Biological Sciences

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

Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Listing

Academic Programs

Biology - BS Biology Masters - MS Biology Minor Biomedical Science Certificate Ecological Analysis Certificate Fisheries Science Certificate Plant Biology Certificate Range Science Certificate Resource Management Certificate Wildlife Biology Certificate Zoology Certificate

Courses

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.

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A laboratory course centered on fundamental experiences in the biological sciences.

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Structure and function of the human body. F-S-SU

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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.

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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.

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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.

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This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.

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The ecosystem, the human attitudes and factors affecting the ecosystem and alternatives to the present situation.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Selected details of the structure and function of the human cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive organ systems are presented. The course is designed to serve students majoring in nursing, athletic training, and allied health fields.

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Selected details of the structure and function of the human cardiovascular, lymphatic, repiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive organ systems are studied by observation of models and preserved organs, and by measurements, particularly those that can be made non-invasively.

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Selected details of human anatomy are studied using models, preserved organs and preserved cats.

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Selected details of human physiology are studied by observation and measurement. Emphasis is on those observations and measurements which can be made non-invasively.

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Provides biological science education majors with observation and participatory experience in a classroom environment in their area of specialization. F-S

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Characteristics and activities of micro-organisms and their relation to health and disease. F-S

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Selected common medical terms and their usages. The word-building system for medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations. F

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Survey of the plant kingdom; morphological and anatomical aspects of nonvascular and vascular plants. F-S

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Survey of the animal kingdom, including invertebrates and vertebrates. F-S

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Principles underlying the inheritance of characteristics in the human. F-S-SU

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Insect biologies, supported by collection and identification of specimens. Designed to meet the needs of the elementary and secondary teacher. D

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Identification of native Kansas plants and animals and their interrelationships in nature. F

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A survey course in genetics, stressing principles and concepts.

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The dependence of humans upon natural resources. Role of water, soil, forest, wildlife, rangeland, and minerals in our society. F-S-SU

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Structure and development of tissues and organs of vascular plants, with emphasis on the spermatophytes. A

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Life histories and structures of plants. Origin and relationships of the various groups. I

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Functions of the systems of the human body. Clientele: pre-PT, pre-MT, pre-pharmacy, biology majors in the laboratory option.

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Qualitative and quantitative studies of the functioning of the systems of the human body.

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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.

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Biotic regions of the world with emphasis on the structural and functional aspects of north American ecosystems. S

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This course is designed to receive non-equivalent elective transfer credit.

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Study of viruses of animals, plants, and bacteria, including their structure, function, evolution and implications for society.

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Theory and laboratory study of analytical chemical procedures utilized in medical technology.

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Blood cell derivation, maturation and function, principles of hemastasis and blood coaqulation, and methodology.

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Includes immunohematology and serology, blood groups and types, cross matches, blood components, and laboratory methods. F-S-SU

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Basic principles and practices of the medical laboratory, techniques, and special projects.

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Applications of biological sciences to specific health issues and conditions. I

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Processes and results of organic evolution.

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Plants in the environment and their impact on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

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Structure and function, including physical, chemical, and physiological processes, of cells in both plants and animals.

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Vertebrate evolution by comparative anatomical methods. Dissection of representative vertebrates. F

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Special topics in botany are assigned and oral reports made.

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Presentation of research techniques or discussion concerning concepts of biology. D

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Presentation of research techniques or discussion concerning concepts of biology. D

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Scheduled discussion of zoological topics. D

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Scheduled discussion of zoological topics. D

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Individual study of a non-research problem. F-S-SU

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To meet the research needs of students within the department. F-S-SU

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Individual study of a non-research problem. F-s-su

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Individual study of a non-research problem. F-S-SU

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Individual study of a non-research problem. F-S-SU

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Course is intended to provide practical experiences in biology.

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Classroom, laboratory, and field techniques used in teaching biology in the secondary schoool.

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Readings and written reports on special topics in biology and allied health. F-S-SU

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Readings and written reports on special topics. F-S-SU

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Individual reading in specified areas of zoology. F-s-su

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Individual reading in specified areas of zoology. F-S-SU

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Microbial ecology and the molecular biology of micro-organisms, including metabolism, genetics, and biotechnology are discussed. S

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Life processes and how they relate to the total activity of the plant body. Absorption, photosynthesis, transpiration, respiration, translocation, growth, and reproduction. S

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Designed to teach the theory and operation of the scanning electron microscope through hands-on training on the instrument. Laboratory training will include the preparation of specimens through an individualized project selected by the student.

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Designed to teach the theory and operation of the scanning electron microscope through hands-on training on the instrument. Laboratory training will include the preparation of specimens through an individualized project selected by the student.

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Primarily the classification, identification, and nomenclature of flowering plants. Some ferns and conifers are also studied. Field trips.

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Primarily the classification, identification, and nomenclature of flowering plants. Some ferns and conifers are also studied. Field trips.

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Primarily the classification, identification, and nomenclature of flowering plants. Some ferns and conifers are also studied. Field trips.

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Primarily the classification, identification, and nomenclature of flowering plants. Some ferns and conifers are also studied. Field trips.

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The value of freshwater resources, and the abiotic and biotic processes that determine community structure and function of organisms that inhabit inland waters. Students will become familiar with anthropogenic influences on and the ecosystem services provided by a diversity of aquatic systems through lecture and group activities.

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The value of freshwater resources, and the abiotic and biotic processes that determine community structure and function of organisms that inhabit inland waters. Students will become familiar with anthropogenic influences on and the ecosystem services provided by a diversity of aquatic systems through lecture and group activities.

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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.

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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.

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Statistical concepts with emphasis on measurement and interpretation of biological data and appropriate experimental designs.

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Statistical concepts with emphasis on measurement and interpretation of biological data and appropriate experimental designs.

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Statistical concepts with emphasis on measurement and interpretation of biological data and appropriate experimental designs.

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Concepts and theories associated with human wildlife interactions in management and conservation of wildlife fisheries and rangelands.

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Concepts and theories associated with human wildlife interactions in management and conservation of wildlife fisheries and rangelands.

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Understanding animal behaviors in the context of ecological and evolutionary processes. Examples from various groups will address how animal social behavior and mating strategies reflect the environments in which they live.

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Understanding animal behaviors in the context of ecological and evolutionary processes. Examples from various groups will address how animal social behavior and mating strategies reflect the environments in which they live.

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Methods used in ecology and wildlife management.

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Classification, identification, and nomenclature of range and world grasses. Grass evolution and fossil grasses are also studied. Field trips.

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Classification, identification, and nomenclature of range and world grasses. Grass evolution and fossil grasses are also studied. Field trips.

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Classification, identification and nomenclature of trees, and shrubs, and woody vines. Field trips.

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Classification, identification and nomenclature of trees, and shrubs, and woody vines. Field trips.

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Restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded or damaged. The understanding of processes and structures in natural systems will be used to inform practices used to restore naturally and anthropogenically disturbed sites.

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Restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded or damaged. The understanding of processes and structures in natural systems will be used to inform practices used to restore naturally and anthropogenically disturbed sites.

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Theory of sampling in plant ecology and range management. Techniques of measuring forage production, forage utilization, and habitat factors. S

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Theory of sampling in plant ecology and range management. Techniques of measuring forage production, forage utilization, and habitat factors. S

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A review of all methods of range ecosystem evaluation in different types of the U.S. And world. S

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A review of all methods of range ecosystem evaluation in different types of the U.S. And world. S

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Identification, nutritive value, and ecology of range plants, both forage producers and poisonous species.

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Concurrent laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Plants. Topics studied will include rangeland plant characteristics and identification.

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Concurrent laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Plants. Topics studied will include rangeland plant characteristics and identification.

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Identification, nutritive value, and ecology of range plants, both forage producers and poisonous species.

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An intensified course covering the principles and current trends in range management. SU

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An intensified course covering the principles and current trends in range management. SU

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Biology, pathology, and prophylaxis of the principal internal parasites of animals and man. F-S

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Biology, pathology, and prophylaxis of the principal internal parasites of animals and man. F-S

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Biology, pathology, and prophylaxis of the principal internal parasites of animals and man. F-S

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Insects, stressing morphology and identification. Collection is required. F

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Insects, stressing morphology and identification. Collection is required. F

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Insects, stressing morphology and identification. Collection is required. F

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Principles of vertebrate development with emphasis on mammalian embryogeny. Laboratory study of selected vertebrate embryos. D

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Principles of vertebrate development with emphasis on mammalian embryogeny. Laboratory study of selected vertebrate embryos. D

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Principles of vertebrate development with emphasis on mammalian embryogeny. Laboratory study of selected vertebrate embryos. D

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Structure and identification of normal vertebrate tissue. D

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Structure and identification of normal vertebrate tissue. D

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Local invertebrate fauna with emphasis on collection, classification, and biologies. I

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Local invertebrate fauna with emphasis on collection, classification, and biologies. I

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Local invertebrate fauna with emphasis on collection, classification, and biologies. I

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Nature and mechanisms of natural and acquired resistance, production of antibodies, antigens, and serological reactions. S

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Nature and mechanisms of natural and acquired resistance, production of antibodies, antigens, and serological reactions. S

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Nature and mechanisms of natural and acquired resistance, production of antibodies, antigens, and serological reactions. S

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Anatomy, behavior, ecology, evolution and physiology of birds.

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Field trips and identification of Kansas birds.

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Field trips and identification of Kansas birds.

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Anatomy, behavior, ecology, evolution and physiology of birds.

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Systematics natural history, and biogeography of mammals. Field trips and identification.

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Systematics natural history, and biogeography of mammals. Field trips and identification.

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Systematics natural history, and biogeography of mammals. Field trips and identification.

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Principles involved in ordering and classifying the diversity of organisms. S

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Principles involved in ordering and classifying the diversity of organisms. S

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Biological, physical, and chemical attributes of lakes an streams. F

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Biological, physical, and chemical attributes of lakes an streams. F

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Biological, physical, and chemical attributes of lakes an streams. F

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Reptiles and amphibians with emphasis on taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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Reptiles and amphibians with emphasis on taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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Reptiles and amphibians with emphasis on taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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A study of the generation, distribution, and conservation of biological diversity.

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A study of the generation, distribution, and conservation of biological diversity.

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The application of the principles of landscape ecology, geographical information systems, and spatial analysis to biological systems and research.

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The application of the principles of landscape ecology, geographical information systems, and spatial analysis to biological systems and research.

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The application of the principles of landscape ecology, geographical information systems, and spatial analysis to biological systems and research.

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The application of statistical techniques and models to biological research.

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To be taken with Statistical Applications course regarding the application of statistical technique s and models to biological research.

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To be taken with Statistical Applications course regarding the application of statistical technique s and models to biological research.

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The application of statistical techniques and models to biological research.

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Fishes with emphasis on physiology, taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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Fishes with emphasis on physiology, taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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Fishes with emphasis on physiology, taxonomy, distribution, evolution, and ecology. S

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Host-parasite relationships in microbial diseases of humans and animals. Basic techniques of isolation, identification, and diagnosis. F

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Host-parasite relationships in microbial diseases of humans and animals. Basic techniques of isolation, identification, and diagnosis. F

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Host-parasite relationships in microbial diseases of humans and animals. Basic techniques of isolation, identification, and diagnosis. F

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Theories and principles concerning distribution of plant and animal taxa and communities, past and present. S

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Theories and principles concerning distribution of plant and animal taxa and communities, past and present. S

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Survey of the synthesis, mechanisms, and action of hormones, and clinical considerations.

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Survey of the synthesis, mechanisms, and action of hormones, and clinical considerations.

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Range plants and their adaptations, types of rangeland systems, ecosystem structure and function, rangelands and global change and ecosystem manipulation and planning for multiple uses.

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Current laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Management. Topics studied will include range plants, rangeland monitoring and quantification techniques.

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Current laboratory experience for students enrolled in Range Management. Topics studied will include range plants, rangeland monitoring and quantification techniques.

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Range plants and their adaptations, types of rangeland systems, ecosystem structure and function, rangelands and global change and ecosystem manipulation and planning for multiple uses.

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Wildlife management concepts, practical aspects of wildlife and natural resource conservation. F

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The study of wildlife management techniques and hands on experiences with issues in wildlife management.

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The study of wildlife management techniques and hands on experiences with issues in wildlife management.

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Wildlife management concepts, practical aspects of wildlife and natural resource conservation. F

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An introduction to techniques and principles of inland fisheries management.

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An introduction to techniques and principles of inland fisheries management.

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Graduate student professional development with an emphasis on written and oral communication.

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The historic development and evolution of biological concepts and their makers. I

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Techniques and methods of conducting scientific research, writing scientific papers, and succeeding as a professional biologist.

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In this course, students will learn to present scientific research. The course emphasizes the oral and visual aspects of presenting research.

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A field trip to selected localities to enable students to obtain an integrated understanding of several biotic regions.

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Floristic composition of plant communities of Kansas. Identification of species in characterization of plant communities, as well as association of species and habitat. SU

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Quantitative methods in plant ecology. Pattern, ordination and interspecific association analysis. D

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An in-depth inquiry into the physiological bases for adaptation. A

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Animal populations and the relations of animals to their environment.

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Discussion concerning concepts of biology.

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Scheduled discussion of botanical topics. D

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Scheduled discussions of zoological topics. D

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Individual investigation of a botanical problem. F-S-SU

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Individual investigation of a zoological problem. F-S-SU

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Provides advanced practical experience in teaching, supervision, and administration in biology. F-S-SU

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Nature, morpology, symptomology, and control of the causal agent of plant diseases.

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Readings and written report on special topics in biology and allied health. F-S-SU

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Readings and written reports on special topics. F-S-SU

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Readings and written reports on special topics. F-S-SU

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Investigations of a biological problem. F-S-SU

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UAS I: Pilot Certification 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.

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<b>Development of written and oral communication with an emphasis on creating discipline-specific products<i>.</i></b>

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Last updated: 11/22/2023