Steven K. Schmidt is a professor of microbial ecology and biogeochemistry with a special interest in life in high-elevation and Polar ecosystems throughout the world. His lab studies how global change, especially global warming, is impacting high-altitude and high-latitude ecosystems. Projects examining glacial retreat (and other disturbances such as forest fires and herbicide applications) are ongoing in Colorado, Peru, Antarctica, Argentina, Nepal, Chile, Brazil, and Svalbard in the high Arctic.
EBIO 3400 - Microbiology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Surveys distinguishing characteristics of microorganisms based on structural-functional relationships, taxonomy, growth and physical-chemical agents of control including antibiotics, metabolism and genetics. Introduces applied microbiology emphasizing infectious diseases, basic concepts of immunology and microbial ecology. Uses animals and/or animal tissues. Recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1230 and EBIO 1240 (minimum grade C-).
EBIO 4800 - Critical Thinking in Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2025
Lect. and discussion. Explores controversial issues, historical themes, or emerging developments in biology. Consult the EBIO Undergraduate Advising Center for current listings. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: minimum of 14 hours of EBIO course work. Same as EBIO 5800.
EBIO 4990 - EBIO Honors Thesis Research
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
To be taken during the final academic year prior to graduation. Consists of the final phase of honors research and thesis preparation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Recommended prerequisites: minimum 3.3 GPA and a declared EBIO major and approval by departmental Honors program.
EBIO 5800 - Critical Thinking in Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2025
Lect. and discussion. Explores controversial issues, historical themes, or emerging developments in biology. Consult the EBIO Undergraduate Advising Center for current listings. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: minimum of 14 hours of EBIO course work. Same as EBIO 4800.
EBIO 6940 - Master's Candidate for Degree
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree. Instructor consent required.
EBIO 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours. Instructor consent required.
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20.
