Course Descriptions
| Note: A locker deposit is required to participate in most biology courses. The deposit is payable at the Business Office prior to the third class meeting. This fee is refundable at the end of the semester; however, if chemical glassware is broken or missing, the charge will be deducted from the deposit. |
BIOL 100
Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This introductory course provides an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of all body systems. It is designed as a non-transferable course for the Health Information Technology Program, and may be useful for other health-related technologies and for strengthening or developing a vocabulary in human anatomy and physiology.
BIOL 102
Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This introductory course provides an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of all body systems. It is designed as a non-transferable course and meets the minimum requirements for Medical Assisting, Health Information Technology, Dietetic Technician, Licensed Vocational Nursing, and other health-related technologies. It is also useful for strengthening or developing a vocabulary in human anatomy and physiology.
BIOL 295
Independent Studies in Biology
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
BIOL 299
Experimental Offering in Biology
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
BIOL 300
The Foundations of Biology
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is a survey of major topics in the biological sciences for the non-science major with an emphasis on human biology. Units covered include the origin of life, cell structure and chemistry, metabolism, Mendelian and molecular genetics, genetic engineering, evolution, anatomy and physiology of humans, animal behavior and ecology.
BIOL 307
Biology of Organisms
4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This is a general biology course focusing on a survey of the plant and animal kingdoms. The course covers the general principles of biology including: methods of science, cell organization, genetics, evolution, ecology, biodiversity, and anatomy. These principles are explored in more depth through the examination of additional topics which may include: disease and epidemiology, physiological ecology, animal behavior, biotechnology, population growth and regulation, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. Evolution and biodiversity are continuing themes running throughout the course and are included in each major topic. The course is designed for non-science majors and is especially useful for liberal studies, elementary education, environmental studies, recreation, and similar majors.
BIOL 310
General Biology
4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This is a survey of biological science with an emphasis on human biology. Topics covered include scientific inquiry, cell structure, transmission and molecular genetics, major organ systems, evolution, and ecology. Major biological principles are explored in each topic, but an emphasis is placed on human issues. The laboratory activities are designed to further investigate and illuminate each topic area. This course is intended for non-science majors.
BIOL 342
The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course will cover general biological concepts and the epidemiology and pathology of selected pathogens such as prions, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminthes threatening public health on a global scale. The course explores the influence of human behavior and activities on the emergence of new infectious agents and the re-emergence of ancient plagues.
BIOL 350
Environmental Biology
3 Units
Same As: ENVT 304
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course provides an overview of ecosystems and natural resources. Major topics covered include ecological principles, ecosystem functioning, conservation biology, resource use and management, pollution and other human-caused environmental impacts. This course provides the background needed to understand major global and regional issues such as acid rain, global warming, hazardous waste disposal, deforestation and endangered species recovery. This course is especially useful for Environmental Science, Ecology, Recreation, and Political Science majors. Field trips which may require a nominal fee, attendance at public meetings and/or a semester project may be required.
BIOL 351
Global Climate Change
3 Units
Same As: GEOG 305
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This interdisciplinary course explores the natural and human factors causing the Earth's climate to change. Whether alarmed, skeptical, or just curious about climate change, this course will provide the scientific tools to analyze the evidence that climate change is a looming threat. Through lectures, readings, discussions and projects, students will examine the Earth's present and past climates as well as the influence of climate on the geographical distribution of plants, animals and human societies. This course is the same as GEOG 305, and only one may be taken for credit. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.
BIOL 352
Conservation Biology
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS GE Area IV
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This introductory course covers biological and ecological principles involved in understanding and analyzing environmental problems and exploring scientifically sound conservation techniques. Major topics include the nature of science, basic principles of ecology, genetics and evolution, patterns of biodiversity and extinction, and the interdependence between humans and our environment. This course places emphasis on scientific processes and methodology and the application of science to conservation issues. Field trips and/or a semester project may be required.
BIOL 366
Introduction to Toxicology: The Biology and Chemistry of Poisons
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course provides an overview of the biology of natural and man-made toxic substances. It will provide an introduction to physiological and environmental processes and will cover a breadth of biological principles, from cell biochemistry to ecology. The course will employ case studies to analyze how the scientific method is used to discover how toxic substances affect individuals, populations, and ecosystems.
BIOL 390
Natural History Field Study
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 6 hours LEC; 36 hours LAB
This course will study the ecology and natural history covered in the field. Animals, plants and geology will be studied and their interrelationships investigated. The course (s) will be offered in the appropriate area (mountains, desert or seashore and ocean). Assignments, field notes and appropriate exams/quizzes will be an integral part of the course. Students will be responsible for providing their own lodging or camping equipment and meals. Campsites will be available. This course is ideal for future teachers, parents, resource management majors and those interested in the biological sciences.
BIOL 400
Principles of Biology
5 Units
Prerequisite: [Chem 400 OR Chem 305 OR Chem 307] AND Intermediate Algebra (Math 120 or Math 125 or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process)
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course introduces universal biological principles, including biological molecules, enzymes, cell structure and function, biochemistry, Mendelian and molecular genetics, ecology and evolution. BIOL 400 is recommended for science majors and students in pre-professional programs.
BIOL 401
Principles of Biology for Veterinary Technicians
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 305 or 307 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course introduces universal biological principles, including biological molecules, enzymes, cell structure and function, biochemistry, Mendelian and molecular genetics, ecology and evolution. Applications and examples are chosen to reflect the needs of Veterinary Technology students. Science majors and students in pre-professional programs who are planning on transferring should not take this course; they should enroll in BIOL 400.
BIOL 410
Principles of Botany
5 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course introduces the biology of plants, fungi, cyanobacteria, and algae. Topics covered include the anatomy and physiology, development, classification, evolution and ecology of botanical organisms. Some labs involve local field trips; a weekend field trip may be required (an alternative assignment will be available).
BIOL 420
Principles of Zoology
5 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course is an introduction to zoology with particular emphasis on comparative anatomy and physiology of vertebrates and invertebrates. The basic principles of evolution, taxonomy, embryology, morphology, physiology, behavior and ecology will be covered.
BIOL 430
Anatomy and Physiology
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 305, 307, or 400 completed with a grade of "C" or better.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This is an introductory course in which the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology are presented in an integrated fashion. This course covers anatomical terminology, basic organic chemistry, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Both BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 must be taken to study all of the major body systems.
BIOL 431
Anatomy and Physiology
5 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 430 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This is an introductory course in which the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology are presented in an integrated fashion. This course covers the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems. Both BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 must be taken to study all of the major body systems.
BIOL 440
General Microbiology
4 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 305 or 307 or 400 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
This course introduces the concepts of microbiology with an emphasis on forms, modes of growth, cell specialization, mutual, commensal and parasitic relationships of bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoans and viruses. Topics will be correlated with medical and health applications to animals and human beings.
BIOL 462
Genetics in Contemporary Human Society
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course introduces students to the principles of modern genetics, especially as they apply to human health and society. Rapid advances in scientists' knowledge of what genes are and how they work impact the daily life of people through genetically modified foods, DNA fingerprinting, therapies for human disease and a variety of reproductive technologies. This course includes the study of Mendelian inheritance, the roles of chromosomes and genes in human disease, how genes direct development, the relationship between genes, environment and behavior, and the contribution of genes to human diversity. Ethical, legal and social issues will be explored through class discussions and written reports. This course is primarily intended for non-biology majors; however, biology majors may enjoy the opportunity to explore human genetics in greater depth than is possible in BIOL 400.
BIOL 470
Behavioral Biology
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: ENGRD 312 and ENGWR 101; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; IGETC Area 5B
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course provides an overview of animal and human behavior in an evolutionary and ecological context. The course includes an introduction to patterns of animal and human behavior, cell and physiological processes, the structure and function of nervous systems, the genetics of behavior, the principles of evolution, and behavioral ecology. It is useful for both science and non-science majors.
BIOL 481
Honors Seminar in Biology
1 Unit
Same As: HONOR 383
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 12 hours LEC; 18 hours LAB
Honors Seminars in Biology are special one-unit intensive courses for academically accomplished students or those with the potential for high academic achievement. In these seminars, students will study advanced topics from the area of biology. Enrollment limited to Honors students (see college catalog). This course is the same as HONOR 383. This course, under either name, may be taken a total of four times for credit on different topics. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.
BIOL 490
Science Skills and Applications
.5 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: Current enrollment in a science course (designated by ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, GEOG, GEOL, PHYS, or PS).
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 27 hours LAB
This course offers individualized instructional modules designed to acquire or improve reading skills in the various science classes--majors, non-majors, and allied health courses. A partial list of skills may include the following: textbook comprehension, principles of learning and retention, note taking, annotating, discipline-based vocabulary, paraphrasing, reading graphics, test taking, and problem solving. Registration is open through the twelfth week of the semester. This course may be taken four times. Credit/ No Credit only.
BIOL 495
Independent Studies in Biology
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
BIOL 498
Work Experience in Biology
1-4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 300 hours LAB
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within their current job. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms, which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the course of the semester, the student is required to fulfill an 18 hour orientation and 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of unpaid work experience for one unit. An additional 75 or 60 hours of related work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken again when there is new or expanded learning on the job for a maximum of 16 units.
BIOL 499
Experimental Offering in Biology
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB