BIO 101   Principles of Biology   4 Units

This is an introductory course to the truths of biological sciences discovered through the hypothetic-deductive approach and its application to life and limitations for society in such controversial areas as human reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases, human developmental termination, genetics, genetic engineering, evolution and the evolutionary process, and the origin of life. It may be offered as a hybrid course with an online lecture and in-person lab. A lab fee is required.

BIO 111   General Biology I   4 Units

This general biology course will examine major principles in biology at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. Topics include cellular structure, metabolism processes, genetics, DNA function and genome expression, the origin of life and evolutionary principles, biotechnology, and molecular biology. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and the application of biological principles toward interpretation of case studies. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Typically offered each semester.

BIO 112   General Biology II   4 Units

As a continuation of BIO 111, this general biology course examines major principles in biology at the organism, population, and ecosystem levels. Topics include the structure, function, and behavior of animals and plants, evolutionary mechanisms, population dynamics, and ecological interactions. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and the application of biological principles toward interpretation of case studies. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 246   Human Anatomy and Physiology I   4 Units

First of a two-semester sequence in human anatomy and physiology. Topics include the structure and function of cells, tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Introduces common human disease processes.  Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy, mammalian dissection, and the study of physiological concepts via experimentation.  Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 or consent of instructor. Offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 247   Human Anatomy and Physiology II   4 Units

Second of a two-semester sequence in human anatomy and physiology.  Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Introduces common human disease processes.  Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintain homeostasis. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy, mammalian dissection, and the study of physiological concepts via experimentation.   Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 111 and BIO 246 or consent of instructor. Offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 308   Molecular Genetics   4 Units

This course will introduce the basic principles of molecular genetics focused on prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, and an introduction to Mendelian genetics. The course emphasizes classical laboratory experimentation and molecular techniques. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 and BIO 350 and CHE 221 and CHE 222 or consent of the instructor. Typically offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 309   Population Genetics   4 Units

This course will investigate the data, methods, and theory behind population genetics with an emphasis on human populations. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 112. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 317   Ecology   4 Units

Fundamental ecological concepts will be introduced through literature and illustrated in field investigations focusing on the relation of organisms to their environment. Field trips and lab time are included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: Grade C- or better in BIO 112 and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of the instructor. Typically offered alternate years (even years, spring semester).

BIO 331   Marine Biology   4 Units

This course will study a variety of marine habitats and organisms, with emphasis on ecological interactions, physiological and behavioral adaptations, and current challenges to the marine environment. Emphasis is placed on local marine ecosystems. Students will learn current marine research methods in the lab and field. Up to two (2) weekend field trips are possible in addition to field trips during scheduled lab time. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Completion of SCI 318 and BIO 345 is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 111 and BIO 112) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (odd years, spring semester).

BIO 341   Plant Biology   4 Units

As an introduction to the basic concepts of plant life, this course will study the structure, functional form, reproduction, genetics, and ecology of fungi, algae, and nonvascular and vascular plants. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 112 and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (odd years, spring semester).

BIO 345   Evolutionary Zoology   4 Units

This course will study the diversity of the animal kingdom while focusing on natural history, anatomy, systematics, and evolutionary principles. Studied phyla include protozoans through mammals, or a subset therein. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or CBIO 101 or BIO 111) and BIO 112 or consent of instructor. Typically offered alternate years (even years, fall semester).

BIO 350   Molecular and Cellular Biology   4 Units

A study of plant and animal molecular and cellular structures, biochemistry, and function is included in this course with an emphasis on the molecular level of cells, cellular metabolism, and the structure and function of the major organelles. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 111 and CHE 221) and (CHE 222, concurrent enrollment allowed or SCI 115, concurrent enrollment allowed) or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 351   General Microbiology   4 Units

This course will introduce the morphology, physiology, and ecological and medical importance of microorganisms (focusing on viruses, bacteria, molds, and yeasts), with a strong focus on the molecular basis of physiological processes. Laboratory sessions will emphasize the culture, physiology, and identification of the major groups of microbes. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or BIO 111 or CBIO 101) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 355   Biostatistics   3 Units

This course will introduce statistical analysis concepts and methods necessary for the interpretation of biological data. This course will include a hands-on experience with computational methods in the R software environment and emphasize biological interpretation rather than statistical theory. Computer lab time is included in the schedule. Typically offered annually (spring semester).

BIO 361   Field Biology Techniques   3 Units

This field-based course will explore common techniques used to conduct biological field research and provide hands-on experience with transects, trapping, quadrats, aquatic survey methods, GPS, GIS, and others. Proper experimental design and statistical analysis of data will be included as students design and conduct their own research projects. During standard Fall or Spring semesters, up to three (3) weekend field trips are possible in addition to field trips during scheduled lab time or longer trips during mid-semester breaks. A lab fee is required and additional travel costs may apply. Prerequisites: C- or better in (BIO 101 or CBIO 101 or BIO 111) and (CHE 101 or CHE 221 or SCI 115) or consent of instructor. Offered alternate years (odd years, fall semester).

BIO 371   Neuroscience   4 Units

This course is an introduction to the neurosciences, including cellular, systems and cognitive neurobiology, as well as mammalian neuroanatomy. Primary neurosciencific literature will be analyzed, and approaches to studying the nervous system will be examined. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in BIO 111 or consent of instructor. Typically offered annually (fall semester).

BIO 390   Practicum: Biology   1-4 Units

A practical experience outside the classroom that is directly related to the student's major, minor or professional program. It typically involves "hands-on" experience in the form of an internship that is a beneficial complement to the student's academic experience. Offered every semester, by arrangement.

BIO 401   Biology Seminar   2 Units

This course will take an in-depth look at current biological topics primarily through the use of primary literature. Library research using scientific journals may be required to prepare a major paper and oral presentation. Topics will vary each semester. Prerequisite: Sixteen (16) units of biology or consent of instructor; restricted to juniors and seniors. May be offered any semester as arranged by the instructor.

BIO 490   Internship: Biology   1-8 Units

This course is an intense, practical, full- or part-time experience outside the classroom that is an integral part of a professional program, contributing significantly to the student's preparation for entrance into a profession. Approximately forty (40) contact hours are required for each unit of credit. Each department may limit the maximum number of internship credit.

BIO 496   Research in Biology   0.5-2 Units

This course will require students to apply research methods and skills in the field of biology towards the completion of original student-conducted research. This course may require library research, field and/or laboratory research, and statistical analysis to be completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Independent lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in SCI 495 or consent of instructor. Course may be taken for a range of units (0.5-2 units per semester) but 2 units are required before advancing to BIO 499. Offered each semester.

BIO 499   Senior Thesis   1 Unit

A culmination of original student-conducted scientific research or internship experience (B.A. only) resulting in a formal written report, a public seminar-style oral presentation, and public poster presentation. Prerequisite: C- or better in (SCI 495 and 2 units of BIO 496) or (3 units in BIO 490) or consent of instructor; restricted to seniors. Typically offered each semester.