Biology
Biologists study many aspects of how life operates – from the molecular details of how cells work to how entire ecosystems function. The course offerings in the CLU Biology Department reflect this diversity, with courses ranging from molecular to marine biology.
The Biology Department emphasizes “doing” science rather than listening to it or reading about it. Small classes and the availability of a faculty with diverse research interests allow students to get involved in ongoing scholarship. Students are encouraged to join faculty mentors as collaborators, either in formal laboratory or field classes, or in mentored research outside of the classroom. Undergraduate research projects help make CLU graduates more competitive in their chosen career paths.
At CLU, biology majors typically focus on one of three general career paths: health careers, which include physician, dentist, veterinarian or physical therapist; research in biological fields such as botany, physiology, marine biology, ecology, genetics or molecular biology; or teaching.
Careers in biology are available in both government and private companies and include positions in research, teaching, administration and sales of pharmaceuticals or medical equipment. In addition, the growing areas of genetics and biotechnology provide many career opportunities. The global biotechnology company Amgen is located near the University and hires CLU graduates each year.
Likewise, many biology majors from CLU are accepted into medical, dental and graduate schools throughout the United States.
Students interested in careers in teaching may obtain teaching credentials through the School of Education.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
32 credits minimum, 20 credits upper division. At least 16 biology units must be taken at CLU.
BIOL 120 | Introduction to Ecology and Populations | 3 |
BIOL 121 | Introduction to Cells and Organisms | 3 |
BIOL 122 | Introduction to Metabolism, Genes and Development | 3 |
BIOL 123L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation I | 2 |
BIOL 124L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation II | 2 |
BIOL 311 | Evolution | 3 |
Select one of the following: (Biol 399, 498, 499 - Dept Honors Option) | 8-3 | |
Junior Honors and Senior Honors I - Capstone and Senior Honors II - Capstone | ||
or BIOL 463 | Scientific Literature | |
Select three courses from the following with at least one from each catagory: | 12 | |
Molecular and Cellular Biology | ||
Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
Cell Biology and Cell Biology Lab | ||
Biochemistry and Biochemistry Lab | ||
Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Lab | ||
Virology and Virology Lab | ||
Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
Organismal Biology and Ecology | ||
Environmental Ecology and Enviromental Ecology Lab | ||
Ecology and Ecology Lab | ||
Marine Biology and Marine Biology Lab | ||
Oceanography and Oceanography Lab | ||
Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
Herpetology and Herpetology Lab | ||
California Plant Communities and California Plant Communities Lab | ||
Functional Biology | ||
Comparative Anatomy and Comparative Anatomy Lab | ||
Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
Invertebrate Zoology and Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ||
Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroscience Lab | ||
Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
Upper Division Biology Elective Credits (if needed) | 0-2 | |
Total Hours | 36-33 |
Required Supporting Courses
MATH 231 | Biostatistics (or a statistics course taught in a math department) | 4 |
or MATH 251 | Calculus I | |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry | 4 |
CHEM 151L | General Chemistry Lab | 1 |
CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM 152L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
Elementary Organic Chemistry and Elementary Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
Total Hours | 18 |
Bachelor of Science in Biology
40 credits minimum, 28 credits upper division. At Least 16 biology units must be taken at CLU.
BIOL 120 | Introduction to Ecology and Populations | 3 |
BIOL 121 | Introduction to Cells and Organisms | 3 |
BIOL 122 | Introduction to Metabolism, Genes and Development | 3 |
BIOL 123L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation I | 2 |
BIOL 124L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation II | 2 |
BIOL 311 | Evolution | 3 |
Select one of the following: (Biol 399, 498, 499 - Dept Honors Option) | 8-3 | |
Junior Honors and Senior Honors I - Capstone and Senior Honors II - Capstone | ||
or BIOL 463 | Scientific Literature | |
Select four courses from the following with at least one from each catagory: 1 | 16 | |
Molecular and Cellular Biology | ||
Genetics and Genetics Lab | ||
Cell Biology and Cell Biology Lab | ||
Biochemistry and Biochemistry Lab | ||
Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology Lab | ||
Virology and Virology Lab | ||
Immunology and Immunology Lab | ||
Organismal Biology and Ecology | ||
Environmental Ecology and Enviromental Ecology Lab | ||
Ecology and Ecology Lab | ||
Marine Biology and Marine Biology Lab | ||
Oceanography and Oceanography Lab | ||
Microbiology and Microbiology Lab | ||
Herpetology and Herpetology Lab | ||
California Plant Communities and California Plant Communities Lab | ||
Functional Biology | ||
Comparative Anatomy and Comparative Anatomy Lab | ||
Developmental Biology and Developmental Biology Lab | ||
Invertebrate Zoology and Invertebrate Zoology Lab | ||
Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroscience Lab | ||
Vertebrate Physiology and Vertebrate Physiology Lab | ||
Upper Division Biology Elective Credits (if needed) | 0-6 | |
Total Hours | 40-41 |
1 | Students that successfully complete the Biology Department Honors Program are exempted from one of these four course requirements. |
Required Supporting Courses
Select one of the following: | 8-10 | |
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Algebra Lab and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Algebra and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Algebra Lab | ||
Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus and Mechanics and Thermodynamics-Calculus Lab and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Calculus and Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics - Calculus Lab | ||
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Biostatistics (or Statistics course taught in a Math Department) | ||
or MATH 251 | Calculus I | |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry | 4 |
CHEM 151L | General Chemistry Lab | 1 |
CHEM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
CHEM 152L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
Select one of the following: | ||
Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
Elementary Organic Chemistry and Elementary Organic Chemistry Lab | ||
Total Hours | 22-24 |
Minor in Biology
22 Credits mimimum, 12 credits upper division.
Two Courses From: | 6 | |
Introduction to Ecology and Populations | ||
Introduction to Cells and Organisms | ||
Introduction to Metabolism, Genes and Development | ||
BIOL 123L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation I | 2 |
BIOL 124L | Introduction to Biological Experimentation II | 2 |
Upper Division Biology Electives | 12 | |
Total Hours | 22 |
The Biology Departmental Honors Program
Students with excellent academic credentials will be nominated by the Biology Department Faculty for Departmental Honors (Biol DH) in the Fall of their junior year. Students will be nominated based on Science GPA, Overall GPA, and demonstrated interest and aptitude for undergraduate research. Students who are not nominated may petition for admission to the Biol DH program by meeting with the Biology faculty in the Fall of their junior year.
Nominated/petitioned students who choose to participate in the Biol DH will enroll in a 2-unit Biology class, BIOL 399 Junior Honors , in the spring semester of their junior year. Students will then normally participate in the summer research on the proposed project between their junior and senior years. During the senior year, Biol DH students will enroll in BIOL 498 Senior Honors I - Capstone , during the Fall, and BIOL 499 Senior Honors II - Capstone in the Spring semester. Students who successfully complete these 8 units of coursework and present their work in a public setting will be awarded Departmental Honors in Biology.
Courses
Lower Division
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 113. Biology and Society. (4).
The course will provide a broad overview of
biological topics in a style appropriate for
students will little to no background in science.
We will discuss relevant scientific research to
enable students to make informed discussions
about science related social and personal issues.
We will explore topics ranging from the basic
chemistry of life to the vast diversity of life
on the planet to the processes through which life
has evolved and how organisms have adapted to
live in different environments. It is my hope and
goal that by the end of this course students will
leave with an increase appreciation and interest
in our natural works and scientific fields of
study. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Lab, 2.5 hours/week.
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.
BIOL 121. Introduction 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 discussions of bacteria, Archaea, 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,
nutrition, neurobiology, endocrinology,
reproduction and development. No prerequisites.
Recommended: BIOL 120.
BIOL 122. Introduction to Metabolism, Genes and Development. (3).
This course introduces the structure and function
of biomolecules, energy flow in a cellular
context, 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 developmentalpatterns 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.
BIOL 123L. Introduction to Biological Experimentation I. (2).
This course 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. (Offered
Fall semester).
BIOL 124L. Introduction to Biological Experimentation II. (2).
This course exposes students to the
processes of investigative biology and
communication. This laboratory course is not
designed to accompany any particular core lecture
course, and will introduce a variety of subjects
including including virology, gene
expression, gene sequence analysis, gene
manipulation and bioinformatics. The course may
emphasize 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, Biology 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. There are no prerequisites.(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 212. Resource Management. (2).
In this course we will explore Earth's aquatic
and terrestrial natural resource. We will examine
the role of conservation biology in the 21st
century as it relates to the biodiversity of our
planet. Together we will discuss the importance
of forests, lakes, rivers, and the oceans. The
challenges of maintaining biological diversity in
the face of global change and a population as it
charges to 8 billion people will also be
discussed. Concepts of biomimicry and how best to
conserve all natural resources will also be
addressed. Lecture, 2 hours/week.
BIOL 213. Climate Change. (2).
In this class we examine the implications of
climate disruption on the world and its
inhabitants. We will closely examine the effects
of climate change on the oceans and forests and
all life within. The role of polar, sea and land
ice and its diminishing consequences and its
effect on climate disruption will also be
explored. A case study of insatiable bark beetles
and their population explosion throughout western
North American will be highlighted and ensuing
discussion on loss of ecosystems services will be
facilitated. Lecture, 2 hours/week.
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.
Co-requisite: BIOL 223L.
BIOL 223L. Human Anatomy Lab. (0).
BIOL 224. 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 223
or BIOL 121. High school or college chemistry
highly recommended. Co-requisite: BIOL 224L.
BIOL 224L. Human Physiology Lab. (0).
BIOL 282. Selected Topic. (1-4).
Upper Division
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. Evolution. (3).
Evolution is the central concept in all of
biology and thus is the thread that ties together
the multiple sub-disciplines of the biological
sciences. This course examines evolution in
historical and scientific contexts and aims to
teach a deep understanding of the processes and
mechanisms of evolutionary biology. Topics
covered include population genetics, the theory
of evolution by natural selection, concepts of
fitness and adaptation, genetic and developmental
bases of evolutionary change, modes of
speciation, molecular evolution, principles of
systematic biology, macroevolutionary trends in
evolution, extinction and human evolution.
Lecture, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 120,
BIOL 121, BIOL 122.
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 321. Field Studies: Marine Biology. (2).
Designed to give students experience in field
techniques used in marine biological studies, the
class has three components: a laboratory, field
data collection and data analysis. This intensive
two-week course is offered during the January
holiday. The class spends at least one week in the
field on a research vessel in one of the following
locations: Catalina and Santa Barbara islands,
Hawaii or Mexico.
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 122.
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 333. Ecology. (4).
This course teaches the foundational principles
of the science of ecology. Fundamental concepts
of the course include the physical and biotic
environment, responses of organisms to the
environment, distribution or organisms,
behavioral and community ecology, natural
ecosystems, and human interaction with
ecosystems. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Lab, 3
hours/week. Prerequisites: BIOL 120, MATH 110;
Recommended: MATH 231.
BIOL 333L. Ecology Lab. (0).
BIOL 334. Contemporary Issues in Biology. (4).
The course will cover current issues relating to
the biological sciences from the cell and
including, our ecosystem and biosphere. We will
discuss current issues and debates through print
and emedia and compare and contrast these
secondary, tertiary and quaternary sources of
information to primary research sources. Our
interest lies not only in gathering information
and learning basic biological principles, but how
these issues impact human health, politics,
business, ecosystems and our daily life. Lecture,
4 hours/week. Perquisites: at least 5 units of
lower division Biology Courses.
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 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 121, BIOL 122, Recommended: BIOL 120,
BIOL 123L, BIOL 124L, BIOL 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. Prerequsites: BIOL 121, BIOL 122,
and MATH 151.
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 121,
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 121, BIOL 122, 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).
Various approaches are addressed for solving
typical bioinformatics problems, including
genomics, gene expression, phylogenetics, and
structure prediction. Key bioinformatics
databases are introduced. This class emphasizes
the algorithms used for the analyses.
Prerequisites: BIOL 122.
BIOL 425. Biochemistry. (4).
The structure and function of proteins is
covered, along with the structure, function, and
metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino
acids. Regulation of proteins and metabolism is
emphasized. Lecture, 3 hours; Laboratory, 3
hours/week. Prerequisites: CHEM 331 and CHEM 332.
Recommended: BIOL 122 and BIOL 124L.
(cross-listed
with CHEM 425).
BIOL 425L. Biochemistry Lab. (0).
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment
in BIOL 425 / CHEM 425. (cross-listed with
CHEM 425L).
BIOL 426. Molecular Biology. (4).
The biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein is
studied, with emphasis on the structure and
regulation of genes. Chromatin structure,
recombination, mutagenesis, and genomics is also
covered. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3
hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122 and BIOL 124L
or BIOL 425 / CHEM 425.
BIOL 426L. Molecular Biology Lab. (0).
BIOL 427. Genomics. (2).
This course introduces students to genomics
through participation in research projects,
including sequence improvement of a genome and
the annotation of genes in a genome. Various
computer analyses will be used for these
projects. Lab, 4 hours/week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 122 and BIOL 124L or
equivalent.
BIOL 428. Virology. (4).
The study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses.
The structure and function of viruses, including
their genomes, replication, and assembly are
explored. Also covered are transmission of
viruses, virus-host interactions, vaccines and
antiviral drugs. Lecture, 3 hours/week;
Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: BIOL 122
and BIOL 124L.
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 124L.
BIOL 437. Herpetology. (4).
The lecture will emphasize the evolution,
systematics, distribution, natural history,
ecology, and behavior of amphibians and reptiles.
In laboratory, identification, adaptations,
morphology, behavior, natural history, and life
history will be emphasized. The first half of the
laboratory portion of the course will be spent
exclusively on taxon and species identification
with an emphasis on the herpetofauna of southern
California. The second half of laboratory will be
used to review identification and also to dicuss
current research in herpetology. This course is
predominantly a whole-organism zoology course.
Lecture, 3 hours/week; Lab, 3 hours/week.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 311.
Recommended: BIOL 333.
BIOL 437L. Herpetology Lab. (0).
BIOL 438. Immunology. (4).
This course will cover the basic concepts of
immunology on a cellular and molecular level.
Concepts such as innate and acquired immune
responses, humoral and cell-mediated responses
will be integrated throughout the course.
Advances in modern molecular immunology are
consistently shaping our understanding of the
immune system and, as such, students will be
required to read and analyze recent publications
in the field. We will also be studying principles
of immunology in the laboratory. Students will
discover how blood typing, white blood cell
counts, pregnancy tests, allergy tests and
immunity tests are all performed using concepts
of immunology. It is expected that this is the
first course in immunology that students will
have taken, however, a good understanding of
cellular and molecular biology is a prerequisite.
Lecture, 3 hours/week; Lab, 3 hours/week.
Prerequisites: BIOL 121, BIOL 124L and at least
one course of the Cellular and Molecular Biology
category.
BIOL 438L. Immunology Lab. (0).
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. (3).
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. (2-4).
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.
Professors
Barbara Collins | ||
Andrea Huvard | ||
David Marcey | ||
Dennis Revie |
Associate professor
Ken Long |
Assistant professors
Chad Barber | ||
Kris Karsten |
Lecturer
Barbara McNulty |