Introductory Biology Core

As of Spring, 2004, the Biology Department at UNM is introducing a new introductory sequence of four courses that will be required of all biology majors.  This new Biology Core will consist of a sequence of four courses:

201. Molecular and Cell Biology.  (4)

The scientific method,  the role of water in cell biology, carbon and molecular diversity, macromolecules, introduction to metabolism, a tour of cell structures and functions, membrane structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, and the cell cycle. 3 lectures, 1 discussion section. Pre- or co-requisite: Chemistry 121L or 131L. Note that Math 121 is a prerequisite for Chem 121L and Chem 131L. {Fall, Spring}

202. Genetics.  (4)

Mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, chromosomes and inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, genes to proteins, genetic models (viruses and bacteria), eukaryotic genomes, genetic basis of development, and overview of genomes. 3 lectures, 1 discussion section. Prerequisites: Biol 201, Chem 121L or Chem 131L. Pre- or co-requisite: Chem 122L or Chem 132L. {Fall, Spring}

203L. Ecology and Evolution.  (4)

Darwinian principles, the origin of the earth, the fossil record and diversification of ancient life, evolution of populations, the origin of species, phylogenetics, introduction to ecology and the biosphere, behavioral ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. 3 lectures, 3 hrs. lab. Lab material includes a survey of the diversity of life. Prerequisites: Biol 201 and 202, Chem 121L and 122L or Chem 131L and 132L. Pre- or co-requisite Math 162 or 180. {Fall, Spring}

204L.  Plant and Animal Form and Function.  (4)

Introduction to plant systems, including: structure, growth, transport, nutrition, reproduction, development, and control systems. Introduction to animal systems, including: nutrition, circulation, reproduction, development, and, immune, control and nervous systems. 3  lectures and 3 hrs. lab. Prerequisites: Biol 201 and 202, Chem 121L, 122L or 131L, 132L. Pre- or co-requisite: Biol 203L. Co-requisite: Math 180 or 162. {Fall, Spring}

A Frequently Asked Question about the new Biology Core:

What if I have already completed part of the old curriculum (121, 122, 219, 221)?  Do I have to retake the new core sequence?

Not necessarily.  If you’ve already completed – or plan to complete – some or all of the old core sequence (121L, 122L, 219, 221) by the end of Spring 2005, you may not have to take all four of the courses in the new core sequence. 

To determine which of the new core courses you’ll need take, select “YES” or “NO” below, and you’ll be taken to a dichotomous key that will provide you with information about which of the new core courses you need to take: