Learning Objectives for Biology Undergraduate Courses
BIOL 100 EXPLORING THE LIVING WORLD:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe levels of organization and related functions in plants and animals.
- Identify the characteristics and basic needs of living organisms and ecosystems.
- Explain the processes of growth and development in individuals and populations.
- Design and critically assess the scientific investigations they perform.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
BIOL 170 FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe levels of organization and related functions in plants and animals.
- Identify the characteristics and basic needs of living organisms and ecosystems.
- Explain the processes of growth and development in individuals and populations.
- Design and critically assess the scientific investigations they perform.
- Identify the crucial role of life science in planning K-6 curricula.
- Evaluate student progress using guided inquiries.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
BIOL 200 PRINCIPLES OF ORGANISMAL AND POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Define basic biological concepts and processes.
- Describe levels of organization and related functions in plants and animals.
- Identify the characteristics and basic needs of living organisms.
- Explain the processes of growth and development in individuals and populations.
- Describe the relationships between organisms and their environment.
- Identify impacts on ecosystems.
BIOL 201 PRINCIPLES OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Outline the structure of the biomolecules found in all living organisms.
- Describe the function and structure of cells including the metabolic reactions that occur in cells.
- Explain the process of inheritance.
- Describe how RNA, DNA and proteins are synthesized.
- Explain the process of cell division in both somatic and germ cells.
- Explain the processes by which animals acquire nutrients, water and oxygen, eliminate wastes, protect against foreign substances, acquire information about their environment and reproduce.
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test the hypothesis.
BIOL 203 QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Choose an appropriate sampling scheme and/or experimental design for a given biological question .
- Select and apply the appropriate analytical methods to biological data.
- Demonstrate the necessary computer skills for biological data management, analysis and graphical presentation.
- Evaluate critically the primary literature in observation and experimental biology.
BIOL 210 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the function and structure of cells.
- Identify and distinguish between tissues in the human body.
- Explain the structure and function of organ systems in the human body.
BIOL 211 HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the function and structure of cells.
- Identify and distinguish between tissues in the human body.
- Explain the structure and function of organ systems in the human body.
BIOL 212 NEUROBIOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCE
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of cells that comprise the nervous system.
- Explain chemical and electrical signaling in the nervous system.
- Outline the sensory and motor systems.
- Explain brain development and complex brain functions.
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then suggest experiments to test the hypothesis.
BIOL 213 SEX, GERMS AND DISEASES
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the reproductive system of humans.
- Define factors in the spread of infectious diseases.
- Explain biology and pathogenesis of infectious agents that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
- Describe current biotechnology in relation to vaccine development, treatment and improved diagnostics of these diseases.
- Identify challenges of epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases to economy, public health system, individuals, and society at large.
BIOL 215 ANIMAL DIVERSITY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain and apply basic biological concepts.
- Describe the tenets of Zoological Classification.
- Identify characteristics of major animal groups.
- Diagram evolutionary history of major animal groups.
BIOL 217 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe disease-causing microorganisms and microbial agents at organismal, cellular and/or molecular levels.
- Relate normal cellular and molecular structures to their functions.
- Explain cellular processes and mechanisms that lead to physiological functions and pathological state.
- Handle situations and incidents at medical settings involving potential pathogens.
- Apply modern biological techniques to identify potential pathogens and solve aspects of scientific problems.
BIOL 260 NUTRITION FOR THERAPEUTICS AND HEALTH
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the physiological basis of nutrition in human health and development.
- Describe the nutrition standards and guidelines.
- Explain the metabolic mechanisms of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- Explain the bioenergetic pathways.
- Explain the role of nutrition in disease prevention.
- Describe the therapeutic role of nutrient control and balance in disease states.
BIOL 300 CELL PHYSIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe cytological, biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of the cell, including cellular processes common to all cells, to all eucaryotic cells as well as processes in certain specialized cells.
- Relate normal cellular structures to their functions.
- Explain cellular processes and mechanisms that lead to physiological functions as well as examples of pathological state.
- Apply modern cellular techniques to solve aspects of scientific problems.
- Describe the intricate relationship between various cellular structures and their corresponding functions.
BIOL 301 MICROBIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe cellular and/ or molecular, biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of the microbial cell such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa as well as microbial agents like viruses, viroids and prions.
- Relate normal cellular and molecular structures to their functions.
- Explain cellular processes and mechanisms that lead to physiological functions as well as examples of pathological state.
- Apply modern cellular techniques to solve aspects of scientific problems.
- Describe the intricate relationship between various cellular structures and their corresponding functions.
BIOL 302 GENETICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply quantitative problem-solving skills to genetics problems and issues.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Describe the chromsome theory, molecular genetics and quantitative and evolutionary genetics.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to solve genetic problems.
BIOL 303 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the theory of natural selection.
- Explain how new species arise.
- Construct a phylogenetic tree.
- Explain the mechanisms which underlie evolution at the molecular level.
BIOL 304 COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe metabolic reactions which occur in cells.
- Compare the structure and function of organ systems in a variety of animal phyla.
- Explain how animals adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions.
- Outline the steps involved in transmission of nerve impulses.
BIOL 306 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Compare the normal physiological processes with the altered physiological processes.
- Cite the condition/disease process causing pathophysiological dysfunction.
- Explain mechanisms for the pathophysiologic alterations of major physiologic systems.
- Describe and recognize major systematic pathophysiological reactions in the body.
- Identify differences of pathophysiologic alterations in adults and children.
- Cite the usual therapeutic approach used to eradicate or ameliorate the disease process.
- State the common assessment findings and goals for monitoring the response to therapeutic measures.
- State the common nursing interventions used to manage the symptoms or effect of the dysfunctions and the
pathophysiological rationale for their use.
BIOL 310 VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain vertebrate evolution from protovertebrates to higher mammals.
- Describe vertebrate classification.
- Apply the biology of vertebrates to basic physiological, evolutionary and ecological concepts.
- Identify major vertebrate groups and describe their salient features.
- Explain the impact of human activities on vertebrate animals in natural communities.
BIOL 311 PLANT BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the diverse structures and functions of plants.
- Describe the ecological and evolutionary processes that affect plants.
- Identify the plant species which comprise the major plant communities in Southern California.
- Consider the ethnobotanical uses of plants and their importance to other cultures.
- Critically assess the major environmental impacts upon plant communities.
BIOL 312 MARINE BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify organisms residing in the Southern California intertidal zone.
- Explain the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
- Describe the chemical and physical features of seawater and the world's oceans.
- Describe organisms residing in the marine environment.
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test the
hypothesis.
BIOL 313 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe methods of how resources are valued.
- Critically analyze the factors involved in the historical evolution of conservation.
- Analyze the general scientific bases of conservation.
- Analyze conservation management as a land use strategy.
- Critically assess relationships between human and scientific perspectives on conservation.
- Critically assess the applications of key theories in population and evolutionary ecology to scientific conservation.
- Assess methods of measuring biodiversity.
- Analyze the nature reserve concept in relation to conservation objectives.
BIOL 315 INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHYSICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the basic concepts and principles of physics and their applications to biological systems.
- Apply problem-solving skills to practical problems within the life sciences.
- Choose appropriate biophysical methods to characterize biological systems and appreciate their limitations.
- Analyze complex issues in biophysics using modeling.
- Use a variety of simulation programs, featuring data analysis and display, to derive conclusions about experimental situations.
- Critically evaluate scientific and medical literature.
- Organize and express ideas clearly and convincingly in oral and written forms.
BIOL 316 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the evolution of animal body plans from simple to complex.
- Describe the classification system of invertebrate animals.
- Apply basic physiological and ecological concepts to invertebrate animals.
- Identify major invertebrate groups, and describe their key characteristics.
- Identify human impacts on invertebrate populations, and the ecosystems in which they live.
BIOL 317 PARASITOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain basics of the parastic life-mode in context of ecological and evolutionary forces.
- Apply basic physiological, evolutionary and ecological concepts to parastic relationships.
- Identify major parastic groups, and describe their key characteristics.
- Describe the impact of parastic infections on human health and history.
- Explain medical and public health aspects of human parastic infections.
BIOL 318 MEDICAL MYCOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe how and why fungi impact our lives.
- Determine how molds differ from other microbes/ bacteria.
- Classify molds.
- Identify characteristics of the major fungal groups.
- Identify major types of pathogenic species.
- Identify disease(s) produced.
- State the major features of fungal pathology
BIO 326 SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the major elements of ethical theory.
- Analyze and present results of complex ethics cases.
- Prepare and give effective oral presentations about ethical issues.
- Perform research and write a 1000 word paper on an aspect of ethics.
BIOL 331 BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the processes and methods used to manipulate living organisms and their products.
- Describe the evolution of modern biotechnology.
- Assess the contribution of biotechnology to medicine, agriculture, food production, gene therapy, forensics and warfare.
- Evaluate realistically the current literature on the uses of biotechnology.
- Discuss the social, ethical and political issues relating to biotechnology.
- Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to analyze current issues in biotechnology.
BIOL 332 CANCER AND SOCIETY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply inductive and deductive reasoning to evaluate the biological mechanisms that lead to the induction of cancer.
- Assess the contribution of environmental and genetic factors to cancer causation.
- Describe the latest techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Identify public health issues and concerns attributable to cancer.
- Evaluate realistically information derived from current literature, news media and on-line sources on the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer.
BIOL 333 EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify public health issues and concerns.
- Assess contributing environmental and behavioral factors and infectious agents that lead to emerging infectious diseases and health problems.
- Describe the reasons of the above factors that lead to public health problems and concerns.
- Explain the mechanisms utilized by the microbial agents to cause emerging infectious diseases.
- Critically assess the psychological, societal and economical impact of public health crises on human populations in their communities, countries and ie world.
BIOL 334 NATURAL HISTORY OF VENTURA COUNTY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Outline the basic principles and philosophies of plant and animal classification.
- Identify unknown local plant and animal species through the use of keys.
- Identify prominent, rare or unusual members of the regional biota.
- Describe conservation issues and problems as they apply to local ecosystems.
- Identify and discuss the basic descriptive and functional properties of several major regional ecosystems.
- Collect and document observational data.
- Prepare a term paper on a natural history topic.
BIOL 335 THE BIOSPHERE
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain how life evolved on the planet.
- Delineate how endosymbiosis can explain the origin of eucaryotic cells.
- Describe the structure and composition of the atmosphere.
- Differentiate between short- and long-term climate change and explain how these changes arise.
- Describe how earth's resources are utilized by humans and the resultant impacts on the environment.
BIOL 342 THE ZOO: CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the roles of biology, business, economics and education within the zoo.
- Analyze the interactions of biology, business, economics and education in a zoo. This analysis will include the ways that these disciplines complement and conflict with one another.
- Reflect in written and oral form on the zoo as a social institution and the role of the zoo in contemporary society.
- Describe the processes of collecting and displaying flora and fauna in zoos.
- Analyze the development of a zoo collection.
- Describe the effects of the macroeconomy on a zoo.
BIOL 345 SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Discuss news media depictions of scientific policy issues.
- Discuss the science that underpins major issues of public policy covered in class.
- Distinguish high quality scientific research from writing that is opinion or ideology driven.
- Evaluate claims made by policy makers regarding the scientific merit of public policies.
- Describe the US science policy making process and evaluate the role of interest groups in decision making.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantates of major public policy decisions.
- Present scientific information in a format understandable by policy makers.
- Locate serious scientific scholarship on issues of public importance
BIOL 400 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply problem-solving skills to biological problems and issues.
- Write up the results of an experimental study in a lab report.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Explain the function, replication and evolution of genomes.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to solve biological problems.
BIOL 401 BIOTECHNOLOGY AND RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNIQUES
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe biocatalysis, pathway engineering, bioprocess control and downstream processing.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Explain the theory and practice of recombinant DNA technology.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to the spectrum of fields making use of biotechnology.
BIOL 402 TOXICOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply problem-solving skills to toxicity problems and issues.
- Evaluate biological factors that influence toxicity.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Describe the nature and actions of chemicals on biological systems.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to toxicity testing.
BIOL 403 FOUNDATIONS OF STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of the techniques required to resolve the atomic structure of proteins and small molecules.
- Describe various patterns and forms of macromolecules in the biological systems.
- Describe the role of individual amino acids with respect to structure and function.
- Identify the properties of biological macromolecules.
- State principles of molecular evolution.
- Cite examples of conformational changes of macromolecules.
- Explain the effects of conformational changes of macromolecules on their biological functions.
- Using computational systems to visualize proteins in a virtual 3D setting and predict modifications of structure and
binding of small molecules.
BIOL 404 PLANT AND ANIMAL TISSUE CULTURE
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Grow, maintain, and propagate specific plant and animal cell types in a sterile environment.
- Handle, store and identify cells in culture.
- Count, identify and assess viability of cells by microscopic examination.
- Identify the problems associated with growing, storing and identifying a wide range of different cell types.
- Describe how cell culture can be used for in vitro studies and commercial applications.
- Analyze data using appropriate techniques .
- Construct an accurate record of their laboratory work, in the form of a lab notebook including time plans and reports of their activities.
- Produce a report of their work, which employs a range of skills of written expression and uses appropriate vocabulary consisting of a practical report.
BIOL 405 BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Model and analyze simple bioreactor systems, including chemostats and enzyme batch reactors, using first principles models.
- Analyze metabolic pathway models for application to chemostat reaction systems.
- Design procedures fro expression of foreign genes in E. coli using principles of cellular chemistry.
- Develop a historical exposition of biotechnology.
- Analyze batch bioreactor data.
- Evaluate separations systems for cell separation and purification of intracellular and secreted compounds from bacterial and animal cell cultures.
BIOL 406 EVOLUTIONARY BIOGEOGRAPHY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Relate patterns in current species distributions to past geological and climatic events.
- Describe Earth's major biogeographic regions.
- Contrast the biotic and abiotic processses that govern species ranges.
- Distinguish between models of dispersal and vicariance for disjunct species distributions.
- Interpret an area cladogram.
- Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of island biogeography.
BIOL 407 BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the influence of natural selection on behavior.
- Describe and give examples of reproductive behaviors and mating strategies employed by animals.
- Explain coorporative and competive behavioral interactions.
- Define eusociality and explain the costs and benefits of this strategy.
BIOL 408 NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Understand the essential features of biology and nanotechnology that are converging to create the new area of nanobiotechnology.
- Characterize the behavior of molecules and molecular systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge if nano-biotechnological systems and devices.
- Perform basic calculations of the behavior of nano-bio systems.
- Read, explain, and discuss scientific papers in the nanobiotechnology field.
- Give an oral presentation based on the scientific literature from the nanobiotechnology field.
BIOL 416 RADIOBIOLOGY AND RADIONUCLIDES
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the basic concepts and principles of radiation physics
- Explain the genetic effects of ionizing radiation.
- Calculate radiation doses and estimate risk.
- Use a variety of simulation programs, featuring data analysis and display, to derive conclusions about radiation exposure and dose.
- Explain the principles of radiation protection.
- Explain the principles of operation of various radiation detectors.
- Critically evaluate scientific and medical literature.
- Organize and express ideas clearly and convincingly in oral and written forms.
BIOL 420 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify major components of the immune system at organ, cellular and molecular levels.
- Discuss normal functions of these components during immune responses.
- Elucidate the relationship between major cellular and molecular components of the immune system.
- Explain adverse functions of these cellular and molecular components during abnormal circumstances.
- Describe mechanisms of diseases associated with adverse functions of the immune system.
- Apply immunologic techniques to solve certain clinical and research problems.
BIOL 421 VIROLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the general properties of viruses.
- Differentiate viruses from other types of microbial agents.
- Elucidate the mechanisms viruses use to replicate in their hosts.
- Explain the pathogenic mechanisms of viral diseases.
- Describe immune defense mechanisms used by the host to fight against viral agents.
- Describe the concept, practice and significance of immunization.
- Identify major diagnostic techniques used to assess viruses in various specimens.
- Name major pathogenic viruses and the diseases they cause.
- Apply the knowledge learned from this course to prevent viral infections.
BIOL 422 MOLECULAR PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the process of photosynthesis at the molecular level.
- Describe the structure and function of plant cells.
- Explain growth, development and differentiation in plants.
- Discuss applications of biotechnology to plant research
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test the hypothesis.
BIOL 423 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the function and structure of cells comprising the nervous system.
- Explain, at the molecular level, chemical and electrical signaling in the nervous system.
- Explain how genes are regulated in the nervous system.
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test the hypothesis.
BIOL 424 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the function and structure of cells including the metabolic reactions that occur in cells.
- Outline, at the molecular level, the transmission of signals in excitable cells.
- Explain the structure and function of organ systems in the human body.
BIOL 425 HUMAN GENETICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply quantitative problem-solving skills to human genetics problems and issues.
- Evaluate biological factors that influence human heredity.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Explain the molecular and biochemical basis, diagnosis and treatment of genetic disease.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to genetic screening.
BIOL 426 HEMATOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify the morphology and functions of normal blood cells.
- Describe blood cell differentiation and metabolism.
- Explain pathogenesis of hematologic diseases.
- Apply clinical diagnostic technology to identify normal and diseased blood cells.
- Identify the psychological and societal impact of epidemic blood diseases.
- Explain the impact of pandemic human blood diseases on world civilization and economy.
BIOL 427 DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Outline and compare the developmental stages which occur in a variety of animal phyla.
- Explain the mechanisms which lead to cell determination.
- Describe the evolutionary conservation of developmental mechanisms.
- Generate a hypothesis from a set of observations and then design experiments to test the hypothesis.
BIOL 428 BIOLOGY OF CANCER
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Evaluate biological factors that influence human cancer.
- Demonstrate their ability to reason both inductively and deductively with experimental information and data.
- Explain the molecular and biochemical basis, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to cancer screening and therapy.
BIOL 431 BIOINFORMATICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the flow and regulation of biological information.
- Describe the techniques used to collect sequence and expression data.
- Identify appropriate biological data bases for specific analyses.
- Manipulate on-line resources appropriately.
- Analyze gene expression and interpret its significance.
- Manage bioinformatics tools.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods to determine sequence similarities.
BIOL 432 PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Determine circumstances under which disease occurs or health prevails in human populations.
- Identify environmental health issues in local communities, society at large and in the world.
- Select and apply experimental procedures to solve epidemiological problems.
- Apply quantitative problem-solving skills to public health problems and environmental health issues.
- Reason both inductively and deductively with experimental, demographic information and data.
- Apply the knowledge and skills learned from this course in managing and planning health and environmental systems.
BIOL 433 ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe plant and animal distribution patterns in relation to abiotic and biotic factors.
- Define the essential characteristics underlying natural ecosystems.
- Explain model population and community-level dynamics.
- Interpret and present ecological results.
- Identify global environmental problems.
BIOL 434 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL IMAGING
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of five clinical imaging modalities.
- Analyze the images in terms of the structure and function of the organs imaged.
- Compare the diagnostic utility of images from different modalities.
- Use image processing software to enhance clinical images.
- Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of medical imaging.
- Critically evaluate scientific and medical literature.
- Analyze complex issues in diagnostic imaging.
- Organize and express ideas clearly and convincingly in oral and written forms.
BIOL 450 ICHTHYOLOGY: THE BIOLOGY OF FISHES
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the progression and major steps in fish evolution.
- Describe and apply the classification system of fishes.
- Apply basic physiological and ecological concepts to fishes.
- Identify major fish groups and local native species, and describe their key characteristics.
- Identify human impacts on fish populations, and the ecosystems in which they live.
BIOL 451 ORNITHOLOGY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Describe the current theories on the evolution and diversification of birds.
- State the basic physiological and behavioral adaptations of birds .
- Explain the basic ecological dynamics of birds .
- Identify the current conservation concerns about birds and how they might address these concerns .
- Differentiate Californian bird species.
BIOL 464 MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the principles and basic concepts of modern clinical imaging equipment.
- Define the facets of image quality and identify the components contributing to them.
- Compute transmission time of an image over a network.
- Explain the factors determining image quality in digital fluoroscopy.
- Outline the features of x-ray sources, detectors, collimators, and display systems used in x-ray CT.
- Describe the different approaches to the reconstruction of CT images from projection measurements.
- Characterize the properties of an ultrasound transducer, and its utility within an ultrasound imaging system.
- Describe the three modes of ultrasound imaging.
- Explain the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance.
- Explain the pulsing and signal acquisition scheme used in three common pulse sequences.
BIOL 490 SPECIAL TOPICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify topic appropriate research materials.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources.
- Report on chosen topic in written and oral form.
BIOL 491 SPECIAL LABORATORY TOPICS
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify topic appropriate research materials.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources.
- Report on chosen topic in written and oral form.
BIOL 492 INTERNSHIP
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain the processes and methods used in industrial and/or research settings.
- Apply the concepts and principles learned in biology courses to the industrial and/or research arena.
- Design experiments to test scientific hypotheses.
- Analyze data and apply appropriate statistical tests.
- Evaluate research outcomes.
BIOL 493 SERVICE LEARNING AT THE ZOO
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Prepare, evaluate and complete actions in response to a need identified by a local zoo with integral involvement of professionals at the zoo.
- Work collaboratively with others on real-life problems.
- Reflect critically on service experiences at a local zoo.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the nature of social and civic responsibility in relation to subject expertise.
- Articulate clear service learning goals for everyone involved in a service learning project at a local zoo.
BIOL 494 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Design and carry out experiments.
- Identify topic appropriate research materials.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources.
- Report on chosen topic in written and oral form.
BIOL 497 DIRECTED STUDY
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify topic appropriate research materials.
- Synthesize information from a variety of sources.
- Report on chosen topic in written and oral form.
BIOL 499 SENIOR CAPSTONE
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Discuss and critique scientific journal articles.
- Apply knowledge and skills from previous coursework to interpret scientific literature.
- Identify topic appropriate research materials.
- Write a paper that synthesizes information from multiple sources.
- Report on a topic in oral form.
- Discuss societal issues related to biological science.
