Course descriptions for Biology

An introduction to biomolecules, the structure and function of living cells, cell cycle, reproduction, evolution, and the diversity of organisms. Designed for Liberal Studies majors and science majors who need additional biology background to succeed in majors-level biology courses.

First semester of a two-semester core biology series. Examines cell structure and function; cellular respiration and photosynthesis; cell signaling and reproduction; transmission and molecular genetics, transcription and translation; control of gene expression; biotechnology; comparative animal form and function; animal development. Enrollment conditional upon pre-assessment score, AP Biology exam score À 4, or completion of BIO 204. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111 allowed if ÀA- in CHEM 110.

The goals for this laboratory course are to develop a sound understanding and practice of laboratory safety and laboratory science, to expose students to the major techniques used in molecular biology laboratories, and to gain hands-on experience exploring the form and function of major animal organ systems. This course may have a lab fee.

This is the second semester of the two-semester core biology sequence. Examines the diversity of life, the evolutionary processes that unites all life, the form and function of higher plants, and the ecological processes that govern the interactions of living and non-living components of the earth. These concepts will be grounded in an exploration of local biology and global climate change.

Required lab course for BIO 211. Focuses on biodiversity, evolution, plant biology and doing scientific research in ecology and plant physiology. Lab course fee may be charged.

This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity, evolutionary processes that affect conservation and restoration, and the ecological concepts that underlie many environmental issues. These concepts will be grounded in issues in sustainability with a focus on climate change. In addition, the systems nature of environmental issues will be woven through the course. Lab course fee may be charged.

Provides an introduction to the relationship between form and function in plants and animals. Covers comparative anatomy, physiology, and development of different plant and animal structures and organ systems. Required for all Biology majors. (Offered fall and spring semesters.)

Required lab course for BIO 242. Lab course fee may be charged. (Offered fall and spring semesters.)

Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/No Credit Available)

Develops library research, writing, oral and critical analysis skills needed to link science to ethics in biology. Covers current issues that involve biology, ethics and society. Students develop a learning plan that integrates their Biology concentration, capstone and internship interests, and personal and professional goals.

Focuses on the methodology of science appropriate to K-12 education. Familiarizes future teachers with observing, questioning, testing, and interpreting by using the neighborhood as a laboratory. Engages in problem-solving activities and the design of experiments children will understand. Uses current technology to develop bicultural/bilingual instructional materials. (Offered as demand warrants.)

Required lab course for BIO 305. (Offered as demand warrants.)

Covers biomolecular structure and function, biological oxidation and reduction, metabolism including respiration and photosynthesis, membrane transport, and biotransformation.

Optional lab course for BIO 310. Lab course fee may be charged.

This upper division course provides an in-depth, background in all areas of classic Mendelian genetics, population and evolutionary genetics, and molecular genetics. Students who successfully complete this course should to be able to discuss and understand all of the above areas of genetics and have sufficient basic knowledge to successfully move on and master advanced topics in genetics. These outcomes will be achieved by learning how geneticists solve problems and make new discoveries.

Introduces the biology of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi), their significance as model systems for understanding fundamental cellular processes, and their role in human affairs. Also introduces the biological properties of bacterial and animal viruses, replication, methods of detection, interactions with host cells and multicellular hosts.

Explores the physiological adaptations of animals to their environments from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Examines sub-cellular to systems-level mechanisms underlying these adaptations.

Introduces ecological concepts and theory by exploring the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Monterey Bay. A systems approach teaches how organisms interact with one another and with the natural world around them. Emphasizes population, community, and ecosystem level ecology.

Surveys terrestrial ecosystems across California. Emphasizes the biotic and abiotic factors that determine the extents of these ecosystems. Plant identification and distribution in ecosystems of the Monterey Bay area. May include one or more weekend field trips.

Laboratory course covering techniques for prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA purification, amplification, subcloning, and sequence analysis, used in the context of providing earth systems information. Additional knowledge and skills acquired include microbial cell culture, primer design, proposal writing. Lab course fee may be charged.

Examines the biology, biodiversity, classification, ecology, and habitats of the world's living marine organisms with an emphasis on Monterey Bay species, habitats, issues, and research.

Explores current topics and careers working with marine mammals. Topics include practical knowledge of captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students intern at least one day at Moss Landing Marine Labs assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. Fee charged for course materials. (Offered summer semester through Extended Education.)

Explores the field of animal training from a psychological and a technical perspective. Provides a theoretical background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying captive animal behavior. Topics include the history and ethics of animal use and training, and practical animal training techniques. Students intern at least one day at Moss Landing Marine Labs assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Fee charged for course materials. (Offered summer semester through Extended Education.)

Students learn about classification, field identification, habitats, behaviors, protection status, and methods used to study common or otherwise noteworthy mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish of central California.

This course will cover medical services available to people in Monterey County. Students will discuss how class, ethnicity, language, and immigration status relate to health care access. Through service, journaling, readings, and panel discussions students will explore medical access issues and discuss the factors that lead to social injustice and inequity. Students will explore their own understanding for improving equality and access to medical care for all Monterey County residents.

Addresses strategies for supporting equitable formal and informal educational opportunities and access to healthy natural environments for all, regardless of their cultural, linguistic, or economic background. Service learning placements in schools and other agencies help students deepen their understanding of basic biology principles and methodologies for facilitating learning by diverse students and community members.

Upper division seminar course based on lectures from visiting faculty and biology professionals from Research 1 institutions, biotechnology, and other biology-related careers. Includes reading and critical analysis of peer reviewed literature, seminar and journal club discussion, and attendance in seminar series. May be repeated for credit up to three times.

Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Emphasizes modern genomics focused on basic and applied questions involving human genome biology and genomics for drug development and agricultural application. Students will learn to conduct bioinformatic analysis using data from genomic research projects of different species.

Emphasizes mechanisms and models of population genetics and evolutionary biology, including allelic frequency, genetic drift, adaptation and fitness, microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change, speciation, and the history of life.

Cell structure, membrane transport, cell division, molecular genetics, recombinant DNA, mechanisms of evolution, and the basis of classification. Applies fundamental principles and experimental approaches in four areas of cell biology: cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, intracellular protein transport, and structure and function of cytoskeleton, including cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. Explores recent advances in the fields of molecular and cell biology.

Advanced survey of the biology of invertebrates, stressing comparative functional morphology, evolution, phylogeny, systematics, natural history, behavior, and aspects of physiology and development. Emphasizes the living animal and its habitat.

Approaches to scientific research on environmental physiology of marine and estuarine organisms, with focus on metabolic processes. Emphasis on scientific writing and communication. (Cross listed with MSCI 430. This course may be part of a BIO or MSCI group capstone.) Course fee may be required.

In-depth exploration of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, including aquatic organisms and their taxonomy, and the ecology, geochemistry, and sediments of freshwater ecosystems. Will include weekend or odd-hour field trips with concurrent field/laboratory section. (Offered spring semester of odd years.)

Advanced project-based lab and lecture course develops skills and understanding of current techniques in eukaryotic genetics and molecular biology. Six hours lab and two hours lecture per week.

Uses taxonomy and systematics of higher plants of California with a focus on morphology, development, and other characteristics to classify plants.

Assists students in completing their biology research capstone project. These projects are independent in nature, and should be approved by the capstone course instructor and your research mentor prior to enrollment. The student's research mentor may have been on the CSUMB campus, or as a summer REU on another campus, or research at an associated research agency or institution.

Assists students enrolled in a capstone project course in preparing their final written report, poster, and/or oral presentation for their Senior Capstone Project. Students must have completed an approved Biology Capstone Project Course prior to enrolling in BIO 492.

The major outcome of this capstone is for a student to study for and satisfactorily complete an approved standardized test that has a biology focus. Students can take the DAT, OAT or MCAT, or GRE subject exam in Biochemistry and Cell Biology or Biology, or one of approved Biology sections of the CSET. The choice in exam is dependent upon a student's career goals. (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Students work with practicing professionals in the community in a volunteer or paid internship that requires biology knowledge and skills. Academic credit is awarded for documented learning that takes place during the internship and that meets individualized and core internship outcomes.

Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)

Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)

Designed to mimic the research cycle in a typical molecular biology laboratory. Students isolate DNA from marine organisms, amplify specific regions, subclone, and purify plasmid DNA. Bioinformatic techniques are used to analyze sequenced regions, including homology searches, multiple alignments, primer design, and 3D comparison. Assessment consists of a lab notebook review, a final exam, and a detailed standards-based lesson plan. (Offered summer session through Extended Education.)

Required lab course for BIO 541. Lab course fee may be charged.

Graduate-level lecture course designed for an in-depth exploration of aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Learning activities include lectures on the major patterns and processes influence various aquatic systems, i.e. streams, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries; a literature review on one particular aquatic ecosystem; and oral presentation to the class about the system. Concurrent enrollment in the field/laboratory section is required. (Offered spring semester, during odd years).

Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.)