Course Descriptions
BIO 1A - Biological Dynamics (4)
An introduction to the science of biology and the variety of organisms in the biosphere. Topics presented include theories relative to the origin of life, molecular biology, cellular structure and function, evolution as a unifying principle in biology, and processes of inheritance. Laboratory experiences give students an opportunity to understand scientific methods of investigation.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs. GS-IIID, VII
BIO 1B - Biological Dynamics (4)
An introduction to the study of biology and the variety of organisms at the organismic, population, and environmental levels. Included are topics dealing with the structures and coordination of functions of complex multicellular organisms, biological factors that support community life systems, ecological interrelationships of plants and animals, and human impact upon the environment.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs. Prerequisite: BIO 1A. GS-IIID
BIO 1AH - Freshman Honors Biology (1)
Exploration of a single topic through laboratory exercises, journal and textbook readings and classroom discussion. Topics are chosen to present basic concepts in biology and vary from year to year. Lecture/discussion1 hr., Laboratory 3 hrs. Substitutes for BIO 1A Laboratory and has one additional unit of credit. Student must be eligible for honors courses.
Departmental approval required. Lecture/discussion 1 hr. Laboratory 3 hrs. (with BIO 1A GS-VII)
BIO 1BH - Freshman Honors Biology (1)
Exploration of the scientific research enterprise with reflection on ethics in research and misconduct in science. Topics presented include values in science, conflict of interest, plagiarism, allocation of credit, authorship, error and negligence, data selection. Critical thinking and problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course.
Laboratory: Students will rotate through 3 research laboratories of their choice spending 3 weeks in each laboratory. Substitutes for BIO 1B Laboratory and has one additional unit of credit.
Lecture/discussion 1hr. Laboratory 3 hrs.
Students must be eligible for honors courses or be recommended by the department. GS-IIID
BIO 3/103 - General Microbiology (4)
Basic principles of microbial growth and metabolism, morphology, taxonomy, pathogenicity, immunity, and control. Microorganisms as agents of disease and normal inhabitants of man's environment. Techniques of isolation, cultivation and identification of these organisms.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs.
May be taken for upper division credit if approved by instructor. GS-IIID
BIO 5 - Life Sciences (3)
This course is an introduction to biology for the non-biology major that emphasizes both the unity and the diversity that is evident throughout all living organisms at the different levels of structure and function: molecular, cellular, organismal and population. This course emphasizes major organizing concepts of biology such as the fundamental importance of DNA and the genetic code, the role of natural selection, and genetics in the evolution of organismal adaptation over time. The laboratory portion of this course affords the student an opportunity to learn about living organisms through direct observation, experimentation and basic field studies wherein they play direct participative roles.
Lecture: 2 hrs., Laboratory: 1 1/2 hrs. GS-IIID
BIO 10 - Health Science (3)
An introductory course designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the functioning of the human body as it relates to health problems. Included are such topics as nutrition, infectious disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, reproduction, and the effects of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Lecture 3 hrs. (Meets Health Education requirement for California clear teaching credentials.) GS-IIID
BIO 40A - Human Anatomy (4)
The study of the structure of the human body. A systemic approach is used beginning with the molecular level and progressing to the organism as a whole to demonstrate the interrelationships at each level of organization, Emphasis is placed on the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Laboratory exercises are used to expand and clarify the concepts presented in lecture. These include microscopic reviews, dissections and other multiple teaching/ learning media.
This course is required for Physical Therapy Assistant and Pre-Health majors.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a high school General Biology course. GS-IIID
BIO 50A - Human Anatomy (4)
The study of the structure of the human body. A systemic approach is used beginning with the molecular level and progressing to the organism as a whole to demonstrate the interrelationships at each level of organization. Laboratory exercises are used to expand and clarify the concepts presented in lecture. These include microscopic reviews, dissections and other multiple teaching/learning media.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs. Prerequisites: Successful completion of a high school General Biology course. GS-IIID
BIO 50B - Human Physiology (4)
An introduction to physiological principles with emphasis on organ systems. An integrative approach is used beginning with the molecular and progressing to the organism as a whole to demonstrate the interrelationships at each level of organization. Laboratory exercises include measurements of physiological activities from the molecular to the organismic levels. Emphasis is placed on understanding of human functions with the use of medical instrumentation, computer simulations and data acquisition systems.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or above in BIO 50A or BIO 40A. GS-IIID
BIO 87 - Fundamental Concepts (1-3)
An acyclic series of basic concepts in the field of biological sciences which present an introductory understanding of living systems.
GS-IIID
BIO 105 - Immunology (4)
Exploration of fundamental concepts of immunology. Topics include basic mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, host:pathogen interactions, regulation of immune responses, anitbody and T-cell receptor structure and function, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and vaccines. Emphasis is placed on biochemical and molecular approaches to studying the immune system and applications in medicine and research. Offered every other year.
Lecture 3 hrs. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1A/B and CHE 1 A/B or Microbiology.
BIO 111 - Ecology (3)
This course provides an intorduction to the study of interrelationaships among plants, animals and their respective environments. Topics include single species population biology, competition, predation and mutualism, community and organization, behaviorial ecology and evolutionary ecology.
Offered every fall semester. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1 A/B
BIO 112 - Human Nutrition (3)
A study of different nutrients with emphasis on nutritional requirements for health and prevention of chronic diseases which are major causes of death in the United States today. Topics include healthy lifestyle including daily meal planning, weight control and exercise, harmful effects of alcohol and drugs. Special needs during pregnancy and lactation, infancy and childhood, adulthood, and old age will also be considered.
Lecture 3 hrs.
BIO 115A - Research Methods (1)
Introduction to the philosophy and principles of scientific methods of inquiry used in research and problem solving. Includes identification of problems, construction of hypotheses and initial development of research questions and proposal.
BIO 115B - Research Methods (1)
A directed study in which the student applies the principles learned in 115A. This independent study course is concerned with the research design, methodology and data collection components of the research endeavor.
BIO 115C - Independent Study (1)
The initiation or continuation of a project under the physical therapy departmental faculty direction. Work should culminate in a research paper, report or successful completion of oral and/or written examinations.
BIO 115D - Directed Research (1)
An independent study course concentrating on the data collection component, and the writing and finalization of the research endeavor. Hours are arranged between the student and the research advisor.
BIO 120 - MCAT Workshop (1)
This workshop will provide the needed information, strategies, and practice to do well on the MCAT. The MCAT is a test of reading comprehension, reasoning, and application of science to problem solving. Emphasis will be placed on speed reading and comprehension, passage-solving skills, skills for answering questions, timing and other important strategies.
MCAT sample exams will be given.
BIO 121 - GRE Workshop (1)
This workshop will provide the needed information, strategies, and practice to do well on the GRE. The GRE measures certain developed verbal, quantitative, and analytical abilities that are important for academic achievement. Emphasis will be placed on vocabulary building, math review, and analytical reasoning tactics.
GRE sample tests will be given with a focus on computer testing.
BIO 130 - Genetics (4)
This course conducts a discussion of genes, their organization, maintenance, function and inheritance. The course covers such topics as Mendelian inheritance, bacterial and viral genetics, mutation, gene replication, expression, and regulation, as well as population genetics. In addition, the course includes discussions of genetic disorders, the relationship of genetics to environmental influences, and an introduction to both current and historical techniques used in the field. The discussion section will focus on problem solving and the use of online tools in genetics.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: A grade C- or above in BIO 1A/B and BIO 135.
BIO 131 - Advance Human Genetics (3)
Application of genetic principles in human populations. The course covers Mendelian inheritance in humans, as well as exceptions to Mendel's Laws. Topics covered thorughout the course include cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics, behaviorial genetics, cancer genetics, genetically modified organisms, complex genetic diseases and gene therapy. The course will also address the potential roles of genetics in the future of medicine, and the related social and ethical issues. Offered every other year.
Lecture: 3 hrs
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1 A/B, BIO 130 and BIO 135. GS-VII
BIO 135 - Techniques in Molecular Biology (4)
An overview of the techniques used in genetic engineering. Emphasis will be placed on the structure, handling and manipulation of nucleic acids. Current topics in genetic engineering such as transgenic animals and human gene therapy will be discussed. Laboratory studies include isolation and analysis of DNA, cloning genes, preparation and screening of genomic labraries and hybridization techniques such as Southern and Northern blotting.
Lecture: 3 hrs
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1A/B and CHEM 1A/B.
BIO 142 - Plant Physiology (4)
This course focuses on the physiology of higher plants with emphasis on both the whole plant as well as the biochemical, cell biological and molecular aspects of how plants function. Emphasis is on structure-function relationships. Topics include regulation of plant metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen-fixation, cell wall biosynthesis, growth and stress responses, water and solute movement, plant growth and development. Laboratory exercises are designed to study plant processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, tropisms, and secondary metabolite accumulation. Basic laboratory procedures in separation and analytical techniques including electrpohoresis, chromatography and spectroscopy and at least one research project will be included. Must be taken with Plant Physiology lecture. Offered every other year.
Lecture: 3 hrs; Laboratory: 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1A/1B.
BIO 151 - Medical Physiology (4)
A detailed study of the functional processes of the human body from the molecular to the organ system levels; dynamics of fluid balance, control mechanisms, transport systems, aging, and neuroendocrine and neuromuscular integration will be included. References to pathophysiology will be made. Laboratory activities include the use of multiple monitoring and data acquisition systems.
Lecture 3 hrs., Laboratory 3 hrs.
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or above in BIO1AB and CHE 1AB. GS-II, VII.
BIO 152 - Cellular Biology (4)
This course involves in-depth analysis of eukaryotic cell structure and function. Topics include membrane structure and transport, cell communication, synthesis and trafficking of proteins, and the cytoskeleton. Laboratory techniques will include experimental techniques in cellular biology, including sub-cellular fractionation, cell culture, histochemistry, microscopy, and spectrophotometry.
Lecture 3 hrs. Laboratory 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1AB, CHE 6A
BIO 160 - Neurobiology (3)
An introduction to fundamental concepts in neurobiology. An emphasis is placed onthe molecular organization, biochemistry and physiology of nerve cells and how the organization of thses cells underlies the functional properties of the brain and behavior.
Lecture 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1A/B; CHE 1A/B; PHY 1A and completion or concurrent enrollment in PHY 1B. Recommended: BIO 152; BIO 151; CHE 107
BIO 161 - Advanced Systems Neurobiology
This course is an upper division course covering the systems aspect of neurobiology. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the phsiology of neurons, and how networks of neurons are then able to dictate the various functions of the nervous system. Topics will include: neuronal communication, neuroanatomy, sensory-motor systems, pain, sleep and arousal, emotion, learning and memory, and language. Special attention will be paid to disease and injury within these topics.
Lecture 3 hrs
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 1A/B; CHE 1A/B; PHY 1A/B; BIO 152; BIO 151; CHE 107
BIO 180 - Endocrinology (4)
A study of the molecular synthesis and physiological functions of hormones in living systems especially as they are understood in humans. The course will cover neuroendocrine controls, genetics of hormone synthesis, mechanisms of hormone action, reproductive physiology, somatic growth and development, thyroid and adrenal gland physiology, glucose and calcium homeostases, and the integration and assessment of endocrine functions with the use of clinical examples throughout the course.
Lecture 3 hrs. Laboratories will be individually designed and directed.
Prerequisites: A grade of C- or above in BIO 151, CHE 6A/B.
BIO 187 - Selected Topics in Biology (1-3)
An acyclic series of topics of current interest in the biological sciences which presents recent developments in the field.
BIO 192AB - Special Studies (3,3)
BIO 195 - Senior Seminar in New Biology (3)
In depth literature search on an approved topic of current research significance. The research study should culminate in a class presentation, discussion and research paper. Topics will focus on the most recent research and discoveries in the biological sciences.
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
BIO 196H - Senior Honors Thesis (3)
Open only to students admitted to the Honors Program.
BIO 197 - Research Readings (1)
Directed reading in special interest area for the departmental research requirement. Research mentor approval required.
BIO 198 - Biological Research (1-3)
Directed research project. Should be taken under the guidance of a biology faculty member presently engaged in laboratory research. The research project is initiated no later than the junior year and completed before graduation. Research mentor approval required. Three units are required for graduation.
BIO 199 - Independent Study (1-3)
The initiation or continuation of a project under departmental faculty direction.
Work should culminate in a research paper or report.
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