Classes in bio

BIO 1 Cell and Molecular Biology 5.0 units
Description: A general biology course with an emphasis on the structure and function of cells, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, cell life cycle and its controls, Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics, and evolution and diversity of life. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry and experimental design are foundational to the course. This course is required for students majoring in any area of biology. (C-ID: BIO 190) PREREQUISITES: Biology 10, Biology 12, or Environmental Science 1 with a grade of 'C' or better, or AP or Honors Biology with a grade of 'B' or better completed within the last five years; Chemistry 30A or high school chemistry with a grade of 'B' or better completed within the last five years, and Mathematics 240 with a grade of 'C' or better. High school-level reading and writing skills are strongly recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Compare and contrast cellular processes (such as metabolism, photosynthesis, reproduction, and communication) and interactions between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2. Identify and describe biological molecules and cell structures and explain their functions.
3. Apply the process of scientific inquiry and experimental design to the study of biological concepts. Present biological data in written form and appropriate scientific style.
4. Apply the principles of classical and molecular genetics to solve problems in genetics or biotechnology.
5. Explain how DNA replicates and how genes are expressed within organisms.
6. Acquire, read, evaluate, and cite scientific literature.


BIO 2 Organismal Biology 5.0 units
Description: This course is the second in a two-semester sequence exploring the basic biology and diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. Topics include general biological principles, ecology, classification, structure, function and evolutionary adaptations of organisms (including plants, fungi, animals, and unicellular organisms) to their environments. (C-ID: BIOL 140) PREREQUISITE: BIO 1 with a grade of 'C' or better. High school-level reading and writing skills are strongly recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and describe key structures, functions, and characteristics of major animal and botanical taxa (protists, fungi, and green plants) and their phylogenetic relationships.
2. Apply scientific methodology and reasoning through active experimentation and experiences.
3. Compare and contrast the differences in development and life cycles across the animal and botanical (protists, fungi, and green plants) phyla.
4. Evaluate the evolutionary relationships of animal and botanical organisms to each other and their environments.


BIO 4 General Zoology 4.0 units
Description: General Zoology is designed for students exploring a career and majoring in Biology. This course uses the animal model to introduce the principles of evolutionary biology. Zoology explores animal diversity and considers the selection pressures of nature that direct animal form and function. Topics include mechanisms of evolution, animal life cycles, embryological development, comparative morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics, molecular and morphological phylogeny, ecological principles, organismal behavior and its place in the natural world. (C-ID BIOL 150) PREREQUISITE: MATH 240 or equivalent with a grade of 'C' or better. ADVISORY: CHEM 1A, BIO 1. High school-level reading and writing skills are strongly recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify characteristics of major animal taxa and their phylogenetic relationships.
2. Identify and describe the diversity of animal structures and relate them to their functions.
3. Compare and contrast the differences in animal development and life cycles across the animal phyla.
4. Describe mechanisms of evolutionary change including speciation.
5. Discuss the importance of habitat and sustainable ecology.
6. Apply scientific methodology and reasoning through active experimentation and experiences.
7. Develop basic laboratory and dissection skills.


BIO 5 General Botany 4.0 units
Description: General Botany is designed for students majoring in biology and/or its related disciplines. This course introduces the evolution and diversity of botanical organisms and begins with a brief review of plant like organisms (protista and fungi) and continues with an emphasis in the plant kingdom for the remainder of the course. The course will include topics such as life cycles, embroyonic development, morphology, physiology, taxonomy and plant systematics. Principles of population ecology, community ecology, ecosystems interactions, biotechnology and agriculture are highlighted in this course. (C-ID: BIOL 155) PREREQUISITE: Mathematics 235 or Mathematics 240 with a grade of 'C' or better, or skills equivalent to those in an Intermediate Algebra course, or appropriate placement. ADVISORY: Chemistry 1A, Biological Science 1, and college-level reading and writing skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify characteristics of major botanical taxa (protists, fungi and green plants) and their phylogenetic relationships.
2. Identify the diversity of botanical structures and relate the structures to their functions. Apply knowledge of plant physiology and structure to the use of plants in agriculture and biotechnology.
3. Compare and contrast the differences in development and life cycles across the major taxa of protists, fungi and botanical organisms.
4. Evaluate the evolutionary relationship of botanical organisms to each other structure and ecology of plants to their classification.
5. Discuss the importance of habitat, sustainable ecology and biotechnology in the field of Botany.
6. Apply scientific methodology and reasoning through active experimentation and experiences.
7. Develop basic laboratory and dissection skills, which may be utilized to further investigations.


BIO 7 Human Anatomy 4.0 units
Description: 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. Includes dissection in lab. A cadaver is observed in this course. PREREQUISITE: BIO 8 or BIO 9 or BIO 10 or BIO 12 or BIO 15 with a grade of credit or C or better. (C-ID: BIOL 110B) ADVISORY: High school-level reading and writing skills and math skills equivalent to Intermediate Algebra.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify structures of the human body.
2. Relate structures of the human body with their functions.
3. Develop basic laboratory and dissection skills which they will be able to utilize in further investigations.
4. Apply knowledge of structure learned at one level or system to other levels or systems.


BIO 8 General Microbiology 5.0 units
Description: An introduction to microbiology with an emphasis on bacteriology. Includes the study of morphology, physiology and classification of microorganisms, a survey of infectious disease, immunology and techniques for culture and control of microorganisms. This course is also listed as Allied Health 8. PREREQUISITE: Biological Science 10 or 15 with a grade of credit or 'C' or better. ADVISORY: Chemistry 30A; high school-level reading and writing skills; skills equivalent to those of an Elementary Algebra course.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Apply knowledge of basic principles of microbiology to practical situations.
2. Apply knowledge of chemistry to understanding microorganisms.
3. Explain basic biological principles as they occur in microorganisms.
4. Describe the role of microorganisms in health, disease and the environment.
5. Describe basic concepts of immunology and explain the role immunology plays in human health and disease.
6. Discuss molecular genetics and biotechnologyand their applications.
7. Demonstrate basic laboratory skills which will be applied to conduct experiments with microorganisms.


BIO 9 Human Physiology 5.0 units
Description: 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, endocrine system, and reproductive system. (C-ID: BIOL 120B) PREREQUISITE: CHEM 30A, BIO 7 or 15 or AH 15 with a grade of 'C' or better. ADVISORY: CHEM 30B; high school-level reading and writing skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe key functional features of different types of human cells and how they communicate.
2. Identify key functions and structures of major organ systems and explain the physiological mechanisms underlying their operation.
3. Integrate knowledge of basic chemistry and physical laws to explain the physiology of human cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
4. Describe how homeostasis is maintained in the body.
5. Explain physiological principles by following the scientific method in the analysis of experimental design and data.


BIO 10 Principles of Biology 4.0 units
Description: An introductory biology course covering functions at the cellular and organismal levels. Includes study of the basic principles of metabolism, heredity, evolution and ecology. Primarily for non-biological science majors. ADVISORY: Eligible for English 280 and Mathematics 430 or skills equivalent to those in an Elementary Algebra course.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe and explain the processes and structures common to all living things.
2. Explain how evolution drives and shapes an ecosystem, and has resulted in both the similarities and differences between all living things.
3. Explain the process of how traits are inherited, and how genes are responsible for those traits.
4. Demonstrate the use of a compound light microscope and other laboratory equipment.


BIO 11 Nutrition 3.0 units
Description: This course is designed to meet the needs of the Allied Health student and the general education student alike. The major aim of this course is to help the student acquire relevant information about nutrition which they can use professionally and/or personally. The course will cover the practical aspects of normal nutrition, ways to promote sound eating habits throughout the life cycle, and physiological contribution nutrients make to body structure and function. This course is also listed as AH 11. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for English 1A. ADVISORY: Chemistry 30A and Mathematics 205

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Use scientific facts and principles to critically analyze nutrition information and use the information to assess personal diet and the diets of other cultures.
2. Evaluate nutrition information for accuracy and reliability.
3. Analyze and identify the relationship between nutrition and health.
4. Differentiate among food habits and practices related to traditional foods and preparation techniques in selected cultures or religions.
5. Analyze nutritional problems of selected cultures and create a nutritionally balanced menu.


BIO 12 Introduction to Human Biology 4.0 units
Description: This course will provide an introduction to human biology for non-science majors to meet general education laboratory science requirements. It will cover the biologic principles of basic body structure and function including all systems of the body, genetic diseases, and current biotechnological advances as well as encompass the relationship between humans and their environment and ecosystems. This course satisfies the same general education life science requirements as Biology 10 and Ecology 1.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and regulation of the body systems to keeping the internal environment constant (Homeostasis)
2. Demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ and system level.
3. Apply principles of the course to solve practical life- long problems in human biology.
4. Develop a working vocabulary in the area of human biology.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and be able to identify ofthe major tissues, organs and organ systems found in the body.
6. Develop a basic understanding of human diseases and the relationship between life forms and their environment and ecosystems.
7. Develop analytical skills required to differentiate between invalid and valid conclusions based on collected data using the Scientific Method
8. Be able to work effectively in a lab setting. Be able to work with simple laboratory equipment and use time appropriately anduse of proper lab etiquette such as proper documentation .


BIO 13 Marine Biology 4.0 units
Description: The course provides a comprehensive overview of marine ecosystems, emphasizing the diversity of life inhabiting them. The physical, chemical and ecological features of the marine environment are reviewed and the evolutionary adaptations that allowed marine organisms to survive are emphasized. Although the overall focus will include ecosystems found in both tropical, subtropical, temperate and arctic regions, many of the practical examples will be drawn from the rich ecosystems of the central California coast and labs will provide hands-on experience of the diversity of life forms found in this area. Practical exercises will include viewing of specimen in the laboratory, short documentaries followed by discussion and field trips to coastal locations within the Monterey Bay and vicinity to view and explore specific ecosystems such as kelp forests, the intertidal, and estuarine areas, as well as learn about local marine species such as birds and mammals. ADVISORY: Eligible for English 250, English 260 and Mathematics 430.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the scientific method and demonstrate its application to critical thinking.
2. Discuss the physical constraints of the marine environment and describe how organisms have evolved adaptations to cope with these constraints;
3. Describe how communities of organisms interact with each other andtheir physical environment;
4. Demonstrate basic laboratory and field skills.
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate coincisely and scientifically using the English language


BIO 15 Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology 5.0 units
Description: An introductory study of the structure and function of the human body. Includes study at the cellular and organ system levels, emphasizing integration of systems. Note that a cadaver will be observed in this course. This course is also listed as Allied Health 15. ADVISORY: Biology 10 or Biology 12 with a grade of 'C' or better. Eligible for English 280 and Mathematics 430 or skills equivalent to those in an Elementary Algebra course. Course will include the viewing of a cadaver.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify selected structures of the human body.
2. List the organ systems of the human body and explain their functions.
3. Relate the structures of the human body to their functions.
4. Develop basic laboratory and dissection, skills which can be utilized in further investigations.
5. Apply knowledge of structure and function learned at one level or system to other levels or systems.


BIO 21 Field Ecology 1.0 units
Description: Introduces concepts in ecology, plant and animal identification, natural history, and habitat assessment in a field setting. The class will have a two hour preliminary meeting to prepare for successive meetings to local habitats. Camping may be required. Outings will be rescheduled in the case of inclement weather. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. ADVISORY: Eligible for English 250 and Math 205.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Synthesize data from disparate habitat assessments
2. Differentiate organisms using an identification key
3. Work with a team to collect data
4. Calculate descriptive habitat statistics such as Jaccard Index
5. Apply ecological theory to field observations
6. Clearly describe field observations in written journal format
7. Demonstrate proper field safety protocols


BIO 23 Independent Study 1.0 units
Description: Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.