Biological Science Courses
BIOSC-100 Topics in Biological Science
.5-4 Units: 9-72 hours of lecture and/or 27-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU
This course covers topics in biological science. Topics will be chosen to supplement and serve as additions to current offerings in the area, and will be announced each term in the current schedule of classes.
BIOSC-106 Experimental Analysis in Biology
.5 Unit: 6 hours of lecture, 12 hours of laboratory per term, P/NP, DG
This course is intended to provide preparation for the successful completion of higher level biology courses. It introduces students to common experimental techniques and situations in biology and offers practice in the collection, analysis, display, and interpretation of data. Students cover and review metric system, ratios and proportions, graphing, serial dilutions, microscope use, pH and basic chemistry, and some general cell biology and biochemistry. Students who believe they are already adequately prepared may challenge the course by examination. Students have one chance to pass this examination.
BIOSC-110 Introduction to Biological Science
4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC
This course covers the principles and concepts of general biology through a study of the cell and its molecular nature, genetics, evolution, and a brief survey of the plant and animal kingdoms.
BIOSC-119 Microbiology
4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC
Prerequisite: Either BIOSC-172L or BIOSC-106 and either BIOSC-110 or CHEM-119 or BIOSC-172 and BIOSC-172L
This course provides a survey of microorganisms of particular importance to humans, integrating basic concepts of microbiology and cellular biology. Emphasis is on medical microbiology and immunology, and their practical application to medicine and public health.
BIOSC-132 Human Anatomy
4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: BIOL 110B)
This course covers the structure or morphology of the human body, covering basic cytology, histology and all major organs and organ systems. In addition, the two main integrative systems of the body, the nervous and endocrine systems are also covered, with a greater emphasis on neuroanatomy than on endocrinology. The course is taught both systemically and regionally, with developmental anatomy added when applicable. The muscles, bones, nerves and circulation of the limbs and back are approached regionally so as to better integrate all structures for student comprehension and retention. Organs, organ systems and neuroanatomy are taught from a systemic perspective. Course material progresses from a cellular and tissue level to an organ and organ system level. As each region or organ system is completed, its relationship to other organ systems and the whole organism is stressed. Specific functions especially as they are related intimately to structure are also studied. For example, the presentation of the heart and of the Central Nervous System include information on function. Finally, clinical correlations are given throughout the course as this course is primarily taken by pre-health professionals.
BIOSC-134 Human Physiology
4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: BIOL 120B)
Prerequisites: Either BIOSC-172L or BIOSC-106 and either BIOSC-110 or CHEM-119 or BIOSC-172 and BIOSC-172L
This course is about the function of the human body. It covers all major body systems and the two main integrative systems, the nervous and endocrine systems in detail. Course material progresses from a cellular and molecular level to an organism level. Regulation and integration of functions is emphasized. This is because several mechanisms within the body work in similar fashions and understanding them on a molecular level enables students to comprehend how several functions in different systems occur in the body. For example, study of binding characteristics and receptors can be applied to gated membrane transport channels, receptors for hormones, muscle contraction, action of calcium within cells, activation of second messenger systems and many others. Integration and interrelation of functions and some pathologies are also covered. Minimal anatomy is covered, mainly as it is needed to understand the function of the heart, the lungs and pleural membranes and the digestive system. Several clinical correlations are also given throughout the course. Hands-on labs help cement student learning of lecture concepts, as well as reinforcing scientific methodologies and reporting practices.
BIOSC-145 Organismal Biology
4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG
(C-ID: BIOL 140; C-ID: BIOL 135S)
Prerequisite: BIOSC-172L or BIOSC-106 and MATH-120 or completion of a higher level math course.
Advisory: Eligible for ENGL-1A
This course, intended for biology majors, is an introduction to evolution and natural selection, population genetics, plant development, form, and function in animals and plants, and ecological principles. It includes a survey of the basic biology and diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. It emphasizes general biological principles, classification, structure, function and evolutionary adaptations of organisms (including plants, fungi, animals, and unicellular organisms) to their environments.
BIOSC-147 Cell and Molecular Biology
4 units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LG, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: BIOL 190; C-ID: BIOL 135S)
Prerequisite: CHEM-120 with a minimum grade of C (may be taken concurrently) and BIOSC-106 or BIOSC-172L and MATH-120 or higher level math course.
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL-001A
This course, intended for majors, will 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. In the laboratory portion of the course, students will apply techniques and experimental skills commonly used in biotechnology and molecular biology laboratories.
BIOSC-157 Foundations in Biotechnology
2 Units: 36 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, (C-ID: BIOT 150 BX)
Corequisite: BIOSC-159
Advisory: BIOSC-172L
This course is designed to provide students wanting to enter the field of biotechnology with a solid foundation in the chemical, biochemical, microbiological, mathematical, bioinformatic and regulatory concepts used in biotechnology labs.
Students practice laboratory calculations, design and analyze experiments, and become familiar with the documentation and practices important for working in a regulated environment (laboratory notebooks, QA/QC, SOP’s, cGMP). Good communication and work-readiness skills are emphasized.
BIOSC-159 Foundations in Biotechnology Laboratory
1 Unit: 54 hours of laboratory per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: BIOT 150 BX)
Corequisite: BIOSC-157
Advisory: BIOSC-172L
This course is designed to provide students with training in the skills and applications commonly used in biotechnology and molecular biology laboratories. It will provide technical practice with analytical instruments, the formulation and use of reagents, and the culture and study of model organisms. Students will learn and apply the Scientific Method, perform data analysis, keep a laboratory notebook according to cGMP, follow Standard Operating Procedures and practice good communication and teamwork skills as they carry out laboratory experiments that reveal foundational concepts of biology, biotechnology, and molecular biology.
BIOSC-160 Nutrition
3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC
This course provides scientific concepts related to the study of the essential nutrients, their function in the body, and the relationship of nutrition to health, fitness and diseases.
BIOSC-172 Introduction to Biotechnology
3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC
This course will teach students about all aspects of the biotechnology field, with content appropriate for a wide range of students and professionals. Topics will include the biology, business, and legal/ethical issues surrounding biotechnology; cells, genes, DNA, proteins, genetic engineering, drug development, biofuels, agriculture, bioremediation, biotechnology company structure, and the regulations affecting the field.
BIOSC-172L Introduction to Biotechnology Lab
1 Unit: 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: BIOT 150 BX)
Prerequisite: BIOSC-172 (may be taken concurrently) or BIOSC-873N
Advisory: MATH-118, ENGL-142B
This is an introductory laboratory course in which scientific and biotechnology methodology is taught and used to explore and experiment with topics found in the Introduction to Biotechnology lecture course (BIOSC-172). It is a brief introduction to the skills and concepts necessary to work in the biotechnology industry, allied health, or related fields. Topics will include: the biology, business, and legal/ethical issues surrounding biotechnology; cells, genes, DNA, proteins, genetic engineering, drug development, biofuels, agriculture, bioremediation, biotechnology company structure, and the regulations affecting the field, and a survey of general methodologies utilized in biotechnology research and manufacturing. Field trips may be included.
BIOSC-182 GLP and GMP: Principles and Compliance
2 Units: 36 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU (C-ID: BIOT 210X)
This course will introduce students to the concepts of quality control and validation as it relates to manufacturing in regulated industries. GLP, cGMP, Quality Assurance and Quality Control laws, regulations, and quality practices associated with the biotechnology industry are included, with emphasis on the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
BIOSC-183 Mammalian Cell Culture
2 Units: 18 hours of lecture and 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU (C-ID: BIOT 230 BX)
Prerequisite: BIOSC-159 (may be taken concurrently) or challenge by skill demonstration, including accurate use of micropipetors, dilution mathematics, and cell culture hood.
This course is designed to prepare students for employment as cell culture technicians. Students will learn aseptic techniques, how to work in a cell culture hood, how to compose mammalian cell culture media and the function of each medium component, how to use a hemacytometer and vital staining to count cells and determine viability, how to passage cells, and how to cryopreserve cell cultures. In addition, students will be introduced to concepts of stem cell research, including multi-potent and totipotent cell lines.
BIOSC-186 Protein Purification and Analysis
2 Units: 18 hours of lecture and 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU (C-ID: BIOT 220 BX)
Prerequisite: BIOSC-159, BIOSC-172L or BIOSC-148 may be taken concurrently; or challenge by successful completion of a college level course in Cell or Cell and Molecular Biology.
This course will teach students how sample preparation, protein separation and purification, column chromatography, large-scale recovery, and use of assays for recovery analysis are studied. Students practice isolating a specific protein from a complex cell lysate using affinity and other forms of chromatography, and analyze the results by qualitative and quantitative protein assays. The size and purity of the isolated protein are analyzed by SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Application of current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in relation to these techniques will be addressed.
BIOSC-188 Biotechnology Operations: Analytic Lab, Bioprocessing
2 Units: 18 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU
Advisory: Previous coursework in biotechnology, molecular biology, or chemistry
This course will develop foundational knowledge of the key functions within biotechnology operations: project management, supply chain management, product development, oversight and compliance, production, packaging and documentation, quality assurance/control, and customer satisfaction. The roles and responsibilities of these functions in an analytical lab environment will be explored. This course will provide extensive hands-on experience in the development, production, and delivery of products and reports for use by both internal and external customers. Specifically, students in this course practice scientific sampling and analysis techniques, documentation practice, using quality systems in the workplace, scientific thinking, and effective communication while performing work as a member of an analytical laboratory team. Standards of Good Manufacturing Practice and effective communications with stakeholders will be emphasized as students improve their workplace skills important in life science industries such as biotechnology and biomedicine.
BIOSC-298 Independent Study
.2-4 Units: 3.6-72 hours of independent study, per term, SC, DG
Prerequisite: Educational contract of study signed by an instructor, department chair and vice president. Topics must extend beyond regular course offerings.
This course is designed for selected students to pursue independent study in biological science under the direction of an instructor.
BIOSC-300 Field Studies
.1-4 Units: 1.8-72 hours of lecture and/or 5.4-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG
This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in field experience in various disciplines. In all cases, field classes will be oriented toward direct involvement by the student in some outside activity which should supplement the classroom experience. Petition to repeat for maximum units.
BIOSC-873N Basic Concepts for Biotechnology Lab
Noncredit, 18-36 hours of lecture, per term, P/NP/SP
This course covers the underlying knowledge of biology and science important for beginning-level work in a biotechnology lab and applied life science research projects. Students in this class become better prepared to pursue more advanced training and experience in biotechnology and biomedical applications.
BIOSC-875N Work Skills in Preparation for Applied Life Science Projects
Noncredit, 15-108 hours of lab, per term, P/NP/SP
This course is intended to develop workplace skills important for successful participation in life science projects and for completion of technical training in biotechnology. While performing work as a member of an applied research team, students will improve their workplace skills important life science industries such as biotechnology and biomedicine. Students in this course experience scientific sampling techniques, documentation practice, using quality systems in the workplace, scientific thinking, and effective communication.
BIOSC-888N Biotechnology Operations: Analytic Lab, Bioprocessing
Noncredit, 0-18 hours of lecture, 36-216 hours of laboratory per term, P/NP/SP
Advisory: Previous coursework in biotechnology, molecular biology, or chemistry
This noncredit course will develop foundational knowledge of the key functions within biotechnology operations: project management, supply chain management, product development, oversight and compliance, production, packaging and documentation, quality assurance/control, and customer satisfaction. The roles and responsibilities of these functions in an analytical lab environment will be explored. This course will provide extensive hands-on experience in the development, production, and delivery of products and reports for use by both internal and external customers. Specifically, students in this course practice scientific sampling and analysis techniques, documentation practice, using quality systems in the workplace, scientific thinking, and effective communication while performing work as a member of an analytical laboratory team. Standards of Good Manufacturing Practice and effective communications with stakeholders will be emphasized as students improve their workplace skills important in life science industries such as biotechnology and biomedicine.