This department participates in the interdisciplinary NSMS program; for more information, see the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies section of this catalog.
Areas of study: arid land ecology, behavioral ecology, botany, cellular and molecular biology, community ecology, comparative immunology, comparative physiology, computational biology, conservation biology, ecology, ecosystem ecology, evolutionary genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, microbiology, molecular genetics, parasitology, physiology, physiological ecology, population biology, systematics, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.
Students considering applying for graduate study are encouraged to write to the Department of Biology or consult our Web site for information and application material. Each applicant’s course background is evaluated and emphasis is placed on the applicant’s scholarship and research potential. Letters of reference are particularly important. The General Graduate Record Exam test scores are required and the Subject test in biology or in another relevant major discipline is required. Each applicant must include a letter of intent stating the reasons for attending, goals and tentative academic area in which he/she hopes to work. All applicants must be sponsored by at least one member of the graduate faculty before admission to graduate study can be recommended by the Graduate Student Selection Committee.
The Department of Biology offers the Ph.D., M.S. Plan I (thesis option) and M.S. Plan II (non-thesis option). The M.S. Plan II is not a research degree and normally does not lead to work in the doctoral program. It is intended primarily for individuals who wish to supplement their baccalaureate programs with additional course work. The M.S. Plan I is a research degree with the same philosophy as the Ph.D. It is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. but may lead to work on that degree. Students whose ultimate goal is a Ph.D. are encouraged to consult with potential advisors within the department about applying directly to the Ph.D. program. The research degree is the heart of the graduate program. The Biology Department Graduate Handbook gives additional information on all aspects of the graduate program. The Department of Biology Graduate Handbook should be consulted by all students who have been admitted to the Program.
General requirements for the Ph.D. degree in biology are presented in earlier pages of this catalog. In addition to the comprehensive and final examinations required by the Office of Graduate Studies, departmental requirements include a series of graduate core courses and a public final defense. At least one outside referee (extradepartmental) is mandatory for reviewing the dissertation and participating in the public final defense of dissertation. Formal experience in lecturing and laboratory direction under the supervision of a professor in an appropriate field is required. The candidate for the Ph.D. in certain fields of biology may carry on research for the dissertation at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Sandia National Laboratories or Santa Fe Institute under the terms of an agreement for cooperation between the University of New Mexico and these institutions. Certain conditions have been specified for the acceptance of students for research at these institutions; each case will be considered on an individual basis. Several researchers at all four institutions, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New Mexico Game & Fish Department, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, have adjunct faculty status in the Biology Department and may co-chair graduate student committees.
Courses
BIOL 110. Biology Non-Majors. (3)
Farnsworth
Biological principles important for the non-major in today’s world. Ecological, evolutionary and molecular topics. Three lectures. (Credit not allowed for both 110 and 123/124L) Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
{Fall or Spring}
BIOL 112L. Biology Laboratory for Non-Majors. (1)
Council-Garcia
An optional laboratory which may be taken concurrently with or subsequent to 110. 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 (NMCCN 1114).
{Fall, Spring}
Pre- or corequisite: 110
BIOL 123. Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors. (3)
Fridrick, Howe, Shaner
Principles of cell biology, genetics and organismic biology. (Credit not allowed for both 123 and 110. Not accepted toward a Biology major.)
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 124L. Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors Lab. (1)
Council-Garcia
One credit optional laboratory to accompany 123.
Pre- or corequisite: 123
BIOL 201. Molecular and Cell Biology. (4)
Adema, Cunningham, Hofkin, Howe, Loker, 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.
Pre- corequisite: CHEM (121 and 123L) or 131L. (Credit not allowed for both BIOL 201 and 219.)
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 202. Genetics. (4)
Bergthorsson, Cripps, Hofkin, Howe, Miller, Natvig, Nelson
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: 201 and (CHEM 121 and 123L or CHEM131L)
Pre- or corequisite: (CHEM 122 and 124L) or CHEM132L
(Credit not allowed for both BIOL 202 and 221)
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 203L. Ecology and Evolution. (4)
Collins, Cook, Dahm, Milne, Poe, Sinsabaugh, Snell, Thornhill, Turner
Darwinian principles, origin of the earth, the fossil record and diversification of ancient life, evolution of populations, origin of species, phylogenetics, introduction to ecology and the biosphere, behavioral ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology and conservation biology. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. Lab material includes a survey of the diversity of life.
Prerequisite: 202 and (CHEM 132L or 122 and 124L)
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 162 or 180
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 204L. Plant and Animal Form and Function. (4)
Hanson, Marshall, Pockman, Stricker, Toolson, Wolf
Introduction to plant systems including: structure, growth, transport, nutrition, reproduction, development, and control systems. Introduction to animal systems including nutrition, circulation, reproduction, development; and immune, control and nervous systems. Three lectures and 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 202 and (CHEM 132L or CHEM 122 and CHEM 124L)
Pre- or corequisite: 203L and (MATH 180 or MATH 162)
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 237. Human Anatomy and Physiology I for the Health Sciences. (3)
Swan
An integrated study of human structure and function to include histology, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.
Prerequisite: (123 and 124L) or 201 and (CHEM 111L or 121 and 123L) Three lectures.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 238. Human Anatomy and Physiology II for the Health Sciences. (3)
Swan
A continuation of 237 to include cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive and endocrine systems.
Prerequisite: 237. Three lectures.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 239L. Microbiology for Health Sciences and Non-Majors. (4)
Couch
Introduction to microbiology with emphasis on principles of infection and immunity. Not accepted toward a Biology major or minor. (Credit not allowed for both 239L and 351–352L)
Prerequisite: (123 and 124L) and (CHEM 111L or 121 and 123L) or 201 and (CHEM 111L or 121 and 123L)
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 247L. Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I. (1)
Laboratory work using cadavers. Anatomy stressed with appropriate physiological work. Topics integrated with 237.
Pre- or corequisite: 237. Three hours lab.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 248L. Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II. (1)
Continuation of BIOL 247L. Topics integrated with 238.
Pre- or corequisite: 238. Three hours lab.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 249L. Human Anatomy Laboratory. (1)
Accelerated human anatomy course using cadavers for students who have completed 8 hours of anatomy and physiology with labs but lack cadaver study.
Prerequisite: (237 and 247L) and (238 and 248L). Three hours lab.
Restriction: permission of instructor
{Spring}
BIOL 300. Evolution. (3)
Thornhill
Basic principles, and contemporary issues of evolution. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 310L. Principles of Ecology. (4)
Milne
A comprehensive survey of the ecology of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Three lectures, 3 hours lab or field exercise.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Fall, alternate Springs}
BIOL 324L. Natural History of the Southwest. (4)
Shepherd
(Also offered as UHON 324–324L)
Biogeography, natural history and ecological processes of the Southwest. Focusing on the land, climate, flora and fauna of the region. Field trips and labs.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Fall}
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 not allowed for both 351–352L and 239L.)
Prerequisite: 203L
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL **352L. General Microbiology Laboratory. (1)
Methods and techniques used in microbiology. 1 hr. lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 351
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 360L. General Botany. (4)
Hanson, Marshall
Overview of plant anatomy, physiology, classification, evolution and ecology. Covers both higher and lower plants. Two lectures, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 386L. General Vertebrate Zoology. (4)
Poe, Snell, Turner
Ecology, behavior, sociology, adaptations, and evolution of the vertebrates. Three lectures, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{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, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Cell/Molecular breadth requirement. (CM)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
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, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Physiology breadth requirement. (PH)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor
BIOL 405 / 505. Ecosystem Dynamics. (3)
Collins
Understand structure and function of diverse ecological systems of North America; use of on-line Long-term Ecological Research databases. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L
{Spring}
BIOL *406. Topics in Organismal Biology. (3)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Organismal Biology breadth requirement. (OR)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor
BIOL 408L / 508L. Bosque Internship. (3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Crawford
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: 110 or 203L
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
BIOL 409 / 509. Topics in Ecology/Evolution. (3, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Ecology/Evolution breadth requirement. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor
BIOL 410 / 510. Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics. (4)
Wagner
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: 203L and 204L
BIOL *412. Developmental Biology. (3)
Cripps, Stricker
Comparative biology of animal development emphasizing regulatory mechanisms. (CM)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{Fall}
BIOL 419 / 519. Topics in Interdisciplinary Science. (3, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of section that satisfy upper-division Interdisciplinary breadth requirement. (ID)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor
BIOL *425. Molecular Genetics. (3)
Nelson
Molecular biology of the gene. (CM)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL *428. Human Heredity. (3)
Genetic principles applied to humans. (CM)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Fall}
BIOL *429. Molecular Cell Biology I. (3)
Cellular processes with emphasis on membranes; includes reading original landmark papers in cell biology. (CM)
Prerequisite: 201 and 202 and (CHEM 212 or 301 and 303L)
{Fall}
BIOL 430 / 530. Conservation and Indigenous Peoples. (3)
Trotter
(Also offered as NATV 430)
Cultural diversity fosters biodiversity. Students work on conservation projects initiated by native ecologist on Southwestern native lands. Short field trips and one longer field trip. (ID)
BIOL *435L. Animal Physiology. (4)
Altenbach, Toolson, Wolf
The function of organ systems in animals, emphasizing neuromuscular, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal physiology. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (PH)
Prerequisite: 371L or 386L
Restriction: permission of instructor
{Every other Spring}
BIOL 436L / 536L. Phylogenetics. (4)
Poe
Principles of phylogenetic inference using morphological and molecular data. Applications of phylogeny to ecology, systematics and molecular evolution. Three hours lecture, 2 hours lab. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 437 / 537. Evolutionary Genetics. (3)
Mutation, natural selection, genetic drift; how evolutionary forces shape population structure. Mechanisms of speciation. Macroevolution of biochemical processes essential to higher organisms, such as signal transduction pathways, developmental genes and complex organs. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 444 / 544. Genomes and Genomic Analyses. (3)
Werner-Washburne
Overview of genomic analyses from DNA sequence to gene expression and proteomics. (CM)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor
{Fall}
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: 204L
{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 *447. Prosection. (3)
Swan
Human gross anatomy, dissection of human cadaver. Anatomy topics integrated with Biology 237 and 238. (PH)
Prerequisite: 237 and 247L
Restriction: permission of instructor
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL *448. Microbial Evolution and Diversity. (3)
Advanced course surveying microbial diversity (bacteria, archaea and protist eukaryotes) and examining the evolutionary mechanisms responsible. A central theme is the molecular evolutionary mechanisms of microbes (especially those differing from macro-organisms). (OR)
BIOL *450. General Virology. (3)
Hofkin, Miller
Structure, properties and chemistry of viruses; virus-host interactions, multiplication, serological properties, used as probes in molecular biology; effects of physical and chemical agents, classification. (CM)
Prerequisite: 351 and 352L and (429 or BIOC 423 or BIOM 511L)
{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: 203L and 204L
{Fall}
BIOL 452. Human Genetics. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 455)
Fundamentals of human transmission, cellular, molecular, developmental and population genetics. (ID)
Prerequisite: BIOL 110 or BIOL 123 or BIOL 201 or BIOL 202 or ANTH 150
{Alternate years}
BIOL *455. Ethology: Animal Behavior. (3)
Kodric-Brown
A survey of behavior patterns in animals, with emphasis on adaptive significance. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 456 / 556. Immunology. (3)
Cunningham, Hofkin, Miller
Immunoglobulin structure, anitigen-antibody reactions, immunity and hypersensitivity; experimental approach will be emphasized. Three lectures. (PH)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL *460. Microbial Physiology. (3)
Physiological and biochemical activities of bacteria and fungi with emphasis on cell energetics. Three lectures. (PH)
Prerequisite: 351 and 352L
{Spring}
BIOL 461L. Introduction to Tropical Biology. (3)
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: 203L and 204L
{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 465 / 565. Sociobiology and Evolutionary Ecology. (3)
Charnov
Evolutionary and social biology; speciation, adaptation, population ecology. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L and (MATH 163 or MATH 181)
{Fall}
BIOL 466 / 566. Immunogenetics. (3)
Miller
Classical and molecular genetics of immune responses, presented as a survey of the fundamental literature in immunology. Genetics of histocompatibility and the generation of diversity in the immune system. (CM)
Prerequisite: 456
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 467 / 567. Evolutionary Plant Ecology. (3)
Marshall
Evolutionary approach to the study of plants and plant populations. Will cover plant life history strategies, plant population biology and plant reproduction with an emphasis on empirical studies. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L and (310L or 360L)
BIOL 470 / 570. Biology: Discovery and Innovation. (4)
Werner-Washburne
Critical-thinking, research-based, survey of a biological area. Primarily for students interested in research. 2.5 hour class, 1 hour of discussion. (ID)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor
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: 310L and 360L
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 475 / 575. Plant Community Ecology. (3)
Collins
Plant community structure and dynamics in North American deserts and grasslands. Field trip to Sevilleta LTER required. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor
{Spring}
BIOL 478L / 578L. Plant Physiology. (4)
Hanson
Plant function examined from molecular to whole organism levels. Core areas include: nutrition and water balance, photosynthesis and metabolism, and growth and development. Three hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab. (PH)
Prerequisite: 204L
{Spring}
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: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 485L / 585L. Entomology. (4)
K. Miller
Classification, phylogeny, natural history and literature of insects. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring}
BIOL *486L. Ornithology. (4)
Witt, Wolf
Classification phylogeny, natural history and literature of birds. Field trips required. Three lectures, 3 hours lab. (OR)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{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: 203L and 204L
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 491 / 591. Population Genetics. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 491)
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)
Prequisite: (MATH 180 and 181) or (MATH 162 and 163)
BIOL *494. Biogeography. (3)
Brown
Geographical distributions of organisms: patterns and their ecological and historical causes. (EE)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL *495. Limnology. (3)
Dahm
Biological, physical and chemical interactions in fresh water ecosystems. Three lectures. (ID)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L and (CHEM 122 and 124L or PHYC 152 or PHYC 161)
{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 / 597. 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: 203L and 204L
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 as 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 503. Seminar in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences. (3, no limit Δ)
Brown, Milne
Students take a leadership role in suggesting, hosting and interacting with visiting scientists from UNM, SFI, LANL and other institutions.
Restriction: permission of instructor
BIOL 504 / 404. Topics in Physiology. (3, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Physiology breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor
BIOL 505 / 405. Ecosystem Dynamics. (3)
Collins
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 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Crawford
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, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of sections that satisfy upper-division Ecology/Evolution breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
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. Community Ecology. (3)
Brown
Structure and dynamics of assemblages of multiple species of organisms.
{Fall}
BIOL 513. Physiological and Behavioral Ecology. (5)
Snell, Toolson
Ecological and evolutionary aspects of animal physiological adaptation with emphasis on temperature, water, energy/nutrients and organismal performance. Format includes lectures, literature discussion, one field trip and a term paper. Three lectures, 4 hours lab/discussion.
{Fall}
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 515. Research in Field Biology. (3)
Collins, Pockman, Wolf
Planning, execution and write-up of field research conducted during Spring Recess. Twelve-day field trip, and lab fee required. Three hours lecture/discussion.
{Spring}
BIOL 516. Basic Graduate Ecology. (4)
Brown, Charnov, Collins, Milne, Sinsabaugh, 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)
Cook, Kodric-Brown, Natvig, Poe, Thornhill, Wagner
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 518. Ecological Genomics. (3)
Emerging role of genomics in ecological sciences; genomic approaches to ecological research; application of ecological theory to genomics.
Prerequisite: 201, 202, 203L, 204L and calculus.
{Fall}
BIOL 519 / 419. Topics in Interdisciplinary Science. (3, no limit Δ)
Continually changing selection of section that satisfy upper-division Interdisciplinary breadth requirement.
(ID)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor
BIOL 520. Topics in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences. (3, unlimited 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 521. Advanced Behavioral Ecology. (3)
Kodric-Brown
Analysis of behavior and social systems in an ecological and evolutionary context.
{Fall, alternate years}
BIOL 524. Collaborative Interdiciplinary Teaching. (3)
(Also offered as ANTH 624, CS 524, ECE 524, STAT 524)
Course designed to develop the methods content and assessment of effective interdisciplinary biological courses; Students will develop and teach an undergraduate interdisciplinary topics course. Topics vary.
Restriction: permission of instructor
BIOL 530 / 430. Conservation and Indigenous Peoples. (3)
Trotter
(Also offered as NATV *430)
Cultural diversity fosters biodiversity. Students work on conservation projects initiated by native ecologist on Southwestern native lands. Short field trips and Fall break field trip.
BIOL 535. Freshwater Ecosystems. (3)
Dahm
(Also offered as EPS 535)
Integration of physical and chemical components of drainage basins and groundwater systems with biological metabolism, growth and reproduction along functional gradients of stream, wetland, reservoir, lake and groundwater ecosystems.
{Spring}
BIOL 536L / 436L. Phylogenetics. (4)
Poe
Principles of phylogenetic inference using morphological and molecular data. Applications of phylogeny to ecology, systematics and molecular evolution. Three hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
Restriction: permission of insructor
{Spring}
BIOL 537 / 437. Evolutionary Genetics. (3)
Wagner
Mutation, natural selection, genetic drift; how evolutionary forces shape population structure. Mechanisms of speciation. Macroevolution of biochemical processes essential to higher organisms, such as signal transduction pathways, developmental genes and complex organs.
BIOL 540. The Soil Ecosystem. (3)
Sinsabaugh
Interrelationship between the abiotic and biotic factors in soils; influence of soils on above-ground biota.
Prerequisite: 201, 202, 203L, 204L, CHEM 121, 123L, 122, 124L or 131L–132L.
{Fall}
BIOL 544 / 444. Genomes and Genomic Analyses. (3)
Werner-Washburne
Overview of genomic analyses from DNA sequence to gene expression and proteomics.
{Fall}
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: 204L
{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.
{Fall}
BIOL 547. Advanced Techniques in Light Microscopy. (4)
Stricker
Theory and practical methods of modern light microscopy (e.g., photomicroscopy, DIC optics, immunofluorescence microscopy, video microscopy, image processing, confocal microscopy, microinjection). One lecture, 1 lab.
{Spring}
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 558. Geomicrobiology. (3)
Crossey, Dahm
(Also offered as EPS 558)
The role of microbes in mineral precipitation, dissolution and diagenesis; interactions between microbes and geochemistry/mineralogy.
BIOL 561. Tropical Biology. (3)
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 565 / 465. Sociobiology and Evolutionary Ecology. (3)
Charnov, Thornhill
Evolutionary and social biology; speciation, adaptation, population ecology.
{Fall}
BIOL 566 / 466. Immunogenetics. (3)
R. Miller
Classical and molecular genetics of immune responses, presented as a survey of the fundamental literature in immunology. Genetics of histocompatibility and the generation of diversity in the immune system.
Prerequisite: 556
BIOL 567 / 467. Evolutionary Plant Ecology. (3)
Marshall
Evolutionary approach to the study of plants and plant populations. Will cover plant life history strategies, plant population biology and plant reproduction with an emphasis on empirical studies.
{Spring}
BIOL 570 / 470. Biology: Discovery and Innovation. (4)
Werner-Washburne
Critical-thinking, research-based, survey of a biological area. Primarily for students interested in research. 2.5 hour class, 1 hour of discussion.
(ID)
Prerequisite: 203L and 204L
Restriction: permission of instructor.
BIOL 571 / 471. Plant Physiological Ecology. (3)
Pockman
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 575 / 475. Plant Community Ecology. (3)
Collins
Plant community structure and dynamics in North American deserts and grasslands. Field trip to Sevilleta LTER required.
{Spring}
BIOL 576. Landscape Ecology and Macroscopic Dynamics. (4)
Milne
Conceptual and methodological approaches to landscape ecology. Emphasis on climate, paleoecology and the quantitative representation, analysis and modeling of spatial complexity.
{Spring, alternate years}
BIOL 578L / 478L. Plant Physiology. (4)
Hanson
Plant function examined from molecular to whole organism levels. Core areas include: nutrition and water balance, photosynthesis and metabolism, and growth and development. Three hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab.
Prerequisite: 204L
{Spring}
BIOL 581. Advanced Molecular Biology. (4)
(Also offered as BIOM 507)
The course covers the structures and functions of nucleic acids and proteins, mechanisms and macromolecular synthesis and principles of enzymology.
BIOL 582. Advanced Cell Biology. (4)
(Also offered as BIOM 508)
Course covers advanced topics in cell biology, including microscopy, the nucleus, protein and membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton signal transduction, cell cycle and division and extracellular matrix.
Prerequisite: 581
{Spring}
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 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)
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.
Prequisite: (MATH 180 and 181) or (MATH 162 and 163)
BIOL 597 / 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.
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.
