Course Descriptions
Lower Division
2. Human Health & Disease
Examination of health and disease of the human organism. Topics include what constitute health, natural defense mechanisms, the immune system and its role in disease prevention, major diseases and their causes, and community health. Designed for lower-division majors or nonmajors with little or no experience in science or mathematics.THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE NON-LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
3. Fitness Physiology L+L
The purpose of this course is to acquire a basic understanding of how the human body functions to maintain a state of wellness. We will explore the short-term responses to exercise and discuss how the body responds to long-term exercise (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.THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
4. Light & Life L+L
This course focuses 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 using plants to clean up toxic wastes. In the laboratory students design experiments to examine the effects of environmental changes on photosynthesis. Laboratory 15 hours. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
5. Endangered Ecosystems L+L
This course provides an overview of earth's ecosystems and the major factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity. We will cover 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. Although we will cover a number of global environmental problems, several lectures will highlight current environmental and conservation issues here in California and within the SF Bay Area. Laboratory 15 hours. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
6. Oceans L+L
Examination of major ocean ecosystems and their inhabitants, with special attention paid to issues of governmental policy and management, fisheries, and global population effects. Laboratory activities will emphasize local and regional marine habitats and human impacts on regional ecosystems. Laboratory 15 hours.THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
9. Cancer L+L
According to the Centers for Disease Control, if present trends continue 38% of women and 44% of men in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of invasive cancer; two out of every three households in the US 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. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE NON-LABORATORY UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
15. The Human Embryo L+L
This course will explore two major themes. The first is to acquire a basic understanding of the biology of human reproduction and development. The second is to investigate 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. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
18. Exploring Biotechnology L+L
Exploration of comtemporary biotechnology and the underlying science; how DNA, genes and cells work. Laboratory experiments focus on DNA in a variety of contexts. Laboratory 15 hours. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY SCIENCE UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
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 will introduce students to the scientific method, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and communication. Laboratory 15 hours.
21. Introduction to Physiology
Introduction to general principles underlying homeostasis, and the relationship of anatomical form to biological function. The course will introduce sutdents 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. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE LABORATORY UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
22. Introduction to Evolution & Ecology
Introduction to key concepts in evolution and ecology, including population genetics, natural selection and adaptation, phylogenetics and biodiversity, demography, and interactions among organisims and their environments. Prerequisite: BIO 21.
23. Investigations in Evolution & Ecology L+L
Introduction to experimental and statistacal apporaches used in modern ecological and evolutionary studies, with an emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, interpretation and presentation. Builds on concepts presented in BIO 22. Fieldwork and laboratory exercises (30 hours) will take advantage of the diversity of local terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Prerequisites: BIOL 22.
24. Introduction to Cellular & Molecular Biology
An introduction to the cell and molecular fundamentals necessary for life. Topics include macromolecular structure, enzyme function, membrane structure and physiology, metabolism and bioenergetics, the cell cycle and classical and molecular genetics. Prerequisites: BIO 21 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 31.
25. Investigations in Cellular & Molecular Biology L+L
An introduction to experimental methods for studying the cellular and molecular basis of life. Builds on the concepts covered in Biology 24. Topics include enzyme function and kinetics, cell reproduction, Mendelian 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: BIO 24 and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry 32.
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. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE NON-LABORATORY UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENT.
99. Special Topics
Investigation of a specific area or topic in the biological sciences. Open to majors and non-majors. Pre-requisite: approval of department chair.
Upper Division
100. Biology Hot Topics
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 7 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 dissectionss use alternative vertebrates.) Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite Biology 25.
110. Genetics L&L
Basic principles governing inheritance and gene expression in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes. Emphasis on molecular aspects. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
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 socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of parasitic diseases. Prerequisites: Biology 25.
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: Biology 25. Recommended: Biology 113.
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: Biology 25.
114. 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: Biology 25.
115. Human Reproduction & Development
Detailed study of the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, fertilization and implantation as well as an anatomical description 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: Biology 24.
120. Comparative Animal Physiology L&L
Examination and comparison of mechanisms used by a variety of animals to survive and function in their environment. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 24.
122. Neurobiology L&L
An introduction to the nervous system, focusing on the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of neurons, synapses, and simple neural circuits. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
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: Biology 25.
125. Plant Physiology L&L
Physiological and developmental processes of plants. Emphasis on current research in the field. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
127. Drugs & 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 humankind will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
128. Plant Development L+L
Developmental processes of plants, with emphasis on current research and experimental approaches. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
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, agro forestry, and applications of agricultural biotechnology. The special problems of agriculture in the developing world are discussed. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 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 questiion 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: Biology 23.
134. California Plant Diversity
The California flora includes more than 5,800 species of plants, of which about one-quarter are only found here. In this course, we will investigate the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of this diversity through a combination of lecture and extensive field-based lab activities. Content includes identification of California’s major plant families, how to identify species with a dichotomous key, and how molecular phylogenetic studies are contributing to our understanding of major ecological and evolutionary themes in the California flora.
145. Virology
Biology of viruses: their structure, evolutionary origins, classification, genetics, laboratory propagation and diagnostic methods, viral pathogenesis, response of host cells to viral infectiion 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: Biology 25. Recommended: Chemistry 141.
150. Conservation Biology L&L
Explores the applications of ecological and genetic principles to the conservation of biodiversity. 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: Biology 23.
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 restor 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: Biology 25.
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. Prerequisites: Biology 23 and Math 11.
157. Environmental Biology in the Tropics
Summer course that examines tropical biology and ecology and their relationship to issues of sustainable development. One week of instruction at SCU and three weeks of field study in Costa Rica. Particular emphasis on primate biology, reforestation and restoration ecology, mangrove conservation, sustainabe agriculture and fair trade, and ecotourism. Taught in conjunction with ENVS 39. Enrollment by application via International Programs. Also listed as Environmental Studies 141. Prerequisite: Biology 23.
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 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 24.
160. Biostatistics L+L
A course in applied statistics for biologists planning to conduct manipulative experiments. Biologists gain training in experimental design and quantitive analyses in cases where specific experimental hypotheses are to be tested. 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, evolution, ecology, and environmental risk assessment. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 23. Also listed as Environmental Studies 110.
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: Biology 24.
171. Ethical Issues in Biotechnology and Genetics
An interdiscipinary 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. Biology 171 satifies a biotechnology minorrequirement but NOT the Ethics requirement. When taken concurrently with Biology 189 it satisfies an upper-division biology major requirement. It also fulfills the third Religious Studies requirement Prerequisite: Biology 24 or permission of instructor. Biology 25 strongly recommended.
173. Evolution L+L
Examination of advanced concepts of modern evolutionary biology. Topics include the evolutionary forces of microevolution, the evolution of sex, adaptation, speciation, human evolution, molecular evolution and macroevolutionary phenomena deciphered from phylogenetic trees. Laboratory experiments, field study, and computational activities 30 hours. Prerequisite: BIOL 24. Recommended: BIOL 110.
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 microfiliment 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: Biology 25.
175. Molecular Biology L+L
An introduction to the molecular events involved in the replication and decoding of the genetic material. Lectures focus on basic molecular biology concepts and recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory 30 hours. Prerequisite: Biology 25.
176. Biotechnology Lab I: Recombinant DNA L&L
Explores techniques for the anaylsis 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: Biology 25 and at least one upper-division biology laboratory course. (Does not include field courses). Biology 175 recommended.
177. Biotechnology Lab II: Gene Expression and Protein Purification L&L
Explores principles and techniques for the 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: Biology 25 and at least one upper division Biology laboratory course (Does not include field courses). Biology 175 recommended.
178. Bioinformatics L&L
Bioinformatics tools are important for storing, searching, and analyzing macromolecular sequences and structures. This course in applied bioinformatics provides an in-depth survey of modern bioinformatics tools. Students will become proficient at searching GenBank, downloading and analyzing sequences, working with metadata and each student will write an original computer program to complete an independent research project. Software tools for functional and evolutionary analysis of nucleic acids and proteins will also be examined. Prerequisite: BIOL 25. BIOL 175 recommended.
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.
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 the critical analysis of recently published research articles. Does NOT count as an upper-division course toward a major or minor in biology but allows Biology 171 to count as an upper-division biology course for the Biology major or minor when Biology 189 and 171 are taken during the same quarter. Biology 189 may be taken up to two times for credit Prerequisites: Completion of concurrent enrollment in Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology. Students who have completed Biology 25 are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion of these topies but may not take the course for credit until they have completed one of the prerequisites.
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.
191. Project Lab L+L
An innovative laboratory course in which undergraduate students will participate in a supervised research project directly related to ongoing research in the laboratory of the principal investigator. Each year, the course will focus on research activities appropriate for the particular stage of the research project. Course can only be taken once. Laboratory 60 hours. Prerequisites: Biology 25 (required) and at least one upper-division Biology Lab course (recommended).
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 Biology 150, 155, or 156, or by consent of instructor.
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.
198A. Internship
Research in off-campus programs under the direct guidance of cooperating research scientists and faculty advisers.
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.
