An introduction to the structures and functions of the major plant and animal groups. Focus is directed toward biological principles and problems facing humans in dynamic ecosystems. Lecture three hours. This course fulfills the core curriculum lecture requirement in natural sciences.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-100CL

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Introduction to biological laboratory procedures. Laboratory exercises in molecular biology, metabolism and physiology, structure, ecology, and taxomonic groups. Laboratory four hours. Lab fee. This course fulfills the core curriculum laboratory requirement in natural sciences.

Pre- or Co-Requisite: BIOL-100C

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

An introduction to the structures and functions of the major plant and animal groups. Focus is directed toward biological principles and problems facing humans in dynamic ecosystems. Includes three credit hours of lecture and one credit hour of lab. This course fulfills the general education science requirement for professional studies students. Students will be required to purchase lab materials directly from the service provider.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

An introductory course for the biological sciences which covers the scientific method, basic biological chemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism and energy transformation, evolution, classification, and other related topics.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-111L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Topics in this course are designed to complement lectures presented in BIOL-111C. Students will conduct a broad survey of investigations selected to optimize their understanding of basic laboratory techniques and biological principles including microscopy, chromatography, colorimetry and DNA analysis. Lab fee. This course fulfills the core curriculum laboratory requirement in Natural Sciences; however, this course is designed for Biology majors.

Pre- or Co-Requisite: BIOL-111

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

An introductory course for the biological sciences which covers the kingdoms of living organisms, plant and animal physiology, population genetics, biodiversity, ecology, and other related topics.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111 and BIOL-111L or equivalent.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-112L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Topics in this course are designed to complement lectures presented in BIOL-112. Students will conduct a broad survey of investigations selected to optimize the understanding of basic laboratory techniques and biological principles including field trips, dissection, collections, ecosystem classification and evaluation. Lab and field trip fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-112

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Introductory study of the gross physical structure, cellular makeup and physiological function of elements within the nine major organ systems. Lecture three hours. This course fulfills the core curriculum lecture requirement in Natural Sciences; however, this course is designed for Biology majors

Co-Requisite: BIOL-204CL

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Laboratory study introducing the primary functional and supportive components within the skeletal, muscular, digestive, urinary, nervous, respiratory, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. This course fulfills the core curriculum laboratory requirement in Natural Sciences; however, this course is designed for Biology majors.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-204C

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Investigates the fundamental physiological processes in humans using a systems approach to student integrated functions. The course will explore the functions of the human body emphasizing homeostasis and integration at the biochemical, cellular, organ, and system levels. The systems studied will include nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, and immunity. This course is a combined lecture and laboratory course fulfilling the physiology requirement for RN to BSN student. This is not a suitable course for Pre-Licensure Nursing students or Biology Majors. This requirement meets the science lab requirement for all other students. Lab fee required.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

The course emphasizes the biology of nutrition as applied to metabolic and physiologic principles underlying digestion and absorption of nutrients, chemical structure, and metabolism of nutrients, the biochemical role of nutrients in maintaining health, and the effects of over- and under-nutrition on health and on disease pathogenesis. The students will gain an understanding of the biology of macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and water). Weight management and dietary analysis will also be discussed. Laboratory activities provide real-world insight into the biology of nutrition and will assist students in understanding how proper nutrition can optimize body system functions. This course is a combined lecture and laboratory course fulfilling the physiology requirement for RN to BSN student. This is not a suitable course for Pre-Licensure Nursing students or Biology Majors. This requirement meets the science lab requirement for all other students. Lab fee required. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring and Summer.

An introduction to the study of micro-organisms: their occurrence and importance to humans. Major concepts of general microbiology are discussed, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types: structural organization of cells; cellular metabolism, regulation of metabolism, and genetics; host-parasite relationships, nutrition, growth, control mechanisms, immunology and serology; recombinant DNA technology; growth of microbial cells; and controlling growth by chemical and physical means. Bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses are studied. Special emphasis is given to infectious diseases and the organisms that cause these diseases.

Prerequisite: BIOL-100C, BIOL-100CL or BIOL-111, BIOL-111L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-209L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

The laboratory course will introduce students to basic microbiology techniques and principles. Students will learn procedures for handling micro-organisms and establishing pure cultures. Additionally, the following basic microbiology laboratory protocols will be covered: specimen collection, cultivation, analysis, identification, and reporting. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-100C, BIOL-100CL or BIOL-111, BIOL-111L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-209

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the structures and functions of the major plant and animal groups. Focus is directed toward biological principles and problems facing humans in dynamic ecosystems. Lecture three hours. This course fulfills the core curriculum lecture requirement in Natural Sciences; however, this course is designed for non-science majors.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-210CL

Introduction to biological laboratory procedures. Laboratory exercises in molecular biology, metabolism and physiology, structure, ecology, and taxonomic groups. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. This course fulfills the core curriculum laboratory requirement in Natural Sciences; however, this course is designed for non-science majors.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-210C

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of biology that center on the cell. Focus will be placed on cellular structure and function, fundamental metabolism, and molecular genetics. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111

Co-Requisite: BIOL-220L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course provides a working understanding of basic principles paramount to the study of biological sciences. Students will have a fundamental understanding of the scientific method, the cell, cellular structure, cellular respiration, DNA processes, protein synthesis, cellular reproduction, and genetics. This course prepares the student to think critically and analyze data. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-220

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

The course is an introduction to the human nervous system and how the brain processes sensory information, controls actions, and learns through experience and emotions. Each lesson provides a broad understanding of the fundamentals of brain structures and its role in behavior. The course also aims to introduce the student to brain science behind sensory development, language acquisition and learning. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course equips students with the specialized Spanish medical vocabulary and communication skills essential for delivering compassionate, effective care to Spanish-speaking patients. Students will also gain foundational knowledge of medical terminology in English, learn the fundamentals of physical examinations, and obtain medical histories in both English and Spanish. Through practical exercises and culturally relevant scenarios, students will develop linguistic and cultural competence essential for patient-centered communication and advocacy. These skills prepare students to navigate bilingual clinical settings with confidence and professionalism. Designed for a diverse range of learners-including heritage speakers, bilingual students, and those with little or no prior experience with Spanish.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Study of a special topic in life science. May be repeated for credit. Lab fee.

Study of a special topic in life science. May be repeated for credit. Lab fee.

Study of a special topic in life science. May be repeated for credit. Lab fee.

Study of the similarities and differences in the structure and function of chordates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) in both ancient and modern forms, with particular emphasis on human organ systems. Embryological development and features are integrated into the discussion of each organ system. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112

Co-Requisite: BIOL-302L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Study of the essential embryological and morphological features of representative chordates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals), with particular emphasis given to human organ systems. Laboratory exercises incorporate dissection on preserved specimens. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112

Co-Requisite: BIOL-302

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course introduces students to the methods, theories, and concepts that are central to the field of learning and memory. The course uses a combination of lectures and student-led discussions. The course highlights the molecular and cellular processes that are responsible for the synaptic changes that are responsible for learning and the formation of memory. Students will learn how changes in synapses generate, stabilize, consolidate, and maintain memories. Topics covered include system and synaptic consolidation, reconsolidation, memory systems, and the neural pathways involved in different types of memories.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

This course will investigate the fundamental physiological processes in humans using a systems approach to study integrated functions. It will explore the functions of the human body emphasizing homeostasis at biochemical, cellular, organ, and system levels. The systems studied will include nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111; BIOL-204C; or other college biology course with permission of instructor.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-304L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

This course is designed to complement BIOL-304 investigating fundamental physiological processes in humans. The systems studied will include nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-304

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Principles of animal physiology with emphasis on vertebrates. Lecture three hours. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112 and BIOL-220

Co-Requisite: BIOL-305L

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand, odd years.

Laboratory course examining the principles of animal physiology with emphasis on vertebrates. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112L and BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-305

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand, odd years.

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the biochemical bases of behavior as well as the effects of drugs on the central nervous system and behavior. Topics covered include basic principles of neuropharmacology, pharmacokinetics, neurotransmitter systems, neural substrates of drug action, and neuropharmacology of neural disorders.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

Biology of microorganisms: their occurrence and importance to humans. Topics will include microbial cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial genetics, and the role of micro-organisms in disease and immunity. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220, BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-309L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220, BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-309

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

A study of the principles and the physical basis of heredity, biochemical aspects of gene actions, and social implications of heredity. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111 and BIOL-111L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

A study of the principles and the physical basis of heredity, biochemical aspects of gene actions, and social implications of heredity. Lecture three hours. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220 and BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-311L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Co-Requisite: BIOL-311

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the interactions between organisms and their physical and biological environment. Important factors and processes influencing organisms within both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will be studied. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112

Co-Requisite: BIOL-315L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This class provides hands-on experiences in the laboratory and in the field, enhances the student's understanding of basic environmental science and ecological concepts presented in BIOL-315. The laboratory experiments are oriented towards demonstrated basic principles of ecology and mastering modern research and field techniques. The individual exercises are from an excellent notebook on current protocols used in ecology. Occasional field sampling will be required. Three hours of lab per week. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-315

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This course is designed to study cancer from both a cellular and a clinical perspective. Characteristics of aberrant cell growth, proliferation and metastasis will be studied with a focus on the genetic changes that occur in cancer cells. Clinical aspects of cancer that will be discussed will include the classification, carcinogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and treatment of cancer. Course fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111, BIOL-111L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

Human Ecology explores how humans interact with and shape the natural world. Through lecture and discussion, students will analyze ecological, cultural, and technological dimensions of human-environment relationships. Using examples from Southern California ecosystems, this course emphasizes sustainability, resource management, and social-environmental justice.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111, BIOL-111L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

A study of biota and communities of the mountains and factors affecting distributions, reproductions, and physiology of plant and animal life. A significant component of the course focuses on geology and the geological forces involved in mountain and land formation. Lab fee. Much of the course consists of a 2-week field trip through the Sierra Nevadas typically during May. Lab and field trip fee. Lab fee covers lab project materials, food, transportation, and accommodations during the two-week long trip. Any special diet or physical accommodations must be approved by the instructor prior to enrollment. This course fulfills the core curriculum lecture and lab science requirement in natural sciences.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

A study of biota and communities of desert environments and factors affecting distributions, reproduction, and physiology of plant and animal life. A significant component of the course focuses on geology and the geological forces involved in mountain and land formation. One week of the course consists of a field trip through the arid regions of Southern California typically during spring break. Course will fulfill core curriculum science requirement. Lab fee. Lab fee will cover lab project materials, food, transportation, and accommodations during the two-week long trip. Any special diet or physical accommodations must be approved by the instructor prior to enrollment. This course fulfills the core curriculum lecture and lab science requirement in Natural Sciences.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

Coastal Ecology examines the ecological processes at the interface between land and sea in order to provide an understanding of the coastal environment, how terrestrial and marine systems are intricately connected, and how human activities can impact both. The course consists of local field trips in coastal and marine environments. Course will fulfill core curriculum science requirement. Lab fee.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the biochemical bases of behavior as well as the effects of drugs on the central nervous system and behavior. Topics covered include basic principles of neuropharmacology, pharmacokinetics, neurotransmitter systems, neural substrates of drug action, and neuropharmacology of neural disorders.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This course introduces students to the methods, theories, and concepts that are central to the field of learning and memory. The course uses a combination of lectures and student-led discussions. The course highlights the molecular and cellular processes that are responsible for the synaptic changes that are responsible for learning and the formation of memory. Students will learn how changes in synapses generate, stabilize, consolidate, and maintain memories. Topics covered include system and synaptic consolidation, reconsolidation, memory systems, and the neural pathways involved in different types of memories.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220, BIOL-220L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

This course supports the BIOL-365 lecture and must be taken concurrently.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220, BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-365

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Ecology is the study of interrelationships between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments. As a basic science, ecology informs us about the processes governing the patterns we observe in nature. From an applied perspective, it is critical that we understand ecology as it provides insights and solutions to many of the environmental issues we are confronted with in our daily lives. In this course we will focus specifically on the ecology of plants. Plant ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of plants and their interactions with the abiotic environment and other organisms. In this course, we will examine plant life histories, populations, communities, and plant-animal interactions (pollination, dispersal, herbivory). Labs includes greenhouse, field experiments, and field trips with an exploration of plant biodiversity of the campus and region. Terrestrial systems are emphasized. A general background in ecology is assumed ( Basic principles and foundations of the field will be considered as well as current research.

Prerequisite: BIOL-315 and BIOL-315L

Co-Requisite: Take BIOL-366L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

Laboratory exercises incorporate dissection on preserved specimens, greenhouse experiments, and field trips with an exploration of plant and animal biodiversity of the campus and region. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-315

Co-Requisite: BIOL-366

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

Study of the cells and tissues comprising each human organ system. Discussion focuses on structural and functional components in both intracellular and extracellular compartments, and cellular interaction within and among different organ systems. Lecture three hours. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-111

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

Laboratory study of the cells and tissues comprising each human organ system. Particular emphasis is placed upon learning to identify the features making each tissue and organ unique. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-402

This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the biochemical bases of behavior as well as the effects of drugs on the central nervous system and behavior. Topics covered include basic principles of neuropharmacology, pharmacokinetics, neurotransmitter systems, neural substrates of drug action, and neuropharmacology of neural disorders.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

This course provides students with an empirically-based research experience in the area of behavioral neuroscience. Students will be using an animal model of addition to study the neural mechanisms behind learning and memory. Students will gain a basic understanding of proper research methodology, memory consolidation, reconsolidation, conditioned place preferance paradigm, brain anatomy, and pharmacology. Students will have hands-on experience learning various techniques, including animal handling and injection, and behavioral analysis. Terms Typically offered: Spring, even years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-365

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

This course introduces students to the methods, theories, and concepts that are central to the field of learning and memory. The course uses a combination of lectures and student-led discussions. The course highlights the molecular and cellular processes that are responsible for the synaptic changes that are responsible for learning and the formation of memory. Students will learn how changes in synapses generate, stabilize, consolidate, and maintain memories. Topics covered include system and synaptic consolidation, reconsolidation, memory systems, and the neural pathways involved in different types of memories.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220, BIOL-220L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

The study of the nervous system from the cellular physiology of the neuron to complex structure and function of the central nervous system. Emphasis will be given to the cellular neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. This course will give an excellent foundation for understanding the brain and the nervous system. Students will critically read and discuss the scientific literature and learn to critically evaluate experimental neuroscience. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Co-Requisite: BIOL-432L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

Laboratory three hours. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-432

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

The study of the genome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Introduction to and an analysis of modern molecular biology techniques are presented including: replication, transcription, translation, genetic engineering, cloning, gene expression, sequencing and genetic analysis. Lecture three hours. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Co-Requisite: BIOL-440L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

The study of the genome in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Introduction to and an analysis of modern molecular biology techniques are presented including: genetic engineering, cloning, gene expression, sequencing and genetic analysis. This course prepares the student to develop the following critical skills: independent thinking, lab management, record keeping, and project development. Laboratory three hours. Lab fee. Offered in alternate years.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220

Co-Requisite: BIOL-440

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course may be taken for a maximum of four (4) units in one semester. A maximum of six (6) combined units credit for BIOL-450 or BIOL-485 apply to graduation. This course is designed with the purpose of providing students the opportunity to conduct research off-campus at universities or STEM companies in the community. This course promotes early entry into the workplace for the student through part-time employment. This course requires actual work experience be sought in a biotech or STEM-focused business firm providing an opportunity to integrate classroom teaching in practical application under the direct supervision of the assigned instructor. Students are responsible for completing a project report and presenting their research results in BIOL-499C.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

The study of molecular and cell biology of specific and nonspecific immune responses in mammals, with special emphasis on human immune systems. Reviews experimental support for current immunological theories. Roles of immunology in human health and disease will be studied.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220 and BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: BIOL-451L

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

A laboratory course designed to introduce students to current clinical and research procedures in immunology. Includes techniques, such as ELISA, Immunoprecipitation, cell culture techniques, T cell activation, Western blot, and blood cells recognition. These techniques are utilized in biological, biochemical research and clinical laboratories. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL-220 and BIOL-220L

Co-Requisite: Concurrent: BIOL-451

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

This course provides Human Biology majors with the opportunity to gain supervised volunteer or clinical experience in a health, research, or community environment. Students will complete 50-100 hours of practical service applying biological knowledge in professional or community contexts. The internship may be at hospitals, clinics, laboratories, public health agencies, or nonprofit organizations. Emphasis is placed on professional development, ethics, communication, and connecting academic learning with real-world experience. Students are responsible for completing a project report and presenting their results in BIOL-499C.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

The student will meet for regular hours each week for classes and/or meetings that are established at the beginning of the semester with the supervising professor. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting lecture and/or laboratory sessions and with other assigned teaching related duties. This course may be taken for 1-3 units per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of six units.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.

Conservation biology is a developing and complex field. It draws upon the biological disciplines of population biology, taxonomy, ecology, genetics, and resource management as well as the fields of economics, ethics, and politics to document, understand, and protect the world's biodiversity. This course will give students an overview of this emerging discipline including the scientific methods employed, the biological principles behind conservation techniques and strategies, as well as the complexities involved in attempts to influence and implement conservation-oriented policies.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112 and BIOL-311

Terms Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

Study a special topic in Life Science. May be repeated for credit. May have lab and field trip fees in some cases.

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

This course provides the student with an empirically-based research experience in the biological sciences. Emphasis will be placed on project management, safety, instrumentation, solution preparation, and research documentation skills. This course is a variable credit course. Two units are recommended for all biology majors. It is expected that a research report be completed at the conclusion of the research project and an oral presentation of the results be given in BIOL-499C. This course may be repeated for credit. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-112 and BIOL-112L

Terms Typically Offered: On Demand.

An advanced course providing the opportunity for students to carry out a semester long research project under the guidance of a faculty member. The precise nature, scope and format of the project must be developed and approved under the guidance of the instructor. Research projects are initiated at the beginning of the semester. Each semester will have a focused theme such as biochemistry, ecology, microbiology, or other biological topics. The project results must be presented in BIOL-499C. Lab fee.

Prerequisite: BIOL-220 and BIOL-220L

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course includes analysis and evaluation of current research in biology and the integration of faith and learning in the biological sciences. An oral presentation of BIOL-485 or BIOL-488 is required. In-class presentations by faculty and guests are a part of the course. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum Capstone requirement for Biology majors.

Prerequisite: BIOL-406, BIOL-485 or BIOL-488

Terms Typically Offered: Fall and Spring.