Biology (B.A.)

This course is designed for biology majors and replaces traditional introductory biology courses. The overarching goal is to introduce students to collegiate biology by teaching them how to carry out scientific research. Across all sections of this course, students will pose scientific questions, design and critique experiments, run those experiments, evaluate experimental outcomes, and communicate those outcomes. Within this framework of investigative inquiry, students will learn introductory content that will not only be meaningful for the current course, but will allow for a smoother transition to their sophomore year. Content areas include ecology, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, reproduction, development, and cellular/molecular mechanisms.
Course fluidly transitions between lecture and lab with an equivalency to 3 lecture hours and 3 laboratory hours per week.  No P/F.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I ; or prerequisite of CHEM-1100.
(Multiple sections normally offered each semester.)

This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Three lectures per week with one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II or CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)

An introduction to the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal through ecosystem levels, highlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbiosis and populations dynamics especially in light of human interference, and ecosystem structure and function. Where possible, principles of evolution and ecology will be integrated.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II or CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)

A systematic study of chemicals of plant and fungal origin that are used as poisons, hallucinogens, and pharmaceuticals in human health. This course will examine the compounds produced by plants that make medicinal effects possible and the biological mechanisms through which these effects take place in the human body. Ethnobotanical and herbal therapy perspectives in identifying new medicines will also be discussed.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

Laboratory practice in seeding, growing, active ingredient extraction, and utilization of medicinal plants. Emphasis is placed on the survey and identification of important medicinal herb taxa. Students will complete a semester- long project focused on growing a medicinal plant and then isolating and testing extractions for biologic activity.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution or permission of instructor.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3160 Medical Botany.
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

A study of the classification, morphology, and physiology of microorganisms with special emphasis on bacteria and viruses.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution and CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms.

Corequisite(s): BIO 3690L Microbiology Laboratory.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Laboratory supporting BIO 3690 Microbiology. One three-hour lab per week.

Corerequiste(s): BIO 3690 Microbiology.

A study of the systems, mechanisms, and methods of molecular genetics with a particular emphasis on the analysis of the genetic material--mutagenesis, replication, regulation, transcription, and translation--and its protein products and their biological function. Recombinant DNA/genetic engineering and other modern technologies will be discussed. Three lecture per week. One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered alternate spring semesters.)

A study of histological methods, characteristic morphologies of various cell types, cellular arrangements that form the four mammalian tissue types, and normal microscopic structure of major organs within organ systems. Course will transition fluidly from lecture to lab. No P/F.
Three hours of lecture per week.
Three hours of lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution.
(Normally offered fall semesters.)

A study of the mammalian Immune system. Topics will include innate immunity, acquired (antibody and cell-mediated) immunity, common laboratory techniques, and medical immunology. No P/F.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry and BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology.
Pre or corequisite(s): BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A study of the identification, nomenclature, and classification of plants with emphasis on flowering plants.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

A study of morphology, taxonomy, and life histories of the parasitic forms in the animal kingdom and of the diseases caused by them. Special attention is given to parasites of humans. No P/F.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution.

A course devoted to exploring issues related to biological diversity, including how biodiversity is measured, where it is found, its value, threats to it, and measure taken at the population and species level to conserve it. The course includes examining links between conservation and economics, law, and the social sciences. Case studies and discussions of local and global topics will encourage students to understand the varied threats to global biodiversity and the principles necessary to overcome them.
Three lectures/discussions per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution and sophomore standing or instructor permission.
(Normally offered alternate springs.)
Note: Environmental Studies Minors are encouraged to register; please contact the instructor.

Course focusing on basic concepts in marine biology. Topics discussed in this course include basic oceanography, plankton ecology, nekton biology, meiofauna, marine communities, and the impact of humans on marine systems. Three meetings per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered in the spring of even-numbered years.)

The study of animal behavior from both the ethological and behavioral ecological perspectives. Broad topic areas include behavioral mechanisms, genetics of behavior, behavioral evolution, and behavioral adaptation.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 3650 Laboratory in Animal Behavior is encouraged.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution and a minimum of sophomore standing.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

An introduction to hands-on behavioral experiments and the methodology for studying animal behavior in the field and in the laboratory.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Corequisite(s): BIO 3640 Animal Behavior.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

A study of the reciprocal relationships of living organisms and their environments with respect to individuals, populations, and communities.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

A course for biology majors that emphasizes the natural history, evolution, ecology, morphology, anatomy, physiology, and diversity of both extant and extinct vertebrate groups. Emphasis will be on species found in Nebraska. Students will learn to identify specimens, dissect selected specimens, and investigate current topics in vertebrate zoology through oral presentations and at least one review paper.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

An introduction to the principle and mechanisms of evolution.
Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

BIO 4990 Senior Capstone is a one-semester course in which students demonstrate proficiency in writing and speaking needed for a career in biology. Students will be required to draw from their knowledge of biology concepts, scientific writing, and speaking in order to develop and communicate original ideas. The written products will be developed through multiple revisions in response feedback from peers and faculty. Oral communication of the proposed research will be developed concurrently, and will entail revisions as suggested by peers and faculty. Students will present their work to the NWU community to complete their capstone experience.

An introductory study of the structure, physiology, and pathogenicity of microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases in humans. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I .
Pre or corequisite(s): BIO 1080L Microbiology Laboratory.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

An introductory study of cellular physiology and tissues along with a comprehensive study of the integumentary skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, and special senses. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three lectures per week.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1090L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

An introductory study of the blood, cardiovascular lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems in addition to metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance and acid-base balance of the body. Does not count toward a biology major.
Three Lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I or permission of the instructor.
Pre or Corequisite(s): BIO 1100L Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A study of fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases, and thermochemistry.
Three classes per week.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Laboratory supporting CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I .
One three-hour lab per week.
Pre or corequisite(s): CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I .
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A survey of the structure and reactions of carbon-containing molecules.
Three lectures per week.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II with a grade of "C-" or better.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A laboratory supporting CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
One 3-hour lab per week.
One 1-hour pre-lab lecture per week.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory with grade of "C-" or better.
Corequisite(s): CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each spring semester.)