2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog

BIOL 111. Principles of Biology. (4).

For non-majors or students not pursuing a preprofessional program related to biology. Includes general biological principles and a survey of the plant and animal organisms. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 1/2 hours/week.

BIOL 111L. Principles of Biology Lab. (0).

BIOL 115. Current Issues in Marine Biology. (3).

This course is designed for non-science majors and is an introduction to marine biology via current issues and problems facing our world's ocean environment. Topics include coastal population growth and associated pollution, fisheries, and fisheries management, plastics in the ocean, climate chance and ocean acidification, mercury in seafood, beach erosion, alien species, marine biodiversity and coral reel ecology/decline. The course includes both lecture and laboratory experiences.

BIOL 118. The Oceans. (4).

For non-majors or students pursuing a minor in environmental studies. This general survey of geological and biological processes in the ocean has a strong environmental emphasis. Laboratory exercises and field trips illustrate and complement lecture material. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 1/2 hours/week. (cross-listed with GEOL 118).

BIOL 118L. The Oceans Lab. (0).

BIOL 120. Introduction to Ecology and Populations. (3).

This course is an introduction to the history of evolutionary thought and the mechanisms of evolution, including species formation and the use of phylogenetic information. Diversity of living organisms, from prokaryotes to advanced multicellular organisms, will be discussed with an emphasis on evolutionary relationships. The principles of population and community ecology will be treated. Ecosystems and the environmental impacts of human activities will also be discussed. No prerequisites. (offered fall semester).

BIOL 121. Intro to Cells and Organisms. (3).

This course introduces important areas of cell biology such as cell organization of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular membranes, and signaling mechanisms. Included will be discussion of bacteria, virus, fungi, and protists. Further studies will involve a broad comparative survey of animal physiology, including animal motility, respiratory and circulatory physiology, principles of immunology, neurobiology, endocrinology and reproduction. No prerequisites. Recommended: BIOL 120 (offered spring semester).

BIOL 122. Intro. to Genes and Development. (3).

This course introduces the mechanisms of heredity, the expression of genetic information and the means by which genes encode developmental programs. It will be seen that genetics and development are part of a continuous process and that the genetic mechanisms and developmental patterns of living organisms reveal a fundamental kinship of life on earth. Genetics as a tool for the study of biological problems will be introduced, as will some current topics in genomic research and biotechnology. Students willing to explore these topics in greater detail are referred to upper division courses in Genetics, Macromolecular Structure, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology. No prerequisites. Recommended: BIOL 120, BIOL 121. (offered fall semester).

BIOL 123L. Introduction to Biological Experimentation I. (2).

Biology 123 introduces students to the processes of investigative biology and communication. It is not designed to accompany any particular core lecture course. The course is designed to develop the skills students need to progress as young scientists: forming and testing hypotheses, scientific observation, interpreting results, experimentation, analysis and communication of scientific discovery (both oral and written). Laboratories cover some topics presented in some of the core lecture courses (BIOL 120, BIOL 121 and BIOL 122) and introduce a variety of techniques including field sampling, statistical analysis, classification of organisms and physiological measurement. The course emphasizes experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis,integration of results with information reported in the scientific literature and the effective communication of conclusions. Evaluation is based on short lab assignments and scientific papers. A laboratory manual must be purchased. There are no prerequisites. Enrollment is limited to 16 students in each section. (offered fall semester).

BIOL 124L. Introduction to Biological Experimentation II. (2).

Biol 124 continues to expose students to the processes of investigative biology and communication. It is not designed to accompany any particular core lecture course, but should be taken after BIOL 123L. Laboratories cover some topics presented in some of the lecture courses, BIOL 120, BIOL 121 and BIOL 122 and introduce a variety of subjects including virology, gene expression, gene sequence analysis, gene manipulation and bioinformatics. The course emphasizes experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, the integration of results with information reported in the literature and the effective communication of conclusions. In line with the philosophy of our inquiry-based curriculum, Biol 124 culminates in an independent project module, where students design and conduct their own experiments, analyze data (statistically, where appropriate) and present their results in both written and oral communications. Evaluation is based on short lab assignments and scientific papers; students will plan an oral presentation of their independent project. A laboratory manual must be purchased. There are no prerequisites; enrollment is limited to 16 students in each section. (offered spring semester).

BIOL 211. Genes and Genesis. (4).

This course introduces the mechanisms of heredity, the expression of genetic information, and the genetic control of development, emphasizing human biology. A central theme of the course is that we owe our genesis, both as species and as individuals, to the remarkable, and fascinating, properties of genes. Lectures will emphasize the experimental basis for our knowledge of human genetics. Special attention will be focused on issues at the interface of genetics and society (e.g., human reprogenetics: stem cell research, cloning, gene therapy). Students will explore methods of modern genetics, including DNA analysis and bioinformatics, in laboratory exercises that are conducted in lecture class periods.

BIOL 221. Human Anatomy. (4).

Human Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body, from the cellular level to the organismal level with an emphasis on organ systems. While the focus of the course is structure, function will be covered in order to reinforce the interrelationship of the structure and function. Microscopic and gross anatomy will be studied in the laboratory. Specimens studied in lab include microscopic slides, human bones, plastic models, clay models and anatomical specimens and isolated mammalian organs will be used for dissection. Lecture, 3hrs/week; Lab, 2.5 hours/week.

BIOL 221L. Human Anatomy Lab. (0).

BIOL 222. Human Physiology. (4).

Human Physiology is the study of mechanisms that underlie the functioning of the human body, from the molecular level to the organismal level with an emphasis on organ systems. Physiology is a biological science that is inherently interdisciplinary since it utilizes mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. While the focus of the course is physiology, anatomy will be covered in order to reinforce the interrelationship of structure and function. In the laboratory, students will conduct experiments related to the topics covered in the lecture. In the lab, students conduct hands-on investigational activities many of which involve recording and analyzing data from human subjects. Some laboratory exercises involves interactive computer situations. Lecture, 3hrs/week; Lab, 2.5 hours/week. Prerequisites: Human Anatomy BIOL 221 or BIOL 121. High school or college chemistry highly recommended.

BIOL 222L. Human Physiology Lab. (0).

BIOL 223. Human Anatomy. (4).

Human Anatomy is the study of the structure of the human body, from the cellular level to the organismal level with an emphasis on organ systems. While the focus of the course is structure, function will be covered in order to reinforce the interrelationship of structure and function. Microscopic and gross anatomy will be studied in the laboratory. Specimens studied in lab include microscopic slides, human bones, plastic models, clay models, and anatomical images (e.g., micrographs, radiographic images, photos, medical illustrations). Mammalian specimens and isolated mammalian organs will be used for dissection. Lecture, 3 hrs/week; Lab, 2.5 hours/week. Prerequisites: none.

BIOL 223L. Human Anatomy Lab. (0).

BIOL 282. Selected Topic. (1-4).

BIOL 304. Wildflowers of the Sierras. (3).

A study of the flora of the eastern Sierra Nevada, including the classification and ecological relationships of the various species. The major plant families are studied as an aid to identification, and collection techniques are discussed. A field trip to the Sierras is included. (summers only).

BIOL 305. Flora of Southern California. (3).

A study of native and introduced plants of Southern California, relating structure and form to environment. Plant families will be studied as a means of identification. Considerable class time will be spent in the field, observing plant characteristics and learning identification and collection techniques. (summers only).

BIOL 311. Ecology and Evolution. (4).

An introduction to the multidisciplinary nature of ecology, evolution and their underlying processes. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of ecology, evolutionary effects on populations and ecosystems and the relationship between ecological and evolutionary processes. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Lab/Discussion, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L.

BIOL 311L. Ecology and Evolution Lab. (0).

BIOL 312. Darwin. (2).

"Darwin" is a 2-unit seminar course that explores the life and science of Charles Darwin. Students read two biographical books; (1) Charles Darwin: Voyaging and (2) Charles Darwin: the Power of Place. Each biographical sketch is a reflection of Darwin's personal life and how it influenced his scientific discoveries. In addition, the course not only focuses on Darwin but also places his works into a historical context. Students learn about the history of science and about the many scientists who were working at the same time as Charles Darwin. Students discuss matters of biological interest and are required to write summaries of their readings. Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 124L, BIOL 311.

BIOL 325. Environmental Ecology. (4).

A study of ecology with emphasis on humans and the environment. Problems such as overpopulation, food production, water and air pollution, the energy crisis and toxic waste disposal are discussed; their possible solutions are considered along with the social, political and economic ramifications. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 1/2 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122, BIOL 124L or equivalent.

BIOL 325L. Enviromental Ecology Lab. (0).

BIOL 331. Genetics. (4).

This course concerns the mechanisms by which genetic information is stored, decoded and transmitted. We will focus on the experimental basis upon which our understanding of the above mechanisms rests. Methods of genetic analysis that involve interpretation of abstract data will be emphasized, although molecular and bioinformatic approaches, including structural and functional genomics, will be treated. The use of genetic analysis as an incisive tool to dissect biological processes will be a central theme of the course. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 123L.

BIOL 331L. Genetics Lab. (0).

BIOL 332. Macromolecular Structure. (2).

The elaborate interplay of a variety of macromolecules underlies the mechanisms that govern cell function. This advanced course deals with the structure-function relationships of these macromolecular machines. It is intended that students emerge from this course with a deep understanding of the principles that govern macromolecular structure and the functional consequences of these principles. This is a seminar class in which students must assume responsibility for their own learning. Students will come to class prepared to discuss the reading assignment for the week. Lectures will focus on teaching the methods that students will employ to construct a Web-based tutorial on a macromolecule, chosen with input from the professor. Prerequisites: BIOL 122.

BIOL 341. Comparative Anatomy. (4).

The comparative study of vertebrate anatomy within an evolutionary perspective; includes the evolution, development, structure and function of vertebrate systems. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L.

BIOL 341L. Comparative Anatomy Lab. (0).

BIOL 342. Developmental Biology. (4).

This advanced course concerns the mechanisms by which multicellular organisms are constructed. We will focus on the experimental evidence that supports our understanding of these mechanisms. After an introduction to the history of developmental biology, the processes of gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation and organogenesis will be covered. The course will progress to a treatment of some of the mechanisms by which genes are differentially expressed during the embryogenesis of model organisms, including Drosophilia, Xenopus and mouse. We will finish up with considerations of developmental mechanisms of evolutionary change. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L; CHEM 151, CHEM 152. Recommended: BIOL 331; CHEM 201 or CHEM 331.

BIOL 342L. Developmental Biology Lab. (0).

BIOL 343. Invertebrate Zoology. (4).

Studies the morphology, physiology, taxonomy and ecology of most invertebrate phyla. Field trips and laboratory observation of living animals are emphasized. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 123L.

BIOL 343L. Invertebrate Zoology Lab. (0).

BIOL 345. Marine Biology. (4).

The study of marine life of the world, with special emphasis on tidepool and shallow water life of the West Coast. Includes identification, distribution, adaptations of marine forms and their interrelationship to each other. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 123L.

BIOL 345L. Marine Biology Lab. (0).

BIOL 350. Introduction to Neuroscience. (4).

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that examines the fundamental principles that govern the action of neurons and nervous systems. The course covers the structure and function of the nervous system with an emphasis on the mammalian nervous system. There are four main topic areas: the cellular organization of the nervous system; neuronal signaling (the ionic mechanisms underlying electrical activity in the nerve cells and the physiology and biochemistry of synaptic transmission); transduction and coding of sensory information; the generation and coordination of motor output and behavior. Higher order functions such as memory, language, and behavior will be covered.

BIOL 350L. Neuroscience Lab. (0).

BIOL 352. Oceanography. (4).

An introduction to the multidisciplinary nature of oceanography, including the origin and geography of the ocean basins, physical and chemical properties of sea water, the shaping of coastlines, oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns and ecological relationships of marine organisms and the ocean environment. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 1/2 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 123L.

BIOL 352L. Oceanography Lab. (0).

BIOL 361. Microbiology. (4).

Studies the morphology, physiology, taxonomy and ecology of micro-organisms and their role in infection and disease. Lecture,3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122, BIOL 124L or equivalent.

BIOL 361L. Microbiology Lab. (0).

BIOL 375. Cell Biology. (4).

The cellular nature of life is explored by studying prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their component parts at the structural and functional levels. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L; CHEM 151, CHEM 152. Recommended: BIOL 331; CHEM 201 or CHEM 331.

BIOL 375L. Cell Biology Lab. (0).

BIOL 399. Junior Honors. (2).

This class consists of mentored literature research, in which students work closely with a faculty member to develop an approach to address a particular question in biology. Each student will produce several drafts of a literature review/research proposal, which frames the questions being addressed by the proposed research and provides a strategy for an experimental approach(es) to address these questions. The research proposal will serve as the basis for subsequent Senior Honors courses (BIOL 498 and BIOL 499). A student's grade will be determined by quality of the final draft as determined by two faculty readers (the research mentor and one other). Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

BIOL 422. Bioinformatics-Analytical. (4).

BIOL 425. Biochemistry. (3).

The study of the structure and function of proteins and the metabolism of biomolecules. The structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins is covered, as well as topics such an enzymology, membranes and transport, thermodynamics, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and the regulation of metabolic processes. Lecture, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: CHEM 201 or CHEM 332 or consent of instructor (cross-listed with CHEM 425).

BIOL 425L. Biochemistry Lab. (1).

Selected biochemistry lab techniques, including protein purification, enzyme kinetics, chromatography and electrophoresis. Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in BIOL 425 / CHEM 425. (cross-listed with CHEM 425L).

BIOL 426. Molecular Biology. (4).

The study of the structure, biosynthesis, and function of nucleic acids and proteins. Topics include chromatin structure, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code, gene regulation, recombination, mutations, and genomics. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122.

BIOL 426L. Molecular Biology Lab. (0).

BIOL 427. Recombinant DNA Techniques. (2).

Includes the theory and practice of gene cloning, with emphasis on practical knowledge of standard techniques in genetic engineering. Techniques include DNA purification, construction of plasmid gene libraries and DNA sequencing. Lecture, 1 hour/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 331 or BIOL 426.

BIOL 428. Virology. (4).

The study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, including their phylogeny, structure, replication, gene expression, transmission, and virus-host interactions. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122, BIOL 331, or BIOL 426.

BIOL 428L. Virology Lab. (0).

BIOL 434. Medical Microbiology. (2).

The host-parasite relationship with emphasis on bacteria and viruses, including mechanisms involved in disease production as well as host defenses. Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L.

BIOL 452. California Plant Communities. (4).

Students learn to recognize the characteristic plants of the various plant communities of Southern California. Problems resulting from habitat destruction, urbanization and loss of species are discussed. Laboratory includes collection and identification techniques and habitat comparisons. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory and fieldwork, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 123L.

BIOL 452L. California Plant Communities Lab. (0).

BIOL 461. Vertebrate Physiology. (4).

A study of fundamental physiological processes of vertebrate tissues organs and systems. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L; CHEM 151, CHEM 152. Recommended: CHEM 201 or CHEM 331.

BIOL 461L. Vertebrate Physiology Lab. (0).

BIOL 463. Scientific Literature. (2).

An introduction to scientific literature. In this two-unit seminar course, students read scientific papers and analyze the works of other scientists. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 122, BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L, senior standing.

BIOL 482. Selected Topics. (2).

BIOL 482L. Selected Topics Lab. (0).

BIOL 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

BIOL 492. Internship. (1-4).

BIOL 498. Senior Honors I - Capstone. (3).

The class will consist of continuing faculty-mentored research through experimental or observational studies. Students are required to keep an accurate account of their experiments/studies and to meet with their research mentors on a regular basis. A grade will be determined by the student's research mentor, based on effort and quality of research. Prerequisite: BIOL 399.

BIOL 499. Senior Honors II - Capstone. (3).

This class consists of continuing faculty-mentored research through experimental or observational studies. Students are required to keep an accurate account of their experimentals/studies and to meet with their research mentors on a regular basis. A thesis, written in proper scientific format, is required. The thesis and a public presentation of the Honors research will be graded by the research mentor and one additional faculty member. Prerequisite: BIOL 399, BIOL 498.