Required Major Courses
General Biology I
Introductory course for biology majors which studies the intricacies of living systems and research as process. Topics include scientific methodology, experimental design, data acquisition/manipulation, and presentation of findings. Students examine processes across the following levels of organization: molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.
General Biology II
A continuation of BIO I. Topics include the study of the mechanisms of evolution, geologic history, phylogeny, organismal diversity, ecology, and behavior.
Ecology & Lab
Introduces relationships between organisms and their environment, including role of natural selection, population and community ecology, and ecosystem-level processes. Emphasizes simulation and experimentation in testing of ecological hypotheses and use of microcomputers as a tool in data collection, analysis and presentation.
Genetics & Lab
Non-laboratory course covering classical and modern genetics and discussion of selected readings on contemporary genetic issues.
Biology Research Methods
Course provides students with the tools necessary to plan, conduct, and present faculty-supervised, individual research. Students will perform literature reviews, submit a research proposal for a senior research project, learn to establish sound experimental methodologies, manage and analyze data, and to present findings in both written and oral venues.
Microbiology
Introduces microbiology with an emphasis on bacteria. Topics include prokaryote cell structure, metabolism and growth; medically significant bacteria, including epidemiology, pathogenicity and control; and ecological/industrial roles of bacteria.
Senior Research & Comprehensive Exam
Students conduct an individualized research project under faculty supervision. Results are submitted in the form of a final report and departmental seminar. Students will also take a written comprehensive exam over the curriculum.
Select at least 10 semester credit hours from the following:
Natural History of Kansas Vertebrates with Lab
Emphasis of the course is identification, life history strategy and habitat requirements of vertebrate species within the major physiographic provinces of the state.
Cell Biology & Immunology
Lecture course involving a detailed study of the structure and function of eukaryotic cell organelles, including membrane structure and function, transport and targeting mechanisms, cellular energetics, molecular genetics, and hormone actions. Specific functions of immune system cells, their antibody products, and cell communication strategies are representative of one differented cell-type.
Biochemistry
Introduces the structure of biomolecules. Topics include: protein, carbohydrates, lipid structure and metabolism, enzyme kinetics, photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Comprehensive Anatomy of Vertebrates & Lab
Comparative study of the functional anatomy of major vertebrate groups. Covers three perspectives: Organisms remote past (phylogeny), its recent past or stages of early development (ontogeny), and present (morphology). Laboratories involve detailed dissection of the lamprey eel (Petromyzon), the mud puppy (Necturus), and dogfish shark (Squalus), an advanced vertebrate, the cat (Felis catus) and selected mammalian organs. Lab integrated with lecture.
Animal Physiology
A comparative study of animal physiology as adaptation. Topics include thermal regulation, regulation, digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, sensation, movement and energy metabolism in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Developmental Biology & Lab
Study of developmental processes in living organisms. Utilizes comparative view of developmental patterns generated by cellular, chemical, and genetic control mechanisms. Lectures focus primarily on human development and address common developmental defects. Includes corresponding lab.
Required Supporting Courses
General Chemistry I & Lab
Beginning course for science-related majors. Topics include: fundamental laws, electronic structure and bonding, mole concept and stoichiometry, periodicity, states of matter, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics.
General Chemistry II & Lab
Continuation of CHE 12044 General Chemistry I. Topics include kinetics; equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, selected non-metals. Includes corresponding lab.
Choose one of the following:
- Introduction to Statistics
- Mathematical Statistics II
Full Degree Catalog