Course Catalog

Biology

Biology

BIO-105 - Introductory Biology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Introductory Biology is a lecture and lab course designed for non-science majors or as a refresher course of those wishing to take higher-level biology courses. Topics include chemistry of life, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, evolution, plant, animal, and fungi classification and ecology.

BIO-112 - General Biology I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

First semester of Biology for majors. Intensive cellular and molecular approach to the study of biological principles with emphasis on biomolecules, cellular biology, genetics and evolution. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHM-165.

BIO-113 - General Biology II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Second semester of biology for majors. Topics covered include: taxonomy and a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, fungi and plants. Prerequisites: Must complete the following classes with a minimum grade of C: BIO-112 and CHM-165.

BIO-138 - Field Ecology

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A study of ecology and conservation using various resources but including "A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold in conjunction with both field and lab work.

BIO-151 - Nutrition

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores nutrition as it relates to health, disease and stages of human development and life cycle. Emphasis is on essential nutrients, what they are and how they are used by the body. Food safety and food technology will be covered.

BIO-157 - Human Biology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Introductory course that focuses on the chemistry, histology, organization and function of major human body systems. It continues with a survey of human genetics, inheritance, evolution and ecology.

BIO-163 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

This introductory course is designed for the student needing a one-semester combined anatomy and physiology course with laboratory. All systems will be covered with greater emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and urinary systems. This course also provides background for the more advanced courses, BIO-168 and BIO-173.

BIO-168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

The first of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. It is highly recommended that a student complete this series (BIO-168 and BIO-173) at SCC in order to maintain transferability to four-year institutions.

BIO-173 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Second of a two-semester sequence continuing the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Includes the study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Prerequisite: BIO-168 with a minimum grade of C.

BIO-186 - Microbiology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

A study of microbial populations and their relationships to the human in health and diseases. 

BIO-217 - Science of Monsters

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Science of Monsters is a lecture course designed for non-science majors and explores basic principles of science in a novel format. A heavy emphasis is put on critical thinking and analyzing sources of information. Topics include chemistry of life, cryonics, genetics, diseases, vampirism, dragons, embryology, cloning and parasites. This course will also examine skepticism, eyewitness testimony and the cultural influence on the development of monster stories. Topics will be applied to discussion of things deemed monstrous in cinema, mythology and lore.

BIO-246 - Introduction to Genetics

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Introduction to Genetics provides a basic knowledge concerning the transmission and expression of hereditary traits in cells, individuals and populations. Topics in the course will include the structural and functional features of genetic material, how genetic information is stored, coded and expressed in organisms as well as a discussion of the rapidly evolving research around genetics and its relevance to the student. At the end of the course, the student is expected to (a) understand and be able to discuss basic concepts of genetics and (b) to be able to carry out the typical genetic analysis on various samples including their own DNA in the lab.

BIO-248 - Introduction to Bioscience Technology

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

An exploration of the expanding field of biotechnology and how it impacts science and society. Fundamental biological, chemical and mathematical principles as they apply to biotechnology are examined. Laboratory emphasizes essential methodologies employed in scientific inquiry and experimentation.

BIO-277 - Evolution

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

The course is an introduction to evolution by natural selection. Topics include the origins of the Universe, Earth and life as well as Darwin and natural selection. Topics also include Mendel and genetics/DNA. The evidence for evolution is presented, as is an overview of the controversy over evolution in the United States.

BIO-912 - Current Topics

Lecture: 1-3

Lab: 1-6

Credit: 1-3

This topical approach to the foundational concepts of biology examines theories and issues in biology as they relate to varying special topics selected by the instructor. Biological concepts and theories that may be covered in the course include, but are not limited to, the scientific method, biological molecules, cell biology, evolution, classification, genetics, ecology and environmental issues. Due to the nature of the course, the current issues will vary. Upon completing the course, the student will have a basic understanding of the issues raised (i.e. basic information about the biology involved) and an ability to critically analyze and discuss the issues. The student will also gain experience in utilizing library and/or Internet research resources. Depending on the credit taken, additional lab-like activities as appropriate to the topics studied will be integrated into the course.