101 Issues in Environmental Biology 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Biology 100.
This is a course in contemporary issues in environmental biology. Topics include basic ecological principles, biodiversity, human population dynamics, human resource management, and pollution. These are viewed within the context of their environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical setting. Issues are examined utilizing the process of scientific inquiry. The laboratory is coordinated with lectures, and emphasizes the environmental issues of Southern California. Several field trips will be required, some on the weekend. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
107 General Biology - Lecture and Laboratory 3 hours lecture, 3 hour lab, 4 units Grade Only
Advisory: English 48 and English 49 and Mathematics 46, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5 and M40.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with credit for Biology 103, 104, or 105, 106, or 210A and 210B.
This course is an examination of living organisms and their environment. The lecture and laboratory are intended for students planning on taking more advanced courses in the Life Sciences or students majoring in Education, Child Development, Physiological Psychology, or related areas. Topics that are emphasized in this course include the fundamental chemical and physical processes common to all living organisms, the interactions between organisms and their environment, classical and molecular genetics, metabolism, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, animal behavior, evolution, cellular and molecular biology, and the experimental and cognitive processes used to examine these fields. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course Limitation: No credit for Biology (BIOL) 105, 106 or 107 if taken after 210A, 210B.
109 Preparation for Biotechnology 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, 5 units Grade Only
Advisory: English 48 and English 49 and Mathematics 46 each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5 and M40.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Biology 265B.
This course is intended as a preparation course for students interested in further studies in biotechnology. The course provides the fundamental knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and microbiology for additional biotechnology coursework. Topics include the fundamental chemical processes common in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology, chemistry of biomolecules, cellular and molecular biology, gene expression and genetic engineering. The laboratory experience provides basic skills and techniques essential to advanced biotechnology courses. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
110 Introduction to Oceanography 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This is an introductory course designed to acquaint the student with general oceanography. Topics include history of oceanography, sea floor properties, plate tectonics, properties of sea water, ocean currents, waves and tides, life in the sea, pollution, and the significance of the oceans to humans. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
111 Cancer Biology 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for Biology 123.
This is an introductory course that examines the basic biology of cancer and the approaches currently taken in cancer treatment. Basic principles of cell biology and genetics are explored to unravel the mechanisms of cancer development and the development of effective cancer therapeutics and preventative measures. The course emphasizes the process of scientific inquiry to illustrate how cancer biologists gather and analyze data in order to better understand and treat this disease estimated to be the number two killer in the US. The course is intended for all that want to learn about the types of cancer, causes of cancer, treatments of cancer, and the social impact of this disease on patients, families and society. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
115 Marine Biology 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 units Grade Only
Advisory: Advisory: English 101 or English 105, each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent or Assessment Skill Level R6 and W6.
This course is a study of marine biology. Emphasis is placed on marine organisms, their natural history and special adaptations to the ocean environment. Topics include the marine environment, plankton, marine plants, marine invertebrates, fishes, marine birds, marine reptiles, and marine mammals. Students participate in several field trips to local marine habitats and museums. This course is intended for all students interested in marine biology. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
130 Human Heredity 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This course introduces students to the concepts and applications of human heredity. It deals with both classical Mendelian genetics and modern molecular genetics. Topics include gamete formation, human karyotypes, genetic crosses, sex-linked inheritance, structure and function of DNA and RNA, gene expression, transcription and translation, genetic engineering, and population genetics. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
135 Biology of Human Nutrition 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 49 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5.
A course which relates biological concepts and principles to human nutrition. Lecture and discussion topics will include food composition, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals; food absorption and utilization; food fads and diets; malnutrition and mental retardation; food value and cost; food processing, food additives, world food and population problems; nutrition and pregnancy, and other topics. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
180 Plants and People 3 hours lecture, 3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5.
This is an introductory course that examines the interdependence of humans and plants. This course is intended for all that want to learn about the uses of plants, especially those students with an interest in biology, anthropology, environmental sciences, and/or agriculture. Emphasis is on plant ecology as well as the basic biology of plant groups that provide us with food, medicine, recreation, decoration, and material goods as well as those that produce stimulating, intoxicating, or harmful effects. Basic principles of taxonomy, cell structure, plant physiology, plant anatomy, ecology and genetics are explored as they relate to these plants. Current environmental and economic issues and the role of molecular genetics in future plant development and the importance of genetic diversity are also examined. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course Limitation: Credit will only be granted for either Biology (BIOL) 180 or 215 and 250 combined. No credit for Biology (BIOL) 180, 215 or 250 if taken after 210A or 210B.
200 Biological Statistics 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 3 units Grade Only
Prerequisite: Biology 107, or 210A, and Mathematics 116, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This is an introductory course in statistics using biological examples and experimental design. Students learn methods and gain experience in defining and solving quantitative problems in biology. Descriptive and inferential statistics, basic probability, binomial and normal distributions are introduced. Students learn to estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, linear regression and correlation using clinical and biological data and experiments. This course is applicable for biological science majors and required for preparation for San Diego State University biology majors. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course Limitation: Mathematics (MATH) 119, Biology (BIOL) 200 or Psychology (PSYC) 258 combined: maximum credit, one course.
205 General Microbiology 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, 5 units Grade Only
Prerequisite: Biology 107 and Chemistry 100 and 100L or Chemistry 152 and 152L, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This introductory course covers fundamental aspects of microbiology including taxonomy, structure, physiology, reproduction, genetics, control, immunology, diversity, and host-symbiont relationships. Lab work emphasizes basic techniques for culturing, staining, counting, and identifying microorganisms. This course is intended for students pursuing careers in allied health fields and may meet entry requirements for these allied health fields. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
206 Biotechnology Instrumentation 3 hours lecture, 9 hours lab, 6 units Grade Only
Prerequisite: Biology 205 and Chemistry 201 and 201L, or Biology 109, with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This is an advanced lecture/laboratory course implementing major techniques used in the biotechnology industry. Topics include tissue culture methods, purification and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, DNA amplification and cloning procedures, protein identification methods, scientific information retrieval, and technical writing. This course is intended for students seeking employment opportunities in biotechnology. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
210A Introduction to the Biological Sciences I 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 units Grade Only
Prerequisite: Mathematics 96 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level M50; and Chemistry 152 and Chemistry 152L, each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Advisory: English 48 and English 49, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels R5 and W5; and concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 200 and Chemistry 200L.
This course covers biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, classical and molecular genetics, and revolutionary biology. This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence designed for biological science and pre-professional majors. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
210B Introduction to the Biological Sciences II 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Prerequisite: Biology 210A with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent; and Mathematics 96 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level M50.
This is an introductory course which is a continuation of Biology 210A. This course emphasizes the developmental and physiological processes of the Five Kingdoms, the phylogenetic relationships of major evolutionary groups of organisms, behavior, and ecological principles including population and community ecology. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
215 Introduction to Zoology 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, 4 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Advisory: English 101 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Levels W6 and R6; or English 105 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
This is an introductory course that surveys the basic principles of animal biology. These principles include morphology, life processes and evolutionary relationships of the invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratories include the identification of organisms, dissection and recognition of the anatomy of varied animal representatives, embryological development, histology, behavior and physiology. This course is designed for Biology Majors and for students seeking to satisfy degree requirements in allied health and animal sciences majors. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course Limitation: Credit will only be granted for either Biology (BIOL) 180 or 215 and 250 combined. No credit for Biology (BIOL) 180, 215 or 250 if taken after 210A or 210B.
230 Human Anatomy 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab, 4 units Grade Only
Prerequisite: Biology 107, or Biology 160 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
This course is a systems approach to the study of human body structure from the microscopic level of organization to the gross level. Structure related to function from study of histological slides, photomicrographs, anatomical models and charts, and mammalian (cat) dissection. This course is intended to meet the requirements of students in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, psychology, physical education, and biology or those who wish to extend their knowledge of the human body beyond the scope of introductory biology. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
232 Experience in Human Dissection 3 hours lab, 1 unit Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Prerequisite: Biology 230 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Advisory: Preregistration counseling with instructor is highly recommended.
This course provides a supervised study and actual experience in human dissection. Mastery of dissection techniques and human anatomy at this level assists students pursuing careers in nursing, medicine, and other allied health professions. (FT) Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
235 Human Physiology 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, 4 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Prerequisite: Biology 107 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Advisory: Biology 230 and Chemistry 100 and 100L, each with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
This is an introductory course which investigates the functions of the human body with emphasis on the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. This course is intended to meet requirements for students in the fields of nursing, paramedical sciences, psychology, biology and physical education. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities. UC Transfer Course List.
290 Independent Study Hours by Arrangement, 1-3 units Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass Option
Limitation on Enrollment: Must obtain an Add Code from instructor for registration.
A student may sign up for 1 to 3 units each semester for a maximum of 6 units. For advanced students in biology who wish to continue with a special investigation. The course consists of individualized research problems, conferences with the instructor at prearranged intervals and a final report on the work completed. This course may be taken four times with different content for a maximum of six units. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU and/or private colleges and universities.
This discipline may offer specialized instruction in one or more of the following areas: Supervised Tutoring (044), Experimental Topics (265), Independent Study (290), Individualized Instruction (296), Service Learning (277), or Work Experience (270). Detailed course descriptions are listed on page page 120. Please refer to the class schedule and/or see the dean or department chair for availability.