Department of Biological Sciences
For updated information, see our website at www.fhsu.edu/biology.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a curriculum that provides students with the opportunity to enter a variety of careers in the areas of biology, natural resources, medical, and health fields. New students are assigned an academic advisor with expertise in a specific discipline or career area, who, along with the student, develops an individual program of study that will meet the necessary academic requirements. The department offers three B.S. degree options with numerous areas of major study and several pre-professional curricula. Each of these is described in detail elsewhere in this section of the catalog. Also, brochures are available from the departmental office describing in detail the various areas of study with examples of programs for certain majors.
Department of Biological Sciences Faculty & Staff
See department page online for full listing
Bachelors
- Biological Sciences | Bachelor of Science: Biology (Education)
- Biological Sciences | Bachelor of Science: Biology (General Biology)
- Biological Sciences | Bachelor of Science: Biology (Health Professions)
- Biological Sciences | Bachelor of Science: Biology (Natural Resources)
- Biological Sciences | Bachelor of Science: Criminalistics (Forensic Biology)
Minors
Masters
An introductory course using fundamental concepts of human structure and function as the starting point for the exploration of principles of processes common to all living systems and the interrelationships between humans and the rest of the biosphere.
A laboratory course centered on fundamental experiences in the biological sciences.
F-S-SU
This course is an introductory course using the fundamental concepts of human structure and function as the starting point for the exploration of principles of processes common to all living systems and the interrelationship between humans and the rest of the biosphere.
Biological principles common to both plants and animals: physiochemical bases of life from molecular to organismal levels; interactions of organisms and environment; concepts of genetics and evolution.
A laboratory course designed to provide biology majors with a range of experimental and observational experiences in the biological sciences that will prepare them for the various biology courses to follow.
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit from lab courses.
The ecosystem, the human attitudes and factors affecting the ecosystem and alternatives to the present situation.
Course receives credit from courses meeting the systemwide transfer Environmental Science Lab outcomes
Biology and Me is a course developed to engage students in informed decision-making through an understanding of the scientific process, foundational biological concepts, and how these processes affect their daily lives and overall well-being. Students will engage in focal areas through guided delivery of foundational content, exploration of contemporary scientific literature, peer discussions, self-reflection, and experiential learning through experimentation (in the concurrent Biology and Me - Exploration) to evaluate how an understanding of the life sciences can positively influence their quality of life and that of their communities.
Biology and Me - Exploration is a laboratory-styled immersive experience centered on developing an understanding of the fundamentals of the scientific method and empirical investigation in life sciences while using these skills to inform well-being. Students will use the scientific process to investigate topics in biology relevant to literacy in life sciences and in evaluating choices that influence well-being.
Selected details of the structure and function of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine organ systems are presented. The course is designed to serve students majoring in nursing, athletic training, and allied health fields.
Selected details of the structure and function of the human integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine organ systems are studied by observation of models, preserved organs, and preserved cats, and by measurements, particularly those that cab be made non-invasively.
Provides biological science education majors with observation and participatory experience in a classroom environment in their area of specialization. F-S
Characteristics and activities of micro-organisms and their relation to health and disease. F-S
F-S
F-S
F-S
Principles underlying the inheritance of characteristics in the human. F-S-SU
UAS I: Pilot Certification Preparation is a course developed to ensure students understand the technical and legal limitations and ethical responsibilities that are associated with piloting unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the National Airspace. Students will be prepared to successfully complete the Remote Pilot Certification Exam administered through the Federal Aviation Administration. Successful completion of the certification exam allows the operator to pilot drones for commercial purposes.
Identification of native Kansas plants and animals and their interrelationships in nature. F
F
A
Structure of the human body.
This course begins as an introductory environmental science course that introduces fundamental concepts such as what is science, what is a species, evolution and adaptation, photosynthesis and energy, what are natural resources, what is an environment and what benefits does society gain from the environment, etc. In the second section, once the foundations are established the class moves into looking at how humans historically managed natural resources and the environment and how these management philosophies have changed over time. The final section of the class looks at current and future ecological problems that humans are or will face across the globe. In sections 2 and 3 the focus of the class goes beyond just the science to explore the impacts of technological advancements, global commerce (market demand), governmental regulations, and societal pressure on the global environment as well as environmental injustice and environmental racism.
S
This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit from lab courses.
Basic principles and practices of the medical laboratory, techniques, and special projects.
Development of written and oral communication with an emphasis on creating discipline-specific products.
F
Course is intended to provide practical experiences in biology.
Classroom, laboratory, and field techniques used in teaching biology in the secondary schoool.
S
S
Review of current global environmental issues. Course will explore origins, development and effects of philosophy, religion, frontier and colonial experiences, science, technology, economics, and political ideologies upon environmental attitudes. Environmental ethics and sustainability will be examined.
Specific topics in biology. I
Specific topics in Biology (lab)
Specific topics in biology (lab)
Primarily the classification, identification, and nomenclature of flowering plants. Some ferns and conifers are also studied. Field trips.
Standard terminology and techniques used to characterize water quality, quantify a diversity of stream habitats, and ecological processes in lakes, streams, and wetlands. Identification, observation, and quantification of important taxa used as ecological indicators of ecosystem processes through the use of structured investigative laboratories and field research projects.
Statistical concepts with emphasis on measurement and interpretation of biological data and appropriate experimental designs.
Identification, nutritive value, and ecology of range plants, both forage producers and poisonous species.
An intensified course covering the principles and current trends in range management. SU
Biology, pathology, and prophylaxis of the principal internal parasites of animals and man. F-S
Biology, pathology, and prophylaxis of the principal internal parasites of animals and man. F-S
F-S
F
D
I
Overview of pivotal experiments in embryology and developmental genetics; genes and genetic pathways that control development in animal model systems and humans; focus on the application of molecular genetic approaches to the study of genes and development; reading and discussion of primary scientific literature.
This course will be an introduction to the main topics relevant to the human immune system, including the interaction of molecules, cells, tissues, and organism normal and abnormal immune functions, the connectivity of the innate and adaptive immunity, and the practical applications of vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, diagnostic assays, and organ transplantation.
Field trips and identification of Kansas birds.
F
F
To be taken with Statistical Applications course regarding the application of statistical technique s and models to biological research.
S
Host-parasite relationships in microbial diseases of humans and animals. Basic techniques of isolation, identification, and diagnosis. F
Survey of the synthesis, mechanisms, and action of hormones, and clinical considerations.
Survey of the synthesis, mechanisms, and action of hormones, and clinical considerations.
Current laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Management. Topics studied will include range plants, rangeland monitoring and quantification techniques.
Current laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Management. Topics studied will include range plants, rangeland monitoring and quantification techniques.
The study of wildlife management techniques and hands on experiences with issues in wildlife management.
The study of wildlife management techniques and hands on experiences with issues in wildlife management.
Graduate student professional development with an emphasis on written and oral communication.