Department of Biology
Professors Emeriti: William R. Eisinger, James L. Grainger, John S. Mooring, Dennis R. Parnell, S.J., Tracy Ruscetti
Professors: Elizabeth P. Dahlhoff (Department Chair), Janice S. Edgerly-Rooks (Michael and Elizabeth Valeriote Professor), Brody Sandel, Craig M. Stephens (Sanfilippo Family Professor), Justen Whittall
Associate Professors: Brian A. Bayless, Laura Cocas, Ángel L. Islas, Michelle E. McCully, Leilani M. Miller, Katherine B. Saxton
Assistant Professors: Desirée Forsythe, Pascale S. Guiton, Yaamini R. Venkataraman
Teaching Professors: Dawn M. Hart, Christelle Sabatier
Associate Teaching Professor: Michelle Badura
The Department of Biology offers courses to explore a vast array of biological questions to all students. This includes University Core courses for non-majors, the introductory curriculum that supports all life science majors, and advanced courses that lead to the Bachelor of Science degree. The major educates students in the central concepts of modern biological thought and provides students with critical skills to put those concepts into practice. Most courses emphasize laboratory or field work. Nearly all faculty members supervise undergraduate research, and many student research projects culminate in a presentation at a scientific meeting, a peer-reviewed publication, or both. Students graduating with a degree in Biology are prepared for a wide variety of graduate, medical and professional studies programs, as well as for careers in teaching, research, and business. Minor degrees in biology and related disciplines (biotechnology, biomedical engineering, public health, and environmental studies) are also available.
Requirements for the Major
In addition to fulfilling the undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements for the bachelor of science degree, students majoring in biology must complete the following departmental requirements:
- BIOL 1A, 1B, and 1C
- CHEM 11, 12, 31, 32, and 33
- PHYS 11, 12, 13 or PHYS 31, 32, 33
- MATH 35 and 36 (recommended) or MATH 11 and 12
- BIOL 101
- Seven approved upper-division biology courses, including five with a laboratory component
For these seven courses, students will take one course each from Upper Division Themes (CMB, EEB, MOD), all with laboratory, plus at least 4 elective courses, at least two with laboratory. Electives may be selected from Theme or Specialty courses. For one of their 4 electives, students are strongly recommended to take a course in Justice and Equity in Science (JES) theme.
Theme Courses-
- Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB): 110, 112, 113, 115, 122, 174, 175
- Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity (EEB): 120, 134, 151, 156, 158, 165, 173, 180, 181
- Biological Modeling (MOD): 117, 160, 170, 172, 178
- Justice and Equity in Science (JES): 102, 169, 171
Specialty Courses-
- Specialty Courses with lab: 104, 114AW, 116, 123, 124, 142AW, 144, 176, 177, 191, 198*
- Specialty Courses (lecture only): 105, 106, 111, 119, 145, 153, 164, 179, 189, CHEM 141, 142
*Requires faculty mentor
Requirements for the Minor
Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in biology:
- BIOL 1A, 1B, 1C
- CHEM 11, 12 and 31
- Three upper-division biology courses, including two with a laboratory component
Minors in Related Areas
Biotechnology Minor: This minor is designed for students interested in gaining insight into the science underlying biotechnology, exploring its potential for the future, and obtaining practical experience in laboratory techniques used in biotechnology research and its applications. See the Interdisciplinary Minors and Other Programs of Study section at the end of this chapter for details.
Environmental Studies Minor: This minor provides an opportunity for students to focus on environmental issues through a variety of academic approaches in the humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, and law. See the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences section in this chapter for details.
Biomedical Engineering Minor: This minor is designed primarily for science majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. This minor could be a valuable asset for science majors interested in biomedical research and/or health-related careers, including those completing prerequisites for medical school and other health-related professional schools. See Chapter 5, School of Engineering, for details.
Public Health Minor: This minor is designed for students interested in population level analysis of health issues, and the causes and consequences of disease. See the Public Health Program section in this chapter for details.
Preparation in Biology for Admission to Teacher Training Credential Programs
The State of California requires that students seeking a credential to teach biology in California secondary schools must pass the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), a subject area competency examination. Students who are contemplating secondary school teaching in biology should consult with the Chair of the Biology Department as early as possible. The secondary teaching credential requires the completion of an approved credential program that can be completed as a fifth year of study and student teaching, or internship.
Lower-Division Courses
1A. Transformations of Energy and Matter L&L
How do organisms obtain elements from their environment, change them to suit their growth needs, and acquire the energy necessary to sustain life? How do changing environments impact organisms and ecosystems? Students will explore the global cycle of critical elements and dissect the chemical reactions that incorporate these elements into biological molecules and new biological structures. They will discuss the implications of nutrient availability on growth of a variety of organisms and on interacting populations in an ecosystem. Core to this class is the exploration of the habits of mind that will form the basis of critical scientific thinking throughout the biology curriculum including collaborative learning, data interpretation, and communication. Laboratory 15 hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 11. (4 units)
1B. Information and Evolution L&L
This course builds an introductory understanding of how information is transmitted and utilized in biological systems. Students will investigate how the genetic transmission of information at the molecular, organismal, and population level generates biodiversity and drives evolution. In their studies, students will continue to practice the habits of mind necessary to critically evaluate data and communicate with the greater scientific community. Laboratory 15 hours. Prerequisites: completion of BIOL 1A with a C- or better, and CHEM 11. Completion of CHEM 12 is highly recommended. (4 units)
1C. Systems L&L
All biological phenomena are complex networks whose components comprise molecules, cells, organs, organisms, and ecosystems. The stability of these networks is maintained by important feedback and feedforward regulations but alterations affecting one of the components could affect the entire network. In this course, students will model biological systems (e.g., cellular signaling pathways, organismal body plans, human diseases, endangered natural habitats) in order to predict how they will respond and adapt to changes in components and environmental conditions. Students will also apply the process of science to collect, analyze, and interpret data across biological scales and communicate with the greater scientific community. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: completion of BIOL 1B with a C- or better and completion of CHEM 11. Completion of CHEM 12 and CHEM 31 is highly recommended. (5 units)
2. Human Health and Disease L&L
BIOL 2 helps students think clearly about health questions using biology and evidence. Students learn core human biology, then apply it to real problems through case studies, real data, and structured team problem-solving. Topics include nutrition and metabolism, genetic disease, immunity, infectious disease, cancer, fitness, and reproduction and inheritance. The course builds practical skills: asking testable questions, interpreting results, and spotting weak claims and misinformation in health and media. Laboratory activities are mixed and skills-based, combining hands-on investigation with data analysis. Students complete a final project that turns a health topic into an accurate, accessible message for a non-expert audience. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
3. Fitness Physiology L&L
Although many people rarely engage in vigorous exercise, as a species we evolved to perform prolonged, strenuous activity. This course surveys how exercise promotes a state of wellness and explores both the immediate responses to exercise as well as how the body responds to long-term training programs. In addition to learning basic human physiology, at the end of the course students should be able to critique and design experiments, understand and interpret reports of health and exercise news in the popular press, critically evaluate fitness claims made by advertisers, and recognize quackery. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
5. The Message of Ecology L&L
An overview of earth’s ecosystems and the major factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Three major themes are explored: (1) general ecological principles, especially focused on the structure and function of ecosystems; (2) factors contributing to the endangerment of ecosystems; and (3) the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. This course discusses global environmental problems, and includes several lectures highlighting current environmental and conservation issues here in California and within the San Francisco Bay Area. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
6. Oceans L&L
This course examines major ocean ecosystems and their inhabitants, with special attention paid to issues of governmental policy, sustainability, and human impacts on marine ecosystems. Laboratory and field activities will emphasize hands-on exploration of local marine habitats. Laboratory 15 hours. Saturday field trips are required. Does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
7. Exploring Animal Behavior L&L
A survey of modern scientific approaches that seek to understand why animals do what they do in nature, with a particular emphasis on evolutionary questions using case studies as models. Covers methods for posing and for testing hypotheses, data analysis and interpretation, and hands-on work with live animals in the laboratory and/or field settings. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy the requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
11. Microbes and Humanity L&L
The microbial world constantly surrounds and permeates humanity, and affects people in far more ways than “just” a global pandemic. This course introduces basic concepts of microbiology, explores harmful and helpful interactions between people and microbes in our everyday lives, and critically examines the impact of infectious diseases in medicine and public health. Laboratory experiments will use tools from clinical and food microbiology to illustrate and encourage scientific exploration. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy requirements for the biology major. (4 units)
18. Exploring Biotechnology L&L
Have you ever wondered about the science behind CSI, “Frankenfoods,” human cloning, or how biofuels might help combat global warming? This course examines the science underlying biotechnology: how DNA, genes, and cells work and how they can be used in new technologies that affect many areas of our lives, including medical diagnosis and treatment, agriculture, and energy. Laboratory experiments focus on hypothesis testing and experimental design and include detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, modeling the spread of diseases, performing human genetic testing, optimizing biofuel production, and testing common foods for GMOs. Laboratory 15 hours. Does not satisfy requirements of the biology major. (4 units)
20. Big Ideas in Biology
Students in this course will explore foundational ideas that are at the root of many biological phenomena. In addition, students will discuss strategies for exploring their own curiosity, connect their learning in non-biology courses to their interests in biology, and discuss the vast arrays of career opportunities that individuals with a background in biology can pursue. Bring your curiosity, your lived experience, your questions and let’s explore together. Does not satisfy the requirements of the biology major. (2 units)
Upper-Division Courses
101. Biology Research Seminar
A forum for the exploration of research in the life sciences. Invited scientists from a range of universities, institutes, and the private sector present their current research, and engage in discussion about this research with seminar participants. This course is intended to give students direct interactions with research academics in a range of fields to make them aware of career opportunities and to provide them with contacts in those fields. Graded P/NP only. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. (2 units)
102. Science Education L&L
In this course, you will learn a brief history of science education in the United States, what counts as effective learning practices within science, and how to conduct science education research that promotes equity and justice. The goals for this course are to (1) Develop a comprehensive understanding of the methods and practices of teaching, (2) Examine science-education literature to identify the major components of science-education research, and (3) Design strategies and/or curriculum that promotes justice and equity to support diverse learners. This course serves to bridge the theoretical with the application. In other words, while we will spend time understanding the purpose of science education research, you will also take what you have learned and apply this to a context of your choosing by designing a research project that focuses on a current problem in science education. This course is relevant to students who are interested in gaining experience in scientific research, those who wish to become learning assistants, and those who wish to better understand the 'why' behind the practices their instructors engage in. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL1B or permission of instructor. Satisfies JES Theme. (5 units)
104. Human Anatomy L&L
The human body is an incredible achievement of a multitude of different organs working together to promote life. These organs come in many different shapes, sizes, and structures, and are composed of different tissues, which reflect their specialized roles and functions. In this course, we will take a tour of the anatomical regions of the body, learning the names, locations, and features of the organs (bones, muscles, nervous system, blood vessels, etc.) and how they are arranged so that they may fulfill their functions. Lab activities will include microanatomy (histology), organ dissections, and the use of models to reinforce the anatomical relationships learned in lecture. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
105. Biology of Human Nutrition and Metabolism
This course focuses both on how the body processes food and on how the resulting nutrients affect human physiology. The course will also explore such topics as the biological basis of eating disorders, ideal body weight, nutritional supplements, and the influence of nutrition on athletic performance. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
106. Health Consequences of a Western Lifestyle
This course explores the impact of living in a developed country on human health. Topics such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer will be discussed at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and population levels. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Also listed as PHSC 124. Specialty course. (5 units)
110. Genetics L&L
Basic principles governing inheritance and gene expression in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Emphasis on molecular aspects. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
111. Zoonoses and Emerging Infectious Diseases
Zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals to humans), emerging, and re-emerging infectious diseases increasingly threaten health security worldwide. This course focuses on their etiologies, epidemiology, prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies, and how human behaviors and societal trends contribute to their rise. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
112. Immunology L&L
Principles, mechanisms, and techniques of humoral and cellular aspects of the immune response. Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity, tissue transplantation, tumor immunology, and immunodeficient states in humans. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Successful completion of BIOL 174 is strongly recommended. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
113. Microbiology L&L
An introduction to the biology of microorganisms, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular biology of bacteria, the diversity of microbial life, and the roles of microorganisms in human health and disease. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
114AW. Advanced Writing in Cell Biology L&L
In this course, students integrate scientific information literacy, scientific writing, and cell biological concepts to produce an NIH style grant proposal on a topic of their choice. The laboratory component of the course is designed to guide the development of narrative writing skills, critical editing, and revision skills to express complex ideas clearly and completely. Laboratory 30 hours. Satisfies Advanced Writing Core Requirement. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Specialty course. (5 units)
115. Animal Development L&L
This course investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate animal development. Topics include fertilization, early cell division, specification of left/right and anterior/posterior axes, gastrulation, sex determination pathways, and stem cells. Laboratory sessions focus on manipulating different types of embryos and observing the impact of specific perturbations. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies CMB Theme.(5 units)
116. Medical Microbiology L&L
This course focuses on the interactions of pathogenic microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions) with their hosts. The various strategies employed by infectious agents to subvert the immune system, the strategies used by the immune system to combat microbial invasion, the co-evolution of hosts and their pathogens, and the natural history of diseases will be examined. The laboratory component will expose students to clinical methodologies and scientific approaches for diagnosing and differentiating pathogenic microorganisms. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Specialty course. (5 units)
117. Epidemiology L&L
This course provides an introduction to epidemiology, including assessment of health and disease in populations, epidemiological data analysis, disease transmission, and public health interventions. The course also exposes students to the epidemiology of diseases and conditions of current public health and clinical importance in the United States and internationally. The laboratory (computer lab) will provide students with hands-on experience with epidemiologic methods, study design, and data analysis. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Also listed as PHSC 100. Satisfies MOD Theme. (5 units)
119. Biology of Stress
This course explores the impact of stress on physiology, behavior, and health, using a multidisciplinary approach. Topics include defining and measuring stress, differences between acute and chronic stress exposure, effects of stress on physiological processes and on the brain, how stress affects gene expression and neurogenesis, and relationships between stress and disease. We will also discuss the social patterning of stress exposure and the effects of social policies and interventions. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
120. Animal Physiology L&L
This course examines contrasting strategies used by different animals to deal with variations in temperature, food, oxygen, and water, and highlights the diversity of physiological adaptations in major animal groups, especially those living in “extreme” habitats. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
122. Neurobiology L&L
Study of the molecular basis of neurobiology: how the nervous system is structured, how neurons relay information between each other, and how specific components of the nervous system function together to perceive the environment around us. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
123. Neurodevelopment L&L
This course explores the development of the nervous system, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and the establishment, maintenance, and remodeling of neuronal connections. We will also examine the experimental approaches used to study neural development. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
124. Human Physiology L&L
This course explores functional aspects of the human organism at the chemical, molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels, with an emphasis on neural and endocrine control of physiological processes to maintain homeostasis. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Prior completion of Human Anatomy (BIOL104) strongly recommended. Specialty course. (5 units)
134. California Plant Diversity L&L
The California flora includes more than 5,800 species of plants, of which about one-quarter are found nowhere else in the world! In this course, we will investigate the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of this diversity through a combination of mini-lectures, readings, “discussions” and field exploration. Content includes familiarity with California’s most speciose plant families, sight recognition of the most common shrubs and trees in our area, identification of species with a dichotomous key, exposure to active research on CA plants, and understanding ecological and evolutionary themes in the CA flora. Conservation, restoration, and environmental justice themes will be woven throughout. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C or ENVS21. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
142AW. Natural History of California L&L
This course explores the natural history, biology, and ecology of coastal, riparian, montane, desert, and marine ecosystems of California. Lecture and field activities will allow students to develop species identification skills, contribute to global biodiversity assessments using citizen science, and share newfound expertise with their peers. Students will practice reading, observing, and writing about nature in a variety of settings and modalities, activities designed to guide students to the production of a final portfolio of written products showcasing their growth as scientists and writers. Laboratory and field work 30 hours, including two weekend field trips. Satisfies Advanced Writing Core Requirement. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C or ENVS 21. Specialty course. (5 units)
144. Natural History of Baja L&L
Examines the natural history of Baja California Sur, with emphasis on the taxonomy of marine and terrestrial organisms, the ecology of desert and coastal ecosystems, and the biogeography of the peninsula. Meets twice a week in winter quarter and culminates in a 10-day spring break trip to the Sierra de la Laguna region and the Isla Espiritu Santo complex. Students will become familiar with desert, riparian, beach, mangrove, and rocky intertidal habitats, develop field observation and species identification skills, and explore local conservation challenges. Laboratory and fieldwork 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C or ENVS 21 or permission of instructor. Enrollment by application only. Travel fees required. Also listed as ENVS 144. Specialty course. (5 units)
145. Virology
Examines the biology of viruses, including their structure, evolutionary origins, classification, genetics, laboratory propagation and diagnostic methods, viral pathogenesis, response of host cells to viral infection, and salient aspects of the epidemiology of viral diseases. This course will focus on viruses that infect eukaryotic cells with an emphasis on important viral groups that infect humans. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
151. Restoration Ecology L&L
The science and practice of restoring degraded ecosystems, with an emphasis on plant ecology. Through fieldwork in restoration experiments and examination of literature case studies, students will grapple with basic questions: How do we decide what to restore? How do we restore it? And how do we know if we’re finished? There will be an emphasis on reading and writing scientific papers, working with data, and critically judging the success of restoration projects in meeting goals of biodiversity and ecosystem function. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C or both ENVS 21 and ENVS 23. Also listed as ENVS 151. Specialty course. (5 units)
153. Conservation Science
Conservation is a scientific enterprise and a social movement that seeks to protect nature, including Earth’s animals, plants, and ecosystems. Conservation science applies principles from ecology, population genetics, economics, political science, and other natural and social sciences to manage and protect the natural world. Conservation is all too often seen as being at odds with human well-being and economic development. This course explores the scientific foundations of conservation while highlighting strategies to better connect conservation with the needs of a growing human population. We will examine whether conservation can protect nature, not from people, but for people. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C or ENVS21. Also listed as ENVS 153. Specialty course. (5 units)
156. General Ecology L&L
Quantitative study of the interrelationships of organisms with their biotic and abiotic environments. Emphasis on population dynamics, interspecific relationships, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Laboratory and field work 30 hours, including one weekend field trip. Also listed as ENVS 156. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
158. Biology of Insects L&L
An introduction to basic and applied aspects of insect biology with emphasis on evolution, morphology, physiology, and behavior of insects and related arthropods. Also includes a review of important agricultural, medical, forestry, and veterinary pests. Laboratory and field work 30 hours, including trips to nearby ecosystems. Satisfies EEB Theme. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. (5 units)
160. Biostatistics L&L
A course in applied statistics for biologists and environmental scientists. Students gain training in quantitative analysis, statistical coding, experimental design, and hypothesis testing. Theory and concepts are covered in lectures and readings. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in computing statistical procedures [using the statistical programming language R]. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Also listed as ENVS 110. Satisfies MOD Theme. (5 units)
164. Behavioral Ecology
This lecture course examines how real world environments shape an animal’s life. Topics range from hormones, molecular genetics, development and learning to communication, aggression and personalities. Special emphasis on cognitive connections will include features of sensory systems of a variety of species. Students will explore the theoretical and conceptual basis upon which empirical studies rest. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Specialty course. (5 units)
165. Animal Behavior L&L
Examination of the behavior of animals in nature using an organizational scheme that recognizes proximate, or immediate, causes of behavior and evolutionary bases for behavior. Topics include physiological correlates of behavior, perception of natural stimuli (light, sound, chemicals), and behavioral ecology of foraging, mating systems, parent-offspring relationships, and social behavior. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
169. Science Ethics
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the importance of ethics in guiding both the scientific process itself and the use of science in society. The learning goals for this course are to: (1) Compare and contrast different ethical lenses (2) Apply different ethical lenses to evaluate current issues within science and (3) Justify your stances on current issues within science by engaging in material in-and out-side of class. This course will pay specific attention to the social implications of science and the relationship that science and society hold. This course is not only about understanding the relationship between science and ethics, but also how we develop the skills needed to present our stances effectively to others. Now, more than ever, we need to learn the skills to communicate across different ideologies and values. For this reason, we will learn different approaches to science communication in order to effectively bridge the gap between those who may be “practicing” science and those who are “using” science. Prerequisite: BIOL1C or permission of instructor. Satisfies JES Theme. (5 units)
170. Advanced Analysis of Biological Data L&L
This course covers the data science revolution that is transforming biology. We explore a variety of advanced data analysis tools suitable for large datasets. Students gain skills in understanding complex data and verbally and graphically communicating their insights. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C; BIOL 160/ENVS 110 or a similar background in statistics is recommended. Satisfies MOD Theme. (5 units)
171. Ethical Issues in Biotechnology and Genetics
An interdisciplinary consideration of contemporary biotechnology, and the ethical implications inherent in the development and use of such technology. Topics include human cloning, stem cell research, human genome project, genetic testing, gene therapy, genetically modified organisms, personalized medicine, clinical trials, and public policy. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies JES Theme. (5 units)
172. Molecular Modeling L&L
Molecular modeling is a powerful tool that allows scientists to explain and make predictions about molecular structures, dynamics, and interactions. In this course, students will use state-of-the-art software for molecular dynamics and drug design and computational tools such as Python, PyMOL, and high-performance computing. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies MOD Theme. (5 units)
173. Evolution L&L
Evolution provides the unifying framework for understanding biological diversity across all levels of organization. This course examines the mechanisms and consequences of evolutionary change, from genetic variation and adaptation to speciation and macroevolutionary patterns. Students explore how evolutionary ideas have developed historically and how they continue to be tested, refined, and extended by modern biological research. Emphasis is placed on evaluating evidence, synthesizing across scales, and communicating evolutionary reasoning. The laboratory component engages students in the analysis of evolutionary data using experimental, field-based, and computational approaches. Students develop skills in hypothesis testing, data interpretation, and scientific communication through sustained, inquiry-driven work. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
174. Cell Biology L&L
Study of the function of cellular organelles and the signaling pathways that control cell reproduction. Topics include a detailed discussion of the structure of cell membranes, protein trafficking, cellular signaling, the cytoskeleton, cell cycle regulation, cellular junctions and apoptosis. Laboratory experiments focus on investigating the cytoskeleton of the freshwater ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. Laboratory techniques we will cover include cell motility, immunofluorescence, phagocytosis, and data interpretation using image analysis software. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
175. Molecular Biology L&L
An introduction to the maintenance and flow of genetic information at the level of protein-nucleic acid interactions. Lectures focus on basic molecular biology concepts and recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Satisfies CMB Theme. (5 units)
176. Biotechnology Laboratory—Recombinant DNA Technology or Systems Biology L&L
Research topics vary from year to year. Laboratory meets twice each week. Lectures discuss the scientific basis for the lab methods, and their application in biomedical research and the biotechnology industry. Laboratory 60 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C, CHEM 31, and at least one upper-division cell and molecular biology laboratory class. BIOL 175 recommended. Specialty course. (5 units)
177. Biotechnology Laboratory—Gene Expression and Protein Purification L&L
Explores principles and techniques for expression and purification of recombinant proteins. Laboratory meets twice each week and will use techniques such as column chromatography, and various gene expression systems. Lectures discuss the theory behind the methods used in the lab, as well as their application in basic and applied research. Laboratory 60 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C, CHEM 31, and at least one upper-division biology laboratory class. BIOL 110, 174 or 175 recommended. Specialty course. (5 units)
178. Bioinformatics L&L
Bioinformatics provides computational tools for storing, retrieving, analyzing, and interpreting biological data. This course introduces modern bioinformatics approaches for studying macromolecular sequences and their evolutionary and functional relationships. Students develop proficiency in working with biological databases, analyzing sequence similarity, and applying computational methods to investigate nucleic acid and protein sequences. The course emphasizes hypothesis-driven analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication. Laboratory activities involve hands-on exploration of contemporary bioinformatics tools and data sets drawn from molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and evolution. Students complete an original, inquiry-based project using publicly available biological data. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C. Satisfies MOD Theme. (5 units)
179. Cancer Biology
Introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of cancer. Introduction to the pathology of cancer, how basic processes such as cell growth, cell cycle control, and cell death are affected by molecular changes in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and CHEM 31. Specialty course. (5 units)
180. Marine Ecology L&L
Quantitative study of the ecology of marine organisms, with an emphasis on population dynamics, interspecific relationships, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Also examines principles of oceanography, biology, and ocean ecology, focusing on organisms and ecosystems of coastal California. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C or ENVS 21. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
181. Marine Biodiversity L&L
An introduction to biodiversity in coastal ecosystems including marine seaweeds, invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals with an emphasis on the intersection of phylogenetic and ecological relationships with structure, function, and adaptation. Laboratory skills will focus on organism adaptation and structure/function using dissection. Field skills will focus on research methods and data analysis. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 1C or ENVS 21. Satisfies EEB Theme. (5 units)
189A. Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
Seminar dealing with contemporary research in cellular and molecular biology and biotechnology. Students are required to lead discussions and participate in critical analyses of recently published research articles. May be taken up to two times for credit. Does not count as an upper-division course toward a major or minor in biology on its own, but is required in conjunction with BIOL 171 to count toward the biotechnology minor when BIOL 189 and 171 are taken during the same quarter. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and concurrent enrollment in BIOL 110, 113, 171, 174, or 175. (2 units)
189B. Topics in Ethics and Biology
Seminar dealing with historical and contemporary ethical issues in science and technology. Students are required to lead discussions and participate in critical analyses of recently published research articles. May be taken up to two times for credit. Does not count as an upper-division course toward a major or minor in biology on its own, but is required in conjunction with BIOL 169 to count toward the biotechnology minor when BIOL 189 and 169 are taken during the same quarter. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and concurrent enrollment in BIOL 169. (2 units)
191. Project Lab
Project lab is an intensive, research-oriented course where students conduct projects directly related to ongoing studies in the professor’s laboratory. The class will use modern, cutting-edge research approaches and will emphasize critical thinking, experimental design, and scientific communication. Research topics vary from year to year. Laboratory 60 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 1C and at least one upper-division laboratory course. Specialty course. (5 units)
195. Undergraduate Research
Experimental research project supervised by Biology Department faculty. Three hours of research per week is expected per unit. Maximum of 3 units per quarter. Can be repeated for credit, with a maximum of 5 units per academic year. Must be taken P/NP. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1–5 units)
198. Internship and Undergraduate Research
Students wishing to take either 198A or 198B should have a GPA of 3.0 or better in biology and must present an outline of their projected research to the Chair of the Biology Department no later than the fifth week of the term preceding the start of the project. Prerequisite: departmental and University permission. (5 units)
198A. Internship
Research in off-campus programs under the direct guidance of cooperating research scientists and faculty advisors. Students must coordinate with an on-campus advisor and produce a final research project if they wish to fulfill an upper-division requirement for the biology major. Laboratory credit may be awarded based on nature of the internship. (1–5 units)
198B. Research
Supervised laboratory research culminating in a written report suitable for publication or in a presentation at a regional or national scientific meeting. Sustained for one year with credit given for one term. Fulfills one upper-division laboratory requirement toward the major (Specialty course). (5 units)
199. Directed Reading and Research
Detailed investigation of a specific topic in biology under the close direction of a faculty member. Students wishing to take this course should have a GPA of 3.0 or better in biology and must present an outline of their projected research to the department chair no later than the fifth week of the term preceding the start of the project, which will continue for one term only. Prerequisite: departmental and University permission. (1–5 units)