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.

BIOL 104GS - General Botany - 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 groups, their structure, relationships, economic importance and natural history. A laboratory each week. Offered Fall and Spring.

BIOL 107GS - General Zoology - 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
Animal groups, their structure, relationships, economic importance and natural history. A laboratory each week. Offered Fall and Spring.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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 hours of laboratory each week. 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. Offered Fall and Spring.

BIOL 225 - Anatomy and 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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 every other Fall, odd-number years.

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.

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.

BIOL 400/800P - Microbiology - 5 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. Offered Fall and Spring.

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.

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.

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)

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 every other Spring, even-numbered years.

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.

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 every other Fall, even-numbered years.

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 every other Spring, even-numbered years.

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 every other Spring, even-numbered years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
430.01/830.01Topics in Botany1-3 hours
430.02/830.02Topics in Fresh Water Biology1-3 hours
430.03/830.03Topics in Vertebrate Biology1-3 hours
430.04/830.04Topics in Invertebrate Biology1-3 hours
430.05/830.05Topics in Nebraska Flora1-3 hours
430.06/830.06Topics in Nebraska Fauna1-3 hours
430.07/830.07Topics in Physiology1-3 hours

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. Every other Fall, odd-numbered years.

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 every other Spring, even-numbered years.

BIOL 450/850P - Molecular Biology I - 4 hours
Prereq: BIOL 309*, BIOL 460* 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.

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.

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.

BIOL 460/860P - 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. Offered Fall only.

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.

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. Every other Spring, odd-numbered years.

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.

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.

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.

BIOL 470/870P - Insects and Man - 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.

BIOL 471/871P - Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours
Prereq: work equivalent at least to a Biology minor
An examination of current developments in curricula, methods and materials. Should be completed prior to student teaching. Laboratory time arranged. Offered Fall only.

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.

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 every other Spring, even-numbered years.

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 every other 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 485/885P - Advanced Genetics - 3 hours
Prereq: BIOL 460* 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 every other Spring, odd-numbered years.

BIOL 490 - Evolution - 2 hours
Prereq: at least 20 semesters hours of Biology including BIOL 104GS, BIOL 107GS, BIOL 309* and BIOL 460* 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.

Return to: UNK Home
 
Return to: 1998-2000 UNK Undergraduate Catalog Table of Contents
ugradcatalog@unk.edu
(3-15-98)