View real-time listing of classes and sections offered.
NOTE: Individual course fees are subject to change. See your account summary in myUVU for accurate charges.
Introduces major themes and concepts of biology including cell and molecular biology, genetics, diversity, evolution, and ecology. Provides students with necessary information and skills to critically evaluate what they hear, read, and see in the living world; communicate clearly; and apply methods to interpret data for making informed decisions concerning the role of biology in a world of which they are a part. May be delivered online.
Covers fundamental topics of bioinformatics including bioinformatics databases, sequence and structure alignment, and protein structure prediction. Uses current examples to introduce an overview of methodologies and applications sufficient to introduce students to the field of bioinformatics.
Covers introductory topics in general biology. Complements the student's experience in the General Biology 1010 course with emphasis on the application of the scientific method. Includes actual student experiences with living organisms, use of the microscope, and an introduction to techniques used in the study of life. Course lab fee of $13 for supplies applies.
Introduces major themes and concepts of biology including cell and molecular biology, genetics, diversity, evolution, and ecology. Provides students with necessary information and skills to critically evaluate what they hear, read, and see in the living world; communicate clearly; and apply methods to interpret data for making informed decisions concerning the role of biology in a world of which they are a part. Requires a term paper, project, or presentation.
Introduces genetics for non-majors. Addresses patterns of inheritance from generation to generation (with an emphasis on human heredity), DNA structure and function as well as other aspects of molecular genetics and reproductive technologies.
Studies prehistoric life. Uses the concepts of biology and physical science. Studies major groups of ancient animals and plants as found in the rock record. Includes aspects and fundamental concepts of biology, ecology, and geology.
For students with special interests in Anthropology or the Life Sciences. Studies fossils and living primates, primate biology and behavior. Surveys humanoid fossils. Investigates human evolution and variations of basic biology as it pertains to human development. Stresses the importance of the distribution and diversity of humankind.
Gives a broad exposure to many aspects of the life sciences. Covers topics of biochemistry, energetics, cell structure and function, genetics, and evolution. BIOL 1615 is recommended, but not required for pre-nursing or pre-dental hygiene majors.
Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1610. Topics covered include scientific method, biomolecules, cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, Mendelian and molecular genetics, DNA technology, and evolution. Course Lab fee of $24 applies.
Provides the second semester material in the two semester introductory course designed for biology majors. Covers the evolution of life, the relationships between major taxa, anatomy and physiology of these major taxa, and interactions between living organisms and their environments. Discusses major current issues in the biological field.
Laboratory course to accompany BIOL 1620. Topics covered include animal biology and diversity and plant biology and diversity. Course Lab fee of $30 for lab, transportation applies.
For students interested in the natural world. Explores a wide variety of topics in science, including geology, botany, astronomy, zoology, ecology, and archeology. Consists of a minimum of a four-day field trip. Participants should gain an increased understanding of several fields of scientific study. May be repeated as many times as desired for interest, however a maximum of 3 credits may count toward graduation.
For students interested in the natural world. Promotes an in-depth look at a wide variety of topics in science, including geology, botany, astronomy, zoology, ecology, and archeology. Consists of 15 hours of lecture plus an appropriate field trip. Participants should gain an interdisciplinary understanding of science and nature. May be repeated for up to six credits toward graduation.
Integrates the teaching of geological and biological systems of the southwestern deserts. Discusses the ecology and geology of unique desert ecosystems; the rocks and strata providing the foundation of the landscape; the evolutionary and geological processes that mold the landscape and the species within it over time; and, the relationships between the physical and biological aspects of the ecosystem, including humans. Provides an intense, hands-on field course where faculty and students participate together in daily activities in a natural setting. Is held for part of the time on the UVU main campus and part of the time at the Capitol Reef Field Station. Requires students to live and learn at the field station for approximately 1/3 of the course.
Acquaints students with the principles of environmental systems, including biogeochemical cycles, energy transformations, biotic and abiotic interactions, natural resources and their management. Discusses the interactions of ecological principles and humanity's technology relative to the world today and factors that influence the quality of life.
Explores and examines special topics relating to the field of Biology. Emphasizes areas of rapid growth in Biology or current importance to society. May be repeated for a total of six credits toward graduation.
Provides individual studies in biology under the direction of a faculty mentor. May include literature reviews, original research, and participation in ongoing departmental projects. Introduces students to the methodology of life science research. Requires written and oral communication of scientific information. May be repeated for up to 4 credits toward graduation.
Integrates the geological and biological systems of the southwestern deserts. Includes discussion of the ecology and geology of unique desert ecosystems; the rocks and strata providing the foundation of the landscape; the evolutionary and geological processes that mold the landscape and the species within it over time; and, the relationships between the physical and biological aspects of the ecosystem, including humans. Provides an intense, hands-on field course where faculty and students participate together in daily activities and experimental design in a natural setting. Is held part of the time on the UVU main campus and part of the time at the Capitol Reef Field Station. Requires students to live and learn at the field station for approximately 1/3 of the course.
Introduces computational methods for analyzing and visualizing common biological data types, focusing on developing computational skills and best practices for working with biological data. Provides instruction in command-line computing and appropriate software environments to enable robust and reproducible analyses of varied data sets.
Introduces basic data skills for bioinformatics students with a focus on genetic sequence data, command-line usage, and pipeline development. Develops competence in interacting with a remote high-performance computing environment and installing, parsing, and linking novel bioinformatics tools. Applies the principles of project organization and reproducibility to create an analysis pipeline.
Provides an authentic research experience that is structured in a way that the class will move through the stages of research at the same time throughout the semester. Covers selected essential components and skills of conducting research including laboratory techniques, experimental design, hypothesis testing, and communication of findings. Focused for biology majors with little to no research experience. Course fee of $15 for materials applies.
Examines the principles of Developmental Biology with emphasis on the specialization of cells and their organization into body plans. Is recommended for Biology Majors interested in developmental processes. May be delivered online.
For Biology majors or those desiring more knowledge of this subject. Studies the cell as an organism emphasizing molecular basis of cell structure and functions.
Uses laboratory exercises to demonstrate topics covered in BIOL 3400. Includes experimental methods for studying cell processes, enzymes, tissue specific proteins, organelles, and experimental design. Course Lab fee of $100 applies.
For Biology majors. Studies the genetic basis of life and the mechanisms by which information to make life is stored in the DNA. Presents classical, molecular, and population genetics in the background of current techniques and understanding of genetic processes. Provides an understanding of the basic principles of genetics and preparation for more advanced courses in other aspects of biology. Canvas CourseMat $103/Macmillan applies
Provides experience with genetic analysis of one or more model organisms. Examines recent advances in genetic analysis, how those advances impact medicine and society, and how genetics is increasingly influenced by Genomic and Bioinformatic methods. Includes examination of new technologies and their practical and ethical implications. Provides hands-on experience using bioinformatic tools in identification of gene structure and annotation of genomes.
Examines structure, organization, replication, and expression of genomes. Explores the methods used for study of genome structure and function, including nucleotide and protein extractions, separations, and characterizations. Compares sequence data of genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes. Examines primary literature in the field.
Introduces principles of the chemical processes that define living organisms. Covers structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Explores metabolic pathways, biosynthesis, enzymatics, thermodynamics, membrane dynamics and related processes within a living cell. Emphasizes molecular mechanisms of reactions and their outcome.
Introduces laboratory techniques in biochemistry. Studies methods and theory behind purification of proteins and nucleic acids including chromatography and electrophoresis. Uses methods in assessing enzyme activity and kinetics and protein structure analysis. Includes analysis and manipulation of DNA and RNA. Course Lab fee of $145 applies.
Is a continuation of CHEM 3600. Teaches in-depth the biochemistry of molecular and cell biology processes. Explores the topics of molecular information flow and signaling. Examines current understanding in biochemical methods and ideas beyond those discussed in Biochem I.
Introduces fundamentals of research in biology, including how to identify a research problem, form testable hypotheses, select appropriate experimental methods, collect data, determine appropriate sample size, establish appropriate controls, conduct experiments, document experiment details and data, tabulate, analyze and interpret data and how to write a research report. Emphasizes research ethics, institutional research guidelines, personal protection, and proper disposal of hazardous chemicals and biologicals. Introduces research opportunities available within and beyond the university community. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits toward graduation.
Introduces the relationships between organisms and their environment, including processes at the individual, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels. Includes specific topics such as adaptation to abiotic factors in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, global climate patterns and biomes, evolution of life histories, reproductive strategies and social behaviors, population distributions and dynamics, species interactions, community structure and succession, energy flow and nutrient cycles in ecosystems, global biodiversity, and the impact of humans on ecological processes.
Laboratory component to General Ecology in which students may acquire skills in the collection, analysis, and presentation of ecological data. Activities include field sampling of plant and animal populations, laboratory experiments and observations, and computer simulations. Emphasizes techniques in data storage and statistical analysis, graphical representation of data, and scientific writing. Course Lab fee of $18 for lab, transportation applies.
Presents scientific principles of conservation biology and associated cultural and ethical issues. Explores the diversity of life on this planet and how that diversity is organized and distributed. Investigates the challenges facing management of our natural resources in order to maintain healthy and productive populations and ecosystems. Course fee of $13 for materials, transportation applies
Introduces students to the study of life in the ocean. Presents basic principles of the geological, chemical, and physical environment of marine systems. Examines the principal groups of marine organisms including microbes, seaweeds, invertebrates, fishes, marine birds, reptiles, and mammals. Surveys the basics of marine ecology and introduces students to the different types of oceanic habitats from the intertidal and surface waters down to the deep sea. May include an optional non-graded field trip (additional cost would apply, for more information contact the instructor).
Explores physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of freshwater systems, including lakes, rivers, and streams. Emphasizes freshwater habitats as ecosystems. Studies human impacts on freshwater, with particular reference to Utah and the West. Emphasizes field experience in collecting and measuring the physiochemical characteristics and different groups of organisms found in freshwater habitats. Includes weekly laboratory. Course Lab fee of $17 for lab, transportation applies.
Offers an in-depth analysis of current ethical issues in biology. Requires extensive reading and an analytical term paper. Presents subjects in lecture and in lab sessions. Concentrates on readings and on analyses of issues and their effects on people. Explores and discusses individual participant paradigms.
Studies analysis of genomic sequences, comparison of genomes of different species to gather information about protein function. Includes hands on learning in bioinformatics and genomics. Uses a combination of computer work and discussions that will allow the student to perform basic gene and protein analysis using web tools.
Introduces genomics as a science and its relationship to bioinformatics. Provides fundamental knowledge and skills to carry out analysis of genes and genomes. Covers computational approaches for interpreting genomic data, including genome sequencing and annotation, gene expression and the transcriptome, functional genomics, metagenomics, and genetic variation and SNPs.
Explores the macromolecules, cells and organs involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Examines the development of lymphocyte repertoire, positive and negative selection of lymphocytes and the production of effector lymphocytes. Studies properties of antigens, vaccines, antigen presenting cells and the mechanisms of antigen presentation. Reviews major immunological methods for medical diagnostics and other applications. Examines causes and consequences of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative diseases and immunodeficiencies. Probes how immune response could be manipulated for cancer therapy and transplantation medicine.
Addresses federal, local and institutional regulations on using vertebrate animals for biomedical research. Teaches and regularly practices aseptic techniques required in handling biohazardous materials including vertebrate tissues. Studies how to collect tissues and blood from vertebrate animals and process the samples for harvesting various types of cells and macromolecules. Presents common immunological techniques such as western blot analysis and ELISA. Covers how to immunize animals using appropriate adjuvant and harvest plasma from immunized animals to isolate immunoglobulin. Examines tissue typing methodologies including PCR techniques. Course Lab fee of $150 applies.
Focuses on the concepts of evolution as a fundamental principle of biology. Emphasizes the mechanisms and explanations of the tremendous diversity of life. Studies classical, molecular and current explanations of evolution in the background of current techniques and understanding of the genetic processes. Examines the principles of evolution and the various aspects of natural selection and speciation.
Focuses on the concepts of evolution as a fundamental principle of biology with emphasis on change at the molecular level. Teaches how natural selection shapes the evolution of genes, gene systems, macromolecules, and organisms. Explores the roles of mutation, natural selection, population size and subdivision, and genetic recombination. Introduces different approaches for testing hypotheses about how molecules evolve by using phylogenetic analysis.
Applies concepts from the previous Bioinformatics sequence of courses to the real world. Allows students to work with faculty members and industry experts to design and complete a project that incorporates various concepts that have been presented in previous Bioinformatics courses. Requires development and/or application of bioinformatic tools and presentation of results.
Allows biology majors to earn credit while obtaining practical and research experience as an intern in a government, nonprofit, private agency, or with an approved employer. Must be supervised by agency representative and faculty advisor. Department chairperson approval required and written contracts must be completed and signed. May be repeated with a maximum of 5 credits counting toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.
Provides guided research studies in biology under the direction of a Biology Department faculty mentor. Includes any combination of literature reviews, original research, and/or participation in ongoing departmental projects. Involves students in the methodology of original biology research. Requires preparation and presentation of oral and/or written reports. May culminate in results that will form the basis of the senior thesis in the major, if thesis option is chosen. May be repeated for 9 credits toward graduation.
Focuses on botany and utilizes the UVU natural history museum herbarium and other online natural history resources. Employs museum-based pedagogical tools and will evaluate, define and practice taxonomic applications in biodiversity research, including how floras, faunas and mycotas have been used by scientists. Uses floristics to assess outputs (dissemination) and impacts as well as assess technology on field data collection, uses, potential, and how might collections be used in the future.
Explores and examines special topics relating to the field of biology. Emphasizes areas of rapid growth in biology or current importance to society. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits toward graduation.
Focuses on professional skills required for students to move forward in their chosen career. Emphasizes writing an effective cover letter, resume and personal statement and communicating effectively in an interview setting. Addresses social media branding for professional settings. Requires students to complete the biology major field test and other department assessments.
Requires students to research scientific literature, give oral presentations, write a research paper, and lead discussions on assigned biology topics in specific areas of current research in biology. May be repeated for up to 4 credits toward graduation.
Requires students to attend lectures presented by department faculty and/or invited speakers. Features lectures that are usually a summary of the speaker's recent research results, presented at a level appropriate for junior and senior biological science majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits toward graduation.
Teaches students to write a thesis based on library research or work performed during laboratory/field research under BIOL 489R. Provides experience in critically analyzing published literature and, if laboratory/field research was performed, comparing research results with the scientific literature. Requires a technically accurate report on one's findings. Includes the opportunity to present the research results to students, faculty and the community at a Department of Biology seminar. May be repeated once for a total of 2 credits toward graduation.
Introduces regulatory affairs as practiced by medical device and biopharma companies in the US. Focuses on United States Federal Drug Administration and International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidances and best practices.
Introduces FDA and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) requirements for the QSR (Quality System Regulation). Focuses on ISO 13485 and related guidances. Specifically covers the regulations and standards which are the basis of the regulated life science industry.
Introduces design control and risk management requirements for medical device and BioPharma companies.
For licensed teachers or teachers seeking to re-certify their biology endorsement from the Utah State Office of Education. Teaches principles of biology and pedagogy of teaching biology for teachers in public or private schools. Emphasizes correlation with the Utah Core Curriculum, the National Science Education Standards, and the Benchmarks of Project 2061. Topics will vary.
Focuses on issues that are current and often changing in regulatory affairs, such as international regulations. Engages students in discussion and lectures with industry experts on cutting-edge issues that impact how medical devices and pharmaceuticals are regulated for compliance and safety. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits toward graduation. May be delivered online.
Applies knowledge learned in the Regulatory Affairs sequence of courses to the real world. Allows students to work with faculty members and industry experts to design and complete a project that incorporates various concepts that have been presented in previous Regulatory Affairs courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits toward graduation.
Allows students to earn credit while obtaining practical and research experience as an intern in a government, nonprofit, private agency, or with an approved employer. Must be supervised by agency representative and faculty advisor. Department chairperson approval required and written contracts must be completed and signed. May be repeated with a maximum of 5 credits counting toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.
