Students majoring in Biology learn about the basic organization, processes and dynamics of the living world. The program of study provides students with a liberal education emphasizing the life sciences. The many subdisciplines of biology can prepare students for a wide range of careers and professional schools.
Courses
BIOL 1110 [110].
General Biology [Biology Non-Majors].
(3)
S. Witt.This course introduces non-science majors to basic biological concepts including, but not limited to, the properties of life, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Three lectures.
Credit for both this course and BIOL 1140 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 1110L [112L].
General Biology Laboratory [Biology Laboratory for Non-Majors].
(1)
S. Witt.
This laboratory course for non-science majors compliments the concepts covered in the associated general biology lecture course. Students will learn quantitative skills involved in scientific measurement and data analysis. Students will also perform experiments related to topics such as biochemistry, cell structure and function, molecular biology, evolution, taxonomic classification and phylogeny, biodiversity, and ecology. One 3-hour lab per week including plant and animal diversity, techniques and investigation of current issues.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1110.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 1140 [123].
Biology for Health Sciences [Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors].
(3)
Howe, Kennedy, Shaner.
This introductory biology course for students interested in health science careers focuses on the concepts of chemistry, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, and regulation of gene expression. Not accepted toward a Biology major.
Credit for both this course and BIOL 1110 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 1140L [124L].
Biology for Health Sciences Laboratory [Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors Lab].
(1)
S. Witt.
This course is a laboratory that complements the concepts learned in the theory course. Students will learn skills involved in scientific measurement, microscopy, and mathematical analysis. Students will also perform experiments and data analysis related to cell structure and function, chemistry, enzyme activity, and genetics. Optional laboratory to accompany 1140.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1140.
BIOL 191.
Biodiversity.
(2)
Introduction to the diversity of organisms and their characteristics.
BIOL 2110C [201L].
Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Lecture and Laboratory [Molecular and Cell Biology].
(4)
Adema, Cunningham, Hofkin, Howe, Natvig, Stricker, Vesbach.
The scientific method, the role of water in cell biology, carbon and molecular diversity, macromolecules, introduction to metabolism, tour of cell structures and functions, membrane structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication and the cell cycle. Three lectures, 1 discussion section.
Students who completed AP Chemistry in high school should see the instructor of record or a Biology department advisor.
Prerequisite: (CHEM 1215 or CHEM 131) and CHEM 1215L.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 2210 [237].
Human Anatomy and Physiology I [Human Anatomy and Physiology I for the Health Sciences].
(3)
Shaner, Swan.
This course is the first of two that serve as an introduction to human anatomy and physiology for biology majors and allied health students. The course entails describing, explaining, and analyzing structure and function from the submicroscopic to the organismal level with emphasis on anatomic, directional, and sectional terminology, basic cellular structure and metabolism, tissue differentiation and characteristics, and organ system structure and function; Specifically the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: ((1140 and 1140L) or 2110C) and (CHEM 1120C or CHEM 1215).
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 2210L [247L].
Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory [Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I].
(1)
Laboratory work using cadavers. Anatomy stressed with appropriate physiological work. Topics integrated with 2210. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 2210.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 2225 [238].
Human Anatomy and Physiology II [Human Anatomy and Physiology II for the Health Sciences].
(3)
Shaner, Swan.
Anatomy and Physiology II is the second half of the two-part A&P sequence offered by UNM. It is an integrated study of human structure and function that covers the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. There is a corresponding laboratory course. These courses are designed to complement one another and while the lab is not required, it is strongly suggested that they be taken together. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: 2210.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 2225L [248L].
Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory [Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II].
(1)
Continuation of 2210L. Topics integrated with 2225. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 2225.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 223.
Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques I.
(4)
The first course in a series of three which provides credit for students who are in the Biotechnology Program at CNM and working towards a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology at UNM.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
BIOL 224.
Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques II.
(4)
The second course in a series of three which provides credit for students who are in the Biotechnology Program at CNM and working towards a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology at UNM.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 223.
BIOL 225.
Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques III.
(3)
The third course in a series of three which provides credit for students who are in the Biotechnology Program at CNM and working towards a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology at UNM.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
BIOL 2305 [239].
Microbiology for Health Sciences [Microbiology for Health Sciences and Non-Majors].
(4)
Couch.
This course introduces the basic principles of microbial structure, genetics, and physiology, virology, parasitology, disease, pathogenicity, epidemiology and immunology. Only some emphasis is given to basic biological principles. The course is designed for those obtaining a career in the health sciences. Not accepted toward a Biology major or minor.
Credit for both this course and BIOL **351/**352L may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: ((1140 and 1140L) or 2110C) and (CHEM 1120C or (CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1215L)).
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 2410C [202L].
Principles of Biology: Genetics Lecture and Laboratory [Genetics].
(4)
Bergthorsson, Cripps, Hofkin, Howe, Katju.
Mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, genes to proteins, genetic models (viruses and bacteria), eukaryotic genomes, genetic basis of development and overview of genomes. Three lectures, 1 discussion section.
Prerequisite: 2110C and ((CHEM 1215 or CHEM 131) and CHEM 1215L).
Pre- or corequisite: (CHEM 1225 or CHEM 132) and CHEM 1225L).
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 300.
Evolution.
(3)
C. Witt.
Basic principles, and contemporary issues of evolution. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 303.
Ecology and Evolution.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Introduction to concepts in ecology and evolution including history of evolutionary thought; microevolution (including natural selection); speciation; macroevolution; patterns of species diversity and abundance; organismal, behavioral, population, community and ecosystem ecology; and conservation biology.
Prerequisite: 2410C.
Pre- or corequisite: 303L and (MATH 1430 or MATH 1512).
BIOL 303L.
Ecology and Evolution Laboratory.
(1, may be repeated three times Δ)
An experiment-based approach to understanding core concepts in ecology and evolution. Students will develop hypotheses, collect data, evaluate their hypotheses, and explain their conclusions in an ecological or evolutionary context.
Corequisite: 303.
BIOL 304.
Plant and Animal Form and Function.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Exploration of relationships between structure and function in plants and animals including plant growth; transport; nutrition; reproduction; development; control systems; and animal nutrition; circulation; reproduction; development; and immune, control and nervous systems.
Prerequisite: 303 and 303L and ((CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L) or CHEM 132).
Pre- or corequisite: 304L and (MATH 1430 or MATH 1512).
BIOL 304L.
Plant and Animal Form and Function Laboratory.
(1, may be repeated three times Δ)
An experiment-based approach to understanding the relationship between structure and function in plants and animals. Students will develop hypotheses, collect data, evaluate their hypotheses, and explain their conclusions.
Corequisite: 304.
BIOL 310.
Principles of Ecology.
(3)
Rudgers.
A comprehensive survey of the ecology of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Three lectures, 3 hours lab or field exercise.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 310L.
Principles of Ecology Laboratory.
(1)
Laboratory for BIOL 310.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Corequisite: 310.
BIOL **351.
General Microbiology.
(3)
Sinsabaugh, Vesbach.
Anatomy, physiology and ecology of microorganisms. Principles of bacterial techniques, host-parasite relationships and infection and immunity. Three lectures.
Credit for both this course and BIOL 2305 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Pre- or corequisite: **352L.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL **352L.
General Microbiology Laboratory.
(1)
Methods and techniques used in microbiology. 1 hour lab.
Credit for both this course and BIOL 2305 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Pre- or corequisite: **351.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 360L.
General Botany.
(4)
Hanson, Marshall, Shaner, Taylor.
Overview of plant anatomy, physiology, classification, evolution and ecology. Covers both higher and lower plants. Two lectures, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall}
BIOL 365.
Evolution of Human Sexuality.
(3)
Thornhill.
An examination of how natural selection has shaped the sexual psychologies of men and women and how evolutionary theory can guide the study of sexual psychology and behavior.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *371L.
Invertebrate Biology.
(4)
Hofkin, Loker, Stricker.
Survey of the major invertebrate groups with emphasis on evolutionary and ecological relationships, and the correlation of structure with function. Three lectures, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall}
BIOL 379.
Conservation Biology.
(3)
Snell, Turner.
Importance of biological diversity from ecological, aesthetic, economic and political viewpoints. Extinction as a past, present and future process, and the roles of genetics, levels of biological organization, reserves and laws in the protection and recovery of endangered organisms.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 386L.
General Vertebrate Zoology.
(4)
Kennedy, Poe, Snell, Turner.
Ecology, behavior, sociology, adaptations, and evolution of the vertebrates. Three lectures, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 400.
Senior Honors Thesis.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Original theoretical and/or experimental work under supervision. Work for the thesis is carried on throughout the senior year. A maximum of 4 hours credited towards a biology major; credits over 4 contribute to upper level Arts and Sciences requirements.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL *401.
Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Cell/Molecular breadth requirement. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
BIOL 402 / 502.
Topics in Biology.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Maximum of 4 hours credited towards the biology major and 2 hours towards the biology minor; credits over 2 contribute to upper level Arts and Sciences requirements.
Restriction: senior standing and permission of instructor.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 404 / 504.
Topics in Physiology.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Physiology breadth requirement. (PH)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
BIOL 405 / 505.
Ecosystem Dynamics.
(3)
Collins, Litvak, Waide.
Understand structure and function of diverse ecological systems of North America; use of on-line Long-term Ecological Research databases. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203 and 203L.
{Spring}
BIOL *406.
Topics in Organismal Biology.
(3 or 4, may be repeated once Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Organismal Biology breadth requirement. (OR)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
BIOL 408L / 508L.
Bosque Internship.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Eichhorst.
UNM students train as interns with the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program to mentor K-12 students and teachers in monthly data collection at field sites along the Rio Grande floodplain. Study includes ecosystem dynamics and environmental education components. Weekly on- and off-campus meetings (K-12 interaction limited in summer session). (EE)
Prerequisite: 1110 or (304 and 304L).
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 409 / 509.
Topics in Ecology-Evolution.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Ecology/Evolution breadth requirement. (EE)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
BIOL 410 / 510.
Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics.
(4)
This course focuses on methods, both experimental and computational, to study the structure of genomes and to analyze gene expression and protein function on a genome-wide scale. Computational topics include graph approaches in sequence assembly; discriminant analysis in gene finding; dynamic programming in sequence comparison; and clustering techniques in the analysis of gene expression data. Three lectures. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL *412.
Developmental Biology.
(3)
Cripps, Stricker.
Comparative biology of animal development emphasizing regulatory mechanisms. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *416L.
Histology.
(4)
Stricker.
Microscopic structure of vertebrate tissues, emphasizing correlation of structure and function. Three hours lecture, 3 hours lab. (PH)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall}
BIOL 419 / 519.
Topics in Interdisciplinary Science.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of section that satisfy upper-division Interdisciplinary breadth requirement. (ID)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
BIOL *425.
Molecular Genetics.
(3)
Molecular biology of the gene. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *429.
Molecular Cell Biology I.
(3)
Cellular processes with emphasis on membranes; includes reading original landmark papers in cell biology. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L and (CHEM 2120 or (CHEM **301 and CHEM 303L)).
{Fall}
BIOL *435.
Animal Physiology.
(3)
Toolson, Wolf.
The function of organ systems in animals, emphasizing neuromuscular, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal physiology. (PH)
Prerequisite: *371L or 386L.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 445 / 545.
Biology of Toxins.
(3)
Toolson.
Principles of toxicology; pharmacology and biotransformation of xenobiotics. Mechanism of action, medical uses, and evolutionary ecology of biological toxins. (PH)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 446 / 546.
Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology.
(4)
Adema, Cripps, Hanson, Natvig, Vesbach.
Principles of DNA and RNA purification, enzymatic manipulation of nucleic acids, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, hybridization procedures and nucleotide sequencing. Two hours lecture, 5 hours lab. (CM)
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
BIOL *450.
General Virology.
(3)
Hofkin, Miller.
Structure, properties, and molecular biology of viruses; virus-host interactions, multiplication, pathology, epidemiology, effects of chemical and physical agents, classification. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L and **351 and **352L.
{Spring}
BIOL *451.
Microbial Ecology.
(3)
Sinsabaugh, Vesbach.
Role of microorganisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis on biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling. Three lectures. (EE)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall}
BIOL *455.
Ethology: Animal Behavior.
(3)
A survey of behavior patterns in animals, with emphasis on adaptive significance. (EE)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 456 / 556.
Immunology.
(3)
Cunningham, Hofkin, Miller.
Immunoglobulin structure, antigen-antibody reactions, immunity and hypersensitivity; experimental approach will be emphasized. Three lectures. (PH)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L
or
Pre- or corequisite: BIOC 445.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 457 / 557.
Diversity and Evolution of Animal Sexual Strategies.
(3)
The course surveys the diversity of strategies in animal sexual systems and examines the evolutionary derivation of those strategies. The influence of varying sexual strategies on animal behavior, morphology, diversity and other attributes is examined.
Prerequisite: 203 and 203L and 204 and 204L.
BIOL 461L.
Introduction to Tropical Biology.
(4)
Cook.
Marine and terrestrial tropical environments, primarily in the Caribbean; topics stressed may include organisms, communities, structure, function, distribution, geology, history, politics, ecology and others. Two lectures, 2 hours lab, one-week field trip to the Caribbean and field trip fee is required. Open to majors and/or non-majors. (EE)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *463L.
Flora of New Mexico.
(4)
Lowrey.
Identification, classification, nomenclature, and geography of vascular seed plants in New Mexico. Survey of adaptations and evolutionary trends in plants of the Southwest. Field trips. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 360L.
{Fall}
BIOL 471 / 571.
Plant Physiological Ecology.
(3)
Pockman.
Interaction of plants with their environment, covering plant water relations, carbon gain and utilization and soil mineral nutrition. Common research methodologies will be demonstrated in class. (ID)
Prerequisite: 310 and 360L.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 475 / 575.
Community Ecology.
(3)
Collins.
Plant community structure and dynamics in North American deserts and grasslands. Field trip to Sevilleta LTER required. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203 and 203L and 204 and 204L.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Spring}
BIOL 480 / 580.
Global Change Biology.
(3)
Litvak.
An advanced ecology course that gives students a broad overview of biological responses to global change at multiple levels of organization, and the scientific approaches used to study these responses.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL 482L / 582L.
Parasitology.
(4)
Adema, Hofkin, Loker.
The protozoa and worms important in human and veterinary medicine. Emphasis on life histories, epidemiology and ecology of parasites with laboratory practice in identification and experimentation. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *483L.
Discovering Arthropods.
(4)
Introduction to the non-insect arthropods (millipedes, centipedes, arachnids, crustaceans and their relatives), their diversity and natural history.
Prerequisite: 203 and 203L and 204 and 204L.
BIOL 484 / 584.
Biology of Fungi.
(4)
Natvig.
Systematics, reproduction and ecology of fungi. Biology of economically and medically important fungi, and the roles of introduced fungi in shaping human history and natural environments.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL 485L / 585L.
Entomology.
(4)
K. Miller.
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of insects. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL *486L.
Ornithology.
(4)
C. Witt, Wolf.
Classification phylogeny, natural history and literature of birds. Field trips required. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall, alternate years}
BIOL *487L.
Ichthyology.
(4)
Turner.
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of fishes. All-day field trips and one or more overnight field trips required. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Fall}
BIOL *488L.
Herpetology.
(4)
Poe, Snell.
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of reptiles and amphibians. All-day field trips and one or more overnight field trips required. Two lectures, 6 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 386L.
BIOL *489L.
Mammalogy.
(4)
Cook.
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of mammals. All-day field trips and one or more overnight field trips required. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 386L.
{Fall, alternate years}
BIOL *490.
Biology of Infectious Organisms.
(3)
Hofkin, Loker.
The full spectrum of infectious entities including prions, viruses and parasitic prokaryotes and eukaryotes will be discussed with respect to their transmissibility, interactions with immune systems and their influences on evolutionary processes and biodiversity issues. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 491 / 591.
Population Genetics.
(3)
(Also offered as ANTH 491 / 591)
Katju.
This course investigates how genetic variation is patterned within and between and how these patterns change over time. Topics include neutral theory, population structure, phylogenetics, coalescent theory, molecular clock, and laboratory methods. (EE)
BIOL 492 / 592.
Introductory Mathematical Biology.
(3)
Toolson.
Application of mathematics to models of biological systems, from genes to communities. Emphasis placed on broadly-applicable concepts and qualitative solution techniques. Laboratory exercises introduce students to MATLAB programming. (ID)
Prerequisite: (MATH 1430 and MATH 1440) or (MATH 1512 and MATH 1522).
BIOL *494.
Biogeography.
(3)
Smith.
Geographical distributions of organisms: patterns and their ecological and historical causes. (EE)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL *495.
Limnology.
(3)
Dahm.
Biological, physical and chemical interactions in fresh water ecosystems. Three lectures. (ID)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L and ((CHEM 1225 and CHEM 1225L) or (PHYS 1240 or PHYS 1320)).
{Spring}
BIOL *496L.
Limnology Laboratory.
(1)
Dahm.
Techniques for studying the biology, chemistry and physics of aquatic ecosystems.
Pre- or corequisite: *495.
{Spring}
BIOL 497.
Principles of Gene Expression.
(3)
Cripps.
A detailed and critical study of how different genes are regulated during the life of an organism, principally at the level of transcription. (CM)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL 498L / 598L.
Genome Editing.
(4)
This course will train students in learning and using state of the art techniques to manipulate the DNA sequence of cells. Students will develop targeting vectors and isolate mutant lines for analysis.
Prerequisite: **351 and **352L.
BIOL 499.
Undergraduate Problems.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Maximum of 2 hours credited towards a biology major. Credit not allowed toward a biology minor.
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 500.
New Graduate Student Seminar.
(1)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
BIOL 502 / 402.
Topics in Biology.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Maximum of 4 hours credited towards the biology major.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 504 / 404.
Topics in Physiology.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Physiology breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
BIOL 505 / 405.
Ecosystem Dynamics.
(3)
Collins, Litvak, Waide.
Understand structure and function of diverse ecological systems of North America; use of on-line Long-term Ecological Research databases.
{Spring}
BIOL 508L / 408L.
Bosque Internship.
(3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Eichhorst.
UNM students train as interns with the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program to mentor K-12 students and teachers in monthly data collection at field sites along the Rio Grande floodplain. Study includes ecosystem dynamics and environmental education components. Weekly on- and off-campus meetings. (K-12 interaction limited in summer session).
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 509 / 409.
Topics in Ecology-Evolution.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Ecology/Evolution breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
BIOL 510 / 410.
Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics.
(4)
This course focuses on methods, both experimental and computational, to study the structure of genomes and to analyze gene expression and protein function on a genome-wide scale. Computational topics include graph approaches in sequence assembly; discriminant analysis in gene finding; dynamic programming in sequence comparison; and clustering techniques in the analysis of gene expression data. Three lectures.
BIOL 511.
Macroecology.
(3)
Smith.
A large-scale statistical approach to study the abundance, distribution and diversity of organisms.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 514.
Ecosystem Studies.
(3)
Collins, Dahm.
Study of biological communities emphasizing the interactions between living and non-living parts and the flow of materials and energy between these parts. Three lectures.
{Fall}
BIOL 516.
Basic Graduate Ecology.
(4)
Collins, Litvak, Pockman, Sinsabaugh, Smith, Wearing, Wolf.
Major themes in current ecological research, with in-depth exploration of the theoretical and empirical literature of individual, population, community, ecosystem and landscape ecology. Recommended for all Biology Department graduate students in any field of ecology, evolution and behavior. Three lectures, 1.5 hours lab/discussion.
{Fall}
BIOL 517.
Basic Graduate Evolution.
(4)
Katju, Whitney, C. Witt.
An in-depth coverage of the primary literature and ideas in the major areas of evolutionary biology: adaptationism, social evolution, phylogeny, molecular evolution, speciation. Recommended for all Biology Department graduate students in any field of ecology, evolution and behavior. Three lectures, 1.5 hours lab/discussion.
{Spring}
BIOL 519 / 419.
Topics in Interdisciplinary Science.
(3 or 4, may be repeated three times Δ)
Continually changing selection of section that satisfy upper-division Interdisciplinary breadth requirement. (ID)
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
BIOL 520.
Topics in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
(3, no limit Δ)
(Also offered as ANTH 620, CS 520, ECE 620, STAT 520)
Varying interdisciplinary topics taught by collaborative scientists from UNM, SFI, and LANL.
BIOL 545 / 445.
Biology of Toxins.
(3)
Toolson.
Principles of toxicology; pharmacology and biotransformation of xenobiotics. Mechanism of action, medical uses, and evolutionary ecology of biological toxins.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
{Spring}
BIOL 546 / 446.
Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology.
(4)
Cripps, Hanson, Natvig, Vesbach.
Principles of DNA and RNA purification, enzymatic manipulation of nucleic acids, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, hybridization procedures and nucleotide sequencing. Two hours lecture, 5 hours lab.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Fall}
BIOL 551.
Research Problems.
(1-12, no limit Δ)
BIOL 556 / 456.
Immunology.
(3)
Cunningham, Hofkin, Miller.
Immunoglobulin structure, anitigen-antibody reactions, immunity and hypersensitivity; experimental approach will be emphasized. Three lectures.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 557 / 457.
Diversity and Evolution of Animal Sexual Strategies.
(3)
The course surveys the diversity of strategies in animal sexual systems and examines the evolutionary derivation of those strategies. The influence of varying sexual strategies on animal behavior, morphology, diversity and other attributes is examined.
Prerequisite: 203 and 203L and 204 and 204L.
BIOL 561.
Tropical Biology.
(4)
Cook.
Marine and terrestrial tropical environments, primarily in the Caribbean; topics stressed may include organisms, communities, structure, function, distribution, geology, history, politics, ecology and others. Two lectures, 2 hours lab, one-week field trip to the Caribbean and field trip fee is required. Open to majors and/or non-majors.
{Alternate years}
BIOL 571 / 471.
Plant Physiological Ecology.
(3)
Pockman.
Interaction of plants with their environment, covering plant water relations, carbon gain and utilization and soil mineral nutrition. Common research methodologies will be demonstrated in class. (ID)
Prerequisite: 310 and 360L.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 575 / 475.
Community Ecology.
(3)
Collins.
Plant community structure and dynamics in North American deserts and grasslands. Field trip to Sevilleta LTER required.
{Spring}
BIOL 580 / 480.
Global Change Biology.
(3)
Litvak.
An advanced ecology course that gives students a broad overview of biological responses to global change at multiple levels of organization, and the scientific approaches used to study these responses.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL 582L / 482L.
Parasitology.
(4)
Hofkin, Loker.
The protozoa and worms important in human and veterinary medicine. Emphasis on life histories, epidemiology and ecology of parasites with laboratory practice in identification and experimentation. Three lectures, 3 hours lab.
{Spring}
BIOL 584 / 484.
Biology of Fungi.
(4)
Natvig.
Systematics, reproduction and ecology of fungi. Biology of economically and medically important fungi, and the roles of introduced fungi in shaping human history and natural environments.
Prerequisite: 304 and 304L.
BIOL 585L / 485L.
Entomology.
(4)
K. Miller.
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of insects. Three lectures, 3 hours lab.
{Spring}
BIOL 591 / 491.
Population Genetics.
(3)
(Also offered as ANTH 591 / 491)
Katju.
This course investigates how genetic variation is patterned within and between and how these patterns change over time. Topics include neutral theory, population structure, phylogenetics, coalescent theory, molecular clock, and laboratory methods.
BIOL 592 / 492.
Introductory Mathematical Biology.
(3)
Toolson.
Application of mathematics to models of biological systems, from genes to communities. Emphasis placed on broadly-applicable concepts and qualitative solution techniques. Laboratory exercises introduce students to MATLAB programming.
Prerequisite: (MATH 1430 and MATH 1440) or (MATH 1512 and MATH 1522).
BIOL 598L / 498L.
Genome Editing.
(4)
This course will train students in learning and using state of the art techniques to manipulate the DNA sequence of cells. Students will develop targeting vectors and isolate mutant lines for analysis.
Prerequisite: **351 and **352L.
BIOL 599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
BIOL 651.
Advanced Field Biology.
(4-8)
Approval of Committee on Studies required.
BIOL 699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
