This is a list of undergraduate courses offered at CSU Channel Islands.
Undergraduate Courses
BIOL 100 - EXPLORING THE LIVING WORLD (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
An overview of biology from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Topics include the origin, diversity and evolution of life, ecology of populations and communities, the structure and function of plant and animal organ systems, biological molecules, cellular structure/function, genetics and cell division. No credit given toward the major in Biology. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 100
Lab fee $25, GenEd: B2
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BIOL 110 - LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Explains the origins of life on Earth and the conditions for life to be discovered on other worlds. Current and potential means of exploring space will be discussed such as: Mars rovers, radio telescopes and the promise and limitations of interstellar travel. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 110
Graded: Optional
Same as: ASTR 110, PHYS 110, GenEd: B1, B2
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BIOL 150 - CRITICAL THINKING FOR SCIENCE MAJORS (4)
Four hours seminar per week
This freshman course integrates the CI mission, critical thinking, and strategies to promote student success in the context of evidence-based reasoning. Students will develop quantitative, information, and scientific literacy, and oral and written communication skills. CHEM/BIOL 150 promotes success in major core courses and/or introduces students planning on a major in the sciences to CIs interdisciplinary approach to scientific, evidence based reasoning.
Graded: Letter Grade
Same as: CHEM 150
GenEd: A3
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BIOL 170 - FOUNDATIONS OF LIFE SCIENCE (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
This course meets the needs of prospective elementary school teachers. The course will cover a broad spectrum of topics including introduction to scientific inquiry with living organisms, physiology, cell biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Current issues in biology will also be considered. The laboratories will focus on hands-on activities particularly relevant to elementary school students. No credit given toward the major in Biology.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 170
Lab fee $25, GenEd: B2
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BIOL 200 - PRINCIPLES OF ORGANISMAL AND POPULATION BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
An introduction to the biology of organisms including ecology, evolution, diversity and human impacts. The ecology unit includes discussion of population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Evolution covers natural selection and the Darwinian revolution, origin of species, and other evolutionary processes. Diversity covers systematic and taxonomy, and a tour of life on Earth including viruses, prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants and animals. Human impacts on biological systems will be discussed. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 200
Lab fee $40, GenEd: B2
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BIOL 201 - PRINCIPLES OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: CHEM 105 or CHEM 121
This course will cover principles of basic chemistry, biological macromolecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, homeostasis, metabolism including both respiration and photosynthesis, cell division, signal transduction, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics including transcription and translation, and a brief introduction to virology and immunology. The philosophy of science, scientific method and experimental design are foundational to the course. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 201
Lab fee $40, GenEd: B2
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BIOL 203 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR BIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture
Prerequisite: A passing score on the Entry Level Mathematics Exam (ELM) or MATH 105 or equivalent
This course introduces students in the biological sciences to the quantitative skills and technological tools necessary to evaluate the literature and carry out original research in the discipline. Topics include the principles of biological sampling design, hypothesis generation for biological experiments, collection of observational and experimental data, statistical analysis and interpretation of biological data, and the presentation of results. Laboratories will emphasize microcomputer technology and software applications likely to be encountered in the biological sciences. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 203
GenEd: B3, B4
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BIOL 210 - HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week.
Study of gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include homeostasis, cell structure/function, histology, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the digestive system and the nervous and sensory systems. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 210
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 211 - HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 210
Study of gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the integumentary system, the endocrine system, the circulatory system, the immune system, the respiratory system, the urinary system and the reproductive system. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 211
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 212 - NEUROBIOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCE (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Principles of brain organization and function underlying behavior. Topics include neuroanatomy and physiology of language, vision, sexual behavior, memory and abnormal behavior. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 212
Same as: PSY 212
GenEd: B2, E
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BIOL 213 - SEX, GERMS AND DISEASES (3)
Three hours lecture/discussion per week
This is a course to introduce biology of sexually transmitted diseases and their impact on society. It covers reproductive system, factors in the spread of diseases, biology and pathogenesis of infectious agents and sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Topics also include impact of current biotechnology in relation to vaccine development, treatment and improved diagnostics of these diseases as well as challenges of these diseases to economy, public health system, individuals, and society at large. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 213
GenEd: B2, E
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BIOL 217 - MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY (4)
Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week
Study of disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites, emphasizing microbial structure, genetics, physiology and pathogenesis of microorganisms. Topics also include interaction between pathogens and their hosts, diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention as well as impact of infectious diseases on psychology, society, economy and global affairs. Microbial culturing, identification, differentiation and clinical diagnostic assays will be studied in the laboratory. No credit given toward the biology major except for students enrolled in the Clinical Laboratory Science Emphasis.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 217
Lab fee $40
GenEd: B2
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BIOL 218 - HUMAN BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture per week and three hours lab per week
An introduction to the biology of humans. The structure and function of cells, tissues, and major organ systems of the human body will be emphasized. Additional topics will include human heredity, evolution, and impacts on the environment. No credit given toward the Biology major.
Lab fee $40
Graded: Letter Grade
GenEd: B2, B3
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BIOL 220 - STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS AND SOCIAL IMPACT (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Examines the impact of stem cell technology in our society. Topics include basic concepts of stem cell biology, ethical concerns surrounding stem cell technology both from individual and social points of view, legal aspects of the technology, and an overview of the potential contributions of stem cells to the emerging field of regenerative medicine. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 220
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BIOL 300 - CELL BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Detailed study of the organization and functioning of cells and cellular organelles at the cellular and molecular levels, emphasizing experimental approaches and structural and functional relationships and their regulation and control. Topics include macromolecules, membrane phenomena, metabolism, enzyme kinetics, and cellular events associated with excitable cells and tissues. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 300
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 301 - MICROBIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
An introduction to the structure, function and diversity of microorganisms. Explores topics including microbial identification, diversity, metabolism, pathology, microbial ecology, and the role of microbes in human society. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 301
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 302 - GENETICS (4)
Three hours lecture and one hour recitation per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Principles of classical transmission genetics, population genetics, with an introduction to modern molecular genetics. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 302
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BIOL 303 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and 201
This course will examine principles of biological evolution. Topics include evolutionary genetics, adaptation and natural selection, the fossil record, speciation and macroevolution. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 303
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BIOL 304 - COMPARATIVE ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and 201
This course will use a comparative approach to examine physiological principles in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Topics include homeostasis, respiration, excretion and physiological adaptations to environmental conditions. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 304
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BIOL 305 - BIOLOGY OF AGING (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 211
Current understanding of biological basis of human aging and senescence processes, including systemic, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from health to senescence, evolutionary and comparative aspects of aging, measurement of aging, and the consequences of normal aging processes on various human systems. No credit given toward the Biology major. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 305
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BIOL 310 - VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Vertebrate animals are the most visible animals in most ecosystems. Surveys the diversity of vertebrate evolution, physiology, anatomy, ecology, life history and conservation. Regional and marine vertebrates will be emphasized. Identification of common vertebrate animals, especially local forms. Field trips will be required. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 310
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 311 - PLANT BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 or Consent of Instructor
Introduction to the structure, function, and diversity of land plants. Topics include basic plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, evolution, identification, and a survey of major lineages including mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and flowering plants. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 311
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 312 - MARINE BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Overview of the complexity of marine life including marine plants and animals and the processes that underlie their distribution and abundance in open oceans, coastal regions, estuaries and wetlands. Topics included diverse interactions of organisms in the intertidal zone, over the continental shelves and in the open oceans. Field trips to local marine environments will be taken. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 312
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 313 - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
This course explores issues surrounding the conservation of biodiversity. Topics to be covered include: species-, population-, and ecosystem-level issues, biodiversity, extinction, sustained yield, exotic species, and reserve design. Management implications and the ecology of issues are integrated throughout the course. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 313
Lab fee $25
Same as: ESRM 313
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BIOL 316 - INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
This course will survey invertebrates from simple, single-celled protists to the most complex of invertebrate animals. Over ninety-five percent of the animals on earth are invertebrates – animals without backbones. Aspects of the ecology, physiology and evolutionary history of this diverse array of animals will be examined. Human interactions with invertebrates and conservation issues will also be highlighted. Field trips will be required. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 316
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 317 - PARASITOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
This course surveys the diversity of parasitic animals and protists. The parasitic life mode is found in a broad range of animal and protistan phyla, as well as some plant groups. Parasite-host relationships are often tightly co-evolved. Parasites have remarkable and complex adaptations to allow survival and successful reproduction and dispersal. Topics examined will include evolution and life histories of representative parasites, along with medical and epidemiological factors of those that affect humans or domestic animals. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 317
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 318 - MEDICAL MYCOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Surveys the structure, nutritional requirements, ecology, and economic importance of fungi. Topics will include the impact of fungi both on natural ecosystems and human civilization with emphasis on the biology of fungi causing major diseases in humans.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 318
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 319 - PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND IDENTIFICATION (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Identification and diversity of seed plants with an emphasis of the flora of California. Topics include principles of plant classification, evolution, and distribution, classical and modern systematics research methods, laboratory and field study of common North American plant families, and skills development for identification of species. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 319
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BIOL 320 - DEEP-SEA BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Overview of the diversity and complexity of deep-sea life and ecology. Starting from the photic zone and working down to the abyss, topics will include food webs, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and adaptations to low-light, high-pressure, extreme environments. Ecosystems reviewed will include open ocean, continental shelves, deep benthic communities, hydrothermal vents and seeps, whale falls, and more. Additional topics include the history, technology and exploration of the deep-sea, as well as conservation and anthropogenic interactions such as deep-sea fishing and hydrothermal vent mining. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 320
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 325 - SCIENCE OF THE SEA (3)
Three hours lecture per week
A general introduction to the global oceans. It will provide a broad overview of the history, chemistry, physics, and biology of the oceans.
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 332 - CANCER AND SOCIETY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
The underlying molecular causes of cancer, the impact of environmental and genetic factors on cancer causation and prevention, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and the impact that this disease, which will affect one in three adults, has on society. No credit given toward the biology major.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 332
Graded: Graded
GenEd: B2, D, UDIGE
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BIOL 333 - EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
Discussion of emerging infectious diseases and other health related issues with global concerns such as AIDS, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, cardiovascular diseases, animal and bird diseases which may be transmitted to people, food and blood safety issues, environmental public health hazards, immigration and weapons and their impact on human and animal populations in the world and the ecosystem.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 333
GenEd: B2, E, UDIGE
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BIOL 335 - THE BIOSPHERE (3)
Three hours of lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
The biosphere, the region of the planet where life exists, extends up into the atmosphere as well down into the deepest ocean trenches. This course will examine the origin, workings and human influence on earth's biosphere. Topics include: evolution of life on earth, atmosphere and climate change, earth's resources and human impacts. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 335
GenEd: B2, UDIGE
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BIOL 336 - FROM EGGS TO EMBRYOS (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing and successful completion of Golden Four GE Areas (A1, A2, A3, B4)
A fertilized egg can give rise to a vast cellular society containing trillions of cells with hundreds of different functions. This course will explore this amazing process by examining reproduction and development in a variety of animals, including humans. Technological, ethical, and environmental issues related to reproduction and development will be discussed. No credit given toward the biology major.
Graded: Letter Grade
GenEd: UDGE-B
CI Mission Category(s): Interdisciplinary Approaches
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BIOL 342 - THE ZOO: CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND RECREATION (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
An interdisciplinary study of zoos and zoological gardens from scientific, managerial, business, recreational and educational perspectives. Analyzes how these perspectives are linked within zoo practices. The course will include an in-depth case study of a local zoo. Field trips to local zoos will be required. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 342
Same as BUS 342, ECON 342 and EDUC 342
GenEd: D, UDIGE
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BIOL 345 - SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY(3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
Examines the relationship between science, politics, and public policy and prepares students to make informed decisions concerning the societal implications of many rapidly advancing avenues of scientific research.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 345
Same as POLS 345
GenEd: D, UDIGE
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BIOL 389 - THE SCIENCE OF ART AND THE ART OF SCIENCE (3)
Three hours lecture per week
One hour lecture and four hours activity per week
Prerequisite: ART 108 or BIO 200 or Consent of Instructor
An interdisciplinary course that explores various aspects of scientific drawing and multimedia. Develops artistic skills that effectively illustrate biological creatures and scientific concepts. Artistic techniques include digital arts, illustration, animation and game design. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 389
Same as ART 389
BIOL 400 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 or 302 with a grade of C or better
Study of informational macromolecules and how they direct molecular processes in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Topics include structure, function and regulation of the genetic material at the molecular level, gene organization, structures and functions of DNA, RNA and proteins, gene transcription and expression, RNA processing, genomics and proteomics. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 400
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 401 - BIOTECHNOLOGY AND RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNIQUES (5)
Three hours lecture and six hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 400 with a grade of C or better
Theory and application of molecular biotechnology to problems in medicine, agriculture, forensics, and the environment. This is a laboratory-intensive course emphasizing technical skills in DNA and RNA manipulation, trouble-shooting, experimental design, and data interpretation. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 401
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 404 - PLANT AND ANIMAL TISSUE CULTURE (3)
Two hours lecture per week and three hours laboratory per week
Introductory course in the theory and concepts of animal and plant cell and tissue culturing including the fundamentals of tissue culture techniques, subculturing and maintenance of cell lines and stem cell technology. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 404
Lab fee $75
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BIOL 406 - EVOLUTIONARY BIOGEOGRAPHY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 303
Examines the spatial and temporal distribution of plant and animal groups with emphasis on historical, environmental and biological processes governing current patterns of species and habitat geography. Integrates theory and analytical tools from geology, paleontology, ecology, evolution and genetics to study the effects of global change on biodiversity. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 406
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BIOL 407 - BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Examination of the evolutionary and ecological basis for animal behavior. Topics include: cooperative and competitive interactions, mating systems, reproductive behavior and eusociality. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 407
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 420 - CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Study of cellular and molecular aspects of the immune system and its responses against infectious agents and/or environmental insults. Included are development of the organs and cells of the immune system, genetics of the molecules of the immune system and their functions and interactions during an immune response, immunological disorders such as immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and contemporary immunological techniques used in clinical diagnosis and other modern research and development applications.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 420
Lab fee $60
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BIOL 421 - VIROLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 301 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Study of aspects of molecular structure, genetics, and replication of viruses and other sub-viral agents such as prions and viroids, virus-host interactions, pathogenesis of viral infections, diagnostic virology, and antiviral vaccines and drugs; emphasis on human pathogens. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 421
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BIOL 422 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better
This course is an introduction to the physiology of plants. Topics include plant biochemical, molecular, and cellular processes, as well as organism biology in plants responsible for their growth, development and for their responses to the external environment. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 422
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 423 - CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Study of the nervous system at cellular and molecular levels including cellular structure of neurons and their function and interactions, neurotransmitters and their function and regulation, chemical agents and their effects on neuronal cells and normal responses by the cells and the molecules of the nervous system and their responses under adverse conditions. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 423
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BIOL 424 - HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C better and CHEM 122
Study of human physiology at both the cellular and organ system levels including neurophysiology, muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiration, kidney function, hormone function and reproduction. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 424
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BIOL 425 - HUMAN GENETICS (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 and 302 with grades of C or better and CHEM 122
Basic principles of human inheritance, including the transmission of genetic traits, chromosomal abnormalities and their effects, gene structure and function, pedigree analysis, gene mapping, cytogenetics, mutations and mutagenic agents, cancer genetics, molecular analysis of inherited diseases and genetically controlled phenomena in humans. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 425
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BIOL 426 - HEMATOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300
Study of human blood, including histological, physiological, biochemical and clinical examination of blood. Topics include blood cell differentiation, development, iron metabolism, pathology, clinical diagnostic technology. Psychological and societal impact of human blood diseases and their impact on world civilizations and economy will be also studied. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 426
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 427 - DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
This course will use descriptive, experimental and comparative approaches in the study of animal development. Developmental stages including gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and organogenesis will be discussed in a variety of animal phyla. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying morphogenesis and the evolutionary conservation of developmental mechanisms in various animal phyla will be examined. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 427
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 428 - BIOLOGY OF CANCER (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Principles of oncology are examined. Included are mechanisms of oncogenesis at cellular and molecular levels, characteristics of cancer, advantages and disadvantages of various therapies of cancer treatment. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 428
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BIOL 431 - BIOINFORMATICS (4)
Four hours lecture in the lab per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 302 with a grade of C or better
Navigation and manipulation of biological databases. Topics include: multiple sequence alignment, phylogeny estimation, gene expression profiling, protein structure prediction, and functional genomics.
Course Learning Objectives BIOL 431
Lab fee $40
GenEd: B2, B4, UDIGE
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BIOL 432 - PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and CHEM 122 with a grade of C or better. For Nursing majors and Pre-Nursing students, CHEM 110 and BIOL 217 may substitute for CHEM 122 and BIOL 201.
Distribution and dynamics of human health problems and principles and procedures used to determine circumstances under which disease occurs or health prevails and to aid in managing and planning health and environmental systems. The broadened scope of epidemiology is examined through case studies and community and environmental health approach. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 432
Graded: Graded
GenEd: B2, D, UDIGE
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BIOL 433 - ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Ecological characteristics of natural ecosystems and basic effects of human society upon those systems. Plant Ecological characteristics of natural ecosystems and basic effects of human society upon those systems. Plant and animal distribution patterns in relation to past and present physical and biotic factors. Issues of resource management, population, food production, global environmental problems will also be emphasized to explore future directions. Field trips to local ecosystems will be taken. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 433
Graded: Graded
GenEd: B2, UDIGE
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BIOL 435 - ETHNOBOTANY (3)
Three hours lecture
Prerequisite: BIOL 210, Junior Standing or Consent of Instructor
Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary area that allows students to integrate science and culture as a way of understanding human reliance on plants and the environment. The course combines the study of the interaction of people and plants with a broad survey of the diversity of plants described both scientifically and culturally. Students learn about the social impact of plants on culture while becoming knowledgeable in the science, characteristics, uses, and names of the major plant phyla. This course has a substantive writing requirement. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 435
Graded: Graded
GenEd: B2, UDIGE
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BIOL 450 - ICHTHYOLOGY: THE BIOLOGY OF FISHES (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
This course will survey the diversity of living and fossil fishes. Fishes are the largest and most diverse group of vertebrate animals. Aspects of the ecology, physiology and evolutionary history of these animals will be examined. Extensive human interactions with fishes and particularly conservation issues will be highlighted. Emphasis will be placed on the identification and biology of California coastal and inland species. Field trips will be required. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 450
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 451 - ORNITHOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 201
Introduces the evolution, diversification, anatomy, physiology, classification, ecology, behavior, conservation and special adaptations of birds in the world. It requires study and identification in the field and laboratory. Repeatable up to 8 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 451
Lab fee $40
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BIOL 452 - ENTOMOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Explore the biology of the most successful and diverse group of organisms on Earth: insects. Insect morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior, taxonomy, and evolutionary history of the major insect orders will be discussed, as will the importance of insects to humans and biological control. Laboratories will emphasize collection, mounting and preservation techniques for insect specimens, as well as identification to the level of insect order and families. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 452
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BIOL 453 - METHODS IN POPULATION AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200, 203 and MATH 150
Explore the biology of the most successful and diverse group of organisms on Earth: insects. Insect Discuss the mechanisms governing population dynamics and community structure. Mathematical models for population growth, predator-prey interactions, competition, island biogeographs, and food webs will be explored. Computer labs will emphasize the analysis of ecological datasets. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 453
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BIOL 454 - CONSERVATION GENETICS (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and BIOL 201
Presents an overview of endangered species and critical habitat management. The implications of small populations will be examined from a genetic and evolutionary perspective. This will include case studies of endangered and threatened taxa. Local and global issues pertaining to the conservation of biodiversity, including the assessment of threats and protection strategies, will be discussed.
Lab Fee $40
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 470 - PLANT PATHOLOGY (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300
Plant pathology is the science of plant diseases, the microorganisms that cause them, and their interactions. The objective of this course is to introduce students to the many plant pathogens, examples of the types of disease they cause, their fundamental biology, and the principles and concepts of their spread, and management. Agriculturally important diseases of crops will be discussed. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 470
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 471 - SOIL SCIENCE (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and CHEM 122
Provides students with a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of soil systems: the kinds of organisms that inhabit soil, microbe-plant interactions, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and plant production. Soil is a habitat for plant roots and plant symbionts, plant pathogens, bacteria and fungi, and macrofauna (i.e. earthworms and vertebrates). Understanding the below ground environment and its complexity is crucial for understanding soil fertility and the role that soils play in agriculture, environmental quality and global environmental change. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 471
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 472 - INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Integrated pest management is a comprehensive approach to monitoring and controlling agricultural pest in an environmentally acceptable manner. The ecological principles of pest management will be presented and practiced as they relate to plant pathogens, weeds and arthropod pests. The major strategies for controlling pests, including the use of natural predators, cultural practices and chemical applications, will be discussed. Students will also examine the current pest management practices of local agricultural systems. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 472
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 473 - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Explores local and global issues pertaining to sustainable agriculture. We will examine theoretical and practical aspects of food production from ecological, as well as social and economic perspectives. Topics will include soil fertility, crop selection, irrigation, pest management and sustainable food delivery systems. The laboratory will explore sustainable practices in a garden setting and in local agricultural systems. We will also discuss the challenges of food production in hotter and dryer conditions stemming from climate change. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 473
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 474 - ADVANCED TOPICS IN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Covers new developments in agricultural production systems. Repeatable by topic. Repeatable by topic up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 474
Graded: Graded
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BIOL 475 - APICULTURE AND BEE BIOLOGY (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200 or Consent of instructor
This course will discuss the evolution and diversity of bees in the context of their morphology, behavior, and co-evolutionary relationships with plants. The honey bee will serving as a model for understanding bee development, nutrition, physiology, and reproduction. The history of beekeeping will be presented in relation to the agricultural products and services provided. The course will also provide an introduction to modern beekeeping and discuss current factors affecting bee health including pests, pathogens, and management practices. Alternative crop pollinators and the pollination requirements of locally important crops will also be presented.
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 476 - APICULTURE AND BEE BIOLOGY LAB (1)
Three hours lab per week
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200 and Consent of instructor required for enrollment
Corequisite(s): BIOL 475
This laboratory course is intended to complement the lecture by providing students hands on experience in handling bees. Students will be exposed to the diversity of bees and their behaviors, as well as taught how to examine honey bee colonies and basic beekeeping techniques. Laboratory exercises will also encompass honey bee products, crop pollination, and how to promote solitary bees.
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 477 - SUSTAINABLE INSECT H (4)
Three hours lecture and three hours lab per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 200
Introduces students to sustainable animal husbandry practices, with a focus on insects as livestock. Topics will include the nutrition, development, reproduction and diseases of focal species, including model research organisms, biological control agents, edible insect and crop pollinators. Emphasis will be placed on the practice of raising insects as agricultural products. Field trips will be taken to local insectaries. Lab activities will focus on maintaining insect colonies and modeling population growth.
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 490 - SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3)
Three hours seminar per week
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
In-depth analysis of current topics in biology. Topics vary each semester. Repeatable by topic up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 490
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BIOL 491 - SPECIAL LABORATORY TOPICS (1-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122
Laboratory study of a selected topic, the title of which is to be specified in advance. Repeatable by topic. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 491
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BIOL 492 - INTERNSHIP (2)
Six hours independent study per week
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and program approval
Supervised work and study in work situations involving biological research and technical skills. May involve service learning. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 492
Graded: CR/NC
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BIOL 494 - INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (2)
Six hours independent study per week
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and program approval
Laboratory and/or library research that may involve service learning in selected areas of biology conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Students will be required to participate in biology program laboratory safety training. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 494
Graded: CR/NC
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BIOL 495 - AGRICULTURE INTERNSHIP (2-3)
Variable credit 2-3 units of independent study. Weekly one hour seminar
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required for enrollment
Supervised work and study for students interested in becoming Pest Control Advisers. Students will learn research and technical skills in relation to plant health, integrated pest management or production systems. May involve service learning. Weekly 1-hour seminar to discuss current issues in the agricultural industry. Repeatable by topic. Repeatable up to 9 units.
Graded: Letter Grade
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BIOL 497 - DIRECTED STUDY (2)
Six hours independent study per week
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and program approval
Reading and library research that may involve service learning in selected areas of biology conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 497
Graded: CR/NC
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BIOL 499 - SENIOR CAPSTONE (3)
Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Integration of previous coursework, knowledge and skills as they apply to specific topics in Biology and the impact of biological science on society. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of scientific literature, problem solving and oral and written communication skills. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 499
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