL 261 MOLECULAR/CELLULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content and includes work with recombinant DNA. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Co-requisite(s): BL 262 except for students with AP high school credit for BL 262.   Corequisite(s): BL 260.  

BL 261H HONORS MOLECULAR/CELLULAR BIO LAB/SEM (2.00) Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content and includes work with recombinant DNA. Seminar readings explore topics in greater depth and link biological topics to broader academic themes. NOTE: Students with AP credit are not required to take BL 260 as a co-requisite. One three-hour laboratory and one seminar session per week. Honors students only or permission of instructor. Co-requisite(s): BL 262 except for students with AP high school credit for BL 262.   Corequisite(s): BL 260.  

BL 262 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY: ORGANISMIC (3.00) Introduces students to natural science, particularly the hypothesis testing and data analysis used in contemporary organismic biology. Develops student knowledge of the terms and concepts of ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. Highlights social and ethical issues. NOTE: Designed for Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, and Neuroscience majors, as well as for pre-medical and other pre-health-science students. This course has been approved to satisfy the core natural science with laboratory requirement when taken with BL 263 or BL 263H. Offered every Fall Semester. Corequisite(s): BL 263 or BL 263H.   Corequisite(s): BL 263.  

BL 263 ORGANISMIC BIOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content. Includes dissection of representative organisms and fieldwork. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Co-requisite(s): BL 262 except for students with AP high school credit for BL 262.   Corequisite(s): BL 262.  

BL 263H HONORS ORGANISMIC BIO LAB/SEMINAR (2.00) Introduces students to scientific study design, primary literature, basic laboratory skills, data interpretation, and presentation of scientific results. Involves exercises reinforcing lecture content. Includes dissection of representative organisms and fieldwork. Seminar explores broader academic themes. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory and one seminar session per week. Honors students only or permission of instructor. Co-requisite(s): BL 262 except for students with AP high school credit for BL 262.     

BL 274 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN ANATOMY (3.00) Provides a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, sensory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive organ systems. Co-requisite(s): BL 275. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing. One (1) natural science course recommended. NOTE: Required for students intending Nursing or Physical Therapy.   Corequisite(s): BL 275.  

BL 275 HUMAN ANATOMY LABORATORY (1.00) Involves laboratory exercises accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics. Requires contact with human cadavers and skeletal materials. Co-requisite(s): BL 274. NOTE: Two one-and-a-half hour laboratories per week.   Corequisite(s): BL 274.  

BL 276 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (3.00) Provides a comprehensive introduction to human physiology, including neurophysiology, endocrinology, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal physiology. Prerequisite(s): High school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry or permission of instructor. NOTE: Required for students intending Nursing or Physical Therapy.  Corequisite(s): BL 277.  

BL 277 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Involves laboratory exercises accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics. Requires work with human and non-human vertebrate tissues and fluids. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week.   Corequisite(s): BL 276.  

BL 402 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY (3.00) Explores the interactions of organisms in the context of their biotic and abiotic environments. Examines the basic models and principles used in evolutionary, behavioral, population, community, and ecosystem ecology. NOTE: Required for all biology majors.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 MT 272; Corequisite(s): BL 403. Cross listing(s): ENVS 402. 

BL 403 ECOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Involves research design and the collection, evaluation, and statistical analysis of ecological data in the laboratory and in the field. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Required for all Biology majors.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263 MT 272; Corequisite(s): BL 402. Cross listing(s): ENVS 403. 

BL 406 HUMAN AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY (3.00) A rigorous organ-system-based course in human anatomy that also places human anatomical structure into its evolutionary and developmental context. Includes an overview of anatomical variation among vertebrates. Teaches anatomy as an active biological discipline. NOTE: Pre-Nursing and Pre-Physical Therapy students should take BL 274 to meet the requirements for these programs.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 407.  

BL 407 HUMAN & COMPARATIVE ANATOMY LABORATORY (2.00) Intensive laboratory course closely accompanying and reinforcing lecture content in human and comparative anatomy. Teaches anatomy as an active biological discipline. Includes work with skeletal and preserved specimens of humans and other vertebrates. NOTE: Two three-hour laboratories per week. Pre-Nursing and Pre-Physical Therapy students should take BL 275.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 406.  

BL 410 AQUATIC & FISHERIES ECOLOGY (3.00) Explores the ecology of freshwater systems including population models, aquatic community structures, and nutrient cycling. Includes coverage of fish ecology and fisheries management. Additional Requirements: Participation of field trips outside of class time. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;  Cross listing(s): ENVS 410. 

BL 412 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (3.00) Focuses on early development in a variety of model organisms and humans. Emphasizes modern approaches to explain molecular and genetic aspects of regulative and mosaic development, differential gene expression, and morphogenesis.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 413 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY LAB (2.00) Intensive laboratory course emphasizing techniques in molecular developmental biology and embryology using model organisms. Develops student knowledge of developmental biology and research methods in developmental biology. NOTE: One hour of laboratory lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 261 BL 262 BL 263 CH 230;   

BL 414 PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS (3.00) Explores concepts of heredity, including the structure, replication, transmission and expression of genes from the DNA of chromosomes. Interprets genetic phenomena at different levels of organization, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. NOTE: Required for all Biology majors.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 415.  

BL 415 GENETICS LABORATORY (1.00) Involves research design and the collection, evaluation, and analysis of genetic data in computer simulations and in the laboratory. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week. Required for all Biology majors.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 414.  

BL 416 MICROBIAL GENETICS (3.00) Develops student knowledge of the terms and concepts associated with the genetics of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi. Includes discussion of genetic regulation, mutational mechanisms, DNA repair, gene transfer, transposons, and genetic engineering.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 CH 250;   

BL 418 MICROBIOLOGY (3.00) Studies viruses, bacteria, archae and eukaryotic microorganisms within a broad biological perspective. Includes the growth, metabolism, genetics and ecology of microbes. Introduces concepts of immunology, epidemiology and discusses major infectious diseases caused by microorganisms  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 CH 210; Corequisite(s): BL 419.  

BL 419 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Involves laboratory experiments accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 418.  

BL 424 CELL BIOLOGY (3.00) Studies cell structure and function at the the molecular level, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include membranes and cell organelles, bioenergetics; cell cycle control, signal transduction; cell motility and shape; cell-cell interactions.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 CH 250;   

BL 426 PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3.00) Develops student knowledge of genome structure, replication, expression and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Generally introduces students to bioinformatics and biotechnology applications of molecular biology.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 CH 250;   

BL 427 TCHNQS IN MOLECULAR BIO LAB (2.00) Intensive laboratory course emphasizing techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry using model organisms. NOTE: One hour of laboratory lecture plus four laboratory hours per week. Additional Prerequisite(s): Junior standing. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 261 BL 262 BL 263 CH 420 CH 421;   

BL 428 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (3.00) Introduces the fundamental principles of conservation biology including patterns of global biological diversity, biogeography, population genetics, extinction, restoration ecology, management, and conservation policy.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;  Cross listing(s): ENVS 428. 

BL 435 ADVANCED FLD. ECOLOGY LABORATORY (2.00) Introduces students to methods of sampling and studying a variety of organisms in the field. Develops student ability to design, conduct, and appropriately interpret field ecological studies. Prerequisite(s): BL 403 or ENVS 403; Crosslisting(s): ENVS 435  Prerequisite(s): BL 403 or ENVS 403;  Cross listing(s): ENVS 435. 

BL 436 ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (3.00) An organ system based physiology course that explores the physical and chemical processes that operate in animals. Topics include movement, circulation, respiration, osmoregulation, digestion, neural control, hormonal control, and metabolism in humans and other animals. Additional Prerequisite(s): CH 230 recommended. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 439 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (3.00) Focuses on wildlife biology and ecology and introduces wildlife management techniques. Explores such topics as wildlife nutrition, disease, habitat requirements, conservation issues, wildlife law and law enforcement.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;  Cross listing(s): ENVS 439. 

BL 448 PLANT DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY (3.00) Surveys plant systematics and distributional aspects of plant community ecology. Emphasizes identification, classification, biogeography, and environmental effects on plant distribution and community structure. Focuses on the Colorado flora. NOTE: One or two weekend field trips required.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;  Cross listing(s): ENVS 448. 

BL 449 PLANT DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY LABORATORY (1.00) Involves laboratories accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics. Focuses on identification and classification of Colorado flora.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263;   

BL 452A BIOCHEMISTRY I (3.00) Introduces the structure and function of proteins. Includes an in depth study of enzyme kinetics and specificity, the thermodynamics of biological systems and introduces metabolic processes. Prerequisite(s): CH 430A recommended. Prerequisite(s): CH 420;  Cross listing(s): CH 452A. 

BL 452B BIOCHEMISTRY II (3.00) Surveys metabolism and regulation, including glycolysis, electron transport, photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation. Includes fatty acid breakdown, lipid biosyntheses, nucleic acid structure and molecular evolution.  Prerequisite(s): BL 452A or CH 452A; Corequisite(s): CH 453. Cross listing(s): CH 452B. 

BL 458 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (3.00) Explores the evolutionary bases of animal behavior, communication, the relationship between social structure and behavior, conflict resolution, reproductive and parental behavior, learning and experience and the influences of heredity and environment on behavioral patterns.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 459.  

BL 459 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR LABORTORY (1.00) Laboratory and field exercises accompany and reinforce lecture topics. Involves non-invasive work with live animals. Laboratory fee required. NOTE: One three-hour laboratory per week.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 458.  

BL 464 EVOLUTION (3.00) Explores concepts of evolution as a process of discovery. Topics include biological diversity, classification and phylogeny, genetic and phenotypic variation, evolutionary forces, character evolution, species concepts, specialization, and human variation and evolution.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 466 IMMUNOLOGY (3.00) Explores the human immune system and immunopathology by presenting concepts of the activation and regulation of the immune response.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262 CH 210;   

BL 468 MOLECULAR, CELLULAR & DEV NEUROBIOLOGY (3.00) Focuses on the molecular, cellular and developmental processes underlying central and peripheral nervous system development leading to neural functioning. Topics include patterning of the nervous system, birth and death of neurons, guidance of nerve processes to their targets and maintenance and plasticity of synaptic connections. Additional Prerequisite(s): CH 350 recommended. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;  Cross listing(s): NS 468. 

BL 472 PLANT PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY (3.00) Explores the physiological responses of plants to their biotic and abiotic environments. Focuses on the physiological ecology of Colorado flora. Additional prerequisite(s): One course in Chemistry recommended. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 473. Cross listing(s): ENVS 472. 

BL 473 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY ECOLOGY LAB (1.00) Involves laboratories accompanying and reinforcing lecture topics. NOTE: One or two field trips on weekends required.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 472. Cross listing(s): ENVS 473. 

BL 476 COLORADO FLORA AND FAUNA (3.00) Explores the range of ecological communities found in Colorado. Focuses on natural history and ecology of the plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, macroinvertebrates in Colorado.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 477. Cross listing(s): ENVS 476. 

BL 477 COLORADO FLORA AND FAUNA LABORATORY (1.00) Involves field and laboratory work focused on understanding community structure and developing the ability to identify common plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and macroinvertebrates in Colorado. NOTE: One or two field trips on weekends required.  Prerequisite(s): BL 261 BL 263; Corequisite(s): BL 476. Cross listing(s): ENVS 477. 

BL 481E-W SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY: (1.00 - 4.00) Explores selected topics in the field of biology not normally covered in regular course offerings. Course format varies according to topics selected. NOTE: Certain topics may include a laboratory, which will require prerequisites of BL 261 and BL 263.  Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 485 FUNC NEUROPHYSIOLOGY/NEUROANATOMY (3.00) Explores the functional significance of neural physiology and connectivity, including effects related to neural development, how nerve cells communicate with one another, how patterns of neural interconnections give rise to different perceptual, cognitive, and motor responses, and how neural communication is modified by experience. Additional Prerequisite(s): or Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisite(s): NS 260 BL 260 BL 262; Corequisite(s): BL 486. Cross listing(s): NS 485 PY 485. 

BL 486 NEUROPHYS/NEUROANATOMY LAB (1.00) Involves laboratory experiments and computer simulation of neural functions as well as gross dissection, and histological study of neuroanatomy.   Corequisite(s): BL 485. Cross listing(s): NS 486 PY 486. 

BL 490E-W INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOLOGY: (1.00 - 3.00) Offers an opportunity for advanced study of independent topics in biology. NOTE: A maximum of 3 SH may be used to satisfy requirements for major or minor. Additional Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor and Approval of Department Chair required. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 491E-W UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY (1.00) Offers an opportunity for laboratory or field research under faculty direction. Requires oral or poster presentation. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. NOTE: Requires a time commitment of approximately 4-8 hours per week. Does not satisfy the upper division laboratory requirements for any major or minor. Additional Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 261 BL 262 BL 263;   

BL 494 SEMINAR IN BIOLOGY, SOCIETY AND ETHICS (1.00) Explores topics focused on the historical development of a biological idea or disciplinary area, the role of cultural perspectives in biology, or ethical controversies in biology. Topics are determined each semester. NOTE: Required for all Biology majors. Additional Prerequisite(s): Junior standing. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 495 SEMINAR IN BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH (1.00) Explores the most current discoveries in biology. Emphasizes reading, interpretation and presentation of articles from the primary scientific literature, covering a broad range of biological topics. Includes resume and cover letter construction. NOTE: Required for all Biology majors. Additional Prerequisite(s): Junior standing. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 498E-W INTERNSHIP/BIOLOGY (3.00) Provides faculty-directed practical experience in a working environment outside of Regis University. Requires 30 minute oral presentation to department at conclusion of semester. Additional Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and Approval of Department Chair and Director of Experiential Education required. Prerequisite(s): BL 260 BL 262;   

BL 499A SENIOR THESIS I (1.00) Involves the first steps in writing an Honors-in-Biology thesis based on independent research. Pass/No Pass Grading only. Additional Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and approval of Department Chair. Prerequisite(s): BL 491E;   

BL 499B SENIOR THESIS II (1.00) Involves completion of the Honors-in-Biology thesis and an oral defense of the thesis. Pass/No Pass Grading only. Additional Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and approval of Department Chair. Prerequisite(s): BL 499A;   

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