MENU

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

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

Main Office Contact Information: Aug 10 – Dec 11 | Monday – Friday | Staff available 7:30am – 4:30pm | Doors open 8:30am – 4:00pm
Email: CNS-Bio_Info@colostate.edu | Phone: 970-491-7011

ASC Extended Office Hours: Aug 24 – Sept 4 | Monday – Friday| 9:00am – 11:00am

ASC Office Hours: Aug 24 – Dec 11 | Monday – Friday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Dolphins, Discovery & Global Conservation
CSU Biology students explore marine science and dolphin physiology in Roatán, Honduras—where hands-on research meets international impact.
Learn More in The Collegian
Apply Today

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

CSU Biology fall office hours flyer with a clean green-and-white design and science-themed graphics. The layout emphasizes updated contact and advising information for the main office, with a large schedule panel on the right and a prominent advising section on the left to help students quickly identify when to visit or call during the fall semester.

Advising Office Hours

Promotional advising flyer with a calming blue background and a stack of balanced stones, using a zen-like visual to suggest support, stability, and approachability. The design highlights that Biology Department Academic Success Center staff are available for student questions and emphasizes both extended early-semester drop-in hours and regular advising availability, making the flyer useful for helping students find academic support during the start of the term.

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

Fall 2026

  • A colorful flyer showcasing Colorado State University's Fall Session 2026 Biology Courses. The left panel features QR codes for scheduling an appointment with an Academic Success Coordinator and accessing the Office of the Registrar for course information. The right panel lists a wide variety of biology courses, including foundational classes like Principles of Plant Biology and Cell Biology, specialized topics such as Molecular Genetics and Parasitology, and unique offerings like Biology & Behavior of Cats and Study Abroad: Practices in Marine Biology & Ecology. The background features a vibrant autumn scene of the CSU campus, with trees in full fall colors and students walking along the pathways. A note reminds students to verify course offerings on RamWeb.
  • A vibrant flyer promoting CSU's BZ111 Animal Biology Lab course for Fall 2026. The design features striking images of diverse animal species, including a green snake, parrot, llama, jellyfish, frog, jaguar, and meerkat, emphasizing the course's focus on studying the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecological roles of animals. The flyer highlights hands-on laboratory exercises and opportunities to explore major animal phyla, making it ideal for students interested in zoology, ecology, or veterinary science. Contact information for the instructor, Alpana Damle, is provided, along with course details such as credit hours and scheduling. The purple and green color scheme adds a dynamic and engaging visual appeal.
  • A vibrant flyer for CSU's BZ120: Principles of Plant Biology course offered in Fall 2026. The flyer highlights key details, including in-person and online options, credit hours, and CRNs. It features a "What You'll Learn" section, emphasizing plant relationships, structures, ecosystem roles, and adaptations. The design includes photos of students engaging in hands-on activities, such as examining plants under a microscope and working with plant samples, alongside images of colorful flowers, purple columbines, and a botanical alpine theme. Instructor contact information and class locations are also provided in a clean and organized layout.
  • A vibrant flyer promoting BZ192: First Year Seminar, a 1-credit course offered in Fall 2026 for students in the Biological Sciences, Zoology, or Botany majors. The flyer highlights the course's focus on exploring careers in biology and zoology, navigating the curriculum, and connecting with faculty and research opportunities. The design features photos of students engaging in hands-on activities, including examining specimens, conducting lab experiments, and using scientific tools. The flyer provides course details, including Section 006, CRN 79077, and meeting time (Tuesdays, 2–2:50 PM in BIO 136), along with contact information for the instructor, Erik Arthun. The background includes a purple and orange geometric design with biology-themed accents.

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.

BZ111 – Animal Biology Lab

Explore the fascinating world of animal biology through hands-on lab exercises that examine anatomy, physiology, behavior, and evolutionary adaptations across diverse species. Perfect for students passionate about zoology, ecology, and veterinary science!

BZ120 – Principles of Plant Biology

Gain insight into the world of plants and uncover their unique relationships, structures, and adaptations that make life on Earth possible. This course combines hands-on labs and engaging lectures to explore how plants thrive, evolve, and shape ecosystems. This course is perfect for anyone curious about the science behind the natural world!

BZ192 – First Year Seminar

Kickstart your journey in biology or zoology with this 1-credit seminar designed to help you explore career paths, connect with faculty, and navigate your major successfully. Gain the tools and resources you need to achieve your academic and professional goals!

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!

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.

Spring 2027 - Coming Soon!

Course Snapshots

Check back for more details.

Summer 2027 - Coming Soon!

Course Snapshots

Check back for more details.

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 flyer for Colorado State University’s study abroad program titled “Field Biology and Behavior of Primates in Madagascar.” The flyer features two images: the top left shows a lemur clinging to a tree in a forest, and the bottom left shows students conducting nighttime field research with headlamps in a dense forest. The right side contains program details on a yellow background, including highlights like observing lemurs in the wild, studying rainforest biology, and visiting Ranomafana National Park. Text lists locations (Madagascar, cities such as Maki and Anstsarabe), summer term, course requirement (BZ482), and contact information for program leader Jennie Willis. A QR code and link for more information appear at the bottom. Logos for Colorado State University’s College of Natural Sciences, Biology Department, and International Programs are displayed along the top and bottom.
  • 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: December 15th
Dolphin Behavior & Physiology in Honduras: Winter & Summer Break – APPLY
  • Winter
    • Priority Deadline: May 1st
    • Final Deadline: September 15th
  • Summer
    • Priority Deadline: December 1st
    • Final Deadline: February 1st
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: February 1st
First Year Seminar Abroad: Biology in Australia: August – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: April 1st
  • Final Deadline: May 4th
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

Support + Resources

Advising
Faculty + Staff
Dates + Deadlines
Alumni + Friends
Contact Us
Accessibility Statement
Accessibility by Design

News

Trading places: Sue James, Melinda Smith swap roles in leadership transition

Sue James and Melinda Smith have spent years advancing Colorado State University through parallel leadership roles. Now, in a rare “trading places” transition within the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, these longtime friends are proving that stepping into each other’s shoes is the best way to move the institution forward.

Read more

Legacy lives on through moss donation

Holmes Rolston III, University Distinguished Professor and professor Emeritus in the Department of Philosophy at Colorado State University, is widely known as a founding father of environmental ethics as a formal study, but in his personal life he was known as a man with a deep interest in moss. Over the course of his life, Rolston collected approximately 2,000 moss specimens, which upon his passing, have been donated to the Charles Maurer Herbarium at Colorado State University.

Read more

Jan. 21 is National Squirrel Day: Learn fun facts about our favorite critters

In honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day on Jan. 21, two CSU squirrel experts shared some fun facts based on their research.

Read more

Ecovoltaics: How solar panels benefit Colorado grasslands and achieve state energy goals

As a grassland ecologist, Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Alan Knapp is interested in how the study of ecovoltaics can not only help Colorado achieve its renewable energy goals but also improve the conditions of its grasslands.

Read more
More Department News
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter X

Calendar

Features

Seminars

Find Us

Surprises from the Archaea: New Paradigms for Survival in the Extremes
By Dr. Thomas Santagelo
9/1/26 at 4:00PM in Biology 136
All Seminars

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Colorado State University
Biology Building, Room 111

1878 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523

Telephone: 970-491-7011
Fax: 970-491-0649
Email: CNS-Bio_Info@colostate.edu