Biological Sciences Courses

Important Announcement:

All Biology courses have new rubrics and numbers starting in Fall 2015

Course Outlines

• Current Active Course Outlines, Certificates & Degrees

No login is necessary. To search for Course Outlines, on the CurricuNET website simply select Course under the heading Search on the bottom left column. You can then select the Discipline, and hit OK,to see allactive course outlines in a discipline, or you can select the specific Course Number and/or Course Title to narrow the search. To search for a specific active degree or certificate, select Program under the Search heading, then select the Department and hit OK.

BIO 1A - General Botany

5 units

Diversity, structure and function of plant, fungal, and protistan phyla. Topics include development, morphology, physiology and systematics. Principles of population and community ecology and ecosystem interactions.
Prerequisite: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 55B with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: BIO 30. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C; C-ID# BIOL 155, BIOL 135 S (if taken with BIO 1B+1C).
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 1B - General Zoology

5 units

Major groups of animal phyla and heterotrophic unicellular eukaryotes. Topics include comparative structure and function, development, ecology, taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution, and behavior. Designed for majors in biological sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 55B with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: BIO 30 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C; C-ID# BIOL 150, 135 S (if taken with BIO 1A+1C).
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 1C - Cell and Molecular Biology

5 units

Principles of cell and molecular biology. Includes biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell homeostasis, cell metabolism, cell reproduction, cell communication, genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and evolution. Emphasis on scientific inquiry and experimental design.
Prerequisite: BIO 1A with a minimum grade of C or BIO 1B with a minimum grade of C, MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C, CHEM 1A with a minimum grade of C, Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C; C-ID# BIOL 190, BIOL 135 S (if taken with BIO 1A+1B)
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 2A - Bioinformatics

4 units

Principles of Bioinformatics. Project-based course which will analyze complex biological data. The course introduces students to the tools used for computational exercises relevant to current biotechnologies and computational biology. Prerequisite: BIO 30 with a minimum grade of C, or BIO 1C with a minimum grade of C, or CS 7 with a minimum grade of C, or CS 1 with a minimum grade of C.   54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 7A - Human Anatomy

5 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.
Prerequisite: BIO 30 with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C; C-ID# BIOL 110 B. * BIO 7A, 7B and 50 combined: maximum UC credit, two courses.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 7B - Human Physiology

5 units

Function and regulation of the human body. This course examines general, cellular, and molecular interactions that integrate the organ systems to maintain homeostasis. Human responses and computer simulations are used to collect and analyze data. Designed for nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and other health sciences majors.
Prerequisite: CHEM 30A with a minimum grade of C or CHEM 31 with a minimum grade of C or CHEM 1A with a minimum grade of C and BIO 7A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: CHEM 30B and Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C; C-ID# BIOL 120 B. * BIO 7A, 7B and 50 combined: maximum UC credit, two courses.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 7C - Microbiology

5 units

This course focuses on viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and helminths, with an emphasis on their relationship to humans. Cultivation, control, metabolism, body's defense against disease, microbial genetics, laboratory tests, and contemporary diseases are discussed. Methods used in the laboratory include standard bacteriological techniques (culturing, staining, biochemical testing, sensitivity testing etc.) as well as some molecular and immunological techniques, such as PCR and ELISA. Laboratory work also includes identification of unknowns, and/or independent research projects.
Prerequisite: BIO 30 with a minimum grade of C, CHEM 30A with a minimum grade of C or CHEM 1A with a minimum grade of C. Strongly Recommended: BIO 7A with a minimum grade of C, ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 10 - Introduction to the Science of Biology

4 units

This course focuses on basic principles of biology, including scientific investigation and the study of the nature of living things. Focus is on student understanding of evolution and the unity and diversity of life from the molecular level to ecosystems and biosphere. Designed for non-majors in biology and biomedical sciences. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C. * BIO 10 and 30 combined: maximum UC credit, one course. No UC credit for BIO 10 or 30 if taken after 1C.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

BIO 20 - Contemporary Human Biology

3 units

A study of the Human organism, beginning at the cellular level, emphasizing organ systems, and also including topics of genetics and biotechnology. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2; IGETC: 5B.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 29B - Independent Study, Biology

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

BIO 29T - Independent Study, Botany

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

BIO 29Z - Independent Study, Zoology

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

BIO 30 - Introduction to College Biology

4 units

Basic principles of biology. Cell structure and function, cell division, cell metabolism, reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, origin of life, and evolution. Laboratory emphasis on developing various laboratory skills, using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, and preparing for and taking laboratory exams. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology. Strongly Recommended: MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 110B with a minimum grade of C, Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C. * BIO 10 and 30 combined: maximum UC credit, one course. No UC credit for BIO 10 or 30 if taken after 1C.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 40 - Humans and the Environment

3 units

Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological processes within the Earth system, the interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2; IGETC: 5B.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

BIO 50 - Anatomy and Physiology

4 units

Structure and function of the human body is studied. Emphasis on human anatomy and physiological principles at the cellular and systemic level. Designed primarily for majors in paramedic and medical assisting programs and pre-medical students who wish to explore the realm of anatomy and physiology. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C. * BIO 7A, 7B and 50 combined: maximum UC credit, two courses.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR

BIO 55 - Orientation to Health Care

2 units

Examine physiological, psychological, ethical, social, and public health issues. Introduce the workings of the human body and mind and explore the relationship between health and larger cultural and societal issues. Introduce medical terminology. Review diseases, including causes, symptoms, how they affect the body systems, and treatment options available. Investigate, analyze, and evaluate professional opportunities, educational requirements and personal characteristics with the intent to acquire insight into careers in the allied health field, with specific focus on transfer science, clinical programs (pre-nursing, EMT, surgical technology, medical assisting), and health administrative support. Gain the academic framework and perspective necessary to pursue a career in health sciences, as well as benefit anyone confronting health care issues in today's complex world. 36 hours lecture.

• Transfer: CSU; CSU GE: E.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

BIO 60 - Marine Biology

4 units

Ocean as a habitat, the organisms that inhabit marine waters, their ecology, adaptations and evolution, and the role of the ocean in the ecology of the biosphere. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B2, B3; IGETC: 5B, 5C.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: OP

BIO 70 - Field Biology

3 units

A hands-on course in field biology. Students will learn basic concepts about ecology and environmental science through outdoor activities and exploration of a variety of ecosystems. The goals are to gain experience and develop skills in the following areas: identification of plants and animals, first-hand knowledge of a wide array of organism life histories, quantitative field research techniques and procedures applicable to plants and animals, and methods of recording data and observations. Field trips to local and regional habitats focus on seasonally relevant events, processes, and appropriate methodologies to study these communities. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.

• Transfer: CSU; CSU GE: B2, B3.
• Degree Applicable, Credit Grading Option: GR