The New Introductory Biology Core at UNM

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, tour of cell structures and functions, membrane structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, and the cell cycle. 3 lectures, 1 discussion section. Co-requisite: Chemistry 121L or 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: Bio 201, Chem 121L or Chem 131L. Corequisite: Chem 122L or Chem 132L. {Fall, Spring}
203L. Ecology and Evolution. (4)
Darwinian principles, origin of the earth, the fossil record and diversification of ancient life, evolution of populations, 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: Bio 201 and 202, Chem 121L and 122L or Chem 131L and 132L. Corequisite Math 162 or 180. {Fall, Spring}
204L. Plant and Animal Form and Function. (4)
Plant structure and growth, transport in plants, plant nutrition, plant reproduction and development, control systems in plants, introduction to animal systems, animal nutrition, circulation and gas exchange, immune systems, control of the internal environment, chemical signals in animals, reproduction, development, nervous systems, and sensory and motor mechanisms. 3 lectures and 3 hrs. lab. Prerequisites: Bio 201 and 202, Chem 121L and 122L or Chem 131L and 132L. {Fall, Spring}
Some Frequently Asked Questions about the new Biology Core:
  1. When will the new courses be taught?

We will introduce the four courses in sequence starting with Bio 201 during Spring, 2004. Thereafter, one new core course will be introduced each semester:

Offered during:

/ Bio 201 / Bio 202 / Bio 203L / Bio 204L
Spring, 2004 / Yes / No / No / No
Fall, 2004 / Yes / Yes / No / No
Spring, 2005 / Yes / Yes / Yes / No
Fall, 2005 / Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes
Commencing in Fall, 2005 all four courses will be taught during both Fall and Spring semesters.
  1. How does the new curriculum compare with the old curriculum?

  1. The new courses – Bio 201, 202, 203L and 204L – will be required of Biology majors, instead of Bio 121L, 122L, 219, and 221.

  1. Bio 201 and 202 have required discussion sections while Bio 203L and 204L have required laboratory sections.

  1. Supporting courses in chemistry and math must be started earlier in the new sequence. E.g., Chemistry 121L is a co-requisite for Bio 201, and Math 180 or 162 is a co-requisite for Bio 203.

  1. The total number of hours for the major (37 in Biology for a B.S.) remains the same.

  1. The four introductory courses are prerequisites for all upper division courses, just as the current four introductory courses are prerequisites for all upper division courses.

  1. 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 taken – or plan to take – some or all of the old core sequence prior to Fall, 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: