Undergrad Students – Department of Biology

Welcome to the Biology Undergraduate Program!

We offer three Bachelor of Science Degree Programs. Our students may major in Biological Science, Biological Science with a concentration in Botany, or Zoology. Undergraduate minors in Botany and Zoology are also offered:

Biological Science

Major in Biological Science

Biological Science Major and Electives Checklist: Effective Fall 2023

This curriculum provides a broad background in the basic biological sciences, and permits students to select courses in areas of particular interest. The major is especially useful in meeting the pre-professional requirements in the biosciences. Students desiring this preparation should also check the appropriate pre-professional requirements.

The major is also useful for meeting the broad teaching endorsement requirements for secondary teachers of biological science. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of the CSU General Course Catalog. Course work in this major may prepare students for graduate work in areas of basic biology or in one of several areas of applied biological sciences. In addition to basic required course work, students have the opportunity to complete a minimum of 18 credits from a broad list of upper division electives. At least 9 of these credits must be “BZ” courses.

To be qualified for graduation, students in the biological science major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in each of their biological, physical science, and mathematical courses used to meet requirements for the major. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Biological Science with Botany Concentration

Major in Biological Science Botany Concentration

Botany Concentration Checklist: Effective Fall 2023

This curriculum serves both those students who are stopping with a Bachelor of Science degree and those going on to advanced studies. A general introduction to plant life is followed by an emphasis in terrestrial, vascular plant studies. Other emphases are recognized, so students are encouraged to propose course patterns different from the listed program. Students with a broad interest in biology and a liberal education should consider this major for departmental affiliation.

Students are prepared for positions with government agencies, industry, and business. Students desiring to be licensed to teach in junior and senior high schools must complete teaching endorsement requirements in biology. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of CSU General Course Catalog.

To be qualified for graduation, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Minor in Botany

The Department of Biology offers a minor in botany to provide interested students with maximum breadth and depth in botanical science utilizing a limited number of requirements. The program also serves to broaden the academic background of students seeking employment in the interdisciplinary job market associated with the plant sciences.

Botany Minor Checklist

Zoology

Major in Zoology

Zoology Major and Electives Checklist: Effective Fall 2023

This curriculum provides a general education and develops competence in the biological sciences. Students prepare to work in various areas of animal biology or to begin graduate or professional studies. It is an appropriate major for students planning to attend medical or veterinary school.

The major provides a core program with general training in animal biology and the opportunity to take courses in the following areas: animal behavior, aquatic biology, ecology, genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/molecular biology and physiology, systematics and morphology, or vertebrate organisms. Students desiring to be licensed to teach in junior and senior high schools must complete teaching endorsement requirements in biology. See the Teacher Licensure section and the Teaching Endorsement Area Requirements in the School of Education, College of Applied Human Sciences section of the CSU General Course Catalog. To be qualified for graduation, students in the zoology major must have a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in each of their biological, physical science, and mathematical courses used to meet requirements for the major. This applies to courses taken as substitutions for meeting these requirements. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for graduation is 2.00 computed only for courses attempted at Colorado State.

Minor in Zoology

The minor in zoology is a useful complement to a major in animal science, botany, fishery biology, geology, natural resource recreation and tourism, or wildlife biology.

Zoology Minor Checklist

Minors

Minor in Botany

Botany Minor Checklist

Minor in Zoology

The minor in zoology is a useful complement to a major in animal science, botany, fishery biology, geology, natural resource recreation and tourism, or wildlife biology.

Zoology Minor Checklist

Interested in adding a Botany or Zoology Minor?

Fill out this form!

Add a Botany or Zoology Minor

Biology Courses

Spring 2026

Spring Course Flyers

Featured Courses

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

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 – Biogeographic 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 various 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 environment 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 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.

BZ480A4 – Service Dog Training for on Campus Work

Want to make a real impact while learning unique skills? This course prepares you to train service dogs for public access and campus environments. You’ll explore the differences between service, therapy, and emotional support animals, and learn how to assess and support a dog’s emotional wellbeing. This hands-on course gives you practical experience and communication skills that set you apart. If you have a dog and want to dive into a rewarding field, add this to your schedule!

BZ480A8 – Biotech for the Industry-Curious

Explore biotech careers while learning applied biological innovations and how they were made. This course combines marketable skills with real-world biotech concepts to help you navigate the industry successfully.

BZ541 – Hemp Biology (online)

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

Fall Course Flyers

Featured Courses

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

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!

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.

BZ200 – 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.

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.

Summer 2025

Summer Course Flyers

Featured Courses

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems

BZ311 – Developmental Biology

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

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.

BZ223 – Plant Identification

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.

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.