DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Professors Emeriti: Thomas N. Fast, John S. Mooring
Professors: Janice Edgerly-Rooks (Department Chair), William R. Eisinger, Dennis R. Parnell, S.J.
Associate Professors: Elizabeth P. Dahlhoff, James L. Grainger, Ángel L. Islas, Michelle A. Marvier, Leilani M. Miller, Craig M. Stephens, David L. Tauck
Assistant Professor: Justen Whittal
The Department of Biology offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The major provides students a broad background in biology, while allowing the opportunity to explore particular areas of biology in greater depth. The biology major serves as a strong foundation for graduate, medical, or professional studies, as well as for careers in teaching, research, and business. Most courses emphasize laboratory or field work, and students are also encouraged to work with faculty on research projects. Minor degrees in biology and related disciplines (biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and environmental studies) are available. The Biology Department also offers courses that satisfy the natural science requirement of the University Core Curriculum, which are available to all University students who are curious about the nature of life. Numerous study abroad opportunities in the life sciences, both for biology majors and nonmajors, are available through the International Programs office. Students are encouraged to participate in original research as part of their undergraduate training. Most faculty involve students in their research programs; opportunities also exist at neighboring institutions. Qualified students can obtain course credit for research by enrolling in BIOL 198.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
In addition to fulfilling the University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, students majoring in biology must complete the following departmental requirements:
- BIOL 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
- CHEM 11, 12, 13, 31, and 32 (CHEM 33 also suggested)
- PHYS 11, 12, 13 or PHYS 31, 32, 33
- MATH 11, 12 (MATH 9 is a suitable introduction to MATH 11 for students preparing for calculus)
- A minimum of seven approved upper-division biology courses, including five with a laboratory.
Five of the seven upper-division courses must be from one of three areas of emphasis: biomedical sciences, cellular and molecular biology, or ecology and evolution. Students who desire to approach their upper-division studies in a manner that is not well represented by these emphases may develop an integrative biology plan for upper-division coursework by organizing a coherent series of courses in consultation with their advisor. Integrative biology plans must be approved by the department chair and must be submitted no later than the junior year.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINORS
Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in biology:
- Three upper-division biology courses, including two with a laboratory component
Minors in Related Areas
Biotechnology 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 Biotechnology section in the Interdisciplinary Minors and Other Programs of Study for details.
Environmental Studies 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 Environmental Studies in this chapter for details.
Biomedical Engineering 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.
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 coordinator in the Department of Biology 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
2. Human Health and Disease
Examination of human health and disease. Topics include what constitutes health, the nature of disease, how disease is studied, health promotion and life success strategies. Emphasis on homeostasis, human immunologic and systemic response to infectious and noninfectious diseases. Related discussions of important human infections, heart disease, cancer, health impact of nutrition, reproductive health, human genetics and community health issues. (4 units)
3. Fitness Physiology L&L
Survey of how the human body functions to maintain a state of wellness. Exploration of the short-term responses to exercise and discussion of how the body responds to long-term training programs. At the end of the course, students should be able to examine the design of exercise physiology experiments, as well as understand and interpret reports of health and exercise news in the popular press. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
4. Light and Life L&L
Focus on the importance of plants and photosynthesis for the future of life on earth. Issues addressed include food production, plants as renewable energy sources, “greenhouse effect,” and other ecological interactions involving plants. In the laboratory, students design experiments to examine the effects of environmental changes on plants. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
5. Endangered Ecosystems L&L
An overview of earth’s ecosystems and the major factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Three major themes: (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. Global environmental problems, including several lectures highlighting current environmental and conservation issues here in California and within the San Francisco Bay Area. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
6. Oceans L&L
Examination of 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. (4 units)
9. Cancer L&L
If present trends continue, 40 percent of the people in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of invasive cancer during their lifetime, and two out of every three households in the United States will have someone affected by cancer. What is cancer? How does it arise? How is it stopped? This course is designed to present the basic biology of cancer: how DNA is damaged and either repaired or mutated; how several mutations in a cell can give rise to a benign tumor; how a benign tumor becomes malignant; and how it ultimately invades other tissues and spreads throughout the body. The course will also present information on how doctors fight this multi-step disease. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
15. The Human Embryo L&L
Exploration of two major themes: a basic understanding of the biology of human reproduction and development; how our basic knowledge of human reproduction is being used by medical science to assist in reproductive processes and correct developmental errors. Case-based discussions will focus on topics that include genetic screening, stem cell research, in vitro fertilization, and environmental toxins and their effects on embryo development. Laboratory experiments will be linked to the case studies to illustrate the techniques and issues raised by these topics. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
18. Exploring Biotechnology L&L
Exploration of contemporary biotechnology and the underlying science—how DNA, genes, and cells work. Laboratory experiments focus on DNA in a variety of contexts. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
19. Biology for Teachers L&L
Specifically designed for candidates for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials. Provides an overview of the life sciences, focusing on physiology and cell biology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. In addition, laboratory experiences introduce students to the scientific method, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and communication. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)
21. Introduction to Physiology
Introduction to general principles underlying homeostasis, and the relationship of anatomical form to biological function. The course will introduce students to the organization and function of cells, cellular metabolism, energy, nutrition, regulation, communication, gas exchange, circulation, and osmoregulation. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 11. (4 units)
22. Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
Introduction to key concepts in evolution and ecology, including Mendelian and population genetics, natural selection and adaptation, phylogenetics and biodiversity, demography, and interactions among organisms and their environments. Prerequisite: BIOL 21. (4 units)
23. Investigations in Evolution and Ecology L&L
Introduction to experimental and statistical approaches used in modern ecological and evolutionary studies, with an emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, interpretation and presentation. Builds on concepts presented in BIOL 22. Fieldwork and laboratory exercises (30 hours) will take advantage of the diversity of local terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Prerequisite: BIOL 22. (5 units)
24. Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
An introduction to the cell and molecular fundamentals necessary for life. Topics include macromolecular structure, enzyme function, membrane structure and physiology, metabolism, bioenergetics, the cell cycle, and DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Prerequisites: BIOL 21 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 31. (4 units)
25. Investigations in Cellular and Molecular Biology L&L
An introduction to experimental methods for studying the cellular and molecular basis of life. Builds on the concepts covered in BIOL 24. Topics include enzyme function and kinetics, cell reproduction, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and molecular biology. The topics are explored through laboratory work, with emphasis placed on the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of experimental data. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 24 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 32. (5 units)
28. Human Sexuality
This course will examine the biological foundations of human sexuality. The objective of this course is to provide current and accurate information about the biological, psychological and social aspects of human sexuality. This will include the anatomy, physiology and neurobiology of sex, gender and sexual orientation. Among the topics discussed will be sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), conception and pregnancy, contraception and abortion and sexual dysfunctions. (4 units)
99. Special Topics
Investigation of a specific area or topic in the biological sciences. Open to majors and nonmajors. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair. (4 units)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES
100. Hot Topics in Biology
A forum for the discussion of contemporary issues in the life sciences. The general theme for the course changes each year. Biology faculty discuss topics of intense current scientific interest, and often social relevance, highlighting recent research. Students may take the course more than once for credit, but BIOL 100 does not count as one of the seven upper-division biology courses required for the major. (Pass/no pass, 2 units)
104. Human Anatomy L&L
An exploration of the structure, organization, and functional relationships of human anatomical systems. (Laboratory dissections use alternative vertebrates.) Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (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. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
111. Parasitology
A lecture and demonstration course covering the microbiology of parasites. Emphasis placed on the biology of parasites, the spectrum of symbiotic relationships among organisms, salient features that all parasitic diseases have in common, emerging trends in epidemiology, the complex nature of human interactions with microorganisms, and impacts of human behavior and socio-economic factors on the prevalence of parasitic diseases. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
112. Pathogenic Microbiology L&L
Study of disease-producing pathogens. Lecture emphasis on pathogen biology, host immune response, cellular pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical disease and community control of infection. Laboratory emphasis on methodology used to recover, characterize and identify important human bacterial pathogens using biochemical, morphologic, and genetic identification techniques. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. Recommended: BIOL 113. (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. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
114. Immunology
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. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
115. Human Reproduction and Development
Detailed study of the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, fertilization and implantation, and the anatomy of the heart, circulatory, nervous, and skeletal systems during embryogenesis. Where appropriate the molecular mechanisms controlling the determination of these developing systems will be examined. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. (5 units)
120. Animal Physiology L&L
Examination of physiological systems in animals, focusing on contrasting strategies for maintaining homeostasis during stress, exercise, starvation, and life in extreme environments. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
122. Neurobiology L&L
Study of the molecular basis of neurobiology: how the nervous system is structured, how neurons form connections and relay information between each other, and finally how specific components of the nervous system function together to perceive the environment around us. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
124. Human Physiology L&L
Examining the physical and chemical basis of human life, this course focuses on the neural and endocrine control of physiologic processes to maintain homeostasis. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
125. Plant Physiology L&L
Physiological processes of plants, with emphasis on current research in the field. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
127. Drugs and Toxins in Human Biology
Pharmacology is the study of how therapeutic drugs work, while toxicology, a closely related field, deals with the problems toxins produce. General principles of drug and toxin uptake, metabolism, distribution, and elimination will be covered, as will the major groups of therapeutic drugs. Important sources of toxins, and their effects on humans, will also be discussed. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
128. Plant Development L&L
Developmental processes of plants, with emphasis on current research and experimental approaches. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
131. Agroecology L&L
The goal of agroecology is to reduce the negative environmental impact of farming, while meeting the food needs of the world. Course examines current agricultural practices and evaluates alternative methods, including organic farming, agroforestry, and applications of agricultural biotechnology. The special problems of agriculture in the developing world are discussed. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. (5 units)
133. Ecology of California Plant Communities L&L
This course focuses on the factors controlling plant community composition in California, with emphasis on the basic question of plant ecology: Why are these plants here? Field trips highlight the astounding diversity of the California floristic province, emphasizing identification of plant species and sampling methods for ecological studies. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (5 units)
134. California Plant Diversity L&L
This course surveys the major angiosperm families in California, relies heavily on using taxonomic keys to identify California plants to species, and investigates evolutionary patterns characteristic of the California flora through a combination of lab and substantial field experiences. Lab and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (5 units)
145. Virology
Biology of viruses: 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. The focus will be on viruses that infect eukaryotic cells, emphasizing important viral groups that infect humans. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
150. Conservation Biology L&L
Explores the applications of ecological and genetic principles to the conservation of biological diversity. Emphasis on quantitative tools, including trend analysis, population viability analysis, and population genetics. Laboratory and fieldwork involve exercises with local plants and animals, as well as computer exercises using data for endangered species. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (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? 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. Also listed as ENVS 151. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (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. Prerequisites: BIOL 23 and MATH 11. (5 units)
157. Environmental Biology in the Tropics
Summer course that examines tropical biology and ecology and their relationship to issues of sustainable development. Coursework on campus is followed by a field excursion to a study abroad site, lasting about three weeks. Timing varies each year. Topics include ecotourism and its impact on local habitats and communities, ecology of tropical fauna and flora, and environmental problems specific to tropical nations. This course is taught in conjunction with other SCU courses, such as political science, which are required of all participants. Enrollment by application via International Programs. Also listed as ENVS 141. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (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. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. (5 units)
160. Biostatistics L&L
A course in applied statistics for biologists and environmental scientists planning to conduct manipulative experiments. Students gain training in experimental design, quantitative analysis, and hypothesis testing. Theory and concepts are covered in lectures and readings. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in computing statistical procedures by hand and with statistical software. Examples used in lectures and lab assignments are derived from medical research, physiology, genetics, ecology, and environmental risk assessment. Laboratory 30 hours. Also listed as ENVS 110. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (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 24. (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. BIOL 171 satisfies a biotechnology minor requirement but NOT the ethics requirement. When taken concurrently with Bio 189, it satisfies an upper-division biology major requirement. It also fulfills the third Religious Studies requirement. Prerequisite: BIOL 24 or permission of instructor. BIOL 25 is strongly recommended. (5 units)
173. Evolution L&L
Examination of the concepts and critical issues concerning organic evolution, including the origins and maintenance of biological diversity, punctuated equilibrium theory, sociobiology, and molecular evolution. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. Recommended: BIOL 110. (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, nuclear and chromosome structure, DNA replication, the microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton, mitosis, mechanisms of cell motility, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Laboratory experiments focus on cell cycle regulation and cell differentiation. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (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. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
176. Biotechnology Lab - Recombinant DNA Technology L&L
Explores techniques for the analysis of DNA, and the construction and manipulation of recombinant DNA molecules. 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 25 and at least one upper-division biology laboratory course. (Does not include field courses.) BIOL 175 recommended. (5 units)
177. Biotechnology Lab - 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, mammalian tissue culture, and various gene expression systems. Lectures discuss the theory behind the methods used in lab, as well as their application in basic and applied research. Laboratory 60 hours. Prerequisites: BIOL 25 and at least one upper-division biology laboratory course. (Does not include field courses.) BIOL 175 recommended. (5 units)
178. Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics tools are important for storing, searching, and analyzing macromolecular sequences and structures. This course in applied bioinformatics provides an introduction to the main public domain tools of bioinformatics. We will examine databases such as GenBank and PDB, and a variety of software tools for functional and evolutionary analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. The course will emphasize applications and the needs of biologists using these tools and databases, rather than complex algorithm development. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. BIOL 175 recommended. (5 units)
179. Cancer Biology L&L
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. Laboratory uses molecular and cytogenic tools important in cancer diagnosis. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. (5 units)
180. Marine Biology L&L
Examines principles of oceanography, biology and ecology of the oceans, focusing on investigation of the diversity of marine organisms and ecosystems of California. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. (5 units)
187. Biology of Aging
Analysis of the human aging process. The biological, medical, social, and ethical issues associated with aging in America. Topics include theories of aging, cancer, osteoporosis, sexuality, health-care costs, and death. Open to all students. Does NOT count toward a major or minor in biology. (5 units)
189. 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 analysis of recently published research articles. Does NOT count as an upper-division course toward a major or minor in biology, but allows BIOL 171 to count as an upper-division biology course for the biology major or minor when BIOL 189 and BIOL 171 are taken during the same quarter. BIOL 189 may be taken up to two times for credit. Prerequisites: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology. Students who have completed BIOL 25 are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion of these topics but may not take the course for credit until they have completed one of the prerequisites. (3 units)
190A and 190B. Contemporary Issues in Biology
Specialized treatment of some aspect of biology of current interest to the biologist as well as to society in general. Prerequisites will be specified according to topic. (5 units) NCX
192. Topics in Conservation Biology
Seminar focusing on current journal articles in the field of conservation biology. Students are required to lead discussions and participate in the critical analysis of these articles. Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 150, BIOL 156, or BIOL 155, or consent of instructor. (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 not later than the fifth week of the term preceding the start of the project. Prerequisite: Departmental and University permission. (1–5 units) NCX
198A. Internship
Research in off-campus programs under the direct guidance of cooperating research scientists and faculty advisors.
198B. Research
Supervised laboratory research culminating in a written report suitable for publication. Sustained for one year with credit given for one term.
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 not 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) NCX
