Biology
The Biological Associate of Science degree is intended to instill a desire in our students to learn more about the biological sciences, encourage critical thinking about how life functions in the natural world, and help students become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions about biologically related issues.
Department Contact Information
Farah Sogo
fsogo@occ.cccd.edu
Credit Courses
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
This course complements Biology A180 lecture and laboratory and will provide essential additional opportunities for students to develop study skills in cell and molecular biology. The curriculum is designed to improve critical thinking, content application, and science writing. Opportunities to work in a collaborative environment will also be provided in order to reinforce this aspect of scientific inquiry. Speakers from and/or field trips to visit laboratories from transfer institutions may be provided to allow students to see direct application of the skill set promoted in Biology A180. This course will be the equivalent to the one hour study skills/discussion section that most four-year universities offer. Not applicable to AA or AS degree.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A general study of life processes with emphasis on biological chemistry, cells, molecular biology, heredity, ecology, evolution, and the diversity of life. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major. This course may also be offered online.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A general study of life processes with emphasis on biological chemistry, cells, molecular biology, heredity, ecology, evolution, and the diversity of life. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Ever wondered why grilled meat tastes so good? Why meringues are made with egg whites and not egg yolks? Why tomatoes are considered a fruit instead of a vegetable? These questions (and more!) will be answered in demonstration-filled classes as we use the reagents of the kitchen to teach the basic principles of biology and the scientific method.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Microbiology as applied to disease, treatment, immunity and the environment. Introduction to history, theory, and techniques of microbiology as applied to microbial nutrition, disease, immunity, control and the environment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Introduces the diversity and biology of animals in a manner appropriate for students who have little to no background in science. Topics include an introduction to the anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, life history, and cell biology of animals. Suitable as a non-lab general education elective for the non-science major.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Student-centric discussion of topics covered within BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy): 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. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). This course is primarily intended for students concurrently enrolled in BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy), as well as nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health-related majors.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
A transferable general education biology course for students not majoring in the life sciences. Emphasis on relationships of biology to human beings with emphasis on molecular genetics, heredity, major body systems, disease, and human interactions with the environment. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
An introductory course to bird identification, their life, and their habitats. Emphasis will be on the physical characteristics of birds, how birds evolved, their classification, diet, behavior, reproduction strategies, flight mechanics, migration patterns, and characteristics of their natural habitat. There will be at least four field trips. May be taken for grades or on a pass-no pass basis.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Designed for the major in the biological sciences and pre-health profession majors. Emphasizing central concepts of biology, including biochemistry, cell biology, membrane dynamics, molecular genetics, classical genetics, and biotechnology. CHEM A180 qualifying exam does not substitute for CHEM A130 prerequisite or CHEM A180 corequisite. Non-native speaking students must be eligible to enter ESL A031 and ESL A035. C-ID: BIOL 190.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Includes basic aspects of phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Emphasizes comparing the variety of mechanisms animals have evolved to solve common biological problems. C-ID: BIOL 150 when BIOL A182L is also completed.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Includes basic aspects of phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Emphasizes comparing the variety of mechanisms animals have evolved to solve common biological problems.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A laboratory course emphasizing animal phylogeny, anatomy, and physiology using representative types.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Includes the dynamics of plants and their processes with particular emphasis on the structure and function of living plants. C-ID: BIOL 155 when BIOL A183L is also completed.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
A course in the dynamics of plants and their processes with particular emphasis on the structure and function of living things. Field Trip Required. Lab.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
An introduction to the evolution, ecology, physiology, anatomy, and life history of all major groups of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, animals, other eukaryotes, and viruses. Students also develop their scientific experimentation skills, including statistical data analysis and writing. Fieldtrip required. C-ID: BIOL 140.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Advanced exploration and discussion of topics and concepts within Human Anatomy, which include: 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. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). Laboratory participation and instructor shadowing are required. This course is primarily intended for students who have successfully completed BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy) and desire to further their knowledge and understanding of Human Anatomy, while being mentored by instructors in laboratory discussion and presentation, and instructing, mentoring and tutoring current anatomy students. BIOL A200 students will be expected to assist BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy) students utilizing newly acquired educational techniques in the following: dissection; identification of specimens and structures on both the micro- and macroscopic level.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Fundamentals of bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, and virology. Includes food, water and medical microbiology, factors in resistance, infection, and disease. Human normal flora and the immune response are included. Microbial ecology, genetics, and bioenergetics are covered. Recommended for biological science majors.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovasuclar, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems from cellular to organ system levels of organization. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). Laboratory participation is required. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health-related majors. C-ID: BIOL 110B.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Anatomy and physiology as a combined discipline. Designed for Career and Certificate Programs. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major. This course may also be offered online.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course studies the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at all levels of biological organization with an emphasis on the relationship of structure (Anatomy) and function (Physiology). Basic concepts and practical applications are stressed. Laboratory participation is required. This course meets requirements for pre-nursing, physical therapy and physical education majors. C-ID: BIOL 120B.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
For majors in the biological sciences. Evolutionary and ecological principles and their relevance at several levels of organization. Includes principles governing classification of life, principles of evolution, conditions for life, adaptations to the environment, analysis of ecological niches, population, and community/ecosystem ecology from an evolutionary viewpoint. Field trips are required for this course. Lecture/Lab.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
This course covers the principles of Mendelian inheritance; gene transmission in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; recombination and mutation; gene regulation, replication, and expression; cell division; and biochemical genetics. Additional emphasis is placed on problem solving.