BIOLOGY
College of Science and Engineering
(See Biology in the Academic Programs section for information on degrees)
Undergraduate Courses
100 Human Biology (3) [GE]
Not intended for biology majors. Principles of human biology. Body structure and function, reproduction, development, heredity, and evolution. Aspects of modern biology impacting the human species; e.g., ecology and recombinant DNA research.
101 Human Biology Laboratory (1) [GE]
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory exercises demonstrating principles of human biology; e.g., body structure and function, reproduction, development, heredity, and evolution.
150 The World of Plants (3) [GE]
Intended for non-biology majors. The world of plants, their place in nature, and the relation to humans. Introduction to botany through growing plants, field observations, and studies of the economic uses of plants. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
210 General Microbiology and Public Health (3) [GE]
Intended for non-biology majors. Basic concepts of microbiology with emphasis on practical applications to medicine, public health, and the environment.
211 General Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory (1) [GE]
Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or concurrent enrollment. Intended for non-biology majors. Laboratory techniques in isolation, enumeration, and identification of microorganisms. Laboratory.
230 Introductory Biology I (5) [GE]
Intended for biology majors. The fundamentals of biology with emphasis on the physical and chemical basis of life, cell structure, bioenergetics, physiology, and inheritance. Classwork, three units; laboratory, two units. [CAN BIOL SEQ A]
240 Introductory Biology II (5)
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in BIOL 230. Intended for biology majors. The fundamentals of biology with emphasis on gene expression, development, evolution, ecology and the diversity of microbes, plants, and animals. Classwork, three units; laboratory, two units. [CAN BIOL SEQ A]
300 Nature Study (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: a college course in biology. Intended for non-biology majors. Identification, structure, adaptation, life history, habits, habitat, economic status, conservation of common plants and animals. Designed for elementary teachers. Two all-day field trips scheduled on two separate weekends. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
305 Marine Animals and Plants of the California Coast (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: one course in college biology. Intended for non-biology majors. Identification, biology, and conservation of the organisms of local beaches, lagoons, salt marshes, and tidepools. Classwork, two units; field work, one unit.
313 Principles of Ecology (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: a course in college biology or an environment-oriented subject. For biology majors (except ecology) and non-majors. Ecological principles and methods. Introduction to population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Trips to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
317 Environmental Health: Cancer (2) [GE]
Prerequisite: a course in college biology or consent of instructor. Intended for non-biology majors. The effects on human health of pollutants in air, water, and food. Mechanism of action with particular emphasis on cancer, mutation, and birth defects. Classes of hazards considered include radiation, heavy metals, food additives, pesticides, hormones, drugs, etc.
318 Our Endangered Planet (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: one college course in biology. The effect of humans on the ecology of our environment. Species extinctions, the role of genetics, nature reserves, biology of small populations, and restoration ecology are discussed.
320 Conservation of Natural Resources (3)
Prerequisite: one semester of college biology. Intended for biology majors and non-majors. Concepts, principles, and practices of the conservation of soils, water, forests, grasslands, wildlife, mineral, and recreational resources. The resources of California.
321 Magic, Myths, and Medicine—A History of Medicine (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: college course in biology and/or history. Intended for non-biology majors and majors. Development of medical concepts concerned with causes, treatments, and preventions of diseases (and injuries) during pre-historical times; the ancient civilizations of the world; evidence of the exchange of medical information among the civilizations; and advances in the 19th and 20th centuries.
325 Fermented Foods and Beverages (3)
Prerequisite: a college course in biology or chemistry. Students must be 21 years of age, or older, to enroll. The history, differentiation, technology of fermented foods and beverages. Designed for the general student.
326 Disease! (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 or equivalent or consent of instructor. The origin and natural history of selected infectious and noninfectious human diseases including causal agents, mechanisms, and historical impact. The relationship of factors involved in the incidence and distribution of disease. Designed for the general student.
327 AIDS: Biology of the Modern Epidemic (3) [GE]
Prerequisites: a college course in biology. The modern epidemic of AIDS is viewed from biological and social perspectives, discussing virology, epidemiology, the immune system, disease states, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, public health issues, sexuality, response of the scientific community, and a comparison with other historical epidemics.
328 Human Anatomy (4)
Prerequisite: a college course in biology. Intended for biology majors and non-majors. The scientific study of the gross structures of the human body. Classwork, three units; laboratory, one unit.
330 Human Sexuality (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: a course in college biology or consent of instructor. Intended for biology majors and non-majors. Structure and function of genital system in humans, physiology of the sexual response, love making, sexual deviation, restraints of law, birth control, concepts of love and morality, pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, and abortion.
331 Physiology of Aging (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: a college course in biology. Anatomical and physiological changes in humans associated with aging; review of current research and theories of gerontology. Designed primarily for students minoring in gerontology.
333 The Genetic Revolution (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: a course in college biology or consent of instructor. For the general student. Principles of genetics and the meaning and impact of the new genetic technology in relation to society. Genetic constitution of human populations; genetic intervention in human disease, the heredity/environment controversy, and ethical issues.
335 The Origin of Life (3)
Prerequisite: one semester of college biology. For non-biology majors. Biology majors may enroll on advisement. Recent experimental work on the origin of life problem; history of spontaneous generation as background for current simulation paradigm; underlying assumptions and limitations of current methods; patterns in prebiological chemical evolution.
337 Evolution (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: BIOL 230 and 240 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor. Intended for biology majors and non-majors. The history and general concepts of evolution, drawing evidence from all contributing sources and utilizing only the broad concepts of genetics. Includes survey of fossil record.
343 Cellular and Molecular Immunology (3) [GE]
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 and CHEM 340 with a grade of C or better. Recommended for students in cell and molecular biology, physiology, and biochemistry. Not intended for clinical sciences students. The basis of cell mediated and humoral immunity with emphasis on the molecular approaches which have shed light on cellular interactions, immune specificity and diversity, regulation, hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation, and cancer.
349 Bioethics (3) [GE]
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Current issues in biomedical ethics. Topics include experiments on humans and laboratory animals, genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization, fetal research, abortion, the health care system, organ transplants, death and dying.
350 Cell Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240; CHEM 130 with a grade of C or better. Intended for upper division biology and biochemistry majors. Structure and function of the cell. Molecular basis of cellular interactions and malfunctions.
351 Experiments in Cell Biology and Genetics (4)
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in BIOL 350 and 355. Intended for upper division biology and biochemistry majors. Experiments with living microbial, animal and plant cells including gene expression, cell-free synthesis, mutagenic agents, culture of eukaryotic cells, isolation and purification of macromolecules, organelle isolation, chromosome staining, chromatography, ultracentrifugation, radioisotope counting, and microscopy. Classwork, two units; laboratory, two units.
355 Genetics (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240; CHEM 130 with a grade of C or better. Intended for upper division biology and biochemistry majors. The study of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics. Introduction to population genetics, human genetics, and molecular genetics.
357 Molecular Genetics (3)
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in BIOL 355 or equivalent. Intended for biology majors. Current ideas in molecular biology including the transfer and expression of genetic information, interaction and hybridization of genes, molecular mutagenes and molecular evolution. Ethical questions occasioned by recent advances in molecular genetics.
358 Microbial Genetics Laboratory (3)
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in BIOL 357 and 402 or equivalent. Laboratory manipulation and construction of selected genetic strains of bacteria, yeasts, and bacterial viruses. Emphasis is placed on genetic manipulations used in deriving mutants, analyzing their properties, and constructing plasmids/organisms to be used in industry and research.
361 Human Genetics (3)
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in BIOL 355 or equivalent. Selected topics in human population genetics, human chromosomes and their anomalies, and the biochemical basis of genetic traits.
375 Computer Applications in the Biological Sciences (4)
Prerequisites: one upper division course in biology which may be taken concurrently; CSC 210. Computer methods are applied toward solving typical problems in biology and biochemistry, predator-prey interactions and modeling. Classwork, three units; computer laboratory, one unit. Laboratory hours to be arranged.
382 Developmental Biology (3)
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in BIOL 350 and 355. Intended for upper division biology and biochemistry majors. Survey of early embryonic development, and exploration of the molecular genetic basis for tissue differentiation. Topics include gene regulation, chromatin, sex determination, oncogenesis, aging, and pattern formation.
391 Microscopy and Photomicrography (2)
Prerequisite: a semester of college physics or consent of instructor. Intended for upper division biology majors. The use of the microscope with brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, and fluorescent optics. Emphasis on principles of photomicrography. Classwork, one unit; laboratory, one unit.
395 Topics in Biology (1-3)
Prerequisites: to be designated with individual course topic. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. For biology majors. Laboratory work on topics in the biological sciences. May be repeated once for a total of six units of credit when topics vary.
396 Laboratory in Wetland Ecology and Management (1)
Prerequisites: college level course in biology; must be taken concurrently with BIOL 395. Field and laboratory work in wetland ecology and management to give students practical experience in the delineation, biological assessment, and management of wetlands. The laboratory sessions are held concurrently with lectures in BIOL 395.
401 General Microbiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240; CHEM 333 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: BIOL 402. Intended for biology and biochemistry majors. An introduction to morphology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, evolution, and taxonomy of microorganisms; emphasis on bacteria and viruses; importance of microbes in biotechnology, ecology, and public health.
402 General Microbiology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 401 or concurrent enrollment. Intended for biology majors. Laboratory techniques in the isolation, cultivation, and identification of microbes, especially bacteria; the study of microbial properties including nutrition, gene transfer, enzyme induction, and viral replication.
411 Environmental and Industrial Microbiology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 401, 402 with a grade of C or better. Intended for biology majors. The use of microbes in food and beverage production and in industrial fermentations; water quality and sewage treatment; and quality control procedures in industrial laboratories. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
420 General Virology (2)
Prerequisites: BIOL 401 and 402 with a grade of C or better or CHEM 340 or consent of instructor. Concurrent registration in BIOL 421 is recommended. Intended for biology majors. Principles, isolation, identification, growth and metabolism of animal, bacterial, and plant viruses.
421 General Virology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 420 or concurrent registration. Intended for biology majors. Techniques of isolation, culture, assay, purification, and identification of viruses; design and interpretation of quantitative experiments illustrating steps in virus infection and multiplication.
430 Medical Microbiology (5)
Prerequisites: BIOL 401 and 402 with minimum grade of C; consent of instructor. Preference to graduating seniors requiring this course. Intended for biology majors. Principles of infection and immunity of bacterial, mycotic, and viral diseases; isolation and identification of selected groups of medically important microorganisms. Classwork, three units; laboratory, two units.
435 Immunology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 230, 240; CHEM 130. Study of innate and acquired immunity. Recognition of antigens. Mechanism of immune responses and their induction. Measurement and variations of immunity as in hypersensitivity and immune suppression, and their effects on the host. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit.
436 Immunology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisites: BIOL 402 or equivalent, and concurrent registration in BIOL 435 or 343. Selected laboratory exercises illustrating antibody-antigen interactions, the cellular basis of immune responses, and the applications of immune and serological reactions.
439 Medical Mycology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 401 and 402 with a grade of C or better or BIOL 504. Recommended: BIOL 435. Intended for biology majors. Fungi pathogenic for humans including classification, identification, disease manifestations, treatment, and epidemiology. Classwork, two units; laboratory, two units.
442 Microbial Physiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 401, 402 with a grade of C or better; CHEM 349 or equivalent. Intended for biology majors. Function, biosynthesis, structure, and chemistry of cells and viruses; transport, chemotaxis, and energy metabolism; the regulation of growth rate and growth efficiency; mechanisms of viral and microbial differentiation.
443 Microbial Physiology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 442 or concurrent registration. Intended for biology majors. Experiments in the physiology and metabolism of protists and bacteria with emphasis on growth studies, cell fractionation procedures, enzyme preparations and assays, and analyses of cellular molecules; a variety of analytical instrumentation and statistical techniques is used.
450 Biology of the Protozoa (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240. Intended for biology majors. The major groups of protozoa with emphasis on their physiology, morphogenesis, nutrition, ecology, and unique attributes.
453 General Parasitology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240. Intended for biology majors. Modern biology of animal parasites including impact of parasitic infection on human health, culture, and socio-economic welfare; control and prevention; parasite structure/function; and emphasis on cellular, immunological, biochemical, and molecular parasitology.
454 Parasitology Laboratory (1)
Prerequisite: BIOL 453 or concurrent enrollment. Methods and techniques in the examination, preparation, recognition, and identification of protozoan and metazoan parasites of animal hosts with emphasis on human parasites with orientation toward clinical science. Demonstrations of live parasites and aspects of parasite life cycles.
458 Biometry (4)
Prerequisite: a course in college biology. Intended for biology majors. Introduction to quantitative biology. Topics include biological measurements, experimental design, data analysis, statistical methods as applied to biological problems, methods of data resolution and presentation, use of calculators and computers. Classwork, three units; laboratory, one unit.
460 General Entomology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240 or consent of instructor. Intended for biology majors. The insects and their close relatives; physiology; external and internal structures; life cycles; classification of insects to order; introduction to their ecology in desert, field, forest, and aquatic habitats; economic and medical importance of orders. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit; field work, one unit.
461 Insect Taxonomy (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 and 240. Intended for biology majors. The classification of insects and their close relatives to family; taxonomic categories and procedures; bibliographical methods; nomenclature; museum practices. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit; field work, one unit.
464 Medical Entomology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 and 240. Intended for biology majors. Terrestrial arthropods and how they relate to human health. The following arthropod-human interactions are discussed: entomophobia, allergy, venoms, parasitism, body infestations, disease vectors, epidemiology; major arthropod borne diseases and their impact on humans and society.
466 Preparation for Field Studies in Entomology (1)
Prerequisite: BIOL 460 or 461 or consent of instructor. Must be taken concurrently with BIOL 467. Intended for biology majors. Introduction to techniques for sampling insects from selected habitats. Design and presentation of student field projects. May be repeated once for credit.
467 Field Studies in Entomology (1-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 460 or 461 or consent of instructor. Must be taken concurrently with BIOL 466. Intended for biology majors. Field studies of life history adaptations, sampling methods and field identification of insects in selected habitats. May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of six units.
470 Natural History of Vertebrates (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240. Intended for biology majors. Structure, behavior, and distribution of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, especially those of Central California. One all-day field trip required. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit; field work, one unit.
475 Herpetology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 470 or equivalent. Intended for biology majors. Evolution, classification, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles. Emphasis on the ecology and behavior of California species. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit. Two weekend field trips.
478 Ornithology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 470 or consent of instructor. Intended for biology majors. The anatomy, physiology, behavior, distribution, classification, and evolution of birds, with special emphasis on North American species, and visits to the San Francisco Zoo, private aviaries and museums. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit; field work, one unit. One weekend field trip required.
480 Mammalogy (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 240; BIOL 470 recommended. Intended for biology majors. Evolution, classification, distribution, behavior, and ecological relationships of mammals. Identification of local species. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units. One weekend field trip required.
482 Animal Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240. Intended for biology majors. The interrelationships between organisms and their environment, studied at the individual, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Field trips to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit; field work, one unit. One weekend trip.
487 Vertebrate Paleontology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 240. Intended for biology majors. The fossil record from the earliest vertebrate remains to and including the Pleistocene record demonstrating the sequence of events in the evolution of vertebrate organisms.
492 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates (4)
Prerequisites: BIOL 230, 240. Intended for biology majors. A comparative study of organ systems of selected vertebrate types. Classwork, two units; laboratory, two units.
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