From the Department of Biology:
Summer 2026 Quarter Offerings – Open to nonmajors at this time
BIOL 126 – Introduction to Conservation Biology (5 cr)
This is an online asynchronous class taught by Dr. Berry Brosi that will explore concepts in biological diversity; threats to biological diversity; approaches to reversing those threats; and critique of conservation interventions in the cultural context of colonialism
BIOL 350 – Foundations of Physiology (4 cr)– Requires BIOL 220
One of our in demand foundation classes that acts as a prerequisite for many of our upper division classes. With a heavy emphasis on primary literature, this course will delve into an analysis of basic principles of animal and plant physiology, with emphasis on cellular processes that mediate organismic processes.
BIOL 354 – Foundations of Evolution (5 cr) - Requires BIOL 180
Another of our foundations classes, 354 explores evolutionary topics and emphasizes patterns, processes, and consequences of evolutionary change. Using primary scientific literature, the class assists in integrating evolutionary principles with your knowledge from other disciplines to address real-world problems in areas such as medicine, ecology, physiology, and conservation
BIOL 421 - Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology of Animals (5 cr) -Requires a foundation class or a high 180 grade
This is a lab class that will explores the role of physiology in the ecology and evolution of animals. A special emphasis on how physiology influences responses to environmental change will be a major focus of the class.
BIOL 496A – Special Field Topics Techniques in Plant Evolution and Development Lab (4 cr) Highly suggested BIOL 220
This course serves as an introduction to research techniques in plant evolution and development, where students will conduct a project as part of a course-based undergraduate research experience. During lecture sessions, students will discuss primary literature to analyze different methods of studying evolution and development in plants. This will then be applied in lab sessions, where students will collaborate to conduct a variety of imaging, including stereomicroscopy, compound microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, to describe and compare the development of a plant innovation among different lineages. By the end of the course, students will assemble a portfolio including a research report and a research poster about their project.
BIOL 497A – Special Topics ENTOMOLOGY FOR NON-ENTOMOLOGISTS (3 cr)
This course will have no pre-reqs. This special topics course will look at advanced concepts of insects from an approachable perspective. It will prepare you for learning ecological and evolutionary concepts while advancing the knowledge you have in those fields. Over the course of the summer, students will examine the anatomy, morphology, life histories, reproduction, habitats, range and diversity of insects, and later in the quarter will also begin to explore areas of insects in ecology, evolution and forensics.