A study of life phenomena with focus on macromolecules, cells, inheritance, and the structure and function of bacteria and plants. Lecture and laboratory. This course is not meant for Biology majors. Fall/Spring.

Fundamentals of growth and development of plants with special reference to the history and social influence of cultivated plants. Designed for the non-science major. Lecture and laboratory. Spring.

A survey of principles and problems in conservation, the historical and ecological backgrounds to these, and how they have impacted public and private stewardship of natural resources. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Spring.

This introductory course for biology majors focuses on four core areas: cells, genes, evolution, and ecology. The course will relate these core areas to students' lives and clarify the process of science. Fall/Spring.

A course of variable content on issues not covered in other courses in the department. The course may be taken more than once as long as the content is different. Not for biology majors.

A field ecology course examining the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms including the physical environment, species interaction, evolutionary adaptations and behavioral strategies. Lecture and laboratory.

A lab-oriented study of sub-cellular phenomena with emphasis on current techniques necessary for understanding nucleic acids, proteins, and their regulatory roles in living systems. Lecture and laboratory combined.

This is a summer course designed to provide students with first-hand experience of vertebrate paleontological field work in eastern Montana in July. Students will learn about sedimentation, fossils, taphonomy, erosional and depositional processes, quarrying, making field jackets, collecting stratigraphic and quarry data, microvertebrate site collection, screenwashing, how to use a GPS, and other practical tools of the trade. Summer.

A study of Mendel's concepts of particulate inheritance, recent advances regarding the physical nature of the hereditary material, and genetic variation in populations. The genetic basis of biological individuality is explored, with emphasis on the molecular basis of genetic variation. Lecture and lab.

In this course students will learn about the roles of plant products as drugs to treat disease and modify human physiology. Students will gain insight into the culture and biological implications of plant medicines in ancient and modern societies, and achieve an understanding of the changing roles of traditional drugs in an era of scientific medical practice. As herbal treatments to myriad conditions proliferate, students will develop the skills to assess scientifically the potential effects of plant products on human health.

The scientific study of plants with a focus on how the structure and function of plants enable these organisms to respond dynamically to a wide variety of environments. Lecture and laboratory.

A study of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of lakes and streams. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips.

An examination of the interactions of organisms with their environment, specifically responses to various environmental stimuli. The physiology, development, evolution and adaptive nature of behaviors, including human behavior, will be addressed. Lecture, lab.

Examination of structure as it relates to the organization of tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Includes a study of human structure and its functional adaptation to changing environments. Lecture and lab.

A systemic approach to the study of human physiology. Includes the fundamental regulatory mechanisms associated with homeostatic functions of major body systems. Lecture and laboratory.

A study of the structure, function, life cycles, economic impact, and taxonomic classification and identification of arthropods, with an emphasis on insects. Lecture, laboratory, field trips, and insect collection. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips.

A study of structural, functional, and phylogenetic relationships among the chordates, particularly the vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to microorganisms and how microbes interact with their environment, with emphasis on microbial-human interactions. A variety of techniques used in research and clinical microbiology laboratories will be utilized.

A survey of symbiotic relationships in humankind and animals, with emphasis on animal parasites causing harm, and evaluation of humankind's efforts throughout history at combating parasites.

Intensive lecture and laboratory study of a specific area in biology. This course may be taken more than once as long as the content is different.

An introduction to the techniques necessary to design and carry out original research in biology. Students will focus on the proper use of statistics in analyzing results and how to model an experimental system.

This course provides the student with an understanding and an appreciation of the development and the structural/functional organization of the central nervous system. The architecture of the nervous system is examined with a special emphasis on sensory and motor modalities, functions, and disorders across a variety of species. Students participate in dissection exercises with nervous system tissue.

Students are expected to use the techniques mastered in the Experimental Design course to write and successfully present research results to a broad audience. The course culminates in a completed Senior Thesis.

An examination of the relationships between organisms in their environments stressing quantitative methods of data collection and analysis and a more thorough examination of the theoretical basis of ecology. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips.

An introduction to the immune system and mechanism of defense in the human body with emphasis on antigen-antibody reactions, roles of immunoglobulins, cellular immunity, allergic reactions, and autoimmune diseases. Lecture and laboratory.

A study of the development from egg and sperm to mature adult of representative organisms. Original scientific literature will be a focal point for the exploration of how a single cell develops into a complex multicellular organism. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to the principles and practices of cloning and analyzing genes with an emphasis on applications and hands-on experience. Lecture and laboratory.

A student can conduct an independent study in a topic of interest in biology. It is understood that this course will not duplicate any other course regularly offered in the curriculum, and that the student will work in this course as independently as the instructor believes possible.

Work on a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Students may enroll for credit more than once, but may not count more than 4 credits toward the major.