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Department of Biology Resources + Information: biology.colostate.edu/resources-guidelines/

Events, Dates, + Deadlines: biology.colostate.edu/dates-deadlines/

Main Office Contact Information: Monday – Friday | 7:30am – 4:30pm | CNS-Bio_Info@colostate.edu | 970-491-7011

Fall 2025 Office Hours: August 11th – December 12th | Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:00pm

Fall 2025 ASC Drop In Hours: August 25th – December 12th | Monday – Friday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Welcome to the

Department of Biology at Colorado State University

Our internationally-recognized research and education programs focus on organisms, diving into mechanistic detail about how they work, or stepping back to consider how they interact with each other and with their environment.  From cells to the biosphere, we make discoveries about fundamental questions in Biology, and we use this new knowledge to make the world a better place.  CSU Biology is a place where everyone is welcome to indulge their curiosity about the living world.

About Biology
Employment
Seminars
Future Students

Office Hours

Flyer for Colorado State University Biology Department Fall 2025 office hours. Features CSU in autumn, CSU ram logo, and contact info for Biology Main Office (Room 111, 970-491-7011). Drop-in advising available Monday–Friday, 1–3 PM. Office open August 11–December 12, with hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.

Student Highlights

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life of Biology Student An-Ping Yu

NatGeo's “Science Fair: The Series”

Marissa Martinez’s stay-curious energy earned her a feature in @natgeotv’s new show, “Science Fair: The Series,” and propelled her all the way to the International Science and Engineering Fair, securing her a full-ride scholarship through the @boettcherfdn to study biology right here at @CSUNaturalSciences 📚🥼

Catch #ScienceFairTheSeries on @hulu and @disneyplus, out now 📺 👀

The trailer | The story | The feature

Marissa Martinez - NatGeo's "Science Fair: The Series"

SOURCE Articles

“Biology graduate student promotes importance of self in lab”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Mel Morado

Photo of Mel Morado in a Colorado State sweatshirt sitting in the lounge in the Biology building

“Recognizing and addressing oppression in the sciences”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Marina Rodriguez, Amir Alayoubi, and Beth Wittmann

From left to right, photo of Marina Rodriguez, Amir Alayoubi, and Beth Wittmann posing for a photo in a lab

“Q&A with Boettcher Scholar and International Science and Engineering Fair participant”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Marissa Martinez

Photo of Marissa Martinez standing beside her poster "A Habitat Assessment Protocol to Determine Suitability for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Occupancy in the Northern Rio Grande Watershed"

“Amphibian Week Highlights Critical Conservation Research at CSU”

by Elizabeth Rylance, featuring grad student, Katherine Stroh, & Biology professors, Chris Funk, and Rachel Mueller

Field researchers collecting amphibian samples near Sprague Lake in a tall grassy meadow with pine and fir trees surrounding

Program Highlights

The Biology Teaching Collections

The Department of Biology houses the Biology Teaching Collections. The program maintains a large collection of specimens that we use in our classes. There are over 13,000 specimens, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, representatives of most invertebrate groups, and plants of all kinds. This collection has been an important part of instruction for the past century and is being reorganized to help better serve this purpose through volunteers.

Interested in volunteering or seeing the collections? Contact Tanya Dewey (tdewey@rams.colostate.edu) or Jennifer Brady (jbrady94@rams.colostate.edu) for more information on getting involved. This program showcases the amazing volunteers, graduate students and professors who are part of keeping this collection thriving. Joining as a volunteer includes learning what we do to keep this place running while also discussing what the collections are all about.

Engage with the Biology Teaching Collections

Watch this video to learn more about our Teaching Collections!

Video Credits

Music: Summer Somewhere In Cuba | Artist: Cumbia Deli | Videography: CSU Natural Sciences | YouTube: col.st/Ywk5i

Course Highlights

Spring 2026

  • Promotional flyer for Colorado State University's Spring Session 2026 Biology Courses. The background is green with a blurred floral image. The CSU logo appears in the top left corner alongside the title "CSU Spring Session 2026 Biology Courses*". Two QR codes are included with text encouraging students to schedule an appointment with their Academic Success Coordinator and visit the Office of the Registrar. A note at the bottom advises students to check RAMweb for updated course offerings. The flyer lists various biology courses.
  • Colorado State University Biology Department flyer promoting BZ192: First Year Seminar for Spring 2026. The flyer features three images of students engaged in biology activities: examining specimens in a lab, collaborating at a table with laptops and notes, and holding a small animal. Text highlights course details: “BZ192 First Year Seminar, Spring 2026, 1 Credit, Section 002, CRN 25279, Tuesdays 1–1:50 PM, BIO 133.” The course description explains that the seminar introduces careers in biology and zoology, provides resources for success in the BZ major, and helps navigate the Biological Sciences/Zoology curriculum. Instructor information: Erik Arthun, email Erik.Arthun@colostate.edu. Design uses purple and orange tones with geometric patterns and the CSU Biology logo at the top.
  • Flyer for CSU course “LIFE 320: Ecology,” Spring 2026, 3 credits. Examines ecological systems, population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem processes using models and quantitative approaches. Two sections: T/Th 8:00–9:15 AM (Nutrien 140) and MWF 2:00–2:50 PM (Biology 136).
  • Flyer for CSU course “BZ240 Synthetic Biology,” Spring 2026, 3 credits, prerequisite LIFE 102. Description highlights convergence of biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering to understand life processes and ethical issues. Topics include gene drives, engineered materials, genome editing (CRISPR), extinction reversal, cancer therapies, and ethics. Class meets T/Th 2:00–3:15 PM, Yates 206. Contact: Dr. Chad Ternes.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University course BZ311 “Developmental Biology.” Background shows molecular structures in blue and purple tones. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 4 credits, in-person, BHSCI 131, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:00–8:50 AM. Instructor: Michael Shavlik, Michael.Shavlik@colostate.edu. Description highlights cellular and molecular mechanisms of animal and plant development, including fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis, and stem cells, with lab projects on embryo manipulation.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University course BZ320 titled “Biogeographic Approaches to Conservation.” The background features a colorful satellite image of Earth with geographic outlines and data overlays. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 3 credits, in-person, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 12:00–12:50 PM, Micro A108. Instructor contact: Tanya Dewey, Tanya.Dewey@colostate.edu, Biology 404. Description explains the course covers conservation biogeography, phylogeographic approaches, ecological niche modeling, and geospatial analysis.
  • Flyer for BZ390: Biology of Sex at Colorado State University, offered Spring 2026. The flyer includes course details such as meeting times (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–3:15 pm in Yates 208), prerequisites (BZ220 Evolution), and credit hours (3). It features a course description focused on the biology of sex through evolutionary, physiological, and behavioral perspectives. Contact information for Dr. Kathryn Wilsterman (kwilist@rams.colostate.edu) is provided. The background is dark blue with colorful prismatic light streaks.
  • Course flyer for "BZ401: Comparative Animal Physiology" at Colorado State University, Spring 2026. Shows a bird in flight against a blue sky. Lists prerequisites (BZ220), schedule (Tues/Thurs 11:00 AM–12:15 PM in Behavioral Sciences 103), and instructors (Dr. Kathryn Wilsterman and Dr. Cory Williams). Describes course focus on physiological mechanisms in vertebrates and invertebrates including digestion, metabolism, and respiration.
  • Course flyer for "BZ414: Vertebrate Climate Change Responses" at Colorado State University, Spring 2026. Features polar bears on an icy landscape. Includes course details such as prerequisites (BZ110, BZ111, LIFE 102, LIFE 103, or sophomore standing), schedule (Tues/Thurs 4:00–5:15 PM in Yates 206), and instructor contact (Dr. Cory Williams). Highlights topics like climate change effects on polar bears, bird migration, and mammalian hibernation.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University course BZ415 “Marine Biology.” Background shows icy ocean scenery with marine life photos on the right, including a dolphin, coral reef, seal, and penguin. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 4 credits, prerequisite Ecology, in-person, BSB107, lecture Tuesday/Thursday 2:00–3:15 PM, recitation Thursday 3:20–4:10 PM. Instructor: Shane Kanatous, Shane.Kanatous@colostate.edu. Description highlights integration of marine organisms from microscopic to large scale, their environments, and the importance of marine ecosystems to life on Earth.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University courses BZ424/520 titled “Principles of Systematic Science and Advanced Systematics.” Background shows a circular phylogenetic tree diagram with green tones and hexagonal patterns. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 3 credits, prerequisite BZ220, in-person, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:00–8:50 AM, A/Z E112. Instructor contact: Tanya Dewey, Tanya.Dewey@colostate.edu. Description highlights systematic science, phylogenetic tree building, evolutionary relationships, and use of GenBank data.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University course BZ440 titled “Plant Physiology.” Background features a close-up of a green leaf and a small plant sprouting from soil. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 3 credits, prerequisite general biology or equivalent, in-person, Biology 136, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 10:00–10:50 AM. Instructor contact: Salah Abdel-Ghany, Salah.Abdel-Ghany@colostate.edu. Description explains plant physiological processes, crop yield improvement, and responses to environmental stress.
  • Promotional graphic for Colorado State University course BZ441 titled “Plant Physiology Lab.” Background includes green plant leaves and a bright natural setting. Text includes course details: Spring 2026, 2 credits, prerequisite/corequisite BZ440, in-person, Biology 128, Thursday lab 1:00–2:40 PM, recitation 3:00–3:50 PM. Instructor contact: Salah Abdel-Ghany, Salah.Abdel-Ghany@colostate.edu. Description covers lab activities on photosynthesis, water relations, crop biotechnology, hydroponics, and genetic engineering.
  • Flyer for CSU online course “BZ479 Biology & Behavior of Dogs,” Spring 2026, 3 credits. Focus on physiology, development, genetics, and behavior of domestic dogs, including evolution, domestication, and selective breeding. Asynchronous format, Jan–May. Instructor: Dr. Jennie Willis.
  • Flyer for Colorado State University online course “BZ541 Hemp Biology,” offered Spring 2026. Includes course description about cannabis plant biology and interpreting scientific literature. Topics listed: evolution and uses of cannabis, plant anatomy, propagation, medical cannabis, endocannabinoid system, genetics, breeding, pests, and sustainability. Instructor: Amanda Broz. QR code for registration.
  • Promotional graphic for a Colorado State University Biology course titled “BZ692A.003: The Distracted Student and What to Do About It.” The design features a modern classroom setting with desks and laptops, overlaid with green and white panels highlighting course information. The layout includes a section labeled “What You’ll Learn” with a course description and details about expectations, audience, and format. The CSU Biology logo appears at the bottom, and the overall design uses a clean, professional style with green accents and subtle background imagery of a classroom environment.

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ192 – First Year Seminar

Embark on an exciting journey into the life sciences with this dynamic course, it’s your chance to explore biology and zoology like never before! Connect with passionate faculty mentors, dive into research opportunities, and uncover the pathways that will shape your academic and professional future.

BZ220 – Introduction to Evolution

Learn how to communicate science to your friends, family, and the wider society in ways that make it feel exciting and important.

BZ240 – Synthetic Biology – Principles & Applications

Where science meets innovation. Ready to explore the future of biology? Dive into the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology, where engineering meets life itself. From gene drives and de-extinction to programmable cells and climate-resilient corals, this course tackles the science behind tomorrow’s breakthroughs—plus the ethical questions we must ask today.

BZ311 – Developmental Biology

The details of life are important. Join us in developmental biology, where we discuss how organisms form.

BZ320 – Biographic Approaches to Conservation

This is an opportunity to learn about the dynamic field of conservation biogeography!

BZ390 – Biology of Sex

What is sex and how do we know? Explore the evolutionary, genetic, and behavioral foundations of biological sex across the animal kingdom—and beyond. Challenge your understanding in this thought-provoking journey from chromosomes to courtship.

BZ401 – Comparative Animal Physiology

How do animals work? What allows whales to dive deep, or birds to fly high? Learn about animal extremes and how their physiology shapes what they can do!

BZ414 – Vertebrate Climate Change Responses

This course is designed to help students understand the impacts of climate change on our planet’s animals.

BZ415 – Marine Biology

This course explores marine life from the microscopic single cell organisms to the largest whales and describes how they are all connected.

BZ424/520 – Principles of Advanced Systematics / Advanced Systematics

Students interested in developing and evaluating phylogenetic hypotheses and the many real-world applications of systematic science should consider this course, which allows them to develop research skills relevant to evolutionary biology.

BZ440 – Plant Physiology

Who is this course for?

  • Students who are interested in understanding carious facets of plant functions at cellular, organellar, and whole plant level during its life time.
  • Students who also want to learn various physiological aspects at the molecular level and how these processes regulate the plants’ response to changing environments conditions which in turn influences their growth and productivity.
  • The main target groups are upper-division undergraduate students with backgrounds/career interests in Biology, Horticulture, Soil and Crop Science, Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and related areas. Graduate students conducting research in similar fields are also welcome.
  • Those students who want to pursue plant research related jobs in the private sector, federal and state institutions are encouraged to enroll as this course fulfils their basic requirements.
BZ479 – Biology and Behavior of Dogs (online)

Decode the science behind your best friend! Ever wondered why dogs do what they do? This fully online, asynchronous course dives into the fascinating world of canine behavior through the lens of physiology, genetics, development, and evolution. Explore how domestication and selective breeding shape the minds and instincts of our furry companions—and their wild canid cousins.

BZ541 – Hemp Biology (online)

Explore the science behind cannabis. Curious about the biology of one of the world’s most versatile plants? This asynchronous online course dives deep into the science of cannabis—from its evolution and anatomy to cannabinoid production and medical applications. Learn how genetics, horticulture, and sustainability shape the future of hemp and cannabis research.

BZ692A.003 – The Distracted Student and What to Do About It

In this course, you’ll explore proven strategies to capture attention, foster curiosity, and build a sense of community, skills that translate directly into better teaching and learning outcomes. If you’re preparing for a career in academia or want to strengthen your teaching toolkit, this course offers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Fall 2025

  • Promotional graphic for Fall 2025 Biology courses at Colorado State University. Features a colorful, modern design with icons representing various biological fields such as genetics, ecology, and physiology. Encourages students to explore upcoming course offerings in the biology department.
  • Flyer for BZ220: Introduction to Evolution, a 3-credit Fall 2025 course at Colorado State University. Lists prerequisites in biology and math. Describes course goals including understanding evolutionary mechanisms, speciation, biodiversity, and phylogenies. Offers both online and in-person sections with instructors Zach Grochau-Wright and Jennifer Neuwald. Background includes illustrations of birds and plants.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ478: Biology and Behavior of Cats, an online course at Colorado State University. Features a stylized illustration of a domestic cat with visual elements suggesting genetics, neurobiology, and behavior. Highlights the course’s focus on how physiology, neurobiology, and evolution influence feline behavior.
  • A promotional flyer for a course titled "Recognizing and Addressing Oppression in the Sciences" offered by the Biology Department at Colorado State University. The course is available as BZ492A.003 (CRN: 77161) and BZ692A.003 (CRN: 73890), scheduled for Fall 2025, worth 2 credits, and meets Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:50 PM. The flyer includes illustrations of scientific tools, animals, and diverse human faces. The text invites students to move beyond surface-level equity and inclusion conversations by critically examining the history and systems of science that perpetuate harm.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ544: Effective Scientific Presentations, a course at Colorado State University. Features a clean layout with bold text, a microphone icon, and visual elements suggesting communication and professionalism. Designed to attract students interested in improving their science communication skills.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ572: Phytoremediation, a Spring 2025 course presentation at Colorado State University. Features a clean, academic layout with plant imagery and environmental science motifs, emphasizing the course’s focus on using plants to clean up environmental contaminants.

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ220 – Introduction to Evolution

NEW Online! Learn how to communicate science to your friends, family, and the wider society in ways that make it feel exciting and important.

BZ223 – Plant Identification

With the ecological and environmental issues we are facing as a society, plant Identification skills are more important than ever. Learn how to identify flowering plants in a way that will serve you no matter where you live/work in the future!

BZ300 – Animal Behavior

For anyone interested in understanding how and why animals do what they do!

BZ492 and BZ692 – Recognizing and Addressing Oppression in the Sciences

Go beyond surface level conversations about equity and inclusion in the sciences by taking a critical lens to science history and critiquing the systems that perpetuate harm.

BZ544 – Effective Scientific Presentations

Learn how to communicate science to your friends, family, and the wider society in ways that make it feel exciting and important.

BZ572 – Phytoremediation

Our planet faces numerous environmental risks stemming from industrial development, including mining, gas emissions, chemical fertilizers, pesticide applications, and municipal waste generation. The accumulation of these contaminants in soil, water, and air harms plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Various strategies, such as chemical-based, physicochemical, and biological methods, have been employed to remediate these pollutants. Among these, the biological methods, especially phytoremediation, are the most accepted strategy because they are energy efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. It is important to understand the sources of different pollutants and how we can reduce their accumulation at both the generation and decontamination levels. In this course, we will cover the different types of pollutants and their sources, the various strategies to remediate them, and the pros and cons of each approach with emphasis on bioremediation. This limited seats, 3-credit course will provide each student with the opportunity to practice searching databases, preparing reports or reviews, creating presentations, presenting to a group, and participating in scientific discussions in addition to acquiring knowledge about the course subject. Graduate and undergraduate students from biology, horticulture, soil and crop science, forestry, ecology, chemistry, and engineering will benefit from this course.

Summer 2025

  • Promotional graphic for Summer 2025 Biology courses at Colorado State University. Features a colorful design with icons representing various biological disciplines, such as DNA, plants, and animals. Highlights course offerings and encourages students to explore summer learning opportunities in biology.
  • Promotional flyer for LIFE 102: Attributes of Living Systems at Colorado State University. The background shows a laboratory with shelves of glass bottles and scientific equipment. Text includes a course description highlighting topics such as chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. The flyer notes the course is 4 credits, offered Summer 2025, and available online or in-person in Yates 203 at various times. Contact listed is Erik Arthun (Erik.Arthun@colostate.edu). CSU Biology branding appears at the top.
  • Promotional flyer for LIFE 103: Biology of Organisms, Summer 2025 at Colorado State University. The flyer features a photo of a small rodent on the left and green foliage on the right. Text includes a course description highlighting the diversity of organisms and its role as a prerequisite for upper-division biology courses. Details note the lecture is held in Yates 206 and lab in Yates 207, with lecture times Monday through Thursday from 8:45 AM to 11:25 AM, and lab on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Instructor is Tanya Dewey (tdewey@rams.colostate.edu). The course runs from May 19 to June 15 and is worth 4 credits (CRN: 45227).
  • Flyer for BZ 214 Vertebrates, a 4-credit Summer 2025 course at Colorado State University. Features a frog on the left and a bighorn sheep on the right. Describes course content on vertebrate evolution and anatomy, including dissection labs. Lists lecture and lab times, locations, and instructors Shane Kanatous and Mel Morado.
  • Course advertisement for BZ 223: Plant Identification at Colorado State University. The background features a close-up of green leaves. Text includes 'Summer 2025,' '3 Credits,' and 'Prerequisites: BZ120 or LIFE103.' The course description emphasizes learning to identify and understand relationships among flowering plants, highlighting the relevance of these skills in addressing ecological and environmental challenges. Additional details note the course is online and asynchronous, offered during the 1st and 3rd 4-week sessions. Contact listed is Erica Sokoloski (ericasm@colostate.edu). CSU Biology logo appears in the bottom left corner.
  • Promotional slide for BZ311: Developmental Biology, Summer 2025 session at Colorado State University. The slide features a tech lab stylized background with test tubs and molecular bonds. The course title, instructor name (Dr. Michael Shavlik), and session details, are listed with a clean, academic design in blues, purples, and white.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ333: Mycology, a Summer 2025 course at Colorado State University. Features imagery of mushrooms and fungal structures, emphasizing the study of fungi. Includes CSU branding and course details, highlighting topics in fungal biology, ecology, and identification.
  • Promotional flyer for BZ339 Section 001: Field Methods in Grassland Ecosystem Ecology, offered Summer 2025 at Colorado State University. The flyer features images of students conducting fieldwork, a prairie dog, and solar panels in a grassland setting. The course runs from May 19 to June 23, is in-person, and worth 3 credits. Prerequisites include BZ120 or LIFE103 and LIFE320. The flyer describes hands-on training in grassland ecosystem research, including weekly site visits with CSU biologists, experimental design, and field methodologies. Contact information is provided for instructors Galen Burrell, Adriana Jacobi, Anna Hall, and Kyle Ruskowski.
  • Promotional flyer for BZ339 Section 002: Methods in Habitat and Species Diversity Assessment, offered Summer 2025 by Colorado State University. The flyer features photos of students conducting fieldwork, such as examining plants and taking notes outdoors. The course runs from July 14 to August 10, is in-person, and worth 3 credits. Prerequisites include LIFE 102 or 103 and BZ 110/111 or 120. The flyer describes hands-on training in ecological field methods, including plant identification, wildlife monitoring, data analysis in R, and scientific reporting. Contact information is provided for instructors Hannah Horowitz, Julianna Mendez, Rose Parham, and Kat Stroh.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ340: Mammalogy, a Summer 2025 course at Colorado State University. Features imagery of mammal foot prints, a photo of students from the class working in the filed with a prairie dog, and a map of Colorado as the background, with visual elements representing wildlife and biological study. Highlights course content focused on the biology, ecology, and diversity of mammals. Includes CSU branding and course details.
  • Promotional flyer for BZ 350: Molecular & General Genetics, Summer 2025 at Colorado State University. The design features a stylized DNA helix intertwined with tree branches and roots, symbolizing genetic inheritance. The flyer includes a course description emphasizing the study of biological inheritance, from population-level statistics to molecular mechanisms. The course is 4 credits, offered online and asynchronously, and runs for 8 weeks. Prerequisites are BZ110, BZ120, LIFE 102, and STAT 201. Instructor is Dr. Liz Harp (Elizabeth.Harp@colostate.edu), with CRN 49148.
  • Promotional graphic for BZ479: Biology and Behavior of Dogs, a Summer 2025 course at Colorado State University. Features an images of dogs and visual elements related to canine science. Highlights the course’s focus on the biological and behavioral aspects of domestic dogs. Includes CSU branding and course details.

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ223 – Plant Identification

With the ecological and environmental issues we are facing as a society, plant Identification skills are more important than ever. Learn how to identify flowering plants in a way that will serve you no matter where you live/work in the future!

BZ311 – Developmental Biology

The details of life are important. Join us in developmental biology, where we discuss how organisms form.

BZ339 Section 001 – Field Methods in Grassland Ecosystem Ecology

Develop field skills used in research on challenges facing grassland ecosystems in this intensive summer course. You will come away with perspectives on the structure of research and the process of collecting data in the field.

BZ339 Section 002 – Methods in Habitat and Species Diversity Assessment

This course will explore the diverse field methods of assessing habitat types and species diversity by combining classroom learning and practical applications of field research in the great outdoors. Students will apply these techniques at designated field sites in and around Fort Collins, where they will evaluate habitat characteristics and the associated flora and fauna. Additionally, students will develop their own research proposals, drawing from their field experiences to design meaningful ecological studies. This course offers a rigorous yet engaging introduction to the many ways scientists observe and conduct research on animals and plants in their natural environments.

BZ350-801 – Molecular & General Genetics

Because this course is online and asynchronous, it is a great option for students who have a summer job or internship and can’t take an in person class.

Education Abroad

  • Cover graphic for Education Abroad Recommended Programs from Colorado State University. Features a collage of international landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural imagery, representing global study opportunities. Includes CSU branding and a title banner promoting study abroad experiences.
  • Promotional graphic for a Kenya Study Abroad program offered by Colorado State University. Features a scenic photo of African wildlife and landscapes, with text highlighting the opportunity for students to study ecology and conservation in Kenya. Includes university branding and program details.
  • Promotional graphic for an Education Abroad program in Honduras offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of tropical landscapes and marine life, highlighting opportunities for students to study ecology, conservation, and biodiversity in Honduras. Includes university branding and program details.
  • A group of people stands outdoors in front of a mountainous landscape. The image is part of a promotional flyer for a Colorado State University study abroad program titled "Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Biodiversity in Ecuador." The flyer includes program details such as the location (Quito, Tandayapa, and Tiputini in Ecuador), term (Winter), course requirement (BZ 449A - 4 credits), and program leader (Tanya Dewey). A QR code is included for more information.
  • Promotional graphic for a Study Abroad program in Madagascar offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of Madagascar’s unique wildlife and lush landscapes, highlighting opportunities to study biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. Includes CSU branding and program details.
  • Promotional graphic for a First-Year Seminar Abroad program in Australia offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of Australian wildlife and landscapes, highlighting opportunities for students to study biology in an international setting. Includes university branding and program details.
  • Promotional graphic for an Education Abroad program in Mexico offered by Colorado State University. Features imagery of coastal and desert landscapes, highlighting opportunities for students to study marine biology, ecology, and conservation. Includes university branding and program details.

Our Education Abroad programs are as diverse as they are enticing! Check out our programs and learn more about these incredible opportunities here: CSU | Education Abroad | Recommended CNS Programs Abroad

Learn more about CSU’s Education Abroad Programs here: CSU | Education Abroad

Speak with an advisor to see if these programs are right for you!: CSU | Biology | Advising

Application Deadlines

Behavior and Biology of African Mammals in Kenya: Summer Break – APPLY
  • Early Deadline: December 1st
  • Final Deadline: February 15th
Dolphin Behavior & Physiology in Honduras: Winter & Summer Break – APPLY
  • Winter 2025
    • Priority Deadline: May 1st
    • Final Deadline: September 15th
  • Summer 2025
    • Priority Deadline: December 1st
    • Final Deadline: March 30th
Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation of Biodiversity in Ecuador: Winter Break – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: May 1st
  • Final Deadline: September 15th
Field Biology & Behavior of Primates in Madagascar: Summer Break – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: December 1st
  • Final Deadline: March 23rd
First Year Seminar Abroad: Biology in Australia: August – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: April 15th
  • Final Deadline: May 6th
Marine Biology in Mexico: Fall Break – APPLY
  • Early Deadline: March 1st
  • Final Deadline: April 15th
Course Syllabi

Class Highlights

Field Mammalogy (BZ 340)

Field Mammalogy (BZ 340)

Mammalogy (BZ 330)

  • A student holding a taxidermy squirrel on a Styrofoam board
  • A student sitting at a lab bench working on small mammal taxidermy
  • Two students standing by some small mammal taxidermy specimens in the Teaching Collections lab.

A successful specimen prep day! These ground squirrels are ready to be used for instruction in BZ330: Mammalogy. Keep an eye out for these specimens in our teaching collection.

Learn more about specimen prep here: YouTube | Museum Prep 101

Warning: The linked video explains the process of preparing museum specimens. The content may be considered graphic by some.

Behavior and Biology of African Mammals

“Pursuing new educational frontiers” – by Allie Ruckman, Elements

A brand-new course in the Department of Biology, Behavior and Biology of African Mammals, brought 16 students to Kenya summer 2023 to practice fieldwork and observational skills in an environment very unlike that of Northern Colorado.

  • Photo of students on the Kenya study abroad trip featuring a giraffe with them
  • Study abroad students in an offroad vehicle in Kenya
  • Group photo of the study abroad students with instructor Jennie Willis (bottom right) from the summer 2024 Kenya trip
  • Students on the study abroad trip to Kenya in offroad vehicles taking field notes and using binoculars
  • Students in a bramble hut on the Kenya study abroad trip
  • Students and locals gathered in a circle amongst scraggly bushes beneath a cloud spattered blue sky in Kenya
  • Silhouette of a tree in Kenya
  • Giraffe in brush
  • Zebra on an outcropping of rock beneath a partly cloudy blue sky
  • Students gathered in a Kenyan forest listening to a guide

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News

Biology department hosting Halloween events Friday, Oct. 31

The Department of Biology is hosting some eerie events on Friday, Oct. 31, in honor of Halloween.

Read more

Research shows how Dust Bowl-type drought causes unprecedented productivity loss

A global research effort led by Colorado State University shows that extreme, prolonged drought conditions in grasslands and shrublands would greatly limit the long-term health of crucial ecosystems that cover nearly half the planet.

Read more

Q&A: Doctoral student Wittmann helps biology faculty make materials accessible

Beth Wittmann, a doctoral student and graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Biology, has worn many hats.

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By studying yellow warbler, researchers hope to better understand response to rapid climate change in wild species

Paper links historic data and genetics to better understand modern response to climate change.

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Picturing Climate Change: How Visual Literacy Shapes Climate Change Literacy
By Elizabeth Diaz-Clark
12/12/25 at 9:00 AM in NR345
Melinda Smith, CSU Department of Biology
By Melinda Smith
1/27/26 at 4:00pm in Biology 136
Cori Cahoon, CSU, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
By Cori Cahoon
2/17/26 at 4:00pm in Biology 136
Anireddy Reddy, CSU Department of Biology
By Anireddy Reddy
3/3/26 at 4:00pm in Biology 136
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