Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/No Credit Available)
Units: 1 to 4
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. [Prereq: GE Area B4 and (CHEM 109 or FYS 121 or PHYS 121)]
Units: 3 to 4
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 4, or completion of BIO 204. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111 allowed if A- in CHEM 110. [(Prereq: CHEM 111) and (Coreq: BIO 210L or prior completion)]
Units: 4
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. (Coreq: BIO 210)
Units: 1
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. [Prereq: BIO 210 and (MATH 130 or MATH 150) and (GE Area A1) and (Coreq: BIO 211L)]
Units: 4
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. (Coreq: BIO 211)
Units: 1
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. [Prereq: GE Area A1 and (MATH 130 or MATH 150) and (CHEM 109 or FYS 121 and ENVS 201 or FYS 124) or CHEM 110)]
Units: 4
Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/No Credit Available)
Units: 1 to 4
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. [Prereq: (Junior or Senior Standing) and (GE Area A1 and GE Area A2 and GE Area A3) and (BIO 211 and BIO 211L) or (BIO 242 or (Coreq: BIO 242)]
Units: 4
Optional lab course for BIO 310. Lab course fee may be charged. [(Prereq: BIO 310 ) or (Coreq: BIO 310)]
Units: 1
Covers biomolecular structure and function, biological oxidation and reduction, metabolism including respiration and photosynthesis, membrane transport, and biotransformation. [Prereq: (BIO 210 and BIO 211) and (CHEM 210 or CHEM 211 or CHEM 312)]
Units: 3
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 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. [Prereq: (BIO 211 and 211L) or (BIO 241 and BIO 241L)]
Units: 3
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. (Prereq: BIO 211 or BIO 241)
Units: 4
Explores the biology and control of plant pathogens including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Topics covered will include differences in pathogen morphology, the phylogenetics of plant pathogens, host plant resistance, and the epidemiology of plant pathogens. Course fee may be required. (Prereq: BIO 211 and BIO 211L)
Units: 4
Course covers structure and function of major animal organ systems, with an emphasis on mammalian physiology. [Prereq: (BIO 242 or BIO 211) and (PHYS 150 or PHYS 220 or PHYS 221)]
Units: 3
Plant Physiology focuses on the structure and function of plants throughout their development from seeds through reproduction. Covers special plant adaptations, plant symbiotic relationships, hormones, nutrition, and biotic and abiotic plant stressors. Discussions and exercises will cover from the biochemical level through the organismal level with many practical examples in agricultural and ecological settings. (Prereq: BIO 210 and BIO 211)
Units: 3
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. [Prereq: (BIO 240 or BIO 230 or BIO 211) and MATH 150]
Units: 4
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. (Offered when demand warrants.) (Prereq: BIO 210 and BIO 211)
Units: 3
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. [Prereq: (BIO 211 or BIO 240) or (BIO 230 and GEOL 260)]
Units: 4
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. [Prereq: (BIO 211 and BIO 211L) or (BIO 241 and BIO 241L)]
Units: 4
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. [Prereq: (PHYS 150 or PHYS 220 or PHYS 221) and (BIO 211 or BIO 230 or BIO 240)]
Units: 4
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.) (Prereq: BIO 204 or BIO 240)
Units: 3 to 4
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.)
Units: 3 to 4
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. [Prereq: (BIO 211 and BIO 211L) or (BIO 230 and ENSTU 300) or (BIO 240 and BIO 240L)]
Units: 4
Field Ornithology introduces students to bird identification and field research techniques, and exposes them to broad concepts in avian biology. Lecture components of the course will cover avian diversity, evolutionary history, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Field and laboratory components of the course will train students in the practical application of standardized field methods, including census techniques, behavioral observations, and habitat measurements. [Prereq: (BIO 211 and BIO 211L) or BIO 230]
Units: 4
Concepts and skills related to the study of mammals. Lecture components (2 hours per week) will cover the origin, evolution, adaptation, biogeography, physiology, ecology, and behavior of mammals. Lab/field components (4 hours per week) will focus on the identification and classification of mammals and provide students with experience using standard field techniques to survey terrestrial mammals native to central California. Requires one or more weekend fieldtrips. [Prereq: (BIO 211 and 211L) or (BIO 230 and ENSTU 300)]
Units: 4
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. [Prereq: (GE Area A2 and GE Area A3 and GE Area B2) and (Junior or Senior Standing)]
Units: 5
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. [Prereq: (GE Area A2 and GE Area A3 and GE Area B2) and (Junior or Senior Standing)]
Units: 5
This course will focus on developing the base tool set for implementing advanced computing in the design and analysis research projects. Content of the course is geared towards novice students (i.e. those with little or no previous programming experience) who will learn practical computational approaches to modern research questions by applying programming concepts and approaches to real data sets. Areas of study will focus on skills related to data manipulation, management, and analysis. [Prereq: STAT 250 and [(BIO 211 and 211L) or BIO 230]
Units: 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 211)
Units: 1
Students work with practicing professionals in the community in a volunteer or paid internship that requires biology skills. Academic credit is awarded for documented learning that takes place during the internship and that meets individualized and core internship outcomes. (Prereq: BIO 211)
Units: 1 to 3
Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)
Units: 1 to 4
Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)
Units: 1 to 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 311)
Units: 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 311)
Units: 3
This course will explore the area of genomics and its relationship to both basic and applied areas of research. Students will learn about the applications and contributions of a "genomic" perspective to topics such as evolutionary biology, functional genetics, genetic structure, and systems biology. (Prereq: BIO 311)
Units: 3
A comprehensive molecular genetics course for majors covering DNA replication, repair and mutation, regulation of transcription and translation, and analysis and manipulation of genes at the molecular level. (Prereq: BIO 311)
Units: 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 311)
Units: 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 345)
Units: 4
This course will focus on exploring the biology and control of plant pathogens including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Topics covered will include differences in pathogen morphology, the phylogenetics of plant pathogens, host plant resistance, and the epidemiology of plant pathogens. Course fee may be required. (Prereq: BIO 320)
Units: 4
Examines the diverse world of fungi in terrestrial ecosystems. Fungi are ecologically and econonomically important decomposers, symbionts and pathogens. Introduces current fungal research topics (e.g. pathogenicity) and explore both next generation sequencing technologies for the analysis of fungal diversity, growth and virulence mechanisms. [Prereq: BIO 311 and (BIO 320 or BIO 322)]
Units: 4
This course uses a group project approach to address a real-world marine environmental physiology problem. This course will increase knowledge retention and integration of concepts in marine science, physiology and biology, and teach students what it is like to work in a research laboratory setting. Includes group capstone project option. [Prereq: STAT 250 and (MSCI 331 or BIO 330) and (BIO 300 or MSCI 300 or ENVS 300)]
Units: 4
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.) [Prereq: CHEM 111 and (BIO 340 or BIO 342)]
Units: 4
This course will provide students with an in-depth exploration of concepts examining how species interactions shape the structure and composition of plant and animal communities. Lecture covers topics on species interactions such as competition, predation, herbivory, and mutualism, as well as principle theories explaining coexistence and species diversity. Discussion explores classic and modern literature representative of research in the field, with an emphasis on communities in California. (Prereq: BIO 340 and STAT 250)
Units: 4
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. [(Prereq: BIO 311) or (Coreq: BIO 311)]
Units: 4
Uses taxonomy and systematics of higher plants of California with a focus on morphology, development, and other characteristics to classify plants. (Prereq: BIO 342)
Units: 4
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. (Prereq: BIO 300)
Units: 2 to 4
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. [Prereq: BIO 300 and (BIO 320 or BIO 410 or BIO 430 or BIO 448 or BIO 461 or MSCI 430)]
Units: 1 to 2
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) (Prereq: BIO 300 or ENVS 300 or MSCI 300 or ENSTU 300)
Units: 1
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.
Units: 2 to 4
Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/ No Credit Available)
Units: 1 to 4
Student and faculty member select topic of study and number of credits. (Offered as interest warrants.)
Units: 1 to 4
Required lab course for BIO 541. Lab course fee may be charged. (Coreq: BIO 541)
Units: 2 to 4
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.) (Coreq: BIO 541L)
Units: 2 to 4
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.
Units: 4
This course will provide students with an in-depth exploration of concepts examining how species interactions shape the structure and composition of plant and animal communities. Lecture covers topics on species interactions such as competition, predation, herbivory, and mutualism, as well as principle theories explaining coexistence and species diversity. Discussion explores classic and modern literature representative of research in the field, with an emphasis on communities in California. [(Prereq: ENVS 550) or (Coreq: ENVS 550)]
Units: 4
Studies a particular topic in Biology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.)
Units: 1 to 4