Offered by Department of Biology
College of Natural and Social Sciences
BIOL Courses
- BIOL 800P - Microbiology - 4 hours
- An introduction to bacteria and other microorganisms; laboratory technique stressed. Three hours of laboratory each week.
Offered on-campus Spring only.
- BIOL 801P - Principles of Immunology - 4 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 309*; BIOL 360*; BIOL 211 or BIOL 400*
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. Lab required. Offered on-campus Spring
only.
- BIOL 802 - Organic Evolution - 3 hours
- A study of evolution beginning with the origin of life and characterizing biological mechanisms of evolution leading to
present biodiversity. Offered online, every Fall and Spring and on-campus, Fall of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 803P - Plant Physiology - 3 hours
- Life processes of plants with an emphasis on water relations and hormonal and stress physiology. Three hours of laboratory
each week. Offered online, Fall of even-numbered years and on-campus on demand.
- BIOL 804 - Evolution of Epidemics - 3 hours
- Through videotaped lectures, reading and writing assignments, and online discussions, students will develop an understanding
of the origin and the evolution of plagues. We will illustrate the techniques humans have to defend against epidemics and will
speculate about their role in shaping humanity and our futures. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 804P - Developmental Biology - 3 hours
- 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. Offered on-campus, Spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 805P - Range and Wildlife Management - 3 hours
- Basic principles of range and pasture management for use by domestic livestock and wildlife. Course includes three hours of
field or laboratory work each week. Offered on-campus, Spring of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 806P - Plant Ecology - 3 hours
- A study of plants in relation to their environment. Three hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered on-campus only.
- BIOL 810P - Fire Ecology and Management in Grasslands - 1 hour
- 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. Offered "in the field" on demand.
- BIOL 811 - Scientific Illustration - 3 hours
- An introduction to the discipline of scientific illustration. Students will learn the fundamental principles of creating
effective illustrations for the purpose of communicating science. A limited set of media types, both traditional and digital,
will be explored. The main focus will be on creating the best images for use in research, teaching, journal publications,
presentations, and other applications. Copyright and other legal issues will also be discussed. A basic knowledge of biological
concepts is useful; artistic ability not required. Offered online, Summer of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 812 - Microbial Diversity - 3 hours
- New techniques in molecular biology have revealed three distinct cell lineages: bacteria, archaea, and eukaryae. When
considering microorganisms, this information has created major changes in our understanding of phylogeny and our use of
taxonomy. This course consists of two parts. In one part, current taxonomic groupings of microorganisms and their basic
characteristics are discussed. The second part of the course focuses on how these groupings were created and weaknesses in our
current understanding. This is discussed in theory and also applied by students to sample data sets. Offered online, Spring of
even-numbered years.
- BIOL 813 - Issues in Bioethics - 3 hours
- Bioethics is the study of ethical controversies in both biology and medicine. Science has progressed significantly in the
last century and with this progress has come ethical questions. The intent of this course is to focus on a variety of issues
that have arisen, including, but not limited to, assisted reproductive technologies, sex selection, cloning, and stem cell
research to name a few. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 814 - Plant Pathology - 3 hours
- The course focuses on the biology of plant pathogen interactions. Students will gain an in depth knowledge of the disease
processes of a large variety of plant diseases at both the whole plant and the molecular level. Emphasis is also placed on
current issues and topics in plant pathology in independent research review projects. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered
years.
- BIOL 815 - Great Plains Heritage - 3 hours
- This course will provide an overview of the natural history, ecology, and culture of the Great Plains region from a
scientific and a historical perspective. Great Plains literature will also be incorporated into the course in order to enhance
the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Great Plains by each participant.
- BIOL 816P - Plant Diversity and Evolution - 4 hours
- Morphology of each group of the plant kingdom. Three hours of laboratory each week. Offered on-campus, Spring of even-numbered
years.
- BIOL 818P - Plant Taxonomy - 3 hours
- Collection and identification of vascular plants with emphasis on the prairies and plains. A family approach is utilized.
Three hours of laboratory or fieldwork each week. Offered on-campus, Fall only.
- BIOL 820 - Introduction to Graduate Study - 3 hours
- An introduction to graduate research methods and biological techniques for the professional teacher and biologist. Emphasis
on literature of science, design of a problem, methods and techniques of biological investigation and scientific writing. The
student will submit a research proposal as one requirement of the course. No grade of incomplete will be given. The student is
encouraged to take this course during his/ her first nine hours of graduate work in Biology. Offered online, Spring and Fall
and on-campus, Spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 821 - Directed Readings - 1-3 hours
- Prereq: permission of instructor
Enables the student to supplement knowledge in selected areas of biology. Primarily independent readings as assigned by the
instructor.
Readings in Genetic & Societal Problems
Readings in Biological Techniques
Readings in Vertebrate Biology
Readings in Invertebrate Biology
Readings in Aquatic Biology
Readings in Cell Biology
Readings in Recent Developments in Biology
Readings in Systematics and Ecology
Readings in Evolution
Readings in Botany
Readings in Microbiology
Readings in Developmental Biology
- BIOL 822 - Advances in Biology - 1-3 hours
- Recent advances in biological topics will be covered. A maximum of 6 hours credit may be counted toward a degree.
- BIOL 823 - Environmental Biology - 3 hours
- The area of environmental studies is an important one today as the impact of humans on the biosphere is becoming more
thoroughly understood. The amount and type of material being placed into the ecosystems of the planet by human activity is a
topic of conservation and contention at all levels of government: local, regional, national, and international. This class is
meant to be an introduction of this area of scientific study. The discipline is multidisciplinary and new, and so this course
attempts to explore the current areas of study including: economics, policy, ethics, biology, chemistry, and physics are all
touched on by this field.
- BIOL 824 - Principles of Ecology - 3 hours
- This course introduces students to the field of ecology in two ways. A brief summary of the current state of the field is
followed by reading classic papers and discussing their role in forming the field. Also, students will be asked to complete
several ecological exercises during the course that may be completed anywhere. The goal of the course is to provide a
comprehensive and thorough introduction to the present and past of the broad field of ecology. Offered online, Spring of
odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 827 - Biological Statistics - 3 hours
- This statistics course has two components: 1) becoming familiar with the terminology, mathematics, and use of basic
inferential statistics, as well as how to choose the correct test to use for a given experiment and 2) how to design experiments
to make the best use of the statistical tests discussed in the class. The class is intended to help graduate students build a
strong experimental design and select the correct statistical test before research projects are started. However, it should help
any student at any stage better understand and use statistics. Offered online, every Spring.
- BIOL 829 - Ecological Anthropology - 2 hours
- This course is a study of human civilization through the lens of biology. Readings specifically examine the role of
biogeography, domesticatable species distribution, and how the distribution of other natural resources has affected which human
societies have been the most successful. The class also focuses on why certain civilizations have failed. This is a reading
course with an emphasis on discussion. Offered online, Summer of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 830P - Special Topics in Biology - 1-3 hours
- 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 of instruction 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 Physiology
- BIOL 831 - Biological Research - 1-3 hours
- Independent investigation of biological problems. A maximum of three hours credit may count toward the 36 hours required for
the thesis option. For the non-thesis option, a series of six 1-credit hour classes must be taken. Offered online, every
semester.
- BIOL 833P - Invertebrate Zoology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105, BIOL 106 OR permission of instructor
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. Three
hours of laboratory every week.
- BIOL 834 - Conservation Biology - 3 hours
- An overview of conservation biology and its importance. Special emphasis is placed on ecological, economic, and social issues
relevant to biological rarity.
- BIOL 835P - Herpetology - 3 hours
- Herpetology provides an introduction to reptiles and amphibians with an emphasis placed on morphology, taxonomy, life history,
and ecology of the major groups. Together, reptiles and amphibians are more diverse, numerous, and important to many terrestrial
ecosystems than any other organism. You will learn life histories, their role in the ecosystem, reasons for the decline of many
species and increase in other species and their importance to humans. Offered on-campus, Fall of odd-numbered years and online,
Spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 838 - Essential Human Anatomy - 3 hours
- Human anatomy including essential aspects of functional morphology will be covered. Topics covered may include the
integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive
systems. Detailed discussion of specific anatomical regions will be required.
- BIOL 839 - Human Physiological Systems - 3 hours
- General human physiology will be studied with an emphasis on systems. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous,
endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, immune and reproductive systems will be discussed. Salient
mechanical, physical and biochemical processes of organs, tissues and cells will be covered. Anatomy will be included at a level
necessary to make sense of the system's function. Offered online, Spring only.
- BIOL 840 - Infectious Diseases - 3 hours
- This course is an introduction to medical microbiology with coverage of viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan disease
causing microorganisms. It will cover the basic mechanisms of infection, disease progression, and immune response. It is
strongly suggested that students have taken an introductory microbiology course before taking this class. Offered online, every
Fall.
- BIOL 840P - Infectious Diseases - 4 hours
- 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. Offered on-campus, Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 844 - Molecular Biotechnology - 3 hours
- The course will consist of a short review of pertinent principles in protein structure and function, enzyme mechanisms and
kinetics, and the basics of the genetic dogma and recombinant DNA technology. The bulk of the course will be made up of a
topical consideration of subjects in biotechnology such as: the production of protein pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering of
animals and plants, and cloning of organisms. Special consideration will be given to the molecular mechanisms behind the
processes discussed. Offered online, spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 850P - Molecular Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 309*, BIOL 360* 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 on-campus, Spring only.
- BIOL 852P - Techniques in Molecular Biology - 3 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 309* OR CHEM 351*, CHEM 351L OR permission of instructor
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. Offered on-campus, Fall only.
- BIOL 854 - Biological Application of GIS - 3 hours
- This class introduces students to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and associated concepts and technologies. The class
curriculum includes an introduction to (and temporary license for) the ArcGIS GIS software package, cartographic principles,
online GIS data sources, and the functioning of Global Positioning System (GPS). Particular attention will be paid to organizing
GIS data into appropriate data structures and the completion of independent research projects. The independent projects have
been found to be a crucial component for becoming familiar with much of the material covered in the class. No prior experience
with GIS or GPS software or GPS receivers is expected. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years and on-campus on demand.
- BIOL 856P - Regional Field Study - 1-4 hours
- 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 857 - Human Histology - 3 hours
- Histology is also called micro-anatomy. This course examines animal bodies on the tissue and cellular level. Most examples
will be from human anatomy. Basic tissue types will be studied as well as organ structure and function. As a distance class,
micropictographs will be used (not glass slides) from the web, as well as from an assigned textbook. No prior experience with
histology is expected. Offered online, Summer of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 858 - Physiology of Stress - 3 hours
- An examination of how living organisms cope with short- and long-term exposure to extreme environmental conditions related to
nutrient and water availability, temperature, and pressure. A basic understanding of organismal physiology is required. Offered
online, Summer only.
- BIOL 859 - Biology of the Brain - 3 hours
- This course will focus on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and will include gross anatomical features and
landmarks of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalons, brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. Physiological aspects will include
the generation and modification of action potentials as well as normal functions of the specific regions of the central nervous
system. Selected abnormal functions will also be studied. The interdependency of the central nervous system to itself (various
pathways between the spinal cord and within the brain) as well as to the peripheral nervous system and select organ systems will
complete the focus of the course. It is recommended that students have taken anatomy and physiology before enrolling in this
course.
- BIOL 860 - Concepts of Genetics - 3 hours
- Application based course covering the classical and molecular principles of inheritance. Concepts covered include various
historical concepts surrounding transmission, molecular, and population genetics, current state of the discipline, and the
future outlook for the field. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills through quizzes,
tests, and writing assignments. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 861P - Human Genetics - 3 hours
- The course focuses on contemporary human genetics with emphasis on genetic diseases. A study of the genetic basis and
frequency of genetic defects in man and genetic counseling. Offered on-campus Spring of even-numbered years. Offered online,
Fall of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 862P - Animal Behavior - 3 hours
- An introduction to the science of ethology. A survey of the mechanism, function, and development of behavior. Offered
on-campus, Spring of odd-numbered years and online, Summer of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 863 - Biological Perspectives - 3 hours
- A review of the major advances in biology from the ancients to the present, with emphasis on paradigm shifts and science as a
human endeavor. Offered online, Summer only.
- BIOL 865P - Physiology - 3 hours
- The structure and function of the systems of the vertebrate body. Three hours of laboratory each week. Offered on-campus,
Spring only.
- BIOL 866 - Functional Morphology - 3 hours
- A study of the structure, form, and function of morphological adaptations in plants and animals as examined through a
mechanical, ecological, and evolutionary perspective. This course will investigate the form and function of organisms through
lecture, laboratory-like assignments, discussion, and independent research projects. Offered online, Spring of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 868P - Parasitology - 2 hours
- Prereq: BIOL 105, BIOL 106 OR permission of instructor
The basic concepts of parasitology with emphasis on the major types of medically and economically important parasites
(protozoan, helminth and arthropods) will be covered, including life cycle, diagnosis, treatment, immunity, pathology, control,
and ecology and evolution.
- BIOL 868L - Parasitology Laboratory - 1 hour
- Take concurrently with BIOL 868P*
Laboratory stresses identification of the various developmental stages of these parasites.
- BIOL 869 - Conservation of Birds and Mammals - 3 hours
- "Wildlife" is defined as wild birds and wild mammals. It does not include other vertebrates (fish, amphibians, or reptiles),
nor does it include invertebrate animals. This is a course about the Principles of Wildlife Conservation, and is not
specifically about wildlife management, or even wildlife ecology. However, both these latter subjects will be examined briefly.
Wildlife conservation usually involves as much if not more of the following disciplines than it involves biology: history,
sociology, and politics. It is recommended that you have taken a course in ecology and statistics before enrolling in this
course. Offered online, Summer of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 870P - Insect Biology - 3 hours
- 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 on-campus, Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 871P - Methods in Secondary Science Teaching - 3 hours
- An examination of current developments in curricula, methods, and materials. Laboratory time arranged. Offered on-campus, Fall
only.
- BIOL 872P - Fresh Water Biology - 4 hours
- 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. Offered
on-campus, Fall of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 873P - Ornithology - 3 hours
- An introduction to birds: emphasis on bird identification skills, behavior, classification, ecology, and physiology. Three
hours of laboratory or field work each week. Offered on-campus, Spring of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 874P - Mammalogy - 3 hours
- Introduction to mammals: ecology, classification, physiology, and behavior. Three-hour laboratory per week for preparation and
identification of specimens. Offered on-campus, Fall of even-numbered years.
- BIOL 875 - Internship in Biology - 1-9 hours
- Taken as part of the professional semester. Emphasizes the professional development of the individual.
- BIOL 876 - Natural Science Curriculum - 3 hours
- A discussion of the natural science curriculum, with emphasis on scientific literacy and the alignment of curricula with state
and national standards and benchmarks. Offered online, Spring only.
- BIOL 880 - Seminar - 1 hour
- A discussion of selected topics in a seminar format. Offered on-campus, Fall and Spring semesters.
- BIOL 881 - Current Issues in Biology - 1 hour
- Students participate in online discussion of selected topics in a seminar format. This course is repeatable for up to 3 credit
hours. Offered online, every semester.
- BIOL 882P - 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. This
course does not serve as a substitute for BIOL 880 Seminar. Offered on-campus, every semester.
- BIOL 883 - Aquatic Trophic Ecology - 3 hours
- This course was developed to provide a thorough examination of the interactions between abiotic and biotic components of
freshwater ecosystems incorporating both theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web management. Major themes of the
course will include nutrient cycling, trophic state and eutrophication, predation and food webs, and fisheries ecology. Selected
scientific literature and text readings will stress professional differences of opinion during discussion of topics, which is
intended to guide students toward an understanding that ecological principles rarely are simple and that current dogma can at
times be incorrect or incomplete. Finally, this course is directed at improving student communication (written and electronic
information/technology based) and critical thinking skills. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 884 - Freshwater Management Techniques - 3 hours
- Through videotaped lectures, reading and writing assignments, and on-line discussions, students will be introduced to both
freshwater ecosystems and fishery management. Students will learn to analyze freshwater management problems using multiple
techniques, to suggest alternative approaches, and to identify consequences of those approaches. Offered online, Spring of
odd-numbered years or on demand.
- BIOL 885P - Molecular Genetics - 3 hours
- 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.
- BIOL 886 - Sexual Selection - 1 hour
- Small group discussions will be used to discuss readings on the role of sexual selection in evolution. Offered online, Spring
of odd-numbered years.
- BIOL 887 - Fisheries Ecology - 3 hours
- This course was developed to provide a thorough examination of both theoretical and applied aspects of fisheries ecology.
Major themes of the course will include individual ecology (feeding, growth, and reproduction), population ecology, and
community ecology (predation and competition). Selected scientific literature and text readings will stress professional
differences of opinion during discussion of topics, which is intended to guide students toward an understanding that ecological
principles rarely are simple and that current dogma can at times be incorrect or incomplete. Finally, this course is directed
at improving student communication (written and electronic information/technology based) and critical thinking skills.
- BIOL 896 - Thesis - 3-6 hours
- Offered on-campus, every semester.
* This course is the immediate prerequisite. Other preparation is required prior to this immediate prerequisite.
