Biology Courses (BIO)
BIO-102 Biology of Human Disease 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-102L
Emphasis on pathogenic organisms and human immune responses. This is a laboratory course designed for students not majoring in biology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-102L Biology of Human Disease Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-102
This is the laboratory course for BIO-102.
BIO-104 Introduction to Human Anatomy 3 credits
A general study of the anatomy of the human body with emphasis on the neuromuscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as they relate to activity. This course is not designed for students majoring in Biology, Exercise Science, Nursing, Health Science, or related pre-health professional programs. The course is designed for Physical Education majors.
BIO-105 Introduction to Physiology of Exercise 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-105L
The study of the physiology of the human body systems that include cardiovascular, muscular, nervous, metabolic and respiratory, and the affects of exercise/activity on these systems. Laboratory experiences that explore scientific inquiry, methods, measurement and statistics related to stress, metabolism and exercise.
BIO-105L Introduction to Physiology of Exercise Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-105
The lab section to accompany BIO-105. Laboratory experiences that explore scientific inquiry, methods, measurement and statistics related to stress, metabolism and exercise.
BIO-106 Readings in Biology 1 - 3 credits
Individually assigned readings, followed by written reports or seminars covering classical, current and semi-popular literature on biological topics.
BIO-108 Human Genetics 3 credits
Genetics and genetic technology as applied to humans. Topics include classical (Mendelian) inheritance, genes and gene expression inherited disorders, analysis of pedigrees, sex determination, biological basis of gender, genetics of behavior, gene therapy, and genetic privacy.
BIO-109 Biology of Reproduction 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-109L
This course provides an overview of major topics in reproductive biology that include sex differentiation, male and female anatomy, environmental factors that influence reproduction, contraception, and the hormonal control of different stages of reproduction such as puberty (sexual maturation), reproductive cycles, pregnancy and childbirth. The course primarily focuses on human reproduction but other animal groups will be discussed when appropriate. When the laboratory (BIO-109L) is offered with the lecture, the laboratory is a required co-requisite course and the combination of the lecture and laboratory will fulfill the laboratory requirement of the Human Biology and Natural Science minors.
BIO-109L Biology of Reproduction Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-109
This lab may or may not be scheduled along with the BIO-109 lecture. When the laboratory is scheduled with the lecture, it is a required co-requisite course.
BIO-120 Frontiers in Biology lecture 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-120L
Focus on frontier areas of biology; examples may include human genetics, bioinformatics, or cancer biology. The frontier topics will cover the fundamental concepts including biology of inheritance and gene structure, function, and expression. Emphasis on scientific problem-solving, including collection, analysis, and interpretation of biological data. Readings, lectures, discussions, lab activities, and computer simulations.
BIO-120L Frontiers in Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-120
Lab section for BIO-120.
BIO-129 Murder, Medicine, & Magic 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-129L
A study of ethnobotany - the uses people have made of plants. Topics include the uses of plants in various cultures for foods, fibers, shelter, beverages, medicines, rituals, and other ends. Emphasis will be placed on basic botanical principles (such as taxonomy, anatomy, evolution, chemistry), and the human needs (physiological, behavioral, cultural) that plants satisfy. When the laboratory is offered with the lecture, the laboratory is a required co-requisite course and the combination of the lecture and laboratory will count toward the natural science lab.
BIO-129L Murder, Medicine, & Magic Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-129
This lab may or may not be scheduled along with the BIO-129 lecture. When the laboratory is scheduled with the lecture, it is a required co-requisite course.
BIO-140 Idaho Natural History lecture 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-140L
Natural history, flora, fauna, and ecological relationships of the local area. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly. This course is designed for students not majoring in biology. ( NATURAL SCIENCE LAB )
BIO-140L Idaho Natural History Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-140
Lab section for BIO-140
BIO-199T.1 The Life of Birds 3 credits
Corequisites: BIO-119T.1L
A field oriented introduction to avian biology for non-biology majors, with an emphasis on classification, identification, structure, function, behavior, and habitats of birds. Lab and field studies focus on identification of species and avian behavior. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-199T.1L The Life of Birds 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-119T.1
The lab section for BIO-199T.1L
BIO-200 Frontiers in Biology/Case Studies 1 credit
Prerequisites: Permission; AP Biology test score of 4 or 5 or dual enrollment in a college-level biology course.
Corequisites: BIO-120L
An introduction to the major unsolved problems in biology with emphasis on methods used in scientific problem solving. The course assumes basic knowledge of fundamental biological concepts and uses a case studies approach with reading from the biological literature. For students who have successfully completed advanced high school level biology.
BIO-220 Organismal Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-120
Corequisites: BIO-220L
The biology of individual plant and animal organisms: development, functional morphology, anatomy, and physiology.
BIO-220L Organismal Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-120
Corequisites: BIO-220
The lab section for BIO-220.
BIO-221 Population & Ecosystem Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: MAT-112 or MAT-212 and BIO-120 or BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-221L
The biology of populations and communities: population genetics, evolution, ecology, and animal behavior. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-221L Population & Ecosystem Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: MAT-112 and BIO-120 or BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-221
The laboratory section for BIO-221.
BIO-260 Diversity of Life 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-221
Corequisites: BIO-260L
A survey of major taxonomic groups of organisms with an emphasis on biological classification, phylogeny reconstruction, biological diversity, and comparative morphology. Readings, lectures, discussions, and lab activities.
BIO-260L Diversity of Life Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-221
Corequisites: BIO-260
Lab activity for BIO-260.
BIO-294 Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Library research in biology. Critical review of literature pertaining to a problem or specialized topic in biology culminating in a paper written according to department guide lines. See independent study guidelines.
BIO-303 Human Anatomy 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-303L
A study of the structures of the human body, including musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems with emphasis on the interactions between body systems. Laboratory activities include dissection of cats, study of a prosected human cadaver, and interactive computer studies. This course is designed for pre-health professions students, thus clinical applications will be emphasized.
BIO-303L Human Anatomy Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-303
The lab section for BIO-303.
BIO-304 Human Physiology 3 credits
Prerequisites: CHE-141 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-304L
A study of the physiology and morphology of human cells, tissues and organs, with emphasis on selected human organ systems. Three lectures/discussion and one three-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-304L Human Physiology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: CHE-141 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-304
The lab section for BIO-304.
BIO-306 Conservation Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Application of scientific principles to conservation of biological diversity, with emphasis on patterns and explanations for diversity, threats to and value of diversity, habitat relationships and extinction processes, and conservation strategies.
BIO-311 Molecular Biotechnology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-330
This course introduces techniques used in nucleic acid and protein expression technologies and their applications in forensics, conservation biology, environmental microbiology, medical diagnostics and basic research. Topics covered include: nucleic acid isolation and purification, PCR techniques, cloning tools and strategies, hybridization technologies, and an introduction to protein expression systems used in research and industry. Bioinformatics modules acquaint students with informational databases (NCBI, OMIM, FlyBase) and enable them to use tools for interpretation and manipulation of sequence data.
BIO-316 Genetics 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-120 and BIO-330
This course incorporates both classical and molecular approaches to study the structure and function of DNA, genes, chromosomes, the genome, and gene expression. Possible topics include, but not limited to, classical genetic concepts, oncogenes and cancer; cloning and gene therapy; Human Genome Project, sex determination and sex chromosomes, genetic screening, and population genetics.
BIO-317 Stream Ecology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221
Corequisites: BIO-317L
This course examines the ecology of streams with an emphasis on the physical, chemical and biological organization of stream ecosystems. The course will also cover current theories in stream ecology as outlined in the primary literature. Students will learn laboratory and field methods for conducting stream research and will be expected to complete a field-based research project. Lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly. Some weekend field trips are required.
BIO-317L Stream Ecology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221
Corequisites: BIO-317
The lab section for BIO-317.
BIO-319 Ichthyology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-319L
A study of the evolution, classification, diversity, morphology, and biogeography of marine and freshwater fishes. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly. Some weekend field trips are required. Extra fee. Limited enrollment.
BIO-319L Ichthyology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-319
The lab section for BIO-319
BIO-322.1 Field Botany 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-220 or BIO-129
Corequisites: BIO-322.1L
Field based investigation of diversity, history, and adaptations of plants with emphasis on local examples. Methods of taxonomic identification and classification emphasized. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory period weekly. Some weekend field trips are required.
BIO-322.1L Field Botany 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220 or BIO-129
Corequisites: BIO-322.1
The lab section for BIO-322.1
BIO-324.1 Natural History Preparation 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and ENV-260 or coreq. BIO-221
Corequisites: BIO-221 or prereq. BIO-220 and ENV-260
Preparation for extended off-campus field trips.
BIO-325 Natural History (of Australia, Costa Rica, Baja, Hawaii) 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or ENV-260, BIO-324 and permission
An evolutionary synthesis of topics in zoology, botany, geology, geography, and anthropology.
BIO-326 Coastal Marine Ecology 4 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-324; BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-326L
This course examines the ecology of coastal marine ecosystems (salt marshes, coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, estuaries, barrier islands) with an emphasis on the physical, chemical, and biological organization of each system. The course will also cover current developments in coastal marine ecology, including discussion of human impacts on coastal systems. Lectures and an off-campus study component. Venues include but not limited to: Florida, Belize, Caribbean, Hawaii. This course (along with BIO 324-Fall Term) satsifies the BIO 260 (Diversity of Life-2 cr.) and upper-level ecology (4 cr.) requirements for the Biology major and the Environmental Studies major (Conservation Biology focus).
BIO-326L Coastal Marine Ecology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-324; BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-326
The lab section for BIO-326.
BIO-330 Cell Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-120, BIO-220 and CHE- 141
Corequisites: BIO-330L
Introduction to the components of cells and processes that occur in living cells. Topics include cell structure and function, genetic events, regulation of gene expression, and the chemical pathways of metabolism. Readings, lectures, discussions, and laboratory activities. Three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
BIO-330 Cell Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-120, BIO-220 and CHE- 141
Corequisites: BIO-330
The lab section for BIO-330.
BIO-332 Evolution 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 and BIO-330
The study of organic evolution as an organizing principle of biology, including a synthesis of principles of population genetics, paleontology, ecology, and molecular, developmental and organismal biology.
BIO-333 Plant Biosystematics & Biogeography 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-333L
Descriptive and experimental approaches to interpreting evolutionary relationships, taxonomy, and distributions of plants. Projects involve phonetic and cladistic analyses of Southwestern Idaho plant species. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-333L Plant Biosystematics & Biogeography Laboratory 1 credit
Corequisites: BIO-333
The lab section for BIO-333.
BIO-336 Ornithology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-336L
Prereq.:. A field oriented introduction to avian biology with emphasis on classification, identification, structure, distribution, ecology and habits of birds. Two lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-336L Ornithology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-336
The lab section for BIO-336.
BIO-339.1 Mammalogy 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-339.1L
Biological principles as applied to mammals with emphasis on adaptations, behavior, evolution, classification, and ecological relationships. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly. Some overnight field trips may be required.
BIO-339.1L Mammalogy Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-339.1
The lab section for BIO-339.1.
BIO-341 Tropical & Subtropical Ecology 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220, BIO-324 and permission
A study of the origin, structure, composition, species diversity, and ecological relationships of tropical and subtropical biotic communities.
BIO-344 Coral Reef Ecology 1 - 2 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221or both ENV-260 and BIO-220, BIO-324 and permission
A study of coral reef formation, marine habitats, species diversity and ecological relationships on coral reef ecosystems.
BIO-345 Ecology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-345L
Interrelationships between plants, animals, and their environments. Emphasizes population interactions and community organization. Laboratory emphasizes techniques of ecosystem analysis. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-345L Ecology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-345
The lab section for BIO-345.
BIO-349 Vertebrate Natural History 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-349L
Vertebrate classification, life histories, adaptations, distribution, and evolution. Three lectures, one four-hour laboratory weekly and occasional field trips.
BIO-349L Vertebrate Natural History Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-221 or both ENV-260 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-349
The lab section for BIO-349.
BIO-354 Selected Topics: Human Anatomy 2 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-303 and permission
A two-hour laboratory and one-hour didactic/discussion course consisting of selected dissections on a cadaver and guided supervision of Human Anatomy students. Limited enrollment.
BIO-356 Molecular Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-356L
A detailed study of the mechanisms of spatial and temporal control of gene expression. Emphasis will be placed on recombinant DNA and bioinformatics techniques.
BIO-356L Molecular Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-356
This is the lab section for BIO-356.
BIO-360 Microbiology 3 credits
Prerequisites: CHE-141 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-360L
Morphology and physiology of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa, with emphasis on bacteria and on medically important microorganisms. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-360L Microbiology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: CHE-141 and BIO-220
Corequisites: BIO-360
This is the lab section for BIO-360.
BIO-361 Pathobiology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-304
Concepts of pathobiology, to include causes, physiological mechanisms, symptoms, and patterns of pathogenesis of human disease.
BIO-365 Immunology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Study of immune responses at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Application of this knowledge to study autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, and manipulation of the immune system in the treatment of human diseases. Three lectures weekly.
BIO-365L Immunology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-330
This lab may or may not be scheduled along with the BIO-365 lecture. When the laboratory is scheduled with the lecture, it is a required co-requisite course.
BIO-371 Endocrinology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Study of hormones and the mechanisms by which hormones regulate genetic and cellular function, and metabolism.
BIO-372 Developmental Biology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-372L
Study of the main principles of animal developmental biology on the molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Three lecture/discussions and one three-hour lab weekly.
BIO-372L Developmental Biology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-372
This is the lab section for BIO-372.
BIO-374 Animal Physiology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-374L
Comparative study of temperature, respiration, circulation, energy metabolism, homeostasis, and neuromuscular function. Three lectures/discussion and one three-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-374L Animal Physiology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-374
This is the lab section for BIO-374.
BIO-375 Plant Physiology 3 credits
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-375L
Prereq.:. Nutrition, gas exchange, water relations, transport, metabolism, growth and development of plants with emphasis on environmental influences. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory weekly.
BIO-375L Plant Physiology Laboratory 1 credit
Prerequisites: BIO-220 and BIO-330
Corequisites: BIO-375
The lab section for BIO-375.
BIO-395 Research Methods & Techniques 2 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
A laboratory course in selected areas such as "cell biology and toxicology" or "molecular biology" or "bioinformatics". Working in a research group students critically evaluate scientific literature and solve problems using laboratory techniques typical of the selected area of study. Students enrolled in this course will be actively engaged in laboratory research and will be expected to conduct research projects outside of the scheduled class time period.
BIO-396 Biology Research 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
A laboratory or field research problem culminating in a paper written according to departmental guidelines. See independent study guidelines.
BIO-397 Internship 1 - 6 credits
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission
Internships are designed to give students experience in the fields of their interest. A written summary of the internship and a seminar are presented to the department at the conclusion of the internship. See internship guidelines.
BIO-398 Readings & Conference 1 - 2 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Independent reading and weekly conference with a faculty supervisor. Appropriate for fields of special interest, but will not substitute for required courses.
BIO-400 Biology Seminar 2 credits
Prerequisites: Senior standing
A capstone seminar course focused on topics that integrate molecular, cellular, organismal, and population level processes; course topic varies. Readings, lectures, and discussions. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
BIO-494 Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
Library research in biology. Critical review of literature pertaining to a problem or specialized topic in biology culminating in a paper written according to department guidelines. See independent study guidelines.
BIO-495 Research Methods & Techniques 2 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
A laboratory course in selected areas such as "cell biology and toxicology" or "molecular biology" or "bioinformatics". Working in a research group students critically evaluate scientific literature and solve problems using laboratory techniques typical of the selected area of study. Students enrolled in this course will be actively engaged in laboratory research and will be expected to conduct research projects outside of the scheduled class time period.
BIO-496 Biology Research 1 - 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission
A laboratory or field research problem culminating in a paper written according to departmental guidelines. See independent study guidelines.
BIO-497 Internship 1 - 6 credits
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing and permission
Internships are designed to give students experience in the fields of their interest. A written summary of the internship and a seminar are presented to the department at the conclusion of the internship. See internship guidelines.
BIO-499 Senior Comprehensive Examination 0 credits
A written comprehensive examination designed to measure the full range of students' understanding of biology. To pass BIO 499, a student must pass the written exam according to the criteria set by the Biology Department. Students failing to score a passing grade must pass an Oral Comprehensive exam given by the biology faculty in the following Winter or Spring term.