Virtual College (Distance-learning) Courses / Fieldcourses

Virtual College (distance-learning) courses in biology are designed for students who choose to spend little or no time on the FHSU campus. These courses are delivered through a computer, videotape, audiotape, or combination of these methods. General Education courses are marked with an asterisk (*). For more information on the Virtual College or to enroll in a course, visit the FHSU Virtual College website.

Human Biology* (BIOL 100): Videotape/Internet (3 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters; occasional summer sessions.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Nicholson.
An introductory course using fundamental concepts of human structure and function serve as the starting point for the exploration of processes common to all living systems and the interrelationships between humans and the rest of the biosphere.

Humans and the Environment* (BIOL 200): Internet (3 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Ms. Jill Goertzen.
The ecosystem, the human attitudes and factors affecting the ecosystem, and alternatives to the present situation are studied.

Medical Terminology (BIOL 245): Internet (2 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Nicholson.
This course is designed for students interested in the medical and paramedical fields. In an easy-to-follow format, the chapters are organized around the 12 major body systems. Within each chapter the emphasis is on the use of medical word parts, pronunciation, spelling, and the definitions of key terms in pathology, diagnostic procedures, and treatment procedures. To enhance comprehension, each chapter begins with a brief overview of the structure and functions of the body system.

Human Heredity* (BIOL 300): Internet (3 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Ms. Jill Goertzen.
Principles underlying the inheritance of characteristics in humans are studied.

Physiology of Aging (BIOL 335): Audiotape (3 credit hours)
Instructor: Dr. Mary Morgan.
This course studies physiological changes as a result of aging or of age-related pathology. Also covered are the roles of heredity, diet, exercise, and lifestyle in the aging process.

Principles of Immunology (BIOL 607): Computer-assisted Instruction
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Judith Vogt.
This course reviews the principles of immunology at the molecular and cellular level with a particular emphasis on its medical applications. A course in microbiology is a recommended prerequisite. The tests for the course are administered on campus or through a proctor, who must be approved through the instructor or department. Those enrolled in BIOL 607 for graduate credit must write a term paper on a topic approved by the instructor. NOTE: After completion of enrollment through the Virtual College on-line (www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/) or by phone (1-800-628-3478), be sure to order your books through the bookstore on campus.

Range Planning (BIOL 634): Internet (3 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Nicholson.
This course is intended to meet the needs of anyone interested in learning about the theory and application of natural resource economic planning in a rangeland setting. This course will count toward meeting the 18 credit-hour minimum in range management required by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, GS-454 Series: "Rangeland Management Specialist". Topics include: 1) range economics vs. range management, 2) economics in a rangeland setting, 3) supply and demand, 4) production function, 5) optimum levels of production, 6) input-input relationships, 7) economics of multiple use, 8) discounting and compounding, 9) investment analysis of range practices on private enterprise, 10) cost:benefit of range practices on public lands, and 11) legal aspects of land management and ranching.

Range Condition and Improvement (BIOL 637): Internet (3 credit hours)
Fall and spring semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Nicholson.
This course is intended to meet the needs of anyone interested in learning about the various types of rangeland technology that are available to the practicing land manager, conservationist, or professional rancher. This course will count toward meeting the 18 credit-hour minimum in range management required by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, GS-454 Series: "Rangeland Management Specialist". Topics include: 1) cost:benefit planning of range improvements, 2) manipulating vegetation with fire and chemicals, 3) mechanical and biological vegetation techniques, 4) revegetation and reclamation techniques, 5) rangeland fertilization, 6) rodents and insects, and 7) range animal handling facilities.

Fieldcourses

The Department of Biological Sciences periodically offers courses centered on fieldtrips that last 1 to 14 days. Other than the fieldtrips, most work in these courses is completed by students at locations of their choice. Information about each fieldcourse may be obtained through the links in the course titles below.

Pacific NW Fieldcourse (BIOL 607/BIOL 872): Internet/Fieldtrip (3 credit hours)
11-day fieldtrip; occasional summer sessions.
Instructor: Mark Eberle.
This fieldcourse emphasizes firsthand observations of forests, coastal dunes, an estuary, and tidepools during a 11-day camping trip along the Pacific Coast of Washington, Oregon, and northern California. En route, we also stop at sites in the Rocky Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin. We explore ecological features of each community, and we identify the prominent species. We also consider the geological forces that continue to shape the landscape. Readings are assigned in May and June, and answers to a set of questions must be submitted by the end of June. The trip is scheduled during late July or early August.

Field Study of Prairie & Range Plants (BIOL 607): Internet/Fieldtrip (2-4 credit hours)
2 one-day fieldtrips; summer sessions.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Nicholson.
Course consists of two all-day field trips in the Hays vicinity. Course involves identification and ecology of wildflowers, weeds, and grasses. A collection is required. Course is not a substitute for plant taxonomy. Participants must be capable of moderate hiking and tolerant of the Kansas summer environment.