BIO - Biology

This workshop is based on the Peer-Led Team Learning model (PLTL) with students working individually and in small groups to learn and exercise problem-solving techniques. Students participate in learning activities led by peer facilitators to further explore topics presented in the lecture course. This workshop is offered each semester.

An exploration of how the human body's systems work in coordination with each other and in response to changes in the environment, with a particular focus on how this relates to health and longevity. Three hours of lecture per week.

Introductory principles of biology, including the nature of scientific inquiry, biochemistry, metabolism, protein structure and function, cell structure and function, and genetics. Three hours of lecture per week. Credit for 205 will not be granted for students who have completed BIO 207. This course meets the requirements for nursing majors.

This course provides introductory principles of biology. Topics include the nature of scientific inquiry, biochemistry and metabolism, macromolecular structure and function, cell structure and function, and molecular and Mendelian genetics. Credit for BIO 207 will not be granted to students who have completed BIO 205. Three hours of lecture per week.

Second course in the sequence of introductory principles of biology, providing essential background in the fields of Evolution and Ecology. Topics include evolution, population genetics, processes of speciation, phylogeny and classification, dynamics among individuals in populations and communities, the concepts underlying ecosystem functions, and interactions between organisms and their environment. Three hours of lecture per week.

Laboratory investigation into the biochemistry, cellular structure and function, and genetics of cells and living organisms. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

This lab emphasizes scientific literacy and scientific inquiry through reading primary literature and performing student-designed research. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70.

Independent study in a specialized field under the direction of an instructor. Maximum of eight credits under the number. Instructor permission is required.

This course examines the cell biology, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms, focusing primarily on microbes that affect human health. Specific organisms covered include the beneficial organisms that aid in the digestion of food, synthesize vitamins, and protect the body against invasion by harmful microbes. In addition, the course also covers pathogens that cause disease. Three hours of lecture per week.

This course investigates the behavior, physiology, evolution, taxonomy, and natural history of birds with an emphasis on species found in the Pacific Northwest. This course is usually offered in the summer.

Entomology is the study of insects. Topics include evolution, ecology, ethology, conservation, classification, identification, agriculture, and social and medical applications. The focus will be developing skills necessary to delve deep into areas of current research by synthesizing concepts, formulating and communicating hypotheses and data, and critically evaluating experiments and conclusions from research in entomology.

Explores the biological, chemical, and physical structure of Pacific Northwest wetlands. Species interactions, human impacts to wetlands, wetland disease agents, and the role wetlands play in human health will be considered. Three hours of lecture per week.

Anatomy and Physiology 1 is the first of a two-course sequence. The course focuses on the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Three hours of lecture per week.

Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 is the second of a two-course sequence. The course focuses on the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

This course focuses on eukaryotic parasites (Protozoa, Helminthes, Fungi, and Arthropods) that not only infect humans but many other animals as well. The biology, systematics, ecology, physiology, life cycles, genetics, and host response will be analyzed for a wide range of parasites. In addition, we will look at how changes to environmental landscapes can have drastic effects on populations of parasites in animals and on global health.

To survive, multicellular animals must transport oxygen to their cells, obtain energy from food, regulate internal conditions, and remove waste products from the body. Yet, natural selection has acted over millions of years to produce diverse solutions to these challenges. In this class, we'll use a comparative lens to understand the physiology of how the body functions.

Ever wonder why our limb bones are hollow? Why bacteria don't swim with fins? Or how birds fly? Comparative Biomechanics explores how the physical properties of solids and fluids influence organism shape and movement. In class, students will get their hands wet by collecting and analyzing data from live animals. Majors in BIO, ENV, PHY, ENG, MTH, and more are encouraged to join. Fee: $70

This course explores the biological, chemical, and physical structure of freshwater ecosystems. Species interactions, human impacts, climate change, & the value of freshwater ecosystems will be examined through a project-based approach.

In this competency-based lab course in freshwater ecology students will demonstrate proficiency in a variety of fieldwork and laboratory skills that are essential to freshwater ecologists. Fee: $70

An exploration of mammal ecology and behavior, integrated with issues related to mammal conservation. Topics include factors contributing to their endangerment, the role of humans in both their demise and conservation, and strategies currently being used to try to save mammal species from extinction. Three hours of lecture per week.

This course is comprehensive in that it will span morphology, ecology, behavior, evolution, and conservation of the Order Primates. This course will introduce students to the diversity, distribution, and abundance of nonhuman primates. We will explore the significance of primates in a broad scholarly context, as sources of insight into human evolution, and as intensive recipients of conservation efforts.

In entomology lab students will learn how to sample, collect, prepare, and identify insects. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

This course is an introduction to the origin, history, biology, and utilization of plants important in human societies. Worldwide use of plants for food, medicine, spices and other purposes will be explored.

This course examines genetic information storage, transmission and utilization, and technological advances in the field. Three hours of lecture per week.

Overview of lab methodology in genetics and its practical application in authentic research projects that are inquiry driven and problem based. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $130

An exploration of the fundamental cell biology and genetics that dictate embryonic development of all multicellular animals. Major developmental model systems examined include the fruit fly, frog, chicken, and mouse. Three hours of lecture per week.

Evolution, ecology, taxonomy, morphology, and physiology of marine flora and fauna. Three hours of lecture per week. Fee: $70

Principles of ecology including structure and function of ecosystems, ecosystem development, behavioral ecology, and population biology. Three hours of lecture per week.

An exploration of the major groups of land plants, their diversity, life cycles, morphology, and ecological interactions. Three hours of lecture per week.

Natural history of vertebrates including morphology, physiology, evolution, and taxonomy of the vertebrate classes. Three hours of lecture per week.

Course will review the history of ethology and behavioral ecology, and examine the behavior of both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms in physiological, ecological, adaptive, and phylogenetic contexts. Three hours of lecture per week.

An examination of the principles underlying ecological diversity and ecosystem services, the factors contributing to their endangerment and loss, and the role and stake humans have in their conservation. Topics include local and global issues discussed from a variety of perspectives including ecological, economical, political, and ethical. Three hours of lecture per week.

This is the associated laboratory course for Plants and Civilization lecture (BIO325) and can only be taken by students enrolled in Plants and Civilization lecture. These courses together are an introduction to the origin, history, biology, and utilization of plants important in human societies. Worldwide use of plants for food, medicine, spices and other purposes will be explored.

This course applies and expands upon the foundational knowledge built in BIO207. Students develop skills necessary to delve deeply into areas of current research in molecular and cell biology by synthesizing concepts, formulating and communicating models and hypotheses, and evaluating data. Three hours of lecture per week.

This course explores how organisms and ecosystems respond to the changing environment. Includes discussion of different lines of evidence for understanding biological responses to global change, including observations, paleoecology, experiments, and modeling. Three hours of lecture per week.

Field and laboratory investigation of how organisms and ecosystems respond to the changing environment. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

Field and laboratory investigation of mammalian identification, ecology, behavior, and conservation. To be taken concurrently with BIO 318. One three-hour lab per week. Fee: $70

Structure, physiology, and genetics of cellular microorganisms and viruses, discussed in relation to the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases including study of the immune system. Three hours of lecture per week.

How do gills differ from lungs? Why do cows have four stomachs? Do fish have a femur? This lab class will compare body structures across vertebrates while focusing on how form relates to function. Lab activities will involve dissection. Fee: $70

Overview of microbiology laboratory methodology and its application in authentic research projects. Three hours of laboratory per week, and follow-up at times other than the scheduled lab period. Fee: $130

Anatomy and Physiology 1 lab is the first of a two-course lab sequence. The course focuses on the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

Anatomy and Physiology 2 lab is the second of a two-course sequence. The course focuses on the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary systems. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

A field and laboratory-based exploration of the vegetative and reproductive structures of plants, with an emphasis on the identification and ecology of plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

Students perform cell and molecular biology experiments utilizing techniques such as PCR, in vitro transcription, recombinant protein purification, CRISPR gene editing, and fluorescence microscopy, and gain authentic research experiences by guiding their own research progress and synthesizing their data with published data in the field. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $130

Field and laboratory investigation of wetland ecosystems. Students will explore problems facing wetlands, methods for assessing wetland health, and how to apply ecological principles to solve wetland related issues. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

Field and laboratory experience in the natural history and taxonomy of vertebrate organisms. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $70

Experimental and microscopic examination of major developmental model systems including chick. May include fruit fly, zebrafish and/or amphibians, and invertebrates including sea urchins, flatworms and/or hydra. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $130

Laboratory investigation of microorganisms that affect human health, with an emphasis on proper handling of specimens, selective and differential cultivation, laboratory diagnosis, and evaluation of antimicrobial agents. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $130

Computer coding is a crucial skill for biologists and in-demand by hiring managers. This 2-credit class will introduce students to the coding language, python, including common packages for data analysis, graphing, and statistical testing. Students will complete a course in Codecademy while applying their new skills to real-world biology data during class. Students will need to purchase a Codecademy subscription for $150 (no textbooks required).

Faculty-directed student teaching or outreach. Requires permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Field experience in academia, selected industries, or agencies. Department permission and supervision is required. Students may receive a grade of IP (In-Progress) until the completion of their internship. Course is graded P/NP.

This course examines the principles of innate and adaptive immunity including conserved pathogen recognition systems, generation of antigen receptors through somatic recombination, clonal selection of T and B lymphocytes, and immunological disorders such as immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, allergy, and transplant rejection. Three hours of lecture per week.

This course provides an introduction to endocrinology, covering the physiologic effects of hormones in health and disease. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe: (1) the structure and function of hormones; (2) the signaling pathways of hormones; (3) the regulatory mechanisms of hormones; and (4) the consequences of disruption of normal levels of hormones. Three hours of lecture per week.

Topics in biology, including medicine, ecology, animal behavior, biochemistry, genetics and evolution. One hour of discussion per week.

This course examines the mechanisms that underlie physiological changes following acute and chronic exercise and other forms of stress. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Counts for BIO Capstone. Fee: $25

Kinesiology and Functional Human Anatomy integrate the neuromotor and anatomical systems responsible for human movement. Students will analyze movements, and determine specific muscles responsible for movements and associated joint actions along with neural control mechanisms. Students will contrast movements to determine their appropriateness for specific and common goals in sport, rehabilitation, therapeutic, and recreational exercise.

Algorithmic and analysis techniques for biological data such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and gene expression. Topics include molecular biology, alignment and searching algorithms, sequence evolution algorithms, genetic trees, and analysis of microarray data. This course is interdisciplinary and assumes programming skills.

Course will examine anatomy and physiology of the nervous system with a particular focus on neurons as well as the electrical and chemical signaling used in neural communication. Three hours of lecture per week.

This course will use scientific investigation to explore current topics in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Students will further their understanding of ecological issues through independent projects. Counts for BIO Capstone. Fee: $25

This course uses current techniques in immunology including cell culture, microscopy, ELISA, and flow cytometry to explore the structure, function, and interactions of cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Three hours of lab per week. Fee: $130

This course is designed for students serving as Learning Assistants (LA) interested in the science of teaching & learning in STEM. This course integrates learning theory, pedagogy, content, and practice through conceptual development, collaborative learning with practical issues in facilitating learning, engaging in formative assessment, and responsive teaching.  May be repeated two times.

Faculty-directed student research. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. Instructor permission required. May be repeated for credit. Course is graded A-F. Fee: $70

Intensive field experience in academia, selected industries or agencies. Department permission and supervision is required. Students may receive an IP (In-Progress) grade until completion of their internship. Course is graded A-F.

Preparation of a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results from research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate. With preapproval may count for BIO Capstone.