利用我们的专业知识和研究, 我们服务于社会的不同需要, Nebraska and beyond. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery and understanding.
Measuring success
Our graduates go on to excel in a variety of graduate programs and professional schools. Even pursuing careers in business and as entrepreneurs. 我们为看到学生的成功而感到自豪. When you succeed…so do we.
New breakthroughs
利用我们的专业知识和研究, 我们服务于社会的不同需要, Nebraska and beyond. Our faculty is dedicated to enabling students to use scientific approaches to discovery and understanding.
Click on the course to view a course description, instructor information and sample syllabus.
An in-depth discussion of the principles of modern immunology. Major topics of discussion will include: cellular components of the immune system; antibody structure, function and synthesis; function of cytokines and complement; MHC structure and function; and the immune system and disease. A competent background in cell biology and/or biochemistry and microbiology is strongly recommended. 每年秋季和春季在线提供.
This course is an overview of the basic concepts in evolutionary biology with a focus on pattern and process through the use of examples. 分子和生物数据将被检查. 每年秋季和春季在线提供.
Life processes of plants with an emphasis on water relations and hormonal and stress physiology. 在线提供,偶数年的秋天.
Through videotaped lectures, reading and writing assignments, and online discussions, students will develop an understanding of the origin and the evolution of plagues. We will illustrate the techniques humans have to defend against epidemics and will speculate about their role in shaping humanity and our futures. 在线提供,奇数年的春天.
This course is an introduction to many aspects of using Geographic Information Systems as a natural resources tool. 本课程介绍制图的概念, 工具,如全球定位系统工具, and natural resource databases at the state and federal levels. In addition to lectures and labs where the software and tools are used, students also have the opportunity to complete projects using GIS and data of their own choosing. The main objective of the class is to give students enough familiarity with GIS software, data resources, and project design to be able to effectively produce their own projects.
An introduction to the discipline of scientific illustration. Students will learn the fundamental principles of creating effective illustrations for the purpose of communicating science. A limited set of media types, both traditional and digital will be explored. The main focus will be on creating the best images for use in research, teaching, journal publications, presentations, and other applications. Copyright and other legal issues will also be discussed. A basic knowledge of biological concepts is useful; artistic ability not required. Offered online, every Spring.
Microbes are the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth. Collectively, they play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling, human health, and food production. This course will explore the evolutionary and ecological processes that generate and maintain microbial diversity. Students will also be exposed to molecular and bioinformatic approaches that are used to study microorganisms in a variety of habitats, including freshwater, marine and terrestrial. 在线提供,奇数年的秋天.
Bioethics is the study of ethical controversies in both biology and medicine. Science has progressed significantly in the last century and with this progress has come ethical questions. The intent of this course is to focus on a variety of issues that have arisen, including, but not limited to, assisted reproductive technologies, sex selection, cloning, 还有干细胞研究等等. Offered online, every Spring.
HeLa cells are one of the oldest and most commonly used human cell line. Even though the utility of this cell line is vast and important, the history behind how the cells were isolated and used is a bioethical conundrum. Science, medicine, and technology have progressed significantly because of the use of HeLa cells and with this progress have come ethical questions. The intent of this course is to focus on the biological, medical, technological, 以及围绕海拉细胞的伦理问题.
An introduction to graduate study and requirements at bet36365体育 with emphasis on research methods and biological techniques for the professional teacher and biologist. Students will gain an appreciation for the scientific method by formulating good scientific questions including sound null and alternative hypotheses, design experimental methods addressing the hypotheses and propose appropriate statistical tests for evaluation of results. Students will practice the art of locating and understanding scientific literature. In addition, students will engage in scientific writing which will include the submission of a research proposal. Offered online, every semester.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The student is encouraged to take this course during his/her first 9 hours of graduate work in Biology. Course is required before enrolling in Biological Research BIOL 831A-F.
Environmental biology focuses on the interface of human activity and the natural biological world. The impacts of humans on biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and individual species are examined. The role of governmental policies and politics is a part of this discipline and is reviewed. Recent scientific research and reports are used to predict what the future challenges are to humans and organisms in the face of the rapid changes brought about by human activity.
Ecology is the study of how species interact with each other and with their abiotic environment. There are many disciplines within ecology that we will touch on, including marine ecology, ecological physiology, population biology, and community ecology. This class will summarize current ecological knowledge, and students will read a number of classic papers in the field. 在线提供,奇数年的春天.
Various approaches to understand humans’ attitudes and behaviors toward wildlife, fisheries, and nature. The course is organized around three major sections: psychology, sociology, and economics.
本课程主要分为两个部分. The first is biological statistics: the collection and analysis of scientific data. The second area is experimental design: how an experimental hypothesis is built and what are the pieces and procedures needed to conduct a successful experiment. The class is not mathematically intensive and relies on the power of computers beyond a few examples done by hand. The class includes both parametric and non-parametric statistics with continuous and categorical variables. Offered online, every semester.
This course is an investigation of the major life history stages of birds. We will discuss topics including: evolution of birds, reproduction, migration, flight, 以及各种鸟类学的最新话题. Assigned readings from the scientific literature, exams, 基于调查的活动/任务, and online discussions will be used to explore these topics. Plan to spend several hours each week on reading, writing, responding to topic discussions, and participating in activities.
This course focuses on practical applications of the process of health promotion. Students will identify and understand community resources already in place to promote health. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the unique needs of your selected community or organization (eg, school, worksite). Students will apply the steps of health promotion planning to a community or organization of their choice. This course is important for those planning to work with or in communities in the areas of health care, health promotion, public health, or the school setting.
This course is designed to engage critical thinking and problem-solving skills by approaching health-related issues through multiple perspectives. It includes reading, analyzing, interacting, and reflecting about current issues and future concerns as they relate to the health sciences as well as individual, community, and societal health-related needs. Students will examine issues by critiquing information sources and using scientific research. Topics vary based on student interests and trends in the health sciences.
From plants to animals, from rivers that flow through arid lands to desert oases, from plant-animal interactions to ecosystem functions, 从外来物种到关键物种, from climate to precipitation, we will survey different topics related to desert biology. I will select some topics but others will be of your interests. We will discuss potential topics in the first weeks of the class.
Principles and practices of restoring ecosystem biodiversity, structure, and function following natural or anthropogenic disturbance. This course focuses on ecological theory and its application to ecological restoration. Topics include monitoring and adaptive management, soil and water quality, invasive species and revegetation, as well as ethics and societal aspects of ecological restoration.
Plants are inextricably intertwined with human evolution and history. This course examines some of the myriad plant-human relationships pivotal to the development and maintenance of human societies. The course will include 1) some basic botany for orientation, 2) historic uses of plants and how plant/human interactions have shaped societies, 3)现代植物/人类关系, 重点是农业实践.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and concepts that govern the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This course will cover the history of microbiology, microbial morphology and physiology, microbial metabolism, 微生物分子生物学和遗传学, and ecology, including topics in clinical and applied microbiology.
Broadly defined, grassland ecosystems occupy approximately 40% of the terrestrial surface of the Earth. These systems evolved and have been maintained by interactions between periodic droughts, recurrent fire, and herbivory. They also have a long history of use by humans for production of food and, more recently, energy. This course is intended to provide you with an understanding of the physiological, population, community, and ecosystem processes that characterize grassland systems, as well as the roles of fire and grazing in their maintenance. You will also learn about current issues in grassland ecology dealing with land use change, species invasions, and climate change.
This course will examine the theoretical and applied aspects of invasive and nuisance species ecology and management, including terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Major themes of the course will include: 1) ecological concepts that describe invasion likelihoods and consequences as well as ecosystem resistance and resilience; 2) invasive species management; and 3) policies and regulations involving invasive and nuisance species.
The course will introduce students to the field of neglected tropical diseases and their impact on global health and social and economic development. This will include an overview of the major neglected tropical diseases and the countries affected by these diseases. Students will review the public health structure of countries affected by neglected tropical diseases, 这些疾病带来的经济负担, disease pathology, and measures to address the burden of neglected tropical diseases in cost-effective ways.
Throughout history, pandemics have been the biggest killer of people from Black Death to COVID. Dr. Ali Khan, the Dean of Public Health at UNMC, has written a book about his experiences with epidemics during his career at CDC. What do these experiences teach us about pandemics and the future of humankind?
Mass extinction events are directly and indirectly responsible for what the Earth looks like today in terms of both organismal composition and distribution; it is estimated that well over 99% of organisms that once existed on Earth have gone extinct. These events have occurred several times during the past 500 million years, with varying causes, intensities, and lasting impact. 我们将详细研究每一次大灭绝, including the current putative “6th Extinction”, 评估和讨论原因, effect, and lasting impact of each. 将特别关注二叠纪盆地, K-Pg, and Holocene extinctions due to their magnitude and recency.
In this course, we will cover the basic and advanced concepts related to vaccines and immunizations and how the immune system mounts responses to vaccines to establish protective immunity. We will discuss the different ways society views vaccines, paying attention to the current anti-vaccination movement, and how social media has impacted the spread of anti-vaccine propaganda. Importantly, we will investigate strategies on how to promote vaccination as an important tool to protect our society against disease. To obtain a deeper understanding of concepts and controversies related to vaccines, 我们将调查当前的大流行, 新出现的流行病和疫苗的未来.
The goal of this course is to acquaint a student with research associated with the biological sciences. After completing six hours, a student will have a thorough literature review, 设计了一套新颖的实验, 创造研究材料和方法, collected and analyzed data, and a written final report in a format agreed upon by the student and the advisor. 本课程需要注册许可. Offered online, every semester.
PREREQUISITE: BIOL 820 - Introduction to Graduate Study
RECOMMENDATIONS: Completion of 6 graduate Biology credit hours, in addition to BIOL 820, before enrollment in BIOL 831A
This course is an in-depth study of the behavior and ecology of cranes. Assigned readings from the scientific literature, one writing assignment and online discussions will be used to explore a variety of topics including: reproductive biology, wintering ecology, migratory behavior, 鹤类的保育及管理. Plan to spend at least several hours each week on reading, writing, 并对主题讨论做出回应. 在线提供,奇数年的秋天.
An overview of conservation biology and its importance. Special emphasis is placed on ecological, economic, and social issues relevant to biological rarity.
This course discusses the role of hormones in regulating reproduction in mammals, with an emphasis in humans. Topics to be covered include: 1) sexual differentiation of the brain, 2) spermatogenesis and oogenesis, 3) pregnancy, parturition, and lactation, and 4) fertility and sexually transmitted diseases. Background in anatomy and physiology is recommended. Offered online, every Summer.
Human anatomy including essential aspects of functional morphology will be covered. 所涵盖的主题可能包括附录, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Detailed discussion of specific anatomical regions will be required. 每年秋季和春季在线提供.
General human physiology will be studied with an emphasis on systems. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, immune and reproductive systems will be discussed. Salient mechanical, physical and biochemical processes of organs, tissues and cells will be covered. Anatomy will be included at a level necessary to make sense of the system's function. 每年秋季和春季在线提供.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Students will need a basic understanding of chemistry. Two semesters of undergraduate general chemistry are likely sufficient.
This course is an introduction to medical microbiology with coverage of viral, bacterial, fungal, 以及引起原生动物疾病的微生物. It will cover the basic mechanisms of infection, disease progression, and immune response. It is strongly suggested that students have taken an introductory microbiology course before taking this class. Offered online, every Fall.
An in-depth discussion of the principles of modern virology. Major topics of discussion will include: virus replication strategies, virus structure, virus infection and disease, and host resistance to disease. Offered online, every Spring.
RECOMMENDATIONS: A course in genetics and a course in cell biology or biochemistry is strongly recommended.
Evolution of laws relating to fish and wildlife with a particular focus on major federal legislation, federal versus state jurisdiction, fishing and hunting rights, and other topics. 在线提供,偶数年的夏天.
This course will cover current topics in eukaryotic Biology including functions of the membrane, cell organelle functions, cell signaling, cell cycle, and cell movement. This course will also cover the involvement of specific cell organelles and cell functions in human diseases. 在线提供,偶数年的春天.
The course will consist of a short review of pertinent principles in protein structure and function, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, and the basics of the genetic dogma and recombinant DNA technology. The bulk of the course will be made up of a topical consideration of subjects in biotechnology such as: the production of protein pharmaceuticals, 动植物基因工程, and cloning of organisms. Special consideration will be given to the molecular mechanisms behind the processes discussed. 在线提供,奇数年的春天.
This course will be a wide consideration of all aspects of Forensic Biology ranging from general considerations to the latest in molecular techniques. 我们还将回顾当前的文献, discuss case studies, and look at some mass market publications on crime scene investigation. Offered online, every Fall.
This course is designed as a survey of the current state of knowledge in the cellular and molecular biology of cancer processes. The students will also review current literature in cancer biology by analyzing and critiquing current articles. 在线提供,奇数年的秋天.
This course is a survey of current research in genome evolution with an emphasis on understanding the unifying evolutionary principles. Topics include gene duplication, polyploidy, mobile elements and comparative genomics.
This class introduces students to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and associated concepts and technologies. The class curriculum includes an introduction to (and temporary license for) the ArcGIS GIS software package, cartographic principles, online GIS data sources, and the functioning of Global Positioning System (GPS). Particular attention will be paid to organizing GIS data into appropriate data structures and the completion of independent research projects. The independent projects have been found to be a crucial component for becoming familiar with much of the material covered in the class. No prior experience with GIS or GPS software or GPS receivers is expected.
组织学也被称为显微解剖学. This course examines animal bodies on the tissue and cellular level. 大多数例子将来自人体解剖学. Basic tissue types will be studied as well as organ structure and function. As a distance class, micropictographs will be used (not glass slides) from the web, 以及从指定的教科书. 没有先前的组织学经验.
An examination of how living organisms cope with short- and long-term exposure to extreme environmental conditions related to nutrient and water availability, temperature, and pressure. A basic understanding of organismal physiology is required.
This course will focus on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and will include gross anatomical features and landmarks of the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalons, brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. Physiological aspects will include the generation and modification of action potentials as well as normal functions of the specific regions of the central nervous system. Selected abnormal functions will also be studied. The interdependency of the central nervous system to itself (various pathways between the spinal cord and within the brain) as well as to the peripheral nervous system and select organ systems will complete the focus of the course. It is recommended that students have taken anatomy and physiology before enrolling in this course.
Application based course covering the classical and molecular principles of inheritance. Concepts covered include various historical concepts surrounding transmission, molecular, and population genetics, current state of the discipline, 并展望了该领域的未来前景. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills through quizzes, tests and writing assignments.
RECOMMENDATIONS: A good course for students with little knowledge of genetics. Also useful for students interested in teaching high school AP courses, community college genetics, 或者那些需要进修课程的人.
The course focuses on contemporary human genetics with emphasis on genetic diseases. A study of the genetic basis and frequency of genetic defects in man and genetic counseling. Offered online, every Fall.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Students should be comfortable with introductory genetics concepts. Need to have a good grasp of meiosis, DNA replication, and basic inheritance. If it has been awhile you may want to take BIOL 860: Concepts of Genetics, first.
动物行为学导论. 本课程将研究行为遗传学, physiology of behavior, ecology of behavior, and the evolution of behavior.
A review of the major advances in biology from the ancients to the present, with emphasis on paradigm shifts and science as a human endeavor. Offered online, every Summer.
Genetics is a field of study that is always changing. In addition, the findings from Genetic analyses are altering how the society views science. In the news and in TV infomercials, we are inundated with “Science has found the gene for this ailment!或者“使用这个产品来控制你的基因。!” Films like 1997’s Gattaca, or art and popular culture influence how we think of Genetics, each other, and ourselves. There are also new genetic technologies being rapidly developed. All of these events will influence how we think of society and likely shape future policy decisions. In this course, the basics of genetics, as well as the societal implications of genetics and genetic technologies will be discussed. The impact of film, literature, television, the news, and other sources of information, 事实和虚构都将被讨论.
"Wildlife" is defined as wild birds and wild mammals. 它不包括其他脊椎动物(鱼类), amphibians, or reptiles), 也不包括无脊椎动物. This is a course about the Principles of Wildlife Conservation, and is not specifically about wildlife management, or even wildlife ecology. However, both these latter subjects will be examined briefly. Wildlife conservation usually involves as much if not more of the following disciplines than it involves biology: history, sociology, and politics. It is recommended that you have taken a course in ecology and statistics before enrolling in this course.
An introduction to insects and related arthropods. Emphasis is placed on morphology, physiology, taxonomy and ecology of insects. 在线提供,偶数年的春天.
For practicing science teachers. Emphasis on scientific literacy and the alignment of K-12 science curricula with state and national standards and benchmarks. 在线提供,偶数年的夏天.
Academic writing in the sciences can be a daunting solitary endeavor. It is the hope of this course to take away the fear of the blank page and help to engage the class with a sense of community that is inherently beneficial to the writing process. This course is particularly geared towards students who have been away from academic writing for many years, or perhaps decades. This will be an introduction into this type of writing, complete with an overview of the materials available to you as a distance student. The primary purpose of this course is to improve your written communications skills. We will focus on your ability to prepare and write technical papers in a professional scientific format. A crucial part of learning to write technical papers is reading them and practicing writing them yourself. Plan to spend at least several hours each week on reading, writing, and practicing the skills we cover in this course.
This course will expose the student to many different biological research topics, 激发对这些话题的讨论, 提高对当前生物学问题的认识, help students critically analyze relevant and contemporary primary literature and ensure students are able to prepare appropriate presentations for scientific meetings. Offered online, every semester.
This course was developed to provide a thorough examination of the interactions between abiotic and biotic components of freshwater ecosystems incorporating both theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web management. Major themes of the course will include nutrient cycling, trophic state and eutrophication, predation and food webs, and fisheries ecology. Selected scientific literature and text readings will stress professional differences of opinion during discussion of topics, which is intended to guide students toward an understanding that ecological principles rarely are simple and that current dogma can at times be incorrect or incomplete. Finally, this course is directed at improving student communication (written and electronic information/technology based) and critical thinking skills. 在线提供,偶数年的春天.
Through videotaped lectures, reading and writing assignments, and on-line discussions, students will be introduced to both freshwater ecosystems and fishery management. Students will learn to analyze freshwater management problems using multiple techniques, to suggest alternative approaches, and to identify consequences of those approaches. 在线提供,偶数年的秋天.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Background in evolution is helpful.
This course was developed to provide a thorough examination of both theoretical and applied aspects of fisheries ecology. Major themes of the course will include individual ecology (feeding, growth, and reproduction), population ecology, and community ecology (predation and competition). Selected scientific literature and text readings will stress professional differences of opinion during discussion of topics, which is intended to guide students toward an understanding that ecological principles rarely are simple and that current dogma can at times be incorrect or incomplete. Finally, this course is directed at improving student communication (written and electronic information/technology based) and critical thinking skills. 在线提供,奇数年的夏天.
Chemistry of fats, protein, carbohydrates, hormones, vitamins, 以及其他重要的生物化合物. A solid background in organic chemistry is needed for success in this course. 在线提供,偶数年的夏天.