LIFE BIOLOGY
Hybrid Courses at CSU Spur & Fort Collins

Introductory biology on YOUR schedule.
A program designed for all learners by our learners.

This program grows and evolves with our students; share how this program would work best for YOU today at https://forms.gle/LPA49r67xrXBwuxRA.

CSU’s new hybrid LIFE Biology courses afford learners in different life-stages and from all walks of life to learn about biology and its applicability to our world around us - to LIFE. This program is entirely unique because it was built from the ground-up by student input, ensuring it will always work for our students.

Presently, our program entails online, self-paced lectures that are provided through multiple mediums (3D model interaction, videos, readings, etc…), so students can choose to learn through a style fit for them. Unlike other online programs, we do not sacrifice comradery, collaboration, nor hands-on experiences for the sake of online convenience. Our online educational platform is equipped with opportunities for students to learn and engage with others in their cohort in a safe, accessible, virtual space. Additionally, once per month, students have the opportunity to complete laboratory activities and experiments with their cohort in-person at CSU’s innovative, state-of-the-art Spur campus (residential CSU students can also complete this in Fort Collins if they sign up for the "801" section of our courses!).

REGISTER TODAY

** If you reside closer to FORT COLLINS: Please register for the 801 section of our courses

** If you reside closer to DENVER: Please register for the 720 section of our courses

https://www.online.colostate.edu/courses/LIFE/LIFE102.dot

https://www.online.colostate.edu/courses/LIFE/LIFE103.dot

COMPARING OUR PROGRAM

OTHER ONLINE PROGRAMS

Require costly textbooks
Unaccommodating for different learning styles
Inflexible schedule

No hands-on laboratory experience

Minimal engagement with your peers

Require weekly 3-hour labs
Large class sizes, making it difficult to connect with professors

OUR PROGRAM

✔ No textbook required

✔ A wide range of learning mediums offered, including interactive 3D models, readings, videos, and activities

✔ Students are given multi-week periods to complete each unit of material at their own pace. For students that prefer more structure, “recommended” due dates are included throughout the course as well

✔ Hands-on laboratories offered 4 (FOUR) times throughout the semester at CSU Spur’s state-of-the-art facility (or at CSU Fort Collins, if a residential student)

✔ Peers are provided a virtual meeting place in a simulated reality platform, where they can watch lecture videos as well as discuss and work on class content together. Students also meet in-person 4 times per semester to complete labs together.

✔ Labs only occur 4 times throughout the entire semester to accommodate different schedules and busy lifestyles

✔ This program is limited to only 24 students, ensuring all students will always have dedicated one-on-one attention from their instructors.

Meet Your Instructors

Our instructors are trained to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all students in both virtual and in-person settings, and are dedicated to the fulfillment and success of their students.

Instructor and Executive Program Coordinator

Team Lead for LIFE 102: Attributes of Living Systems

Zoë D'Agostino, PSM, KPA CTP

Hello there! My name is Zoë D’Agostino, and I am the primary instructor for LIFE 102 Biology. I have worked in biological education for over 5 years, and I have been a part of the CSU Ramily for just over 3 years now, having gotten my professional science master's in natural sciences at CSU. I have worked as an educator to students of all ages and life stages, but the position that always remains near and dear to my heart is teaching LIFE 102 biology.

My teaching philosophy is built upon six key pillars of success:

Equal Opportunity
Peaceful, Positive Culture
Carefully Planned Routines & Procedures
Consistency
Clear Communication
Celebration

I enjoy having the wonderful opportunity to watch students from all backgrounds begin their journey in the biological sciences, work through the curriculum, and see where it takes them long-term. Whether that be on to a career in science, a degree in finance, pursuing art, or anything in between, I find that most students exit this course as a more well-rounded individual, one that is able to better understand the world around them in their everyday lives, and watching that journey is simply a joy.

Instructor and Executive Program Coordinator

Team Lead for LIFE 103: Biology of Organisms

Peyton Haifley, PSM

Hello! My name is Peyton Haifley, and I am the lead instructor for LIFE 103 Biology.

I have been teaching a little over 5 years and have been a part of the CSU Ramily for 7 years now, having gotten my B.S. in Zoology and a P.S.M. in Natural Sciences at CSU.

When teaching, I love using active learning and storytelling to engage students in content, which I believe is hugely important if you wish to remember this stuff outside of the classroom.

When I am not teaching, I am involved in conservation research (ask me about lead poisoning in birds of prey or multispecies relationships in the Serengeti), attempting to be a food/beverage connoisseur, training for a marathon, or playing fetch with my border collie mix, Pax.