Department of Biological Sciences Records

Biology has been taught at the University of Denver since its inception, in the early years being offered as majors in Botany and Zoology. In 1942, a reorganization of the university moved the biological science majors into the Division (later Department) of Biological Sciences, under the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 1968, when Ronald Cowden was named chairman of the Division of Biological Sciences, the programs shifted from a “pre-war” perspective to a more hands on perspective focusing on cellular, molecular, and developmental approaches to biology. In fact, by 1970 the Division moved away from the antiquated organization of biological sciences into Botany and Zoology, to a united major in Biology.

During the 1970s, the single-major Division began to expand for more focused studies as a Department. In 1975, a major in Environmental Sciences was established. In 1978, this was complemented by a major in Animal Technology, in partnership with the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. This allowed for more clinical applications for the maintenance and care of laboratory animals. After financial limitations at the university stunted further growth, the Department finally offered a major in Molecular Biology in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry in 1986.

By 2001, the Department had refined the existing programs through advancements in technology and practice. At this time, the Department was also offering a major in Integrated Sciences, which supported students’ interests in a multidisciplinary approach to the natural sciences. Currently, the Department of Biological Sciences hosts four undergraduate majors in Biology, Molecular Biology, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Integrated Sciences. It now also hosts a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience in partnership with the university’s psychology program. The department is now currently housed in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.