General Biology

GB 510. AQUATIC BIOLOGY 2 HRS. (Prerequisite, BO 212, BO 213, ZO 214, ZO 215 or equivalents.) Basic ecology and taxonomy of the plants and animals inhabiting Great Plains lakes and streams. Emphasis is on the life cycles and ecological importance of common macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates.

GB 511. AQUATIC BIOLOGY LAB 2 HRS. (Prerequisite, must be taken concurrently with GB 510.) Field and laboratory techniques for sampling and identifying aquatic organisms and assessing basic physiochemical conditions are introduced. Experience is gained in interpretation of quantitative data.

GB 539. SOIL SCIENCE AND LABORATORY 4 HRS. (Prerequisites, CH 123; BO 212, BO 213, and EB 480 (Ecology).) Lectures, laboratory, and field trips covering soil classification, determination of soil physical and chemical properties, such as bulk density, cation exchange capacity, soil-plant interrelations, including xylem pressure potential, nutrient analysis, and soil conservation.

GB 584. TEACHING BIOLOGY IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, BO 212 and 213; ZO 214 and 215; or permission of instructor.) This course summarizes the open-ended nature of biology; students practice developing reality-based experiences in biology teaching at all levels of instruction but focus heavily on communication levels appropriate at secondary and middle schools. Includes preparation of biological materials; production and use of overheads, slides and other audio-visuals; use of TV camera and VCR with microscope; laboratory and field procedures and safety; and appropriate selection and use of computers and software in biology education. Review laws relevant to copyright of printed and off-air materials, metrication, sex education, and lab liability. Evaluation of classroom, laboratory and field experiences. Surveys professional journals and local and national science teaching organizations; examines national curricula and textbooks. Extensive practice in sex education delivery appropriate to various age levels. Management of controversy on animal rights, creationism, sex education, and science fraud.

GB 700. GREAT PLAINS BIOLOGY: SPECIAL TOPICS 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Special topics in Great Plains ecology, zoology, botany, human biology, and microbiota are examined. Although the Great Plains share some biological features with other regions, they have a distinct ecology, including species of plants and animals not found elsewhere. Emphasis is on the distinct aspects of the Great Plains, e.g., Ethnobotany. This course is designed primarily for in-service teachers. Content and assignments will vary according to the number of credit hours for which the course is offered.

GB 709. HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY EDUCATION 3 HRS. (Prerequisites, ZO 362-363 or equivalent; in-service teachers only.) Studies human reproductive anatomy and physiology, sexual response, diseases and disorders, menstruation, conception, in-vitro fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth, birth control, sex differentiation, sex preselection, STD's including AIDS, bioethical issues related to human reproductive biology, etc. Participants will practice delivering this information and utilizing appropriate labwork, media and resource personnel.

GB 725. EVOLUTION 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, GB 425, MC 540, or Biochemistry, or equivalents.) The factors in the continuity and modification of life through time; hereditary basis of evolution; effect of environmental change; diversity and origin of species; theories of the origin of life on earth.

GB 750. RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSES 2 HRS. (Prerequisites, GB 751 must be taken concurrently. Consent of instructor; biology seniors and graduate students.) A study of the basic experimental designs appropriate for biological research. Techniques of scientific writing and reporting will be an important part of the course.

GB 752. SCIENTIFIC WRITING 2 HRS. The student will be introduced to the primary literature (search methods for locating the literature as well as experience in reading and discussin the literature), the process of constructing a scientific paper (from figures and tables to the written product), writing and presenting a review article and a research proposal.

GB 759. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Courses taught on demand to provide in-depth consideration of specialized topics in the various biological disciplines.

GB 770. GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR 1 HR. A practicum covering the various aspects of designing and delivering the types of presentations typical of a professional scientist.  Students will be required to attend and critique presentations throughout the semester and deliver a public departmental seminar.

GB 771. BIOLOGY SEMINAR 1 HR. A course to inform students of the research interests of invited biologists, biology faculty and graduate students.

GB 801. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN BIOLOGY I 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Designed for in-service biology teachers. Progress in terms of understandings of fundamental concepts and principles, with special emphasis on recent developments in cytology, ecology, evolution, genetics, metabolism, and radiation biology.

GB 802. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN BIOLOGY II 3 HRS. A continuation of GB 801.

GB 809. GRADUATE PROJECT IN BIOLOGY 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) The student works independently, with the advice and aid of one or more members of the staff, on a project in which he/she has some interest or competence.

GB 859. SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGY 1-4 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Courses taught on demand to provide in-depth consideration of specialized topics in the various areas of general biology.

GB 880. RESEARCH PROBLEMS IN BIOLOGY 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Individual studies by graduate students working toward the M.S. degree, 35-hour program, of problems of special interest in the field of biology.

GB 885. GRADUATE RESEARCH IN BIOLOGY 2-3 HRS. (Prerequisites, graduate standing and at least three hours credit in graduate-level independent study.) Investigation of problems in biology by students who have demonstrated research ability at the graduate level.

GB 890. THESIS, M.S. 1-5 HRS. (Required for 30-hour degree, Master of Science, with major in biology.) Independent study and research in an approved field of biology.

Last Updated June 30, 2008