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. Each applicant must include a letter of intent stating the reasons for attending, goals and the 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 coursework. 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 Biology Department Graduate Handbook should be consulted by all students who have been admitted to the Program.
Awarded to students who, in addition to satisfying the general requirements for a Ph.D. in Biology, satisfactorily complete three core Program in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences classes. These are: BIOL 520 (3 credit hours; also offered as ANTH 620, CS 520, ECE 620, STAT 520), BIOL 503 (3 credit hours), and BIOL 524 (3 credit hours). In addition, students must satisfactorily complete a post-doctoral preparatory course (1 credit hour; currently offered as BIOL 502), a scientific ethics course/seminar taught or approved by PiBBs, and two additional integrated courses outside of biology to demonstrate depth in a secondary discipline. Finally, students must establish an interdisciplinary doctoral dissertation committee, which should have co-mentorship or active participation by faculty from two or more different departments, including Biology.
The minor is awarded to students who satisfactorily complete three core classes offered by the Program in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences (PiBBs). These are:
In addition, students must satisfactorily complete a post-doctoral preparatory course (1 credit hour; currently offered as BIOL 502), and a scientific ethics course/seminar taught or approved by PiBBs, along with two additional integrated courses in biology, or, for biology students, two additional integrated courses outside of biology to demonstrate depth in a secondary discipline.
Finally, students must establish an interdisciplinary doctoral dissertation committee, which should have co-mentorship or active participation by faculty from two or more different departments, including biology. A total of 16 credit hours are required for the award of a transcripted minor at the Ph.D. level.
Courses
BIOL 110. Biology Non-Majors. (3)
S. Witt.
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)
S. Witt.
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).
Pre- or corequisite: 110.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 123. Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors. (3)
Howe, Kennedy, Shaner.
Principles of cell biology, genetics and organismic biology. Credit not allowed for both 123 and 110. Not accepted toward a Biology major.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 124L. Biology for Health Related Sciences and Non-Majors Lab. (1)
S. Witt.
One credit optional laboratory to accompany 123.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 123.
BIOL 191. Biodiversity. (2)
Introduction to the diversity of organisms and their characteristics.
BIOL 201L. 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. (Credit not allowed for both BIOL 201L and 219.)
Students who completed AP Chemistry in high school should see the instructor of record or a Biology Department advisor.
Prerequisite: (CHEM 121 or CHEM 131) and CHEM 123L.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 202L. 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. (Credit not allowed for both BIOL 202L and 221).
Prerequisite: 201L and ((CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L) or CHEM 131)).
Pre- or corequisite: (CHEM 122 and 124L) or CHEM 132.
{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 237. Human Anatomy and Physiology I for the Health Sciences. (3)
Shaner, Swan.
An integrated study of human structure and function to include histology, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: ((123 and 124L) or 201L) and (CHEM 111 or CHEM 121).
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 238. Human Anatomy and Physiology II for the Health Sciences. (3)
Shaner, Swan.
A continuation of 237 to include cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive and endocrine systems. Three lectures.
Prerequisite: 237.
{Fall, Spring}
BIOL 239. 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 239 and 351–352L.)
Prerequisite: (123 and 124L) and CHEM 111L or (CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L) or 201 and CHEM 111L or (CHEM 121 and CHEM 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 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: 202L.
Pre- or corequisite: 303L and (MATH 162 or MATH 180).
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 122 and CHEM 124L) or CHEM 132).
Pre- or corequisite: 304L and (MATH 162 or MATH 180).
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 not allowed for both **351–**352L and 239L.
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.
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: 110 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 212 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 *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. (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 162 and MATH 163) or (MATH 180 and MATH 181).
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 122 and CHEM 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 [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: 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 503. Seminar in Interdisciplinary Biological and Biomedical Sciences. (3, no limit Δ)
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 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 524. Collaborative Interdisciplinary Teaching. (3)
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 535. Freshwater Ecosystems. (3)
Dahm.
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 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 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 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 162 and MATH 163) or (MATH 180 and MATH 181).
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.
