College Biology in High School
Our program supports and offers freshman level Biology I (BIOL 1450) and Biology II (BIOL 1750) for high school students enrolled in AP Biology with an approved dual enrollment instructor. Dual Enrollment teachers serve as adjunct faculty with UNO and have been approved to teach at the college level. This gives students in high school the opportunity to earn up to ten college credit hours for AP Biology through the Department of Biology at UNO. Listed below are further benefits for members of the Dual Enrollment program. For more information about the campus-wide Dual Enrollment program please visit the main Dual Enrollment page.
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Labs, Field Trips, and Events for Dual Enrolled High Schools |
Teaching Requirements and Application Instructions
High School AP Biology teachers interested in becoming a dual enrollment instructor in Biology with UNO are encouraged to apply for approval. The Department of Biology offers Biology I (1450) and Biology II (1750) as college coursework earned concurrent with AP Biology if the department approves the high school teacher. Requirements for approval and application materials needed to apply are listed below. The Department of Biology at UNO reserves the right to consider individuals on a case-by-case basis depending on unique qualifications.
Approval Criteria for Participating AP Biology Teachers
Dual Enrollment instructors must satisfy at least one of four minimum credentialing options, as summarized below. Additionally, applicants should have experience teaching AP Biology at least once prior to the semester for which they are seeking approval.
- Graduate degree in the field(s) of
- any subdiscipline of biological, biomedical, environmental or life sciences
- any STEM discipline overlapping with sub disciplines listed above (e.g. biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering as a few examples);
- Graduate degree in any field plus eighteen (18) graduate credit hours in field(s) relevant to the discipline. These shall include a minimum of 12 CH within any sub discipline of biological, biomedical, environmental or life sciences. A maximum of 6 related CH* in research, inquiry, and/or teaching methods/strategies in the specific discipline of science or biology may count toward the 18 CH total; or
- Graduate degree in education in Secondary Science, if coursework was inclusive of 18 graduate hours in the discipline and methods courses specifically for teaching of that discipline
- Tested experience deemed equivalent to academic credentials (reserved for unique cases, i.e. PhD in Ed./related or Ed.D with relevant bachelor's degree and coursework, or practitioner, researcher, scholar w/terminal degree in the field; additional details apply)
*Additional documentation including but not limited to course syllabi may be required to determine course acceptability. Minimum grade requirements apply.
Application Deadlines
Effective July 2015, teacher applications for Dual Enrollment Biology must be submitted on or before an annual deadline to be eligible for review and approval for the forthcoming academic year. The application deadlines are indicated below.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Annual Deadline: June 1
Spring-course Exception Deadline*: November 15th (Only applies in cases where AP Biology is offered in its entirety during the forthcoming spring semester)
*Individuals applying for spring approval may choose to submit their applications at the general deadline for early review.
Application Materials for Teachers
- Current resume/ curriculum vitae
- Copies of unofficial transcripts showing coursework and GPA
- Current AP Biology course syllabus
- Sample exam (original composition)
- Summary of Tier I Writing Assignments given throughout the course
Send the above material with completed Dual Enrollment Instructor Application to:
Kelly Malone – Assistant Director, Dual EnrollmentEmail: unodualenroll@unomaha.edu
Phone: 402.554.3810
University of Nebraska at Omaha
6001 Dodge Street
Eppley Building, 117
Omaha, NE 68182
Labs, Field Trips, and Events for Dual Enrolled High Schools
Glacier Creek Preserve Grassland Ecology Lab (fall semester primarily)
Put inquiry into action at UNO’s breathtaking Glacier Creek Preserve (formerly Allwine Prairie Preserve)! This expansive restored tallgrass prairie gives students endless opportunities to practice inquiry-based learning. Young researchers will investigate ecosystem structure and interactions by making observations, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Glacier Creek Preserve not only serves as a resource for education and public use but also supports both short- and long-term active research projects. Thus, students can take advantage of the existing long-term research plots to investigate the effects of various prairie management techniques on biotic and abiotic grassland variables. Others may choose to develop their own unique questions and experiments throughout the preserve. Activities can be modified based on time availability and individual interests. Please contact the Biology Dual Enrollment Coordinator for more information or to check availability.
DNA Fingerprint Analysis Lab (Late fall semester, spring semester)
Students will come to the UNO campus, where they will learn about the uniqueness of DNA while practicing pipetting skills, restriction enzyme digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, and additional methodology of DNA analysis. The lab, which simulates a real life example of forensics and illustrates the level of skill needed for molecular work, is in line with Investigation 9 of the revised AP Biology Investigative Labs (2012). Participating instructors and students are invited to gain an in depth experience in our Molecular Biology Lab here at UNO. Pre- and post- lab materials are included to enhance and expand understanding.
The on-campus activity takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on time constraints and optional additional activities. If time permits, students may be given select tours in the UNO Biology Department, Criss Library, MSLC Tutoring Center, and have lunch provided in the Milo Bail Student Center. Groups with significant time and/or travel constraints should contact the Biology Dual Enrollment Coordinator to discuss additional options and/or special requests.
AP © Biology Review Session at UNO
AP © Biology students from 20+ area high schools are invited to the UNO campus to review content and exam structure in preparation for the College Board AP © Biology exam and/or final exams in their respective high schools. Learn what to expect and practice formulating answers to maximize performance on the exam. The event is free for students, who do not have to be dual enrolled to participate. The 2019-2020 study session will be held at UNO on Sunday, April 26th from 1 - 5 p.m.
Request a Lab Date
Field Trip Requests
When submitting a field trip request, please use the following guidelines:
- Allow a minimum of two-weeks notice, 30 days is preferred. Requests are fulfilled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Provide at least two potential dates that would work best with your schedule.
- Indicate the number of students you wish to accommodate and the particular activity you are interested in.
- Prairie field trips are primarily offered in the fall semester. On-campus DNA labs will be available in late fall and spring semesters, primarily on Mondays and Fridays.
- Requests for use of Glacier Creek Preserve (GCP) should include the completed GCP request form . (Form available by request.) E-mail your requests to UNODualBio@unomaha.edu and cc: unoglaciercreek@unomaha.edu, and tbragg@unomaha.edu .
On the day of the field trip, be prepared to provide:
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- A roster of all students/staff in attendance
- Lunches (Glacier Creek Preserve only) – While light refreshments are generally provided, visitors should plan to bring their own lunch, unless other arrangements are made. Lunch will be provided for on-campus labs.
Reimbursement Policy
Bus transportation and substitute teacher expenses for D.E. Biology field trips will be reimbursed when funds permit if invoices are submitted to the Dual Enrollment Coordinator within 30 days of the event. Effort should be made to minimize transportation costs whenever possible by paying for the minimum number of hours, or lowest rate to accommodate safe travel, whichever is less. To be eligible for reimbursement(s), you must submit the following documents:
1. Invoice from your school billing UNO
Invoice should bill UNO for the amount that you are seeking compensation. Digital invoices are acceptable, but all invoices should be submitted on school letterhead.
2. Original invoice(s)/records of expenses billed to-/paid by- your school
Invoices or records of relevant expenses must be included as supporting documentation. (i.e. invoice from transportation company and/or record of payment of substitute teacher).
Late or incomplete requests may not be eligible for reimbursement. UNO is not responsible for any cancellation fees due to weather or other events beyond our control. Reimbursement policies are subject to change and UNO reserves the right to decline or limit reimbursement requests based on available funds.
Participating High Schools and Approved Teachers
| Bellevue East | Rachel Carraher |
| Bellevue West | Christine Hecht |
| John Geringer | |
| Elkhorn High | Olivia Myers |
| Elkhorn North | Daryle LaFleur |
| Elkhorn South | Christin Frahm Krick |
| Elkhorn South | Tristan Manasek |
| Marian | Kristine Calhoun (Sandall) |
| Millard North | Tyler Pearson |
| Millard South | Lisa Groth |
| Millard West | Jay Carlson |
| Omaha Benson | Tori Haas |
| Omaha Bryan | Royonna Bristol |
| Omaha Central | Tracy Rumbaugh |
| Omaha North | Alexander Anton |
| Papillion-LaVista South | Megan Hylok |
| Plattsmouth | Ashley Classen |
| Ralston | Laura Prochaska |
| Roncalli | Don Jensen |
| Skutt | Dawn Fuelberth |
| Westside | Patrick Caffey |
Get Involved at UNO
The Department of Biology periodically conducts prescribed burns at our own Glacier Creek Preserve and T.L. Davis Prairie . To add your name to the Omaha Red List get updated information and volunteer for controlled burns visit our Prescribed Burning page.
NE STEM 4U is a student-run organization that provides informal, after school programming in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas to students in Omaha Public Schools. Motivated, passionate, and dedicated individuals are encouraged to apply to become a mentor. If interested, please visit NE STEM 4U or contact Christine Cutucache at ccutucache@unomaha.edu.
Dual Enrollment sponsors several opportunities to attend UNO sporting events and activities. For opportunities to experience what it is like to be a MAV, visit the Dual Enrollment Get Involved page.
Student FAQs about Dual Enrollment in Biology
What does dual enrollment in biology mean?
Dual enrollment is a program where high school students enroll in AP biology within their respective high school and can concurrently enroll in Biology I (BIOL 1450) and Biology II (BIOL 1750) as college coursework through UNO. Each of these two courses is 5 credit hours and costs $250.00. If the same student declines to enroll in 1450 and 1750 while taking AP biology and after high school chooses to take the class on campus as a UNO student, each course would cost approximately $1500.00 at the current tuition rate.
Are Biology 1450 and 1750 the same college courses offered at UNO through the Department of Biology?
Yes. We offer Biology 1450 and 1750 on campus, and these courses are integrated into biology degree curriculum as prerequisites for upper-level biology courses such as Genetics, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Virology, Microbiology, Ecology and others.
How can I find out what classes I will need to complete my degree?
Click here to view course requirements for undergraduate degree programs in Biology at UNO. You can find a complete list of majors and programs offered at UNO here.
If I enroll as dual student will I receive the same grade in AP biology and Biology 1450, 1750?
Yes. The grade you receive as a high school AP biology student is the same grade recorded for Biology 1450, 1750. This becomes a permanent transcript record at the college level because you are officially a UNO college student when you enroll in the biology courses. This also means you can transfer the college credit hours to other universities, although they might take the credit hours as a natural science and not see them as Biology I, II in their programs. Please call your universities of choice to see how they view the courses. If you take the courses through UNO and enroll as a college student here, these courses stand as Biology I (1450) and Biology II (1750).
What are the benefits of becoming a UNO student with the Dual Enrollment program?
As a UNO student you will have access to the Criss Library for research resources, free tutoring in any available subject through the Math-Science Learning Center, and resources within the Biology Department. These may include opportunities to get involved in scientific research, volunteer for prairie burns, or shadow a scientist for career direction.
What if I don't want to major in biology? How does dual credit benefit me?
Regardless of the degree you choose to pursue, the credits you earn in Dual Enrollment Biology stand on your official UNO transcript. Many majors require at least one natural science with a lab plus electives, and BIOL 1450/1750 meet those requirements. The number of credits you earn will also contribute to your total credit hours completed, a minimum of which must be met to graduate. So, completing Dual Enrollment courses prior to graduating high school can benefit you whether or not you choose to pursue a career in biology.
I plan to become a medical doctor, veterinarian, or scientist as a career someday. How does taking Biology I, II as a dual student help me?
In order to get into any medical or biological research, field biology is required coursework as an undergraduate. As a dual student you will be getting a "jump start" into the curriculum coursework of those careers, although it is your responsibility to contact your college of choice to determine exactly how coursework will be viewed. If you complete both courses with acceptable grades, you will graduate high school with 10 college credit hours of biology. This will enable you to enroll in upper level biology coursework earlier because you will have already completed foundational prerequisites before your first college semester.
In addition, you may have the opportunity to become involved in research as a dual student with the potential to continue this research with a professor in our department as an undergraduate. Keep in mind that medical schools and graduate programs prefer students who have taken on research projects in a scientific field. Such activities promote building relationships with professors, from which you may gain valuable references to get into your program(s) of choice. Please browse our faculty profiles to learn more about UNO Department of Biology faculty.
Is there financial aid available to help me pay for Dual Enrollment courses?
The ACE (Access College Early) scholarship is need-based and is available for qualifying students. For more information and to apply, visit the Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) site. Your school may also provide options to assist with the cost of Dual Enrollment courses. Check with your counselor or AP Coordinator.
If you have further questions or would like more information about the program, please contact, the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Jamie Luhr at jluhr@unomaha.edu or UNODualBio@unomaha.edu.