Biology Course Descriptions

Students sometimes ask what a course is "really" about. Our faculty have written some more informal and hopefully informative course descriptions for classes below. This is meant to be a resource to help students understand course options. The information below is NOT an official or binding description. Please note that the semester a course is offered can be subject to change.

Course modality is in-person unless otherwise indicated in the description.
Official catalog descriptions can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog

Foundational Biology Courses

Each meeting of Biology Freshman Seminar covers a topic related to student success, including student help sources such as tutoring and academic coaching, the Career Center, student involvement opportunities within the Division of Biology (such as research), the university, and community. In addition, students develop a graduation plan after going over degree requirements and gain competency in navigating KSU online resources.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: NA

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: Requirement 7 Institutionally Designated Area – Free elective

BIOL198 is an introductory biology course intended for science majors. It emphasizes understanding the life processes that occur at different levels in the hierarchy of life and exploring linkages within and between these different levels. Specific areas covered include the scientific method, evolution, biological molecules, structure and function of cells, energy flow, genetics, ecology, biodiversity, and plant and animal biology. Although this class is aimed at science majors, the knowledge gained can be applied to many aspects of a person’s life. These include understanding how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life, learning how environmental processes affect humans, and exploring the connection between cell function and plant/animal/human health.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Modality: In-person, online

Pre-requisites: At least one year of high school biology or chemistry is recommended.

K-State 8 Tags: Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning, Natural and Physical Sciences
K-State Core: Requirement 4 Natural and Physical Sciences

An introduction to classical, molecular, quantitative, and population genetics. Human examples and comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics are emphasized. Topics include Mendelian inheritance, DNA and chromosome structure, cell division, mitosis, meiosis and DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein translation, regulation of gene expression, mutation, recombinant DNA, genomics, quantitative inheritance, and population/evolutionary genetic principles.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 and CHM 210 OR CHM 220 or concurrent enrollment. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of a college-level math or statistics course is recommended.

K-State 8 Tags: Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning, Natural and Physical Sciences
K-State Core: NA

This course examines the process of evolution and the biological patterns generated by these processes. The semester opens with a series of modules exploring foundational concepts relevant to evolution, followed by an exploration of the genetic mechanisms underpinning evolution, and concludes with a survey evolutionary outcomes and applications. Throughout the semester a key learning experience of this course centers on the development of analytical skills required to critically evaluate evolutionary hypotheses. Key topics of discussion include adaptation and sexual selection, pathogen evolution, and evolutionary medicine.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 or a course in genetics

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

Non-Major Courses

Note: “Non-major” courses can be taken by biology majors. Biology and Microbiology majors may apply to 3 credits of coursework below the 400 level (excluding BIOL 221 and 255, which do not count towards that limit) towards their Biology electives.

This is an introductory biology course with a lab and is intended for non-science majors. The course covers fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology, ecology, cell biology, genetics, biodiversity, and the scientific method. We emphasize exploring the role of biology in society and developing skills to differentiate biological fact from fiction. This course introduces you to a wide range of topics in the science of biology. We will provide you with some knowledge of each of these areas and illustrate how this basic information can help you understand biological processes and their importance in our world.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Summer is online only)

Modality: In-person, online

Pre-requisites: NA

K-State 8 Tags: Natural and Physical Sciences

K-State Core: Requirement 4 Natural and Physical Sciences

Public Health Biology is an introductory course in public health research and application. It begins with a history of the topic, focusing on the origins and objectives of public health science. To give these topics a cultural context, the historical origins of public health sciences are taught and then applied to modern controversies. As a final tool, we learn about epidemiology, with the primary focus of this section being to familiarize the students with common metrics used in epidemiology and includes a discussion of different types of rates, ratios, risk factors, at risk populations, etc. We also learn about bias (its risks, as well as how it can be introduced and accounted for) and graphical representations of epidemiological data. (For math adverse students, please note this is not a math or statistics class and you will not need a calculator.) After establishing the necessary base knowledge of epidemiology, we apply these fundamental concepts to individual disease states such as chronic, communicable, and non-communicable diseases. Students are challenged to apply their foundation of epidemiology and public health to contemporary cases (both local and international events). Typically, this involves learning principal characteristics and risk factors for a particular illness before having small group or class discussion on intervention methods. Since this is an introductory class, students do not need any background in epidemiology, medical or pre-health sciences. The course is designed to give students of diverse backgrounds their first taste in public health. The course’s goal is to teach the practical application of basic public health and epidemiology, perhaps serving as a gateway into further study in the field.

Semester offered: Spring and Summer (Modality: Online in the summer)

Pre-requisites: One course in a natural science

K-State 8 Tags: Global Issues and Perspectives, Natural and Physical Sciences
K-State Core: NA

Major Courses – Medical Biology Emphasis

Note: Biology and Microbiology majors may apply to 3 credits of coursework below the 400 level (excluding BIOL 221 and 255, which do not count towards that limit) towards their Biology electives.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms. Microorganisms are in us, on us, and nearly everywhere around us. They are essential to the web of life in every environment. They can be primary producers, nitrogen fixers, antibiotic producers or decomposers of organic and inorganic materials among other things. Their interaction with living organisms can positively affect them or cause diseases. The course is set-up as a lecture course with a laboratory component where you will learn basic microbiology techniques, observe different properties of microorganisms and learn how to identify some species of bacteria. You will be able to understand the impact of microbiology and its relationship to other biological sciences, public health, society, and the environment. Knowledge of microbiology is applicable in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, agricultural and food production industries. It also aids in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of plants and animals, and in our understanding of biogeochemical processes in the biosphere.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Summer only when enrollment demand is sufficient)
Note: BIOL 255 will be offered online in summer and online BIOL 255 is not permitted to be taken by Biology majors. It is recommended, regardless of major, that students who need hands-on lab experience for their career pathways take BIOL 255 in-person during the fall/spring semesters.

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 and one course in chemistry

K-State 8 Tags: Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning, Natural and Physical Sciences

K-State Core: Requirement 4 Natural and Physical Sciences

Cancer is a complex group of diseases that affects over two million people in the United States every year. Tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis requires the dysregulation of many aspects of normal cell behavior. In this class, we will explore the normal cell functions that protect us from cancer development and discover how they are disrupted in cancer cells. Students will learn about the environmental and genetic risk factors that can contribute to the development of cancer, as well as discover how research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer are being translated into successful therapeutic strategies.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: Two courses in biology (BIOL 398 strongly recommended)

K-State 8 Tags: Natural and Physical Sciences

K-State Core: NA

This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at human anatomy with an introduction to physiology. The main goals of Human Body I are to help you become comfortable with the integrated discipline of anatomy and physiology, learn how to think about the human body during health and disease, and apply the information to solve problems.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites:
1. BIOL 198
2. CHM 110/CHM 111 OR CHM 210
3. BIOL 398 Principles of Genetics OR PHYS 214 Engineering Physics II OR KIN 220 Biobehavioral Basis of Physical Activity OR any biology course with a lab component and BIOL 198 as a prerequisite
4. Sophomore standing.
5. Recommended: Strongly recommended that students receive Bs or better in all prerequisite courses. It is also strongly recommended that transfer students complete at least one K-State Biology class before enrolling in BIOL 441.
K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at human physiology with a review of anatomy from Human Body I. The main goals of Human Body II are to help you become very comfortable with the integrated discipline of physiology, learn how to think about physiological processes in the human body during health and disease, and of course to be able to apply the information to a myriad of problems in different health settings.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 441 (strongly recommended to have BIOL 441 taken from K-State; some courses come in as transfer equivalents, but rarely provide sufficient foundation for BIOL 442)

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

The aim of BIOL 443 (aka HBIII) is to integrate the anatomy and physiology of HBI and HBII into one course where students apply their knowledge to perform the gross dissection of human cadavers while also teaching anatomical structures to HBI lab students. This course consists of brief lectures, dissections, review of anatomical structures, HBI teaching demonstrations an autopsy report of findings as well as a final discussion over each cadaver’s hypothesized cause of death based on student findings. The objectives of this course are: to develop cadaver dissection competence, to aid in a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology, and to enhance critical thinking and teaching efficacy skills.

All students are required to have earned at least a B in Human Body I (BIOL 441). It is thus expected that you will only need to review some of the information in the course, as we will try to dive deeper into more anatomy and physiology than the other course. While BIOL 442 is not a required pre-requisite, it is strongly encouraged.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: Earned a B or better in Human Body I (BIOL 441)

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Most animals develop from a single cell: the fertilized egg. How does that single cell develop into a fully formed individual? How do cells know how to differentiate into the correct cell types, tissues and organs? How do cells communicate, move around, change shape, stick together, divide and even die to give rise to shape, structure and form in developing embryos? How do cells know when to divide and when to stop dividing? How are sperm and eggs made, and how do two cells and genomes become one during fertilization? How did these developmental mechanisms evolve? How do developmental biologists study these processes?

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

The interplay of ecological interactions, evolutionary dynamics, and the mechanisms of host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions shape the emergence and impact of infectious diseases. This course takes an integrative approach to examine relationships among these factors. Key topics of discussion will include zoonotic infections, emerging infectious diseases, the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and the impact of public health measures.

Semester offered: Every other Spring, typically odd years

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 or BIOL 255 or ASI 500

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

A cell is the fundamental unit of all living organisms, whether they are “simple” bacteria, single-celled eukaryotes or complex multi-cellular organisms like animals and plants. We will begin by examining the shared characteristics of cells, including the organic macromolecules and metabolic pathways used to build and maintain them. We will then learn about the complex processes used by eukaryotic cells to
interact with their environment, to regulate the cell cycle and other cell fate decisions, and also to communicate and cooperate with other cells. By the end of the course, students will understand the relationship between fundamental cellular processes and the health and function of multicellular organisms.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Note: Summers are online, and only if there is sufficient demand)

Pre-requisites: (BIOL 398 or ASI 500) and (CHM 350 or CHM 531).

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This course will introduce students to the fascinating world of parasites that “eat at our tables.” Besides their immediate impact on human well-being, parasites have shaped the biology of many organisms, including humans. We will start with an introduction into the fundamentals of the parasitic lifestyle and then the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of many individual human parasites. A large portion of the above is learned simply by understanding the life cycles of these parasites, and, thus, how to break the chain of infection.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This laboratory enables students to meet human parasites close up and in person. We will use of the vast parasite collection housed in the Division of Biology and look at microscopy slides and larger preserved specimens. Students will learn the basics of microscopic identification of common human eukaryotic parasites, which remains the gold standard of parasite diagnostics.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: Concurrent or previous enrollment in BIOL 545.

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

We will cover the fundamental and molecular basis of major common non-infectious diseases and disorders affecting humanity. There will be an emphasis on cellular and molecular biological mechanisms by which the structure and function of specific human tissues, organs, and organ systems are altered. We will also cover the immunology and pathology associated with these human diseases.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 and BIOCH 521

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This course provides an overview of the principles of immunology, including immune system development, the roles of immune cells and organs, and the coordination between innate and adaptive defenses. Students will examine the genetics of lymphocyte receptor expression and explore how humoral and cell-mediated immunity work together to recognize and eliminate threats. The course also addresses the immunological basis of allergic reactions, transplant compatibility, and autoimmune disease. By integrating molecular mechanisms with real biological outcomes, students will develop a clear understanding of how the immune system maintains balance.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOCH 521 and BIOL 398 or ASI 500 with a C or better. BIOL 255 and BIOL 541 and senior standing are highly recommended

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

The ecology of aquatic, terrestrial, and animal and plant host-associated microorganisms in their natural environments. Key topics include microbial cellular functions and adaptations to diverse environmental habitats, microbial metabolic and biochemical diversity, microbial interactions with their hosts and other microbes, and functional importance of microbial communities in environmental habitats.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 255 or BIOL 529

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Advanced Cell Biology is designed for graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students who may be considering a career in life science or related fields. The course is an in-depth examination of current topics in cellular and molecular biology. The focus is on Eukaryotic cells with an emphasis on animal cells including mammalian cells. There will be a review of the current field
(textbook knowledge) with an emphasis on recent literature (primary literature). Major topics include how the cell is organized (cell membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles including the nucleus), how proteins and other materials move through the cell (trafficking), quality control (protein degradation and apoptosis), cell signaling, and how cells divide (cytokinesis, cell cycle), move
(cytoskeleton), and stay together (extracellular matrix and cell adhesion).

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 541

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Traditionally, virology courses have focused on the differences between virus families. This course (and textbook) break from tradition and emphasize the similarities observed between the structure, replication, and pathogenesis of different groups of viruses, while still pointing out the interesting variations that are observed among specific viruses. In this course, students will learn about the properties of viruses, some of the techniques used to study viruses, and the molecular biology and pathogenesis of a number of animal and human viruses.

Semester offered: Spring **COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED**

Pre-requisites: Twelve hours of biological sciences, including BIOL 398 and BIOL 255; and BIOCH 521 or equivalent; consent of instructor.

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Major Courses – Molecular Biology Emphasis

Phage Hunters is part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program. This is a discovery-based undergraduate research course that begins with collecting soil or water samples to find new viruses. Students will learn and practice several microbiology and molecular biology techniques, reading protocols, interpretation of results, and following the scientific method. Furthermore, students become familiar with lab instruments and their handling.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: NA

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

Phage Hunters is part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program. On this bioinformatics course, students use a variety of programs to annotate the genomes of viruses found on at K-State. The data is used to write scientific posters that are presented on different events, including the National SEA-PHAGES symposium, enriching student’s resume. All the annotated genomes are submitted to HHMI and GenBank.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 461

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Most animals develop from a single cell: the fertilized egg. How does that single cell develop into a fully formed individual? How do cells know how to differentiate into the correct cell types, tissues and organs? How do cells communicate, move around, change shape, stick together, divide and even die to give rise to shape, structure and form in developing embryos? How do cells know when to divide and when to stop dividing? How are sperm and eggs made, and how do two cells and genomes become one during fertilization? How did these developmental mechanisms evolve? How do developmental biologists study these processes?

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This course covers the molecular biology of eukaryotic gene expression, with an emphasis on gene expression as a regulated process. The course introduces selected topics in recombinant DNA and biotechnology, focusing on topics central to a modern understanding of gene regulation. Specific examples involving GMO foods, human gene therapy applications and consumer genetic testing services will be used to connect molecular genetics to issues of social concern.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 and CHM 350

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

An advanced course in the techniques of molecular genetics and recombinant DNA technology, including molecular cloning, library screening, polymerase chain reaction, and RFLP and DNA sequence analysis. A number of projects will be completed during the semester.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 675 or concurrent enrollment, or instructor permission (sufficient background in genetics is the main requirement)

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

The ecology of aquatic, terrestrial, and animal and plant host-associated microorganisms in their natural environments. Key topics include microbial cellular functions and adaptations to diverse environmental habitats, microbial metabolic and biochemical diversity, microbial interactions with their hosts and other microbes, and functional importance of microbial communities in environmental habitats.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 255 or BIOL 529

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

An integrated exploration of classical and modern molecular genetics of eukaryotic organisms. The course explores genetic model organisms and their contributions to our understanding of mechanisms of genetic transmission and exchange, mutagenesis, and gene expression. The focus of the course will be on applications of classical and molecular genetic tools to study biological processes. Modern approaches including, but not limited to, whole genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, and CRISPR-based somatic cell genetics will be discussed.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 and BIOCH 521

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Major Courses – Organism & Ecology Emphasis

Organismic Biology is the only class in biology where we learn about the vast diversity of life on this planet. Together, we will learn about some interesting and unusual creatures, with interesting and unusual evolutionary histories. In this course, we will understand the evolution of life starting with single cells and working our way up to complex plants and animals. At the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of how life moved onto dry land, how organisms develop, as well as the physiologies and behaviors that have allowed them to persevere in the different environments, locations, and habitats across our planet. We describe this as the “Greatest Show on Earth,” for which you will gain a better appreciation by the end of this course.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 or equivalent.

K-State 8 Tags: Natural and Physical Sciences

K-State Core: Requirement 4 Natural and Physical Sciences

Hands-on training in both field methods involving the capture, handling, measurement, and sampling of wild birds as well as training in data manipulation, analysis in R, visualization, collaboration, and presentation of original research. Requires weekend participation once monthly. Assessment based on completion of assignments and project components as well as effort and progress in learning field methods.

Semester offered: Spring **COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED**

Pre-requisites: Consent of instructor.

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

The goal of the course will be to cover biological aspects of environmental science. It will take a very broad view, covering the basic physical and chemical background necessary to understand the environmental problems and then focusing on biological aspects of environmental issues. We will consider causes of and solutions to local to global environmental issues. The issues considered include toxins, nutrient pollution, plastic pollution, nanomaterials, global environment, GMO and gene drives, conservation and endangered species, invasive species, epidemiology and emergent diseases, ecosystem valuation, and fundamental human behavior.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198, CHM 110 or 210

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

A study of the ecology of higher plants. Lecture and discussion topics include the diversity and distribution of vegetation, relationships of plants to their physical environment, plant-animal-microbe interactions, population structure and dynamics, and plant community structure, diversity, and succession. Field exercises focus on methods of grassland and forest vegetation sampling and analyses, the meaning and measurement of plant biodiversity, and the vegetation ecology of the Great Plains.

Semester offered: Fall **COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED**

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 and BIOL 221 or equivalent

K-State 8 Tags: Natural and Physical Sciences
K-State Core: NA

This course is designed to provide an in-depth look at the anatomy and physiology of animals as shaped by natural selection/evolution. Comparative vertebrate anatomy and a survey of major organ systems will be covered. Where applicable, information on certain wildlife diseases will also be covered.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221; and a course in organic chemistry or biochemistry

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Behavioral Ecology is the study of animal behavior as it relates to, and is influenced by, the ecology and evolution of a species. It is an interdisciplinary field of study and over the course of the semester, we will touch on numerous topics and how they affect mate choice, sociality, territoriality, foraging, and other behavioral strategies. Some of these supporting fields of study include ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, anatomy, and homeostasis. The final topic of the semester brings it all together in a discussion of how parasites can influence or control the behavior of animal hosts.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Ecology is the interdisciplinary science of connections—between organisms, their environments, and ecosystems. Ecology covers four major sections: 1) the Earth’s physical environment, and how organisms modify and respond to the environment; 2) ecosystem ecology, with emphasis on how interactions of organisms with the abiotic environment control the transformation, movement and storage of energy and materials; 3) population ecology, with emphasis on the evolution of life history characteristics and patterns of population change; and 4) community ecology, with emphasis on multi-species interactions, community development , and the factors
influencing biodiversity. Ecology provides foundational knowledge and a systems thinking approach that will enhance students’ understanding of pressing topics, including resilience, restoration, and sustainability.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 and CHM 210

K-State 8 Tags: Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning, Natural and Physical Sciences
K-State Core: NA

Ichthyology is a broad science that includes the study of fish physiology, anatomy, ecology, management, and evolution. Considering that more than 33,000 species of fishes have been described, this is an enormous field, and it would be impossible to cover all aspects of Ichthyology in one semester. Thus, our emphasis will be on the evolutionary relationships of major groups of fishes along with a detailed examination of North American species. In addition, we will explore the diverse ways this group has adapted to aquatic environments. The objective of the class is for students to gain an understanding and appreciation for the amazing diversity of fishes by exploring the physiological, behavioral, structural, and ecological aspects of fishes. In addition, this course has a laboratory component. There are three primary goals of ichthyology lab: 1) to understand the structure and function of fishes, 2) to be proficient at using taxonomic keys to identify fishes, and 3) understand evolutionary trends in the structure and function of fishes. Because some of the laboratory exercises will involve observation of live specimens in the field, the student pay need to purchase or borrow a pair of waders to fully participate in class activities. Contact the instructor for details.

Semester offered: Spring even years

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

BIOL 543 consists of two 50-minute lecture periods and an integrated ~3-hour lab per week. The anticipated learning outcomes of the lecture portion of the class are to (1) provide a foundation in major topics in avian conservation, physiology, and behavior in their ecological and evolutionary contexts. Through discussions, activities, and assignments, (2) improve skills in scientific writing, (3) gain experience critically analyzing scientific research, and (4) demystify the process of doing science. The goals of the lab portion are to (5) learn the major avian lineages found in North America (6) develop local bird identification skills and other practical skills important for continued bird research, and (7) enhance understanding of lecture topics through hands-on exercises.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

This course combines lectures with hands-on experiences from laboratories, fieldwork, and independent research to explore the biology of mammals of the world. A major goal of the lecture is to familiarize students with the mechanisms responsible for proliferation of such diverse form and function across mammals worldwide. In the lab, we provide more detailed views of the ecology and evolution of Kansas mammals, through the heart of the Great Plains. Students will learn the defining characteristics of mammalian orders, families, and most Kansas mammal species

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

In this course, we explore flowering plant diversity in a phylogenetic context. This course includes integrated lecture and laboratory components, along with independent student projects (one on plant specimen collecting, and another on a focused set of Great Plains species). Students will gain an understanding of phylogenetic plant classification and the dynamic field of plant systematics. Through lab and project work, students will build valuable skills in plant family recognition and taxonomic keying.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

A friend of mine once said: “Get close to the fungi, talk to them. Then, get
closer, listen.” This class is about learning to understand the fungi, if not quite listen to them. In this class we will learn about the unique features of fungi, their evolution as well as their relationships to and interactions with other organisms. We will emphasize fungal evolution, morphology, physiology, function and ecology. We will also discuss contemporary topics of emerging fungal diseases, fungi in biotechnology as well as human exploitation of fungi and fungal byproducts. The course consists of lectures, labs, interviews with fungi, and student projects. In this course you will gain a deeper appreciation for fungi in ecosystems and for human as well as learn laboratory techniques to pure-culture and manipulate fungi.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the applied and theoretical aspects of aquatic systems. This includes basics of stream, lake, wetland, and groundwater ecology and management. The goal is a wholistic understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the environmental pressures they face. The laboratory includes field trips and covers basic field sampling and measurements, laboratory skills. and learning to identify freshwater organisms. These skills are helpful for students pursuing careers related to researching and managing freshwaters.

Semester offered: Fall even years

Pre-requisites: BIOL 198 and CHM 110 or CHM 210

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Population ecology is the study of the size, composition, and distribution of populations and the processes that contribute to these characteristics. In this course, we look at the controls on individual populations and go on to consider how interactions with other species (competitors, predators, etc.) impact populations. The underlying theories of population biology are strongly
grounded in mathematics, meaning that much of the work in this course focuses on how to apply mathematical techniques and descriptions to increase our understanding of real populations. The successful student will complete this course with an understanding of the underlying theories of population ecology, a series of tools they can apply when analyzing population dynamics, and a better understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of ecological processes.

Semester offered: Fall

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 and BIOL 529 and STAT 240

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

In this course, we will study the conservation of biological diversity and the myriad factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity from the perspective of the science that underlies conservation biology, which emphasizes the application of ecological theory and population genetics to the conservation of threatened populations,
species, and ecosystems.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 398 and BIOL 529

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

This course combines traditional lectures with hands-on experiences from laboratories, fieldwork, and independent research to explore the background, theory, and techniques employed to effectively manage wildlife, with an emphasis on wildlife species occurring in Kansas and across the Great Plains. Wildlife Management and Techniques (WMT) is the pinnacle class within the Wildlife Biology curriculum at K-state. You will learn about wildlife ecology, traditional and emerging methods for managing populations, species, communities, and ecosystems, and the role of WMT for effective conservation of biodiversity alongside growing human populations and related stressors. Much of modern WMT is associated with rigorous scientific research, and as such, you will learn about applied research methods for assessing wildlife populations and associated risks related to land-use, environmental change, and disease. The course material will focus on terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and herpetofauna, along with their associated biodiversity (habitats, communities, parasites, pathogens). This species pool includes game species and non-game wildlife, both important considerations for effective management.

Semester offered: Spring

Pre-requisites: BIOL 333

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

Lecture: The primary objective of lectures will be to review both the conceptual background of and current approaches to fisheries management. This will include coverage of theory, sampling design and methodology, harvest strategy, data analysis, habitat evaluation, and common techniques used to assess fish populations. The emphasis of this class is the management of fish populations, thus we will often discuss the human dimensions of fisheries management.
Lab: The laboratory exercises will provide hands on experiences with various sampling gears, laboratory processing of samples and data analysis. Some field activities involve getting in the water. If you want to stay dry, we have only a few waders to loan out and they may leak. You are welcome to bring your own if you have them.

Semester offered: Fall even years

Pre-requisites: BIOL 221 and BIOL 333

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

Major Courses – Teaching, Internship, and Research Courses

Every semester there are opportunities to be a biology practicum for many different biology courses, including but not limited to BIOL 101, 198, 255, 541, 544 and 684. Being a "practicum" means assisting the biology professor in the class. This often includes helping the students in the class or lab one-on-one or in help sessions, or grading some assignments, though the expectations vary by class. Students can count 2 credits of BIOL 365 toward their biology elective requirements. Additional credits can be taken but would not count toward biology electives. Approximately 3 hours of commitment per week is expected for each credit hour earned. Because being a practicum involves some level of teaching, it is a good way to improve communication skills, gain extra proficiency in the classes' material, and help other students. It's a good experience to add to a resume. To be a practicum for a class, typically students need to have taken the class and earned a B or better. Beyond that, it's a matter of contacting the instructor to see what they are looking for and if they need a practicum.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Pre-requisites: Permission of instructor and demonstrated proficiency in the course material (typically a grade of B or better in the course when the student took it).

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

This course allows students to gain credit for an internship in a field of biology. An internship will typically take place at a site external to Kansas State University and may include research, fieldwork, data management, and/or other experience relevant to biology.

Note: This offering is coordinated through Biology’s Office of Undergraduate Studies, and arrangements for enrolling and obtaining credit should be made prior to undertaking an internship.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Pre-requisites: Consent of instructor

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA

BIOL 698 is the way in which students gain course credit for pursuing a research project carried out under the direction of a research mentor, typically a K-State Biology faculty member. However, faculty of other departments are also acceptable, as long as the research is of a biological nature. A minimum of 45 hours of research effort is expected over the semester for each credit hour in which the student is enrolled. Work with research directors of governmental agencies, industries, zoological parks, or other work of a biological nature outside of K-State would be eligible for BIOL 695 Internship in Biology credit, instead of BIOL 698.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Pre-requisites: Consent of instructor

K-State 8 Tags: NA

K-State Core: NA

Major Courses – “Topics” and Special Course Offerings

“Topics” courses are typically offered by a faculty member either to allow a student to have credit for a one-time project (not ongoing research or internships) they are doing with the faculty member (often as BIOL 397 or 697), OR are offered when a faculty member develops a one-time course offering that is not a regularly offered course (usually as BIOL 495).

A seminar is talk by an expert that focuses on a specific topic within their discipline. Seminars typically are given by professors or graduate students, and focus on their research. Attending a seminar can have numerous benefits, including improving communication skills, gaining expert knowledge, networking with professionals in your field, and renewing motivation and confidence in your field of biology. This course is an independent study. The student will attend 15 seminars over the course of the semester, and complete 15 one-page papers summarizing the seminars. It is the student’s responsibility to find seminars to attend and turn in papers by the due date. The Division of Biology offers regular seminars every semester, as do many other biological-related units on campus, including Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Entomology, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Semester offered: Fall, Spring

Pre-requisites: Consent of instructor

K-State 8 Tags: NA
K-State Core: NA