Course Descriptions
BIOL 100 Introduction to the Life Sciences (3 units)
Study of the nature of the physical and chemical aspects of life, the concepts of cellular biology, life as it exists on earth today, plant and animal interrelationships and interdependencies, and the role of humans in the world of living things.
BIOL 130 Human Biology (3 units)
Study of biological principles using the human body as a model. Topics are structure and function of major organ systems and some common disorders. Heredity, evolution, and human ecological roles are also discussed.
BIOL 132 Human Biology Laboratory (1 units)
Laboratory exercises concerning mammalian anatomy and physiology and using the scientific method to analyze and interpret data and then draw appropriate conclusions. This course is a supplement to BIOL 130 Human Biology.
BIOL 133 Emerging Infectious Diseases (3 units)
An exploration of the biology of infectious diseases through the lens of the scientific method and core principles of life science. Students investigate microbial pathogens and their interactions with hosts through observation, hypothesis testing, experimentation, and data analysis. Concepts from microbiology, cell biology, human biology, and immunology are applied to explain how infections emerge, develop, adapt, and spread. Case studies such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 illustrate how genetic variation, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and globalization drive the evolution and reemergence of infectious diseases. The course cultivates scientific literacy, evidence-based reasoning, and an understanding of the power and limitations of science in addressing global health challenges.
BIOL 225 Biology of Organisms (5 units)
Designed for biology majors, this course focuses on the form and physiology of plants and animals, organism interactions and ecology, and how populations change over time. The tree of life is used an organizing theme. Key topics include plant and animal form and function, plant and animal physiology, homeostasis, food chains, food webs, population dynamics, natural selection, population genetics, and micro- and macroevolution.
BIOL 230 Cell and Molecular Biology (5 units)
This course is designed for biology majors and is an introduction to life functions at the cellular and molecular levels. Students learn about cellular structure and the macromolecular architecture of the cell, the functional processes of cellular energetics, metabolic regulation, photochemical activities, reproduction, molecular and Mendelian genetics, regulation of gene expression, and methods of recombinant DNA technology.
BIOL 240 General Microbiology (4 units)
This course introduces microorganisms in nature: their cellular and molecular structure and functions, metabolisms, genetics, gene regulation, and techniques and procedures used by microbiologists. Emphasis is on microbes that play important roles in human daily life, especially those that cause disease and impact the environment. Laboratory emphasizes isolation, cultivation, and identification of bacteria.
BIOL 250 Human Anatomy (4 units)
Structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems, from cellular to organ system levels of organization. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health related majors.
BIOL 260 Human Physiology (5 units)
Study of the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism level: integumentary system, bone, skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. This course is primarily intended for Nursing, Allied Health, Kinesiology, and other health related majors.
BIOL 310 Nutrition (3 units)
Comprehensive introduction to scientific principles of nutrition and the interrelationships of metabolism; nutrient functions, structure and food sources; health consequences of nutrient excesses, deficiencies and diet related chronic diseases. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the nutrient content of foods, applying information to personal diet, and using reference tools.
BIOL 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4 units)
This combined lecture and laboratory course provides the non-biology major with an introduction to living things and their environment. Students use experimentation and investigation to develop important critical thinking skills. Students learn about the process of science, the building blocks of life, the role and regulation of DNA, how populations change over time, the movement of energy within and between life forms, and how species interact with each other and their surroundings. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply an understanding of biological concepts to current issues and their impacts on society. (Formerly BIOL 110)