BIOL Courses
Offered by Department of Biology
College of Natural and Social Sciences
- BIOL 103GS - General Biology - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
A study of basic biological principles including the organization and function of living
systems including growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and inheritance. A
laboratory each week. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 104GS - General Botany - 4 hours
- Prereq: 3 years of high school science including biology and
chemistry and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or equivalent or a college science course
or departmental permission
Plant groups, their structure, relationships, economic importance and natural history. A
laboratory each week. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 107GS - General Zoology - 4 hours
- Prereq: 3 years of high school science including biology and
chemistry and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or equivalent or a college science course
or departmental permission
Animal groups, their structure, relationships, economic importance and natural history. A
laboratory each week. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 109GS - Plants and Animals and their Environment - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
Acquaints students with common plants and animals of Nebraska, their natural history and
interactions with each other and the environment. A laboratory science course. Credit not
to be applied to the Biology major or endorsement. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 131 - The Science of Food - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This course includes a study of food from biological, chemical and nutritional
perspectives including the fate of food from the time it leaves the farm to when it
becomes a part of the individual or is used for energy. The course is designed to assist
students in making intelligent decisions about food related to storage, preservation, food
additives, food irradiation, dieting and "health foods."
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- BIOL 209-02 - Opportunities in Biology - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A review of job opportunities in Biology and closely related areas. Credit not to be
applied to Biology major or endorsement. Offered once each year.
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- BIOL 209-03 - Food Fads and Myths - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A discussion of the eating habits of historical and modern man viewed from the context of
studies of digestive physiology and nutritional requirements. Credit not to be applied to
Biology major or endorsement. Offered on demand only.
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- BIOL 209-04 - You and Parasites - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
A discussion of parasites found upon and within people. Credit not to be applied to
Biology major or endorsement. Offered on demand only.
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- BIOL 211GS - Human Microbiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: a college Biology course or sophomore standing or departmental permission
This course is not a preliminary for BIOL 400 Microbiology (only
one microbiology course may count towards the Biology major or minor). Basic microbiology
and immunology with emphasis on health-related topics. Two hour laboratory each week.
Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 215GS - Human Physiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: 3 years of high school science including biology and
chemistry and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or equivalent or a college science course
or departmental permission
The systems of the human body and how they function. Two hours of laboratory each week.
Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 225 - Anatomy and Physiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: CHEM 145 or CHEM
150 or CHEM 160; 3 years
of high school science including biology and a minimum score of 20 on the ACT or
equivalent or a college science course or departmental permission
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the systems of the human body and how they
function including cellular mechanisms and tissues, the skin, the skeletal system, the
muscular system and the nervous system. Two hours of laboratory each week. This course is
primarily intended for students planning to pursue training in one of the Health Programs.
Biology majors would normally complete BIOL 215 Physiology (4
hours) but may complete BOTH BIOL 225 and BIOL
226 (8 hours) to meet the physiology requirement. Offered Fall only.
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- BIOL 226 - Anatomy and Physiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 225 or permission of instructor
A continuation of the study of the systems of the human body including the circulatory
system and its components, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive
system, the urinary system, the endocrine glands and the reproductive system. Two hours of
laboratory each week. Biology majors would normally complete BIOL 215
Physiology (4 hours) but may complete BOTH BIOL 225 and BIOL 226 (8 hours) to meet the physiology requirement. Offered Spring only.
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- BIOL 301 - Introduction to Soils - 4 hours
- Prereq: one course in General Chemistry or permission of instructor
Introduction to soil development, morphology, distribution, chemistry, physics,
classification, use, conservation, biology and pollution. Three hours of laboratory each
week. Offered Fall only.
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- BIOL 307 - Ecology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS, BIOL 107GS and MATH 112GS or equivalent or permission of instructor
Population and community ecology; distribution and dispersal, population growth and
regulation. Interpretation of ecological phenomena in laboratory, field and hypothetical
systems. A laboratory or field exercise each week. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 309 - Cellular Biology - 4 hours
- Prereq: 8 hours of college Biology; CHEM 161*, and CHEM 250*;
or CHEM 361* or permission
Various types of cells, their structure, function and what they contribute to the
functioning of the whole organism. Three hours of laboratory each week. Offered Fall and
Spring.
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- BIOL 315GS - Human Ecology - 3 hours
- Prereq: sophomore standing or permission of instructor
The purpose of this course is to develop environmental awareness by considering the
problems caused by man and his activities. Three hours lecture each week. Credit not to be
applied to Biology major or endorsement. Offered Spring.
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- BIOL 325 - Medical Terminology - 1 hour
- Prereq: a college Biology course or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 215
or BIOL 225 or permission of instructor
This course is designed to assist students in health-related and life science programs to
become familiar with complex terms and their derivation. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 330 - Wildlife Conservation - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS, BIOL 107GS or
permission of instructor
Problems of wildlife conservation, particularly as they apply to Nebraska. Three hours of
laboratory each week. Offered Fall, odd-number years.
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- BIOL 348 - Radioisotope Techniques - 3 hours
- Prereq: a college biology course or one semester of Physics or one semester of Chemistry
or permission of the department
A study of the basic fundamentals of nuclear science as related to radioisotopes and their
uses in biological and medical fields.
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- BIOL 360 - Genetics - 4 hours
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of college Biology or permission
A study of the principles of inheritance both classical and molecular. Laboratory
required. Prior completion of MATH 112 or STAT 241 is recommended. Prior completion or concurrent
enrollment in CHEM 250 or CHEM
360 is also recommended. Offered Fall only.
-
- BIOL 375 - Scientific Communication - 1 hour
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of Biology
Provides the student with the opportunity to learn and become proficient in those
manipulative skills and techniques which are essential and supportive to their role in a
biological profession. Should be taken prior to enrolling in BIOL 420. Offered Fall and
Spring.
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- BIOL 380 - Agronomy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 103GS or BIOL 104GS or
equivalent experience with crop plants
A study of crop production covering such topics as environmental requirements, soil,
cultural practices, growth and development, water relations and economics. Offered Spring
only.
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- BIOL 400/800P - Microbiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of Biology or departmental permission
This course is not a continuation of BIOL 211 Human Microbiology
(only one microbiology course, BIOL 211 or BIOL
400, may count toward the Biology major or minor). An introduction to bacteria,
viruses, rickettsias, and immunology; laboratory techniques stressed. Two 2 hour
laboratory periods each week. Prior completion or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 309 is also recommended. Offered Fall and Spring.
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- BIOL 401/801P - Principles of Immunology - 4 hours
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of Biology or permission of instructor
Topics to be covered include: 1) the structural and functional aspects of the immune
system, 2) disorders of the immune system, 3) structure and function of antibody
molecules, 4) immuno-biology of tissue transplants, 5) basic aspects of cancer and cancer
therapy that relate to immunology, 6) allergies, and 7) antigen-antibody interaction.
Laboratory required. Offered Fall only.
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- BIOL 403/803P - Plant Physiology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS, one year of Chemistry or permission of
instructor
Life processes of plants. Three hours of laboratory each week. Offered Spring, odd-numbered years.
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- BIOL 404 - Developmental Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS, BIOL 107GS or
equivalent, and one year of Chemistry or permission of instructor
Principles of developmental processes with emphasis on the physiological and biochemical
events occurring during the growth and maturation of living organisms. Three hours of
laboratory each week. Offered every 3 or 4 semesters (check posted tentative course
offerings schedule in the Biology Department)
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- BIOL 405/805P - Range and Wildlife Management - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 307* or BIOL
418* or BIOL 419*
Basic principles of range and pasture management for use by domestic livestock and
wildlife will be taught. Course includes 3 hours of field or laboratory work each week.
Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 406/806P - Plant Ecology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS or permission of instructor
Plants in relation to their environment. Three hours of laboratory or field work each
week. Offered every third Summer or on demand.
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- BIOL 407/807P - Limnology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 103GS or BIOL 104GS and BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
Characteristics of inland waters, the forces and processes which mold and maintain the
integrity of these waters, and the interrelationships between the physical factors and the
organism inhabiting the environment. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week.
Offered Fall, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 408/808P - Environmental Modeling - 3 hours
- Prereq: at least 12 hours of BIOL including BIOL 307* (Ecology) and basic computer skills or permission of instructor
The formulation, development, use and testing of models describing environmental
phenomena. Simulation and prediction models are designed and tested using computer and
non-computer techniques as to obtain realistic explanations of biological problems.
Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 416/816P - Plant Diversity and Evolution - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS or permission of instructor
Morphology of each group of the plant kingdom. Three hours of laboratory each week.
Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 417/817P - Mycology - 4 hours
- Prereq: at least 12 hours in BIOL including BIOL 103GS or BIOL 104GS; CHEM 161*,
STAT 241 or permission of instructor
A study of the fungi including taxonomy, growth, morphology, development, reproduction and
economic importance. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered on demand.
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- BIOL 417L - MYCOLOGY LAB - 1 hour
- Prereq: Prereq requested from department
Take concurrently with BIOL 417.
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- BIOL 418/818P - Plant Taxonomy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS or permission of instructor
Classification and identification of vascular plants with emphasis on the prairies and
plains. A family concept approach is utilized. Three hours of laboratory or field work
each week. Fall only.
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- BIOL 419/819P - Taxonomy of Grasses - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104GS or permission of instructor
Identification and study of distribution of grasses with emphasis on the prairies and
plains. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered on demand.
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- BIOL 420 - Biology Research - 1-5 hours
- Prereq: at least 16 hours of biology including BIOL 375* and specific Biology courses necessary for the problem undertaken,
permission of instructor
Independent investigation of a biological problem, including a scientific write-up of the
investigation and the results. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week for each
hour of credit. Two hours credit required for a major or endorsement. Offered Fall and
Spring.
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- BIOL 430/830P - Special Topics in Biology - 1-6 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Topics are studied which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department.
The format of this course will vary depending on the topic, instructor and the needs of
students.
| 430.01/830.01 |
Topics in Botany |
1-3 hours |
| 430.02/830.02 |
Topics in Fresh Water Biology |
1-3 hours |
| 430.03/830.03 |
Topics in Vertebrate Biology |
1-3 hours |
| 430.04/830.04 |
Topics in Invertebrate Biology |
1-3 hours |
| 430.05/830.05 |
Topics in Nebraska Flora |
1-3 hours |
| 430.06/830.06 |
Topics in Nebraska Fauna |
1-3 hours |
| 430.07/830.07 |
Topics in Physiology |
1-3 hours |
| 430.08/830.08 |
Topics in Geographic Information Systems |
1-3 hours |
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- BIOL 435/835P - Vertebrate Natural History - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
Introduction to vertebrate animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals. Ecological and evolutionary aspects will be emphasized. Three hour laboratory or
field trip per week. Offered Fall, odd-numbered years.
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- BIOL 440/840P - General Virology - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 211* or BIOL
400*; BIOL 450* and BIOL 401* or permission
A survey of vertebrate, plant, insect and bacterial virus families with emphasis on the
vertebrate viruses. Major topics include taxonomy, replication, pathogenesis, viral
oncogenesis, viral epidemiology, viral diseases and viral vaccines. Laboratory will
emphasize the virus propagation, quantitation and component analysis. Three hours of
laboratory each week. Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 450/850P - Molecular Biology I - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 309*, BIOL
360* and CHEM 351* or permission
of instructor
An in-depth discussion of the principles of modern molecular biology. Major topics of
discussion will include: 1) DNA as a store of information, 2) protein synthesis, 3)
transcriptional control of gene expression, 4) DNA replication, 5) eukaryotic gene
structure, 6) gene families, 7) RNA processing, 8) DNA packaging, 9) recombinant DNA
methodology, and 10) genes in development and cancer. Offered Fall only.
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- BIOL 451/851P - Molecular Biology II - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 450*, CHEM 375* or permission of instructor
Lectures will provide descriptions of the individual laboratory exercises to be performed
throughout the course. Laboratory techniques will focus on recombinant DNA methodology.
Methods presented include: 1) preparation and analysis of plasmid DNA, 2) cloning in
plasmid and viral vectors, 3) in vitro transcription and translation, 4) SDS-PAGE analysis
of proteins, 5) Southern and Northern Blots, 6) S1 nuclease analysis of genes, 7) DNA
library cloning and, 8) DNA sequencing. Two three-hour laboratories and two one hour
lectures per week. Offered Spring only.
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- BIOL 456/856P - Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Regions studied may vary depending on instructor and student needs. Offered Spring only.
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- BIOL 461/861P - Human Genetics - 3 hours
- Prereq: one college Biology course or permission of instructor
A study of the genetic basis and frequency of genetic defects in man, genetic counseling
and determining the probability of genetic defects. Prior completion of STAT 241 is recommended. Offered Spring.
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- BIOL 462/862P - Animal Behavior - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 307* or permission of instructor
An introduction to the science of ethology. A survey of the mechanism, functions and
development of behavior. Offered Spring, odd-numbered years.
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- BIOL 465/864P - Physiology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS, BIOL 309*, CHEM 161* and
organic chemistry or permission of instructor
The structure and function of the systems of the vertebrate body. Three hours of
laboratory each week. Offered Spring only.
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- BIOL 466- Radiation Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 104, BIOL 107, CHEM 360* or permission of instructor
A study of the effects of ionizing radiation on living systems. Two hours lecture and
three hours laboratory per week.
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- BIOL 467/867P - Animal Histology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
Systematic study, description, and identification of microscopic structures of vertebrate
tissues. The laboratory includes basic histological techniques. Offered on demand only.
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- BIOL 468/868P - Parasites - 2 hours
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of college Biology
A review of the biology of the parasitic life style. Emphasis on animal parasites, their
natural history, taxonomy, evolution and pathology.
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- BIOL 470/870P - Insect Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
An introduction to insects and related arthropods. Emphasis is placed on morphology,
physiology, taxonomy and ecology of insects. Three hours of laboratory or field work each
week. Offered Fall, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 471/871P - Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours
- Prereq: work equivalent at least to a Biology minor, admission to Teacher Education
An examination of current developments in curricula, methods and materials. Should be
completed prior to student teaching. Laboratory time arranged. Offered Fall only.
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- BIOL 472/872P - Ichthyology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
A study of taxonomy, anatomy, distribution, ecology, physiology and management of fishes.
Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered every other Fall, odd-numbered
years.
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- BIOL 473/873P - Ornithology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
An introduction to bird study. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered
Spring, even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 474/874P - Mammalogy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 107GS or permission of instructor
Introduction to mammals; ecology, classification, physiology, and behavior. Three-hour
laboratory per week for preparation and identification of specimens. Offered Fall,
even-numbered years.
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- BIOL 475 - Internship in Biology - 1-15 hours
- Prereq: at least 12 hours of biology and junior or senior standing and permission of
instructor
Students should have completed coursework related to the internship experience. This
course involves practical experience and emphasizes the professional development of the
individual student. Offered each semester.
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- BIOL 480 - Seminar - 1 hour
- Prereq: at least 20 hours of biology or permission of instructor
A group study of the mechanisms of Organic Evolution and how it serves as the unifying
theme of biology. Each student will prepare and present a minimum of one seminar on an
assigned topic.
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- BIOL 485/885P - Advanced Genetics - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 360* or BIOL 461*
An in-depth study of gene structure and replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Gene
function in developing and differentiated cells will also be studied in detail. Offered
Spring, odd-numbered years.
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- BIOL 490 - Evolution - 2 hours
- Prereq: at least 20 semesters hours of Biology including BIOL 104GS,
BIOL 107GS, BIOL 309*
and BIOL 360* or BIOL 461* or permission of instructor
A study of the proposed mechanisms of Organic Evolution and how it serves as the unifying
theme of Biology. Molecular, morphological and paleontological data will be emphasized.
Offered each semester.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is
required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
11 May 2006
ugradcatalog@unk.edu
