Offered by Department of Biology
College of Natural and Social Sciences
BIOL Courses
- BIOL 102 - Environmental Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
This class is about life on Earth. As the human species continues to spectacularly succeed at living and using resources we have
become a significant force on the planet. This class also explores that role and all that it could mean in positive and negative
ways for ourselves and other species that share the planet with us.
- 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. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 105GS - Biology I - 4 hours
- Prereq: three 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 and animal groups, their structure, relationships, ecology, classification, and evolution. Two hours of laboratory each
week. Fee required. Offered Fall only.
- BIOL 106GS - Biology II - 4 hours
- Prereq: three 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
A study of the fungi, protists, and bacteria. In addition, a study of the organization and function of living systems,
including development, metabolism, reproduction, inheritance, and the basics of biotechnology. Two hours of laboratory each
week. Fee required. Offered spring only.
- BIOL 109 - Classroom Biology - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
Acquaints students with what science is and how science is performed. Students will use the scientific method to design and
perform experiments, collect data, analyze results, and develop explanations. Basic biological principles including form and
function, organization, and adaptation will be emphasized. A laboratory science course. Credit not to be applied to the Biology
major or endorsement. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 110 - Introduction to Epidemiology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
An introductory survey of modern epidemiology including what epidemiology is, new discoveries, and how epidemiology affects our
lives.
- BIOL 188GS - General Studies Portal - 3 hours
- Prereq: freshman or sophomore standing
Students analyze critical issues confronting individuals and society in a global context as they pertain to the discipline in
which the Portal course is taught. The Portal is intended to help students succeed in their university education by being
mentored in process of thinking critically about important ideas and articulating their own conclusions. Students may take the
Portal in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Satisfies the General Studies Portal course requirement. Students
may take their Portal course in any discipline. Students who transfer 24 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are
exempt from taking a portal course.
-
- BIOL 201 - Fundamental Tools for Biological Studies - 2 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS OR permission of instructor
This course will provide Biology students with guidance for laboratory and field studies, but also cover broader transferable
skills required for scientific research. Students will learn how to design biological studies, formulate and test scientific
hypotheses, develop and conduct experiments, write scientific papers in a scientific format, analyze data with basic statistical
tools, and effectively present scientific information with written and oral forms of communication. Fee required. Offered every
Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 2092 - 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.
- BIOL 211GS - Human Microbiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: none
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. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 215GS - Human Physiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: three 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. Fee required. Offered Spring semester only.
- BIOL 225 - Anatomy and Physiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: CHEM 145GS OR CHEM 150GS OR CHEM 160GS* and CHEM 160LGS 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 215GS Physiology (4 hours) but may complete BOTH BIOL 225 and
BIOL 226 (8 hours) to meet the physiology requirement. Fee required. Offered Fall only.
- 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 215GS Physiology (4 hours) but
may complete BOTH BIOL 225 and BIOL 226 (8 hours) to meet the physiology requirement. Fee required.
Offered Spring only.
- BIOL 290 - Evolution - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS
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 Fall and Spring.
- 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. Fee required. Offered Fall only.
- BIOL 305 - BioStatistics - 3 hours
- Prereq: MATH 101* or Math ACT score of 20 or greater
Course introduces descriptive and basic inferential statistics for application in analysis, evaluation, and design of
biological experiments. Students learn fundamentals of statistical software. Course offered fall and spring semesters.
- BIOL 307 - Ecology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS 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. Fee required. Offered Fall
and Spring.
- BIOL 309 - Cellular Biology - 4 hours
- Prereq: 8 hours of college biology AND CHEM 161GS* and CHEM 161LGS AND either CHEM 250* and CHEM 250L OR CHEM 361* and CHEM 361L 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. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 311 - Bioethics - 3 hours
- Prereq: junior or senior standing OR 24 hours of college biology/chemistry
This course will explore the process of ethical decision making with regard to recent advances in science and medicine.
Environmental ethics and issues will also be included.
- BIOL 325 - Medical Terminology - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
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.
- BIOL 330 - Wildlife Conservation - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS OR permission of instructor
Problems of wildlife conservation, particularly as they apply to Nebraska. This includes a brief look at wildlife management
techniques, and the history, sociology, and politics of wildlife conservation. Three hours of laboratory each week. Fee required.
Offered Fall, odd-numbered years. BIOL 201 and BIOL 307 are
highly recommended.
- BIOL 360 - Genetics - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 106GS AND either BIOL 290* or BIOL 309*
Application based course covering the classical and molecular principles of inheritance. Concepts covered include various
historical and mathematical concepts surrounding transmission, molecular, and population genetics. Three hours of lecture with a
weekly three hour laboratory. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 375 - Scientific Communication - 2 hours
- Prereq: grade level of "C" or better in BIOL 201* and junior standing
Provides the student with the opportunity to learn how to critically evaluate and effectively communicate science. Students
will become proficient in those skills that are essential and supportive to preparing a research proposal with their selected
mentor to be performed while enrolled in BIOL 420: Independent Senior Research Project. This course is
the immediate prerequisite for BIOL 420 and BIOL 421. It should be taken the
semester before BIOL 420 and BIOL 421. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 380 - Agronomy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 103GS or BIOL 106GS or permission of instructor
A study of crop production covering such topics as environmental requirements, soil, cultural practices, growth and development,
water relations and economics. Offered Spring only.
- BIOL 388GS - General Studies Capstone - 3 hours
- Prereq: open to juniors and seniors or to students within 6 hours of completion of their General Studies program
An interdisciplinary experience where students apply the knowledge, cognitive abilities, and communication skills they have
gained from General Studies in designing and completing an original project or paper. Students employ methods and interpretive
means of two or more disciplines to integrate knowledge and synthesize their results. Satisfies the General Studies capstone
course requirement. Students may take their Capstone course in any discipline.
- BIOL 388LGS - General Studies Capstone Lab - 1 hour
- Take concurrently with BIOL 388GS
When offered concurrently with a BIOL 388GS capstone of the same title, the laboratory BIOL 388LGS must
be taken.
- BIOL 400 - Microbiology - 4 hours
- Prereq: at least 8 hours of biology or departmental permission
This course is not a continuation of BIOL 211GS Human Microbiology (only one microbiology course,
BIOL 211GS or BIOL 400, may count toward the Biology major or minor). An introduction to bacteria,
viruses, rickettsias, and immunology; laboratory techniques stressed. One 3 hour laboratory each week. Prior completion or
concurrent enrollment in BIOL 309 is also recommended. Fee required. Offered Spring only.
- BIOL 401 - Principles of Immunology - 4 hours
- Prereq: either BIOL 211GS or BIOL 400 AND either BIOL 309* OR CHEM 351* and CHEM 351L 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) immunobiology of tissue transplants, 5) basic aspects of cancer and cancer
therapy that relate to immunology, 6) allergies, and 7) antigen-antibody interaction. Laboratory required. Fee required.
Offered Spring only. BIOL 360 strongly recommended.
- BIOL 403 - Plant Physiology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and one year of chemistry OR permission of instructor
Life processes of plants. Three hours of laboratory each week. Fee required. Offered Spring, odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 404 - Developmental Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: 8 hours of BIOL 200-BIOL 499 completed or permission of instructor
Principles of developmental processes with emphasis on the physiological and genetic events occurring during the growth and
maturation of living organisms. Three hours of laboratory each week. Prior completion or concurrent enrollment in
BIOL 360 is also recommended. Fee required. Offered Spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 405 - Range and Wildlife Management - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 307* or BIOL 418*
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. Fee required. Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
- BIOL 406 - Plant Ecology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS and BIOL 307* OR permission of instructor
Plants in relation to their environment. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Fee required. Offered fall of
even-numbered years.
- BIOL 410 - Fire Ecology and Management in Grasslands - 1 hour
- Prereq: none
Familiarizes students with the role of fire as a major ecosystem process in grasslands and its use as a management tool.
Provides the opportunity for certification for prescribed burning and wildland firefighting at federal, state, or private
agency levels.
- BIOL 416 - Plant Diversity and Evolution - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS OR permission of instructor
Morphology of each group of the plant kingdom. Three hours of laboratory each week. Fee required. Offered Spring, even-numbered
years.
- BIOL 418 - Plant Taxonomy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS 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. Fee required. Fall only.
- BIOL 420 - Biology Research - 1-5 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor must be obtained for enrollment and at least 16 hours of biology including grade level of "C" or better in BIOL 375* and specific biology courses necessary for the problem undertaken
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. Fee
required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 421 - Senior Seminar in Biology - 1 hour
- Prereq: permission of instructor must be obtained for enrollment and at least 16 hours of biology including grade level of "C" or better in BIOL 375*
An in-depth discussion of current topics in biology. Guest speakers, faculty and students will give presentations weekly. Some
presentations will consist of the students reading an assigned paper followed by an oral presentation of its contents. Student
participants are expected to read all journal articles presented, whether they are presenting or not. Two hours credit required
for a major or endorsement. Fee required. Offered Fall and Spring.
- BIOL 430 - 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.
- Topics in Botany
- Topics in Fresh Water Biology
- Topics in Vertebrate Biology
- Topics in Invertebrate Biology
- Topics in Nebraska Flora
- Topics in Nebraska Fauna
- Topics in Physiology
- Topics in Geographic Information Systems
- BIOL 433 - Invertebrate Zoology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS
This course provides an introduction to the biology of specific phyla, classes, and orders of invertebrates with emphasis
on classification, morphology, structure and function of their internal anatomy, ecology and evolution, and fundamental concepts
characteristic of this diverse animal group. Laboratory stresses anatomy, natural history and ecology of invertebrates. Fee
required. Offered in Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 435 - Herpetology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS OR permission of instructor
The study of amphibians and reptiles, including evolution, systematics, morphology, physiology, reproduction, behavior, ecology,
natural history and conservation. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week focusing on field techniques for censusing
herpetofaunal diversity and identification of Nebraska species. Fee required. Offered fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 440 - Infectious Diseases - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 211GS or BIOL 400 or permission
This course focuses on the medical aspects of microbiology. The course will cover viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitic
protists. We will study the mechanisms of infection, disease progression, and immune response. Three hours of laboratory will be
required each week. Fee required. Offered Fall, odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 450 - Molecular Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 309* and BIOL 360* OR permission of instructor
The course is an in-depth discussion of the principles of modern molecular biology. Major topics to be covered are:
(1) Organization and evolution of eukaryotic genomes and genes, (2) prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription and its regulation,
(3) RNA splicing and processing, (4) epigenetic mechanisms, and (5) RNA catalysis and interference. 3 hours of lecture per week.
Offered Spring only.
- BIOL 452 - Techniques in Molecular Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: either BIOL 309* OR CHEM 351* and CHEM 351L
The course is designed to familiarize the student with modern molecular biology techniques. Students will be exposed to a number
of techniques including RNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, cloning DNA, sequencing DNA, computer analysis of sequence
data, expression of cloned genes in bacteria and protein analysis and purification procedures. One lecture and two three hour
laboratories per week. Fee required. Fall semesters only.
- BIOL 456 - Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
This course is designed to introduce students to detailed biological studies of specific regions. Regions studied may vary depending
upon instructor availability and student needs. Topics may include but are not limited to:
- Tropical and Marine Island Biology
- Natural History of Nebraska
- Natural History of the Southwest
- BIOL 461 - Human Genetics - 3 hours
- Prereq: 8 hours of BIOL 200-BIOL 499 completed or permission of instructor
The course focuses on contemporary human genetics with emphases on genetic diseases. A study of the genetic basis and frequency
of genetic defects in man and genetic counseling. Prior completion or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 360
is also recommended. Offered Spring of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 462 - Animal Behavior - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 201* and BIOL 307* OR permission of instructor
An introduction to the science of ethology. The course will examine behavior genetics, physiology of behavior, ecology of
behavior, and the evolution of behavior. Three hours of laboratory each week. Fee required. Offered Spring, odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 465 - Physiology - 3 hours
- Prereq: either BIOL 105GS or BIOL 106GS AND BIOL 309* AND CHEM 161GS* and CHEM 161LGS AND organic chemistry OR permission of instructor
The structure and function of the systems of the vertebrate body. Three hours of laboratory each week. Fee required. Offered
Spring only.
- BIOL 468 - Parasitology - 2 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS
Take concurrently with BIOL 468L. The basic concepts of parasitology with emphasis on the major types of medically and economically important parasites
(protozoa, helminthes, arthropods) will be covered, including life cycles, diagnosis, treatment, immunity, pathology,
control, ecology, and evolution. Fee required.
- BIOL 468L - Parasitology Laboratory - 1 hour
- Take concurrently with BIOL 468
Laboratory stresses identification of the various developmental stages of parasites.
- BIOL 470 - Insect Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: none
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. Fee required. Offered Fall, odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 471 - Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours
- Prereq: either BIOL 103GS or BIOL 105GS AND PHYS 201GS AND admission to Teacher Education
An examination of current developments in curricula, methods and materials. Should be completed prior to student teaching.
Laboratory time arranged. Fee required. Offered Fall only.
- BIOL 472 - Fresh Water Biology - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS 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 with a focus on classification,
anatomy, distribution, ecology, physiology and management of fishes. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Fee
required. Offered Fall, even-numbered years.
- BIOL 473 - Ornithology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS and BIOL 106GS OR permission of instructor
The study of birds, including evolution, systematics, morphology, physiology, reproduction, behavior, ecology, natural history
and conservation. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week with emphasis on field methods and identification of
Nebraska species. Fee required. Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
- BIOL 474 - Mammalogy - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105GS or permission of instructor
Introduction to mammals; ecology, classification, physiology, and behavior. Three-hour laboratory per week for preparation and
identification of specimens. Fee required. Offered Fall, even-numbered years.
- 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.
- 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.
- BIOL 482 - Seminar in Molecular Biology - 1 hour
- Prereq: BIOL 360* or permission of instructor
An in-depth discussion of current topics in molecular biology. Guest speakers, faculty and students will give presentations
weekly. Some presentations will consist of the students reading an assigned paper followed by an oral presentation of its
contents. Student participants are expected to read all journal articles presented, whether they are presenting or not.
Molecular biology majors must obtain 2 hours credit to fulfill the requirements for the Molecular Biology Comprehensive major.
- BIOL 485 - Molecular 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.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
