Department of Biology

A survey of key biological principles including subject areas of cell structure, physiology, zoology, botany, ecology, genetics and evolution. Course goals include helping students develop an understanding of the nature and processes of science, and exploring how key biological concepts apply to citizens. It is designed for the general student and will not meet major requirements for degrees in biology.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting intended to reinforce concepts taught in BIOL1010, and to facilitate learning the processes of science. 

Study of the earth's crust and mantle with emphasis on the physical and chemical processes at work in the earth. The principle of uniformity and the rock cycle are used to study formation and transformation of rocks and minerals. Topics on erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building are included; weather and climate are included whenever pertinent. Although designed primarily for non-science majors, all students may take this course. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement.

A laboratory course taught in connection with BIOL1030. Field and laboratory activities are included. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of the issues pertaining to environmental sustainability including topics such as population growth, energy, pollution, and conserving biodiversity. A central theme is Christian Stewardship.

Selected topics related to the human body with particular emphasis on the integration of form and function as well as genetics and ethics. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology.

A laboratory study, using selected topics relating to the human body, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL1060. This course does not apply toward major requirements in biology. 

A laboratory study of select organ systems that will be explored using prosected human cadavers, anatomical models, and computerized data acquisition and analysis. Fee: Additional fee required.

A laboratory study of select organ systems that will be explored using prosected human cadavers, anatomical models and computerized data acquisition and analysis.

An online, asynchronous study and practical application of medical vocabulary, designed to prepare students for using this terminology in health care settings. Students will be assessed weekly on assigned vocabulary in topical areas.

A laboratory study of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on cellular processes and genetic principles. Fee: Additional fee required.

A survey of the basic concepts of biology with emphasis on life's diversity. This course introduces students to systematics, taxonomy, and the biology of representatives from the domains of Eubacteria (true bacteria), Archaea (methanogenic bacteria, etc.), and Eukarya (protists, fungi, plants, and animals). This course is designed for students who intend to major in the sciences and those in pre-medicine and related fields.

A laboratory study of the basic concepts of biology, using selected topics relating to the biodiversity of life. Fee: Additional fee required.

This field-intensive course acquaints the student with the uniqueness and diversity of Idaho's amphibians. Through lectures, laboratory sessions and field trips, the course explores the distinguishing features for identification, distribution, natural history, and habitat requirements of Idaho's amphibian species. Amphibian declines and the conservation issues of each species are discussed throughout. This course can be used as general education laboratory credit.

This course acquaints the student with the uniqueness and diversity of Idaho's birds of prey. Through lectures, laboratory sessions and field trips, the course explores the distinguishing features for identification, distribution, natural history, and habitat requirements of most North American birds of prey. Threats to raptor populations and the conservation issues of each species are discussed throughout. This course can be used as general education laboratory credit. 

A survey of the structure, metabolism, and control of various bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi with special emphasis on the disease-causing microorganisms.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL2420. Fee: Additional fee required.

A laboratory oriented to the identification and field study of native and introduced plants of the Intermountain West, which is intended to support BIOL3160. 

A study of selected topics of tropical ecology conducted in a field setting while visiting various tropical biomes. This laboratory course requires international travel and consequently a current passport. The course fee will cover travel costs including airfare, in-country transport, food, lodging and necessary field supplies. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Experience (CE) requirement. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3300. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide field context for these explorations, while laboratory explorations will utilize diverse taxonomic representatives. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3320. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho bird species. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3330. Representative taxa from the Pacific Northwest will provide context for these explorations. Course will include identification of Idaho mammal species.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, with an emphasis on dissections of representatives of vertebrate classes, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3360. 

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3420. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of the processes common to life at the molecular and cellular level. This course deals primarily with the structure and function of eukaryotic cells with focus on cell composition, organelles, cytoskeleton, bioenergetics, metabolic processes, cell signaling, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and cancer. It is strongly recommended that BIOL3720 Genetics be taken prior to this course.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3460. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3520.

A study of selected topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3620. Fee: Additional fee required.

Strategies appropriate to this subject field, instructional materials and tools, curricular structure common to this subject in the secondary school. Field experience: 20-40 hours. (See EDUC3640.)

A study of selected genetics topics in a laboratory setting, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL3720. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introduction to the origins and mechanisms of animal behavior. This course will explore mechanisms of behavior including neural, hormonal, and genetic aspects; as well as the various types of behaviors such as foraging, defense, mating, parental care, social behavior, communication, and territoriality.

Students will complete lab tasks involving exploration of anatomical and physiological concepts, and will learn observation techniques and research methodologies and will conduct an individual research project. Fee: Additional fee required.

A directed dissection of human cadavers using a systems approach focusing on integumentary, muscular, and nervous system anatomy. Fee: Additional fee required.

A study of selected topics in laboratory and field settings, which is intended to be taught in connection with BIOL4240. 

The principles and techniques within population ecology are essential to the successful conservation and management of wildlife populations as informed decision making cannot take place without it. Foundations from ecology and genetics lead into applied techniques that are used by wildlife biologists and conservation biologists to address the ever-increasing crisis of biodiversity loss on Earth. This course reviews and implements the great variety of techniques used to study populations so that the appropriate management and conservation actions can take place.

Techniques for the study of populations covered in the lecture will be practiced and applied, including estimating population vital rates, quantifying population growth, projecting population dynamics using matrix models, actions in response to population genetic variation, running population viability analyses, and running models to set sustainable harvest yields.

A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include biomolecular structure and behavior, proteins and enzymes, membranes, thermodynamics and cell metabolism. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry.

A practical application of biochemistry techniques to investigate the principles of biochemistry. Students will engage in experiments that make use of spectroscopy, chromatography, electrophoresis, kinetics assays, and other methods. Abilities in written communication, in the form of reports and notebooks, will be developed around these standard laboratory skills. Fee: Additional fee required.

A qualitative and quantitative study of the molecular basis of biological function. Major topics include cell metabolism and molecular genetics. An in-depth survey of the major areas of biochemistry.

This experience is required of seniors completing the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology, as well as the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in Wildlife Biology and Ecology. This seminar course involves the written and oral presentation of work completed in BIOL3970 and/or BIOL3960, as well as written reflections on University Outcomes. Fee: Additional fee required.