Courses
Natural Sciences
Biology (BIOL)
- BIOL-E 111 Basic Biology by Examination I (3 cr.) Credit by examination for demonstrating an understanding of basic facts and concepts of the lecture content of L111. Credit not given for both BIOL-L 101 and BIOL-E 111.
- BIOL-E 112 Basic Biology by Examination II (3 cr.) Credit by examination for demonstrating an understanding of basic facts and concepts of the lecture content in BIOL-L 102. Credit not given for both BIOL-L 102 and BIOL-E 112.
- BIOL-K 312 Immunology (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 101, BIOL-L 102, & CHEM-C 101, CHEM-C 102, CHEM-C 105, or CHEM-C 106, all with grades of C or better. Introduction to the basic principles of immunology and serology.
- BIOL-K 313 Immunology Laboratory (2 cr.) C: BIOL-K 312. Experimental examination of the immune response. Use of the antigen-antibody reaction for diagnostic purposes.
- BIOL-K 322 GENETICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3 cr.) The course will cover the principles of classical and molecular genetics including Mendelian inheritance, linage, nucleic acids, gene expression, recombinant DNA, genomics, immunogenetics, and regulation.
- BIOL-K 323 GENETICS & MOLEC BIOLOGY LAB (3 cr.) Applied principles of genetics and molecular biology using organisms of increasing complexity from viruses to fruit fly. Laboratory experiments include linage analyses, deletion mapping, isolation of human chromosomes, mutagenesis, DNA extraction, restriction enzyme analysis, and PCR.
- BIOL-L 100 Humans and the Biological World (3 or 5 cr.) Principles of biological organization, from molecules through cells and organisms to populations. Emphasis on processes common to all organisms, with special reference to human beings. Lecture or lecture and laboratory. Will not count toward a biology degree. Credit not given for both BIOL-L 100 and BIOL-L 101.
- BIOL-L 101 Introduction to Biological Sciences I (5 cr.) One year of high school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry is recommended. An introductory course designed for prospective biology majors and students majoring in ancillary sciences. Principles of life processes including the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, and evolution.
- BIOL-L 102 Introduction to Biological Sciences II (5 cr.) One year of high school chemistry or one semester of college chemistry is recommended. Integrates a brief survey of the plant and animal kingdoms with an emphasis on a comparative review of the major functional systems in diverse groups, and an introduction to the principles of ecology.
- BIOL-L 110 Insects: The Alien Empire (3 cr.) The course examines relationships between humans and the most successful multi-celled organisms on earth - the insects. Understanding the philosophy of science and biological concepts using insects as model organisms is emphasized. The negative and positive impact of insects on the human condition is explored in an historical and contemporary context. The course examines how insect transmitted pathogens have influenced human history and how changes in technology have affected our food supply and the direction of research aimed at developing alternative control measures, including genetically modified crops. Other topics include the past and potential use of insects as weapons of war and how insects have influenced human art, religion, and entertainment. Will not count toward a biology degree.
- BIOL-L 111 Foundations of Biology: Diversity, Evolution, and Ecology (3 cr.) For biology and other science majors. Preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores. Focus is on the processes of evolution leading to organismal diversity and adaptation, as well as basic ecological concepts.
- BIOL-L 112 Foundations of Biology: Biological Mechanisms (3-4 cr.) Integrated picture of manner in which organisms at diverse levels of organization meet problems in maintaining and propagating life.
- BIOL-L 113 Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: Completion of BIOL-L100, BIOL-L101, BIOL-L102, BIOL-L111, or BIOL-L112 with C or higher Laboratory experiments in various aspects of biology, with a focus on investigative logic and methods. Introduces aspects of cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology.
- BIOL-L 200 Environmental Biology and Conservation (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 130 or ENG-W 131, and MATH-M 110 or higher with grades of C or better, OR minimum of 12 credits. An interdisciplinary examination of environmental problems. Class may include lectures, films, fieldwork, and laboratory method including computer simulations, fieldwork, if under taken may include trips to local industries with pollution control in place, trips to examine local habitats, or other appropriate activities.
- BIOL-L 211 Molecular Biology (3 cr.) P: Prerequisite: BIOL-L 101, BIOL-L 102 and CHEM-C 101 or CHEM-C 105 all with C or better Covers structure and function of DNA and RNA; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; and the genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.
- BIOL-L 303 Field Biology (3 cr.) P: One semester of biology and department consent. A course designed to acquaint the student with natural biological phenomena and their interactions with the physical environment. The class will consist primarily of a period of intensive, extended field study in an area remote from the local campus Orientation and evaluation sessions will be held prior to and following the field experience. May be repeated once for credit.
- BIOL-L 304 Marine Biology (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 130 or ENG-W 131, and MATH-M 110 or higher with grades of C or better, OR minimum of 12 credits. An introductory course for majors and non-majors involving study of the principles, concepts, and techniques of marine and estuarine biology.
- BIOL-L 311 Genetics (3 or 5 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better. C: BIOL-L 319. Analysis of the mechanisms of inheritance, including developmental processes that lead to the construction of whole organisms and to the transmission to their offspring of specific genetic traits. Includes the principles of genetics and the analysis of mutations affecting development. Credit given for only one: BIOL-L 311 or BIOL-K 322.
- BIOL-L 312 Cell Biology (3 or 4 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better. Current views of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, with emphasis on the flow of information through the cell, the metabolism that supports cellular functions and differences among different specialized cells. Current techniques will be stressed.
- BIOL-L 313 Cell Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better C: BIOL-L 312 with C or better Theory and techniques of experimental cell physiology. Enzyme purification using spectrophotometry, ion-exchange and gel permeation chromatography, gel electrophoresis. Respiration and photosynthesis analyzed by cell fractionation, oxygen electrode, and radioactive tracer techniques.
- BIOL-L 317 Developmental Biology (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 101 and BIOL-L 102 with C or better C: BIOL-Z 318. Analysis of developmental processes that lead to the construction of whole organisms from single cells. Includes the principles of embryology and analysis of mutations affecting development. Credit given for only one: BIOL-L 317 or BIOL-Z 317.
- BIOL-L 318 Evolution (5 cr.) P: BIOL-L 311 with C or better Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution - the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life, the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptations, molecular, behavioral and social evolution, patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences, methods for inferring evolutionary relationship among organism
- BIOL-L 319 Genetics Laboratory (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better. C: BIOL-L 311. Experimentation demonstrating fundamental genetics mechanisms.
- BIOL-L 321 HUMAN IMMUNOLOGY (3 cr.) Introductory course exploring the basic components and function of the immune system, stressing mechanisms that protect humans against pathogens and also how its dysfunction can lead to autoimmune disease, allergy, and cancer.
- BIOL-L 323 Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211. Manipulation and analysis of genes and genomes. Gene cloning and library screening. Gene amplification and disease diagnosis. Gene mapping and southern blot analysis of complex genome structure.
- BIOL-L 341 Natural History of Coral Reefs (3 cr.) P: 100-level biology course. Introduction to principles of biology, ecology, and geology as applied to coral reef ecosystems.
- BIOL-L 343 Applied Conservation Biology (5 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better. A course focusing on biodiversity loss and recovery. Lectures introduce concepts such as extinction, climate change, population declines, landscape changes, invasive species, management, and socio-politics of conservation. The applied component is demonstrated by seminars and research experiments that explore current conservation concepts.
- BIOL-L 346 Survey of Molecular Developmental Biology (5-6 cr.) P: BIOL-L 101, BIOL-L 102 with a C or better. Throughout this course, the emphasis returns again and again to the modern molecular understanding of development and how this underlies development in all groups of living organisms. While classical aspects of development which can be observed with the naked eye and the dissecting microscope will, of course, be covered, providing students with a clear molecular prospective across all three Domains of life comes first. This understanding includes concepts like that of the developmental toolkit which so clearly demonstrates the universality of the molecular mechanisms which direct molecular biology in all organisms. The developmental biology lectures acquaint students with the development of various types of organisms from protists through the most advanced plants and animals. The class examines the diversity of developmental programs from perspectives including gross anatomy and molecular controls, with an introduction to the scientific literature of Developmental Biology. The laboratory complements the lecture by providing the student with concrete examples of the principles presented in those lectures, including longitudinal study of the development of several organisms.
- BIOL-L 371 Animal Nutrition (3 cr.) The course "Animal Nutrition" will cover basic facts about animal nutrition. The course material will include classification and function of nutrients, symptoms of nutrient deficiency, digestive processes, anatomy and physiology of various animal digestive systems and characterization of various global and local feed stuffs and formulation of diets for domestic animals. The principles will apply to all mammalian and bird species, with an emphasis on cattle and various domestic animals. Animal feeds and their use throughout the world will be discussed with an emphasis on feeds most commonly used in this country.
- BIOL-L 376 Biology of Birds (4 cr.) P: ENG-W 130 or ENG-W 131, and MATH-M 110 or higher with grades of C or better, OR minimum of 12 credits. Avian systematics, distribution, evolution, ecology, and behavior. Emphasis on identification, communication, and reproductive behavior. Field trips will concentrate on interpretation of behavior and research methods.
- BIOL-L 391 Special Topics in Biology (1-3 cr.) Study and analysis of selected biological issues and problems. Topics vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 99 units.
- BIOL-L 403 Biology Seminar (1 cr.) P: Senior standing and 30 credits of upper level biology courses. Individual presentations of recently published papers representing all areas of biological research. May be repeated for credit.
- BIOL-L 465 Advanced Field Biology (3 cr.) C: Recommended: BIOL-L 473 or equivalent and consent of instructor. Lectures and two to three weeks of fieldwork on various problems of ecosystem structure. May be repeated once for credit.
- BIOL-L 473 Ecology (3 cr.) P: BIOL-L 211 with C or better. C: BIOL-L 474. Distribution and abundance of animals and plants; interactions of organism and environment at levels of individual, population, and community from functional point of view.
- BIOL-L 474 Laboratory in Ecology (2 cr.) P: BIOL-L 473 with C or better. C: BIOL-L 473. Introduction to research problems and techniques in the ecology of individuals, populations and ecosystems.
- BIOL-L 476 REGIONAL ECOLOGY (3 cr.) Selective trips to specific ecological areas to study both the flora and fauna of a biome.
- BIOL-L 499 Internship in Biology Instruction (3 cr.) P: Consent of Instructor. An internship for biology majors desiring college teaching experience. Students will be provided training in lecture-laboratory presentations. Each student will present lectures and laboratories that will be videotaped for subsequent analysis and follow-up suggestions for improvement.
- BIOL-L 501 Independent Study Rotations (1-6 cr.) L501 is used for Biology students who are conducting Independent Study during lab rotations in the GCDB or EEB Graduate Programs. Each credit should correspond to 3-4 hours of formal coursework. Repeatable up to 24 units.
- BIOL-L 563 Topic in Life Science (1-6 cr.) A graduate level life sciences topic course. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 12 units.
- BIOL-L 564 Topic Life Science Techniques Variable Topic Title (1-4 cr.) A graduate level life science laboratory or field techniques course. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. Repeatable up to 8 units.
- BIOL-L 579 Community Ecology (3 cr.) Survey of ecological and evolutionary topics between population and ecosystem levels. Review of scientific truth, levels of selection and speciation. Major emphasis on interactions among populations (consumer-producer, competition, symbiosis, etc.) and community analysis (island biogeography, niche, diversity, and community structure).
- BIOL-M 215 MICROORGANISM LABORATORY (3 cr.) Introduction to basic techniques and procedures of microbiology laboratories. Emphasis on aspects deemed useful to nursing students. Growth and transfer of live microorganisms, aseptic techniques, and the staining and identification of bacteria. Audiotutorial format.
- BIOL-M 485 MICR MOL GENETICS LAB (3 cr.) Provides insight into how science is conducted in a modern research lab. Conduct hypothesis driven molecular and genetic experiments using an attenuated medically relevant bacterial pathogen. Techniques / skills: DNA isolation, PCR, recombinant DNA techniques, gel electrophoresis, transposon mutagenesis, transformation, and quantitative bacterial culture.
- BIOL-N 251 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY (3 cr.) The isolation, growth, structure, functioning, heredity, identification, classification, and ecology of microorganisms, their role in nature and significance to humans.
- BIOL-T 570 Evolution (3 cr.) Provides a rigorous exploration of the theory of evolution; the conceptual core of biology. Topics include origins and history of life: the interplay of heredity and environment in shaping adaptations; molecular, behavioral, and social evolution; patterns of speciation, extinction, and their consequences; methods of inferring evolutionary relationships among organisms.
- BIOL-T 574 The Immune System and Disease (3 cr.) This course will introduce graduate students to immunology, focusing upon cells, molecules and mechanisms operating in the normal immune system and then assess the dysfunction associated with diseases and immune disorders.
- BIOL-T 575 Molecular Biology (3 cr.) This course will cover the following: the structure and function of DNA and RNA; the structure, function and regulation of proteins; DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition; mechanisms and regulation of gene expression; the genetic code, transcription, and translation; bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.
- BIOL-T 577 Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3 cr.) This course provides an overview of modern DNA sequencing technologies, which can produce trillions of base pairs per day, and how they are applied to determine genome sequences, RNA levels and processing, the positions DNA and RNA binding proteins, and even the 3-dimensional arrangement of DNA inside the nucleus.
- BIOL-T 582 Advanced Field Zoology (3 cr.) This course will cover areas related to ecology - specifically in the areas of wildlife biology, wildlife management, and conservation biology. There will be some bias towards vertebrate and behavioral ecology.
- BIOL-T 583 Problems in Genetics - Higher Organisms (3 cr.) Selected topics in the genetics of higher organisms emphasizing studies at the molecular level.
- BIOL-T 591 History of Life (3 cr.) This course examines the evolutionary history of life based on the fossil record and genetic codes of existing organisms. It also explores the history of changing philosophies regarding life's origin, from creation story-based religious views to the non-teleological views of modern evolutionary theory.