Biology
Biology is the science of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. Students take biology courses to prepare for a biology major, to fulfill general education requirements, and to meet prerequisites for related courses. A bachelor's degree in biology can lead to careers in health care, biotechnology, medical research, wildlife conservation, marine science, and education.
Contact Information
Chair: Julie Haugsness-White Dean: Michael Fino |
Department: Biological Sciences Office: Building OC3600, 760.757.2121 x6924 |
Full-Time Faculty
Suzie Bailey Gail Baughman Raymond Clark Julie Haugsness-White Stacey Hull |
Jeff Ihara Himgauri Kulkarni Jeanine Sepulveda John Thomford |
How to Read Course Descriptions
For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available at http://www.miracosta.edu/governance/coursesandprograms/courseoutlines.html.
Courses
BIO 100: General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
Units: 4
Prerequisites: ENGL 50, ACE 50, or ESL 50 and MATH 30 or MATH 52.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BIO 101 and BIO 101L.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This entry-level course provides a broad perspective of biological concepts and principles. Topics include the process of scientific inquiry, the biochemistry of biomolecules, metabolism and manipulation of energy by plants and animals, cell division, classical and molecular genetics, development, systems biology, and the evolution and adaptation of living organisms. The laboratory component of this course provides direct participation in experiments, demonstrations, and discussions related to fundamental concepts in biology. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 103, or BIO 105.
BIO 101: General Biology
Units: 3
Prerequisites: ACE 50, ENGL 50, or ESL 50 and MATH 30 or MATH 52.
Advisory: BIO 101L
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BIO 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This entry-level course provides a broad perspective of biological concepts and principles. Topics include the process of scientific inquiry, the biochemistry of biomolecules, metabolism and manipulation of energy by plants and animals, cell division, classical and molecular genetics, development, systems biology, and the evolution and adaptation of living organisms. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 103, or BIO 105.
BIO 101L: General Biology Laboratory
Units: 1
Prerequisites: BIO 101 and MATH 30 or MATH 52.
Enrollment Limitation: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 101 if prerequisite not met and not open to students with credit in BIO 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This laboratory accompaniment to BIO 101 provides direct participation in experiments, demonstrations, and discussions related to fundamental concepts in biology. This course further develops the student's understanding of topics introduced in the lecture.
BIO 101S: Learning Assistance for General Biology
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Concurrent enrollment in BIO 100 or BIO 101. Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 100 or BIO 101.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This optional learning assistance course provides students enrolled in BIO 100 or BIO 101 extended opportunities to develop their fundamental understanding and mastery of biological concepts and principles that will be directly applied toward success in BIO 100 and BIO 101. Offered pass/no-pass only.
BIO 102: Ecology and Environmental Biology
Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ENGL 50, ACE 50, ESL 50, or eligibility determined by the English placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0301.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This general education life science course is intended for non-science track students. It uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore the science of ecology and address contemporary environmental issues seeking sustainable solutions. Combining classroom investigation with field exploration, the lab component includes several field trips to local environmental resources.
BIO 103: Animal Diversity
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in BIO 202.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This life sciences course challenges students to think critically and demonstrate hypothetico-deductive reasoning within basic biological concepts, such as evolution, ecology, behavior, physiology, and development, while focusing on diversity within the animal kingdom. This course is intended for non-science majors. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 103, or BIO 105.
BIO 105: Genes and Technology in Society
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This introductory course relates basic biology to the emerging field of biotechnology. Topics include fundamental chemical processes common to all cells, biomolecular chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, classical and molecular genetics, and the molecular basis of immunology and cancer. The course highlights current advances in biotechnology, such as cloning, recombinant DNA technology, and gene therapy as well as the applications, social consequences, and ethical implications of biology and biotechnology in medicine and agriculture. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 103, or BIO 105.
BIO 150: General Botany
Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP
This introductory course examines plant anatomy, physiology, and classification. It provides a broad perspective of biological concepts and principles and covers both unicellular and multicellular systems. Topics include structure and function of life, metabolism and manipulation of energy, cell division, genetics, taxonomy, and the evolution and adaptation of living organisms. Field trips may be required.
BIO 170: Marine Biology
Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This general education life science course introduces basic biological concepts, offering students a broad perspective of biological systems. The course emphasizes the diversity of life in the ocean, how physical factors of the environment influence the biology of marine species, and anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment. The laboratory portion of the course combines classroom investigation with field exploration and emphasizes the scientific method, current research in the field of marine biology, and the development of field sampling techniques. Students are required to attend local field trips.
BIO 172: Marine Ecology
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This introductory general education course approaches the study of the ocean from an ecological perspective. Topics include patterns observed in the marine realm, interactions between organisms and their environment, the flow of energy through food webs, the structure of marine communities, and issues related to marine environmental sustainability.
BIO 180: Biostatistics
Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 64, MATH 95, or eligibility determined by the math placement process.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in: BIO 180, BTEC 180, PSYC 104, PSYC 104H, SOC 104, SOC 104H, BUS 204.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This introductory statistics course covers the principles and practice of statistical design and analysis for scientific experimentation. Topics include hypothesis formation, experimental design and execution, data analysis, and communication with application to scientific fields, such as the biological and health sciences. The course includes laboratory application with extensive use of computer software for statistical analysis and simulation. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 180/BTEC 180, BUS 204, MATH 103, PSYC 104/SOC 104, PSYC 104H/SOC 104H.
BIO 190: Survey of Human Musculoskeletal System
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 210 or BIO 210H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This course examines the anatomy and physiology of the human musculoskeletal system. Upon successful completion, students will be able to demonstrate locations, actions, and roles of skeletal muscles and their associated skeletal attachments. Students study the gross and microscopic anatomy of bones, skeletal muscles, and joints in the human body in health and in disease states through work with human skeletons and models. This course is designed for students enrolled in selected occupational health programs.
BIO 202: Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Organismal Biology
Units: 4
Prerequisites: MATH 64 or eligibility determined by the math placement process.
Advisory: Completion of college-level coursework in biology with focus at organismal or populational level, e.g., BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 103, BIO 150, BIO 170, or BIO 220
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course surveys the organismal/meta-organismal half of biological disciplines. Topics include the taxonomy and physiology of prokaryotes and basal eukaryotes; the taxonomy, developmental biology, and physiology of plants and animals; and single-species population dynamics and interspecies interactions in communities. The laboratory emphasizes evolutionary process and mechanism, phylogeny reconstruction, comparative anatomy/physiology/survey of plants and animals, and life history evolution.
BIO 204: Foundations of Biology: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology
Units: 4
Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 204H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course surveys the molecular half of biological disciplines. Topics include biological molecules, metabolic biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. The laboratory emphasizes modern methods in cell and molecular biology, classical genetics, and experimental design.
BIO 204H: Foundations of Biology: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (Honors)
Units: 4
Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or CHEM 110H.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 204.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course surveys the molecular half of biological disciplines. Topics include biological molecules, metabolic biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. The laboratory emphasizes modern methods in cell and molecular biology, classical genetics, and experimental design. This honors course offers highly motivated students the opportunity to complete, document, and discuss independent scientific research. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 204 or BIO 204H.
BIO 210: Human Anatomy
Units: 4
Prerequisites: BIO 100, BIO 101, or a minimum 3-unit course in biology that presents principles of cellular life in its curriculum.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 210H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (0410.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This course follows a systemic approach by combining microscopic studies of tissues (histology) and organs along with gross/visual anatomical studies of the human body. Students learn dissection techniques by working with preserved mammalian specimens, including human cadavers. Because the course presents applied clinical situations, it is recommended for students majoring in the allied health field, massage therapy, kinesiology, and physical education.
BIO 210H: Human Anatomy (Honors)
Units: 4
Prerequisites: BIO 100, BIO 101, or a minimum 3-unit course in biology that presents principles of cellular life in its curriculum.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in BIO 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (0410.00)
Course Typically Offered: F OR SP
This course offers highly motivated students an enriched opportunity to understand normal human anatomy and to explore select pathologies (abnormal anatomy). It targets students looking for a more challenging academic experience that will include some human dissection and advanced reading of published scientific material. This enhanced course blends the systemic approach to the study of human anatomy with select regional dissections. It combines microscopic studies of tissues (histology) and organs with gross/visual anatomical studies of the human body. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for BIO 210 or BIO 210H.
BIO 220: Human Physiology
Units: 4
Prerequisites: BIO 100, BIO 101, BIO 204, BIO 204H, or BIO 210, BIO 210H.
Advisory: CHEM 100, CHEM 100H, or CHEM 104.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0410.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This course presents the interrelationships of the various organ systems, based upon the molecular and cellular activities of the organs that comprise those systems. It emphasizes the integration of body systems for maintaining homeostasis through regulated metabolism and coordinated flow of information. This course is designed for students majoring in pre-medicine, pre-nursing, allied health fields, and physical education.
BIO 230: Introduction to Microbiology
Units: 5
Prerequisites: BIO 220, CHEM 100, CHEM 100H, CHEM 104, CHEM 108, CHEM 110, or CHEM 110H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (0403.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of microbiology and the use of the scientific method applied to the study of bacteria and other microorganisms. Topics include the history, morphology, genetics, and physiology of microbes. The laboratory emphasizes methods for isolating, culturing, identifying, enumerating and controlling bacteria.
BIO 290: Human Dissection Laboratory
Units: 1
Prerequisites: BIO 210 or BIO 210H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: SU
This supervised study of human dissection techniques includes a review of dissection procedures as well as practical experience with human cadavers. The course follows a regional approach to human anatomy and covers all major muscle groups, organs, nerves, and blood vessels of the body. It is intended for students who are interested in normal anatomy of the human body, pathology, and the pursuit of careers in the medical field.
BIO 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
BIO 296: Topics in Biology
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Biology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
BIO 298: Directed Study in Biology
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (0401.00)
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
BIO 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: TBA
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.