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Academic Catalog

Biology

Programs

Course Offerings

All course descriptions listed below assume either a 16-week fall or spring semester. Courses that are offered in the summer and/or online will be held at different times than what is listed below, but will be equivalent in terms of class and laboratory time.

BI 100  Human Biology  (3)  

This course is an introduction to fundamental life processes in humans. Topics will include the structure and function of biomolecules, chemical reactions and enzymes, and the structure, function, and energy transformations of cells. Cell division, the central dogma, and introductory genetics are introduced as is a general survey of human organ systems. This course is primarily for majors in nursing, allied health, and kinesiology. Not applicable toward credit for biology major requirements. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Natural and Physical Sciences
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Critical and Creative Thinking

BI 101  Human Biology Laboratory  (2)  

This lab course complements the BI 100 lecture course. Laboratory exercises will provide hands-on applications to understand human biology concepts. Not applicable toward credit for biology major requirements. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 100, or concurrent enrollment.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Natural and Physical Sciences
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 106  Everyday Biology  (5)  

An integrated lecture and laboratory course designed for people pursuing degrees outside the natural or health sciences and who are interested in understanding basic biological concepts and their applications in everyday life. Topics include scientific inquiry, health, nutrition, natural resources, ecosystems, and biotechnology. Laboratory exercises apply biological concepts towards investigating pertinent questions. This course requires no previous science or mathematics background and cannot count towards Biology Department degree programs. Fulfills the general education requirement of a natural science course with lab. Course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory exercises per week. Prerequisites: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Natural and Physical Sciences
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 140  Introduction to Forensic Biology  (3)  

An introduction to the collection, processing and testing of biological evidence during forensic investigations. Topics include: the use of biological samples in crime scene investigation, molecular biology techniques used to detect biological samples and evaluating the strength of DNA profiling. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 150  Evolution  (3)  

The course is designed for non-science majors who want a basic explanation of evolution, how it works, and why it matters. The course will include discussion of simple genetics, origins of life, mechanisms of evolution, and the applied value of evolution. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 155  Sexually Transmitted Disease  (1)  

An overview of diseases, which rely on sexual interactions for transmission, e.g., AIDS, syphilis, herpes, and others. The history, epidemiology, clinical nature, treatment and prevention of these diseases are discussed. Two hours of lecture per week for an 8-week course. Prerequisite: None.

BI 180  Special Topics/Biology  (1-3)  

Selected topics of general interest. Not applicable toward credit for biology major requirements. Prerequisite: None.

BI 192  General Cellular Biology  (5)  

The organization and activities of organisms at the cellular level. Analysis of the chemical, genetic, and microscopic properties shared by all cells. This is the beginning biology course for the student who wishes to major in biology. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Natural and Physical Sciences
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Critical and Creative Thinking

BI 194  General Organismal Biology  (5)  

An introduction to the basic principles of organismal biology with an emphasis on plants and animals. Topics covered will include general ecology and evolution, anatomy and physiology, and organismal diversity. Four hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 102 or BI 192.

BI 202  Biology of Behavior  (3)  

Biological aspects of human & animal behavior, including sociobiology, ethology, behavioral genetics & evolution, heredity vs. environment, male-female differences, & the neurological & hormonal basis of behavior. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 203  Human Impact on the Environment  (3)  

The structure and function of a natural environment and the impact of humans on that environment. Topics include population and food, various pollution problems, energy problems, and possible solutions. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Inclusion and Belonging
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Global Citizenship, Ethics and Diversity

BI 206  Introductory Microbiology  (4)  

The basic characteristics of microbes and an analysis of their effects on humans. Emphasis on human medical microbiology. Basic microbiological techniques, with an emphasis on those used in medicine. Developed primarily for students majoring in nursing. Not applicable toward credit for biology major requirements. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or better in BI 100 and BI 101 or BI 102 or BI 192.
Course Attribute: KBOR Gen Ed: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

BI 230  Introduction to Human Physiology  (3)  

This human physiology course is designed for those needing a basic background in physiology principles without the additional functional knowledge that is obtained in the laboratory setting. The emphasis of this course will include learning basic relationships and necessary language to be able to understand the terminology that may be used in fields that are in the periphery of physiology. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BI 100 or BI 102 or BI 192.

BI 234  Introduction to Biotechnology  (3)  

The purpose of this course is to introduce and explore the scientific basis of a broad range of topics in the emerging areas of biotechnology involving microbes, plants, animals, and medicine to understand the impact of biotechnology on society. Additional topics include: history, development, current operations, future advances, industry structure, and career opportunities within the biotechnology industry. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 102 or BI 192.

BI 250  Introduction to Human Anatomy  (3)  

The structure of the human body, with emphasis on skeletal and muscular systems. Three hours of lectures per week. Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in BI 100 or BI 102 or BI 192.

BI 255  Human Physiology  (4)  

The basic functions of human organ systems. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or better in BI 100 and BI 101 or BI 102 or BI 192.

BI 260  Biology of Aging  (3)  

Mechanisms of aging processes with special reference to human gerontology. Unfavorable progressive changes in molecules, cells, systems, and organisms will be examined. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: None.
Course Attributes:
  • KBOR Gen Ed: Inclusion and Belonging
  • Pre-AY 2024-2025 Gen Ed: Natural Science
  • USLO: Critical and Creative Thinking

BI 275  Human Anatomy  (4)  

Designed primarily for students majoring in biology, nursing or physical therapy. Lectures survey the organ systems with emphasis on skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises include both animal and human cadaver dissection. Two hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or better in BI 100 and BI 101 or BI 102 or BI 192. NOTE: Pregnant women should consult with physician and instructor prior to enrollment due to specimen preservatives used in this course.

BI 280  Special Topics/Biology  (1-3)  

Selected topics of general interest. Prerequisite: One or more general biology course(s).

BI 300  Field Biology  (3)  

Identification and study of plants and animals in the field, including their ecology. One hour of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 301  General Microbiology  (4)  

Characteristics of microorganisms with major emphasis on bacteria and viruses. Principle roles of microorganisms in our environment.Introduces lab safety skills and basic techniques used in microbiological studies. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 302  Entomology  (4)  

Designed to cover the general biology of insects with a focus on their ecology, importance to humans and the environment,and their identification and taxonomy. Field trips will be an integral part of this course. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 303  Invertebrate Zoology  (4)  

A comprehensive introduction to the biology and classification of major taxonomic groups of invertebrate animals. The course will survey the anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of these groups, emphasizing the major evolutionary relationships and key adaptations separating groups. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 305  Parasitology  (4)  

This course will explore the various protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites of humans. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 310  Ecology  (4)  

A comprehensive introduction to the principles of ecology from the individual to the ecosystem scale. The course will cover major topics in ecology including physiological ecology, behavioral ecology, population ecology, species interactions, community ecology, and landscape ecology. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 311  Field Ecology  (3)  

Introduction to experimental and observational studies in field ecology; stressing experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results. The course will emphasize fieldwork and student led projects. The course will also use field and computer exercises designed to familiarize students with research and analysis tools in ecology. One hour of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 310, or consent of instructor.

BI 312  Behavioral Ecology  (4)  

An advanced approach to the study of animal behavior, with a focus on how animals interact with one another and how those interactions influence their evolutionary fitness. Topics will include foraging, movement and space-use, parental care, behavioral types, and predator-prey interactions. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour lab per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194, or consent of instructor.

BI 314  Statistics for Biologists  (3)  

A course designed as an overview of statistical procedures common in biological research emphasizing their biological relevance and interpretation. Lectures will cover data presentation, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, analysis of variance, regression, and a brief introduction to modern methods of analysis. Labs will cover the practical implementation of statistical analyses using the statistical package R. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Grades of "C" or better in BI 102 or BI 192 and MA 116. Recommended: MA 140 with a grade of C or better.

BI 315  Vertebrate Zoology  (4)  

A taxonomic approach to the study of vertebrate animals, with a focus on phylogeny, evolution, comparative anatomy, ecology, and behavior. Laboratory experiences will mostly entail fieldwork or field trips and focus on the ecology and behavior of different vertebrate taxa. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week with several optional weekend field trips. Students will be expected to drive and/or carpool to field sites each week during their assigned laboratory time. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 319  Biology for STEM Educators  (3)  

An exploration of the core concepts and principles that unite the major disciplines of the Biological Sciences. The impacts that each of these concepts have on society will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on developing lessons and models that effectively communicate complex ideas to a range of ages, and in a variety of classroom, museum, and clinical settings. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in either BI 100 and BI 101 or BI 106 or BI 102 or BI 192, and Junior standing.

BI 322  Advanced General Botany  (4)  

A detailed survey of the anatomy, physiology, and diversity of vascular plants. Special attention will be given to the ecology, life histories, evolution, and economic importance of major plant taxa. The laboratory will include both field-based and lab-based experiments. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 324  Systematic Botany  (3)  

Exploration of both the historical and contemporary flora of Kansas with a focus on phylogeny and identification of plants. Special emphasis is given to the proper collection, preparation, and management of natural history collections. Two three-hour class periods per week, and nearly all periods are devoted to field trips to local areas of interest. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194 or (BI 106 and consent of instructor).

BI 325  Microbiology of Human Disease  (5)  

Basic principles involved in pathogenesis of human disease, host resistance, and epidemiology. Characteristics and laboratory diagnosis of major bacterial pathogens. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 301.

BI 328  Plant Physiological Ecology  (3)  

Examines how plant physiological processes respond to interactions with environmental conditions. Topics include photosynthesis, photorespiration, photoprotection, water relations, mineral nutrition, growth and reproduction. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 330  Advanced Physiology  (4)  

The basic physiological processes and concepts which affect all animals, with emphasis on mammalian systems. Covers nervous, muscular, cardiovascular / circulatory, immune, respiratory, renal, digestive/metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better BI 103 or BI 194, and CH 152.

BI 333  General Genetics  (4)  

A course designed to cover basic genetic principles, including Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, population genetics and an introduction to molecular genetics. Laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the genetic principles covered in lecture. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BI 103 or BI 194 with a grade of C or better, and CH 151.

BI 340  Evolutionary Biology  (3)  

A course designed to cover the fundamental aspects of evolutionary biology from classical Darwinian evolution to modern analyses of evolutionary theory. Specific topics covered include the history and development of evolutionary thought, population genetics, cooperation and conflict, phylogenetics, and patterns and tempo of diversification. The course will also include a discussion of the relevance of evolution to societal issues. Three hours of lectures per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194, or consent of instructor.

BI 342  Environmental Microbiology Laboratory  (2)  

Students will use the fundamentals and application of laboratory techniques to study the diversity and activity of microorganisms in environmental samples, including soil, water, air and indoor environments. Students will learn how to collect, analyze, and use various techniques to evaluate the presence and number of environmental microbes. As part of this course, students will design, execute and present the results of their own environmental microbiology project. Prerequisites: BI 103 or BI 194 with a grade of C or better.

BI 343  Human Genetics  (3)  

This course explores classical and molecular mechanisms of inheritance in individuals, families, and populations. Topics include genetics of behavior, outcomes of gene and chromosomal mutations, cancer genetics, genetic counseling, personalized genomics, and issues and applications of current gene and reproductive technologies. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BI 333, or consent of instructor.

BI 353  Molecular Genetics  (3)  

The molecular basis of genetic systems including chromosomal and extrachromosomal elements. Topics include manipulation of DNA, molecular techniques, cloning, methods for the study of gene expression, mutability of DNA, plasmid systems, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, and practical aspects of biotechnology. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 301 or BI 333.

BI 354  Molecular Biology Laboratory  (3)  

A laboratory course designed to introduce the student to modern molecular biology techniques, including recombinant DNA technology (gene cloning), DNA sequence analysis, PCR, Southern hybridization, bioinformatics, and more. This course is designed to mimic a real-world research experience. Two periods totaling 5 hours per week to include one hour for lecture/discussion. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 301 or BI 333 or BI 353 or consent of instructor.

BI 355  Developmental Biology  (5)  

Topics in modern developmental biology will be covered in lecture and through readings so as to gain a working knowledge of the analyses of developmental processes such as fertilization, embryonic cleavage, cell determination and cell differentiation in selected species. Emphasis will be on experiments that reveal how these processes are controlled at the molecular and cellular levels. Three hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 333.

BI 357  Histology  (4)  

Microscopic examination of fundamental tissues and vertebrate organs. Two hours of lecture and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194.

BI 360  Human Cadaver Dissection  (3)  

This course is intended to give students who aspire to go to medical school, dental school or post graduate human anatomy programs a chance to gain experience dissecting and learning human cadaveric anatomy. This is a five week summer course that covers the dissection of the entire human cadaver. Focus of dissection is primarily on muscle and joint anatomy, but includes thoracic and abdominopelvic organs along with vascular dissection and identification. Student evaluation is based on participation and dissection skills. Prerequisites: BI 103 or BI 194 with a grade of C or better, or BI 275, and instructor consent.

BI 362  Immunology  (3)  

Molecular and cell biology of specific and nonspecific immune responses in mammals, with special emphasis on human immune systems. Reviews experimental support for current immunological theories. Roles of immunology in human health and disease. Three hours of lectures per week. Prerequisite: Grades of "C" or better in BI 301 and (BI 333 or BI 353 or CH 350).

BI 363  Immunology Laboratory  (2)  

Laboratory course designed to introduce students to current clinical & research procedures in immunology. Includes techniques utilized in biological & biochemical research as well as medical applications. Four hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 362, or concurrent enrollment.

BI 370  Virology  (3)  

The structure and properties of animal viruses. Molecular aspects of virus replication and the role of viruses in disease states. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 301.

BI 380  Special Topics/Biology  (1-3)  

A consideration of various emerging or advanced specialty areas in biology, offered according to student and staff availability. Prerequisites: BI 103 or BI 194 with a grade of C or better, and consent of instructor (Additional prerequisites might be needed depending upon particular topic).

BI 389  Biology Literature Review  (2)  

Students will learn to critically read and analyze primary biology literature in at least four of the five core biology disciplines: cell biology, botany, zoology, microbiology and genetics. It is designed for students who have not yet taken Biology Seminar (BI 390). Students will orally present the data from these papers to the class and complete a series of worksheets on the content of the literature. Students will also learn the basics of a thorough, scientific literature search online and the mechanics of writing a scientific abstract. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 103 or BI 194, and one other biology core course, and consent of instructor.

BI 390  Biology Seminar  (1)  

Organization and oral presentations of the results of current research in the biological sciences. Utilization of recent journal literature, abstracting techniques, and oral communication of scientific data will be emphasized. One semester is required of all majors. Up to three credit hours may be applied toward meeting departmental or university graduation requirements. Prerequisites: 15 hours of BI and Jr. standing.

BI 395  Research in Biology  (1-3)  

This course is the capstone course in the Biology degree, and open only to declared majors at Washburn University. Independent, undergraduate research on some special problem in biology, the field to be chosen by the student in conference with the instructor. Open only to students, from any discipline, with at least fifteen hours of credit derived from core majors’ courses in Biology. At least one semester is required of every Biology major. A maximum of six credit hours of research may be taken by any student, and no more than 3 credits in one semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

BI 420  Forensic Molecular Biology  (4)  

This course will thoroughly cover the theory behind the molecular biology used in forensic DNA analysis as well as the practical considerations pertaining to the forensic lab environment. Through simulated examples of real-life sample types, students will learn and gain experience with techniques and equipment currently used in the forensic biology field. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BI 333, or consent of instructor.

BI 440  Biotechnology Internship  (3)  

Experience and training in an approved biotechnology or related industry laboratory, or academic research laboratory. Prerequisites: 27 credit hours of biology, 15 credit hours of chemistry, and Instructor approval.

BI 448  Zoo Internship  (3)  

Field experience and training at an AZA accredited Zoo. Students can specialize in either an education, animal, or horticulture tract. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BI 102 or BI 192 and BI 103 or BI 194, Junior Standing, and consent of instructor.

BI 490  Advanced Biology Communication  (3)  

Students will prepare and evaluate written analyses and oral presentations on the results of current research in the biological sciences. In-depth analysis of scientific data from recent primary journals will be emphasized. Students will work on resumes, cover letters, personal statements, and other documents they will use after graduation. Prerequisites: Minimum of 15 credits in biology courses in the major. Limited to biology department majors. Instructor permission.