Course Descriptions

Biology - BIO
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • BIO-001A
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Credit(s) 4

Cell and Molecular Biology
BIO 001A cover principles and applications of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular genetics, classical/Mendelian genetics, cell metabolism including photosynthesis and respiration, and cellular communication. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry and experimental design are foundational to the course.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 001A
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063 or MATH 064
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
BIOL 190/135S
  • BIO-001B
  • Organismal Biology
  • Credit(s) 4

Organismal Biology
BIO 001B is intended for biology majors. It is a survey of the basic biology and diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. It emphasized general biological principles, classification, structure, function and evolutionary adaptations of organisms (including plants, fungi, animals, and unicellular organisms) to their environments.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063 or MATH 064
Advisory(s):
BIO 001A and ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
BIOL 140/135S
  • BIO-010
  • Fundamentals of Biology
  • Credit(s) 3

Fundamentals of Biology
BIO 010 is recommended for the non-science major. The primary objective of this course is to teach basic biological concepts as they relate to cells and organisms. Consideration will be given to the cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • BIO-015
  • Biology for Education
  • Credit(s) 3

Biology for Education
BIO 015 is required for Liberal Studies students seeking a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and transferring to the California State University system. The primary objective of this course is to teach biological concepts as they relate to the cell and the organism as a whole. Consideration will be given to the cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
  • BIO-032
  • Human Anatomy
  • Credit(s) 4

Human Anatomy
BIO 032 examines the structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems, from cellular to organ system levels of organization. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and health-related majors.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Prerequisite(s):
Math 063 or Math 064
Advisory(s):
BIO 010 and HS 005
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
BIOL 110B
  • BIO-035
  • Human Physiology
  • Credit(s) 4

Human Physiology
BIO 035 examines the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism level: integumentary system, bone, skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. This course is primarily intended for Nursing, Allied Health, Kinesiology, and other health related majors.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 051A
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063 or MATH 064
Advisory(s):
BIO 010 and CHEM 002A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
BIOL 120B
  • BIO-038
  • Microbiology
  • Credit(s) 4

Microbiology
BIO 038 is a consideration of the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy of microorganisms with an emphasis on the methods of isolation, identification, and the diseases they cause.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 002A
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A and BIO 010
Transfers to:
UC/CSU