Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community, 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. We take pride in seeing students succeed. When you succeed…so do we.
New breakthroughs
Drawing on our expertise and research, we serve the diverse needs of the community, 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. Offered online, every Fall and Spring.
This course is an overview of the basic concepts in evolutionary biology with a focus on pattern and process through the use of examples. Molecular and organismal data will be examined. Offered online, every Fall and Spring.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Paul Twigg 308-865-8315 or twiggp@unk.edu
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. Offered online, Spring of odd-numbered years.
Principles of developmental processes with emphasis on the physiological and genetic events occurring during the growth and maturation of living organisms.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bryan Drew 308-865-8883 or drewbt@unk.edu
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. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Gregory Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
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, and stem cell research to name a few. Offered online, every Spring.
The course focuses on the biology of plant pathogen interactions. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the disease processes of a large variety of plant diseases at both the whole plant and the molecular level. Emphasis is also placed on current issues and topics in plant pathology in independent research review projects.
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, and ethical issues surrounding HeLa cells.
An introduction to graduate study and requirements at UNK 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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Gregory Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
PREREQUISITES: Biology Majors or permission
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.
There are many human diseases that are caused by prions. These can be classified as genetic, infectious, or sporadic. This class will look at all three types and discuss the impacts, implications, and unanswered questions. An understanding of infectious disease and human genetics will be useful but not necessary.
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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Pricila Iranah 308-865-8912 or iranahp@unk.edu
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. Offered online, Spring of odd-numbered years.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Greg Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
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.
This class is divided into two main areas. 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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jayne Jonas-Bratten 308-865-8224 or jonasj@unk.edu and Dr. Greg Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
Human evolution has been an interest of humans probably ever since people could think about the idea. This course examines the current state of scientific knowledge of human origins. The class will focus primarily on anthropological evidence, but also include genetic and behavioral information. The class is primarily a reading and discussion course.
This course is an investigation of the major life history stages of birds. We will discuss topics including: evolution of birds, reproduction, migration, flight, and a variety of current topics in ornithology. Assigned readings from the scientific literature, exams, inquiry based activities/assignments, 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 discusses the role of hormones in regulating various animal behaviors, including reproductive, parental, and social behaviors. Topics to be covered include: 1) the study of behavioral endocrinology, 2) sex differences in behavior, 3) homeostasis and behavior, and 4) biological rhythms. Background in anatomy and physiology is recommended.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nicholas Hobbs 308-865-1572 or hobbsjn@unk.edu
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, from exotic species to keystone species, 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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Gregory Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
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, and 3) modern plant/human relationships, with a focus on agricultural practices.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bryan Drew 308-865-8883 or drewbt@unk.edu
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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nicholas Hobbs 308-865-1572 or hobbsjn@unk.edu
The human microbiome can be described as the catalog of human-associated microorganisms and their genes. The microbiome has been implicated in a wide array of human traits – from susceptibility to disease to mental health. In this course, we will explore the characteristics of the human microbiome, with an emphasis on the connection between the microbiome and human health. This will be explored through lectures, readings and discussions.
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, the economic burden of these diseases, 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?
This course will provide a brief outline on the action and mechanisms of common drugs. It will encompass drug composition and properties, medical applications, molecular and cellular mechanisms, molecular diagnostics, interactions, and toxicity. The course will explain the basic principles of pharmacology and drug metabolism, and provide an understanding of the drugs and their mechanisms related to common ailments associated with cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and nervous systems.
This course looks at the history of studying animal evolution as well as the science involved in studying it. In this course, students will read and discuss Neil Shubin’s Some Assembly Required. Readings from this book will be supplemented with primary research articles related to the discussion topic. Topics to be discussed include embryology, DNA, mutants, jumping genes, and the mechanics of salamander eating.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nicholas Hobbs 308-865-8548 or hobbsjn@unk.edu
This course is a specialty course for students who want to have a more thorough understanding of infectious microorganisms in the modern day. Students will be expected to read research papers each week and discuss current issues in medical microbiology. Students will also have to write one term paper for the course. It is strongly suggested that students have taken an introductory microbiology course before taking this class.
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, we will investigate the current pandemic and the future of vaccines.
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, have designed a novel set of experiments, created research materials and methods, collected and analyzed data, and a written final report in a format agreed upon by the student and the advisor. This course requires permission to register. 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, conservation and management of cranes. Plan to spend at least several hours each week on reading, writing, and responding to topic discussions. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
An overview of conservation biology and its importance. Special emphasis is placed on ecological, economic, and social issues relevant to biological rarity. Offered online, Spring of odd-numbered years.
This class examines the importance of size for biological organisms from bacteria to blue whales, microcosms to large-scale communities. Often in biology we fail to consider the importance of physical laws which determine rates of diffusion and heat transfer, transfer of force and momentum, the strength of structures, the dynamics of locomotion and more. This class attempts to rectify this oversight with readings and lectures examining the impacts of being a given size.
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.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nicholas Hobbs 308-865-1572 or hobbsjn@unk.edu
Human anatomy including essential aspects of functional morphology will be covered. Topics covered may include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Detailed discussion of specific anatomical regions will be required. Offered online, every Fall and Spring.
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. Offered online, every Fall and Spring.
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, and protozoan disease causing microorganisms. 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. Offered online, Summer of even-numbered years.
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. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered years.
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, genetic engineering of animals and plants, and cloning of organisms. Special consideration will be given to the molecular mechanisms behind the processes discussed. Offered online, Spring of odd-numbered years.
This course will be a wide consideration of all aspects of Forensic Biology ranging from general considerations to the latest in molecular techniques. We will also review current literature, 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. Offered online, Fall of odd-numbered years.
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.
Histology is also called micro-anatomy. This course examines animal bodies on the tissue and cellular level. Most examples will be from human anatomy. 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, as well as from an assigned textbook. No prior experience with histology is expected.
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. Offered online, every Spring.
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. Offered online, Fall of even-numbered years.
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, and the future outlook for the field. Students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills through quizzes, tests and writing assignments. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered years.
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, or those needing a refresher course.
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.
An introduction to the science of ethology. The course will examine behavior genetics, 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!” or “Use this product to control your genes!” 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, both fact and fiction will be discussed.
A study of structure, form, and function of morphological adaptations in plants and animals as examined through mechanical, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. This course will investigate the form and functions of organisms largely by examination of the scientific literature.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Students should be comfortable with evaluation of scientific literature in diverse fields of inquiry.
"Wildlife" is defined as wild birds and wild mammals. It does not include other vertebrates (fish, amphibians, or reptiles), nor does it include invertebrate animals. 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. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered years.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bryan Drew 308-865-8883 or drewbt@unk.edu
For practicing science teachers. Emphasis on scientific literacy and the alignment of K-12 science curricula with state and national standards and benchmarks. Offered online, Summer of even-numbered years.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Greg Pec 308-865-8410 or pecg@unk.edu
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 examines the concepts and controversies in modern community ecology emphasizing aquatic and terrestrial animals. Covers the community concept, diversity and stability, null models, relative importance of competition and predation, food webs, disturbance, metapopulations, biogeography, and new directions through a combination of video lectures, reading scientific papers, and discussions.
This course will expose the student to many different biological research topics, stimulate discussion on these topics, promote awareness of current issues in biology, 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. Offered online, Spring of even-numbered years.
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. Offered online, Fall of even-numbered years.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nichols Hobbs 308-865-8548 or hobbsjn@unk.edu
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. Offered online, Summer of odd-numbered years.
Chemistry of fats, protein, carbohydrates, hormones, vitamins, and other biologically important compounds. A solid background in organic chemistry is needed for success in this course. Offered online, Summer of even-numbered years.
New breakthroughs
Measuring success
New breakthroughs
