Biological Sciences Course Offerings

Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Some 200-and 300-level courses are on an alternate-year schedule. Check with Department of Biological Sciences Office for schedule.

BIOL 001

Concepts of Biology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Study of the nature and interaction of living things on the planet. Includes cell organization; diversity and structure of plants and animals; DNA and genetics; ecology; and evolution. Primarily for students without a strong high school biology or chemistry background. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 003

Human Anatomy    3.0 Fa/Spr

Study of the structure of the human body, to include muscles, bones, heart, brain, ear, eye, and other systems, as well as a short look at development of the fetus. Lab work entails dissection of the cat and study of the human skeleton. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. CAN BIOL 10.

BIOL 004

Human Physiology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, including the brain and nervous system; vision and hearing; heart and circulation; blood and immunity; respiration, digestion and metabolism; muscles; excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. CAN BIOL 12.

BIOL 005

Food, Fiber, and Drugs    3.0 Fa/Spr

Designed specifically for non-majors. Emphasis on broad biological principles, as illustrated by plants, and the economic importance and role of plants in human ecology. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 006A

Biological Principles    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 037 or concurrent enrollment.

Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 006B

Biological Principles    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006A; recommend CHEM 038 or concurrent enrollment.

Introduction to evolutionary history and biological diversity, microbes and protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. Form and function of plants and animals. Ecological principles. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 007

Museum Techniques    2.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: Previous biological course work is recommended.

Techniques of preparing biological specimens for study and display, with emphasis on vertebrate specimens. Museum and taxidermy mounts, wet and dry skeletons, and other preservation and display techniques will be covered. Practical work will be stressed. 1.0 hour lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 008

Principles of Biology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry.

Principles of Biology provides an understanding of the human ecosystem and the effects of human populations on ecosystem productivity; the theories of evolution and heredity; modern genetic technology; the biology of cancer and AIDS; and human reproduction. Laboratory consists of scientific investigations designed by students. Designed primarily for students in the sciences and related fields. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 008H

Principles of Biology — Honors    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program; high school biology and chemistry; faculty permission.

Principles of biology as illustrated in plant and animal groups; cellular structure and function; metabolism; mechanisms of mitosis, meiosis, heredity, and evolution; nature of the gene; principles of ecology. For students in the Honors in General Education program. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 009

General Botany    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or faculty permission.

Introduction to morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of all plant groups. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. CAN BIOL 6.

BIOL 010

General Zoology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or faculty permission.

Introduction to the animal kingdom, emphasizing relationships, adaptations, development, morphology, and physiology of the major groups. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. CAN BIOL 4.

BIOL 011

General Microbiology    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: A college course in biology and in general chemistry.

Introduction to structure/function, metabolism, genetics, ecological interactions and pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms. In addition, the roles of microorganisms in sanitation and in the food and biotechnology industries will be discussed. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. CAN BIOL 14.

BIOL 098

Special Topics    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 098A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

BIOL 102

Evolution    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008 or equivalent.

Analysis of the evidence for evolution and the nature of the process. Darwinism, neo-Darwinism, sociobiology, conflicts and misconceptions regarding evolution, creationism, and evolution of the human body and mind are considered. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 103

Human Genetics    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.

The inheritance, expression, and evolution of the genetic material in humans. Topics include genetic engineering, gene therapy, prenatal diagnosis, cancer, the human genome project, genetic influences on human behavior, such as homosexuality and mental illness, and the social and ethical consequences of the new technologies. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 107

Microbes and Disease    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008. Not open for credit to students majoring in microbiology or who have taken, or are taking, BIOL 011.

Overview of infectious diseases, immunological diseases, vaccines, and modern approaches to disease control.

BIOL 111

Ecology and Natural History    3.0 Spring
of the Pacific Basin Regions

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or equivalent.

An examination of the natural history of the regions of the Pacific Basin, the interconnections among their plants and animals, and the ecological principles which underlie these phenomena, including environmental problems currently faced by each Pacific Basin region. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 115

Human Biology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: One biological sciences course, preferably introductory biology.

A study of human beings from a biological perspective, including their evolution, physiology, behavior, and ecology.

BIOL 116

Science and Human Values    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008.

Critically examines scientific and humanistic world views and sensibilities, directly applying these approaches to contemporary social and personal problems. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as PHIL 116 which may be substituted.

BIOL 116H

Science and Human Values — Honors    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Honors Program; faculty permission.

Critically examines scientific and humanistic world views and sensibilities, directly applying these approaches to contemporary social and personal problems. This is an approved General Education course.

This course is the same as PHIL 116H which may be substituted.

BIOL 118

Biology of Childhood    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: One biological sciences course.

Basic biological principles, including the scientific method, reproduction, development, physiology, and anatomy. The biological basis of childhood diseases, immunity, nutrition, issues of health and well-being, and the relevance of biological information in social, political, and ethical decision making regarding children. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 123

Microtechnique    2.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Preparation of tissues for light microscope examination. For biology majors, technicians, and pre-medical students. 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 134

Conservation Ecology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or equivalent.

An examination of ecological principles and the impact of increasing population and technology upon the environment. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 141

Agricultural Entomology and Insect Control    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008.

Recognition, taxonomy, morphology, and life histories of agriculturally important insects. Control measures, including biological, cultural, and chemical. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 142

Field Biology    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008.

Plant and animal morphology, classification, and ecological relationships examined through field and laboratory study. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 152

Computer Applications in Biology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B and a computer science course providing skills in programming. Recommended: MATH 007A or a statistics course.

Models of biological processes and systems will be used to introduce the potentials for computing in biological research. 2.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 189

Clinical Laboratory Observation    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Microbiology/Clinical Laboratory Science majors with no previous clinical laboratory experience and who have completed BIOL 216 or CHEM 252; faculty permission.

Students observe in a clinical hospital laboratory and in a private clinical laboratory. Credit/no credit grading only.

BIOL 195

Biology of Cancer    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 001 or BIOL 008.

An introduction to cancer; what it is, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed and treated. This is an approved General Education course.

BIOL 198

Special Topics    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 198A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

BIOL 199

Special Problems    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Research in biology under direct supervision of faculty member. For majors only. This course counts toward the upper-division biology units required for the BS. Credit/no credit grading only.

BIOL 201

Introduction to Biological Literature    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; junior standing; BIOL 006B.

Majors are expected to take this course prior to or concurrent with enrollment in any 200-level biology course. Principles of library research, scientific writing, and scientific data recording. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

BIOL 202

Cell and Molecular Biology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Introductory analysis of the structure and related functions of cells with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms involved in membrane functon, signal transduction, intracellular compartments and transport, cell division, and apoptosis. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 203

Histology    4.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

Microscopic analysis of tissues, organs, and organ systems of vertebrates emphasizing mammalian histophysiology. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 205

Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

Explanation of the anatomical similarities and differences of selected vertebrates. The evolution and adaptive significance of various systems are considered. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 206

Cell Physiology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B; CHEM 028 or CHEM 070.

Detailed study of cellular function, with emphasis on regulation of cellular processes, modern experimental techniques, and a chemical approach to the cell in general. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 207

Genetics    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

A detailed study of the principles of classical, molecular, and population/evolutionary genetics. Activities will include computer simulations of segregation, linkage, and population genetics, internet-based database searches for genetic diseases and cloned genes, and searches of the current genetic literature. 3.0 hours lecture, 1.0 hour discussion.

BIOL 208

Hematology    3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B. Recommended: BIOL 212 and CHEM 070.

The study of blood in normal and abnormal conditions. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 212

Parasitology    4.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or equivalent and BIOL 010.

Biology of human and animal parasites, with emphasis on life cycles and control strategies. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 214

Vertebrate Physiology    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010; CHEM 028 or CHEM 070.

General features of vertebrate physiology. Function of muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and endocrine systems. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 215

Plant Physiology    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or BIOL 008; BIOL 009; CHEM 028 or CHEM 070; or faculty permission.

Functions in higher plants; water and soil relations, photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme action, and growth. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 216

Medical Bacteriology    5.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 011; BIOL 270; CHEM 070. Immunization against tetanus and diphtheria required.

Biological characteristics of medically important bacteria. Mechanisms of pathogenecity and host-resistance. Laboratory procedures for isolation and identification. 3.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 217

Medical Genetics    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 207.

Lectures on genetic diseases in humans, emphasizing the biochemical and molecular advances in diagnosis, treatment, gene therapy, and prevention. A significant portion of the course will deal with the molecular biology of cancer and the Human Genome Project.

BIOL 218

General Virology    4.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B. Recommended: BIOL 011.

The physical, chemical, and biological properties of bacteria and animal viruses, and their interactions with the host at cellular and organismic levels. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 219

Food and Industrial Microbiology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 011; CHEM 070.

Study of micro-organisms of industrial importance, emphasizing nutrition, metabolism, cultivation, and processing.

BIOL 220

Embryology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B; BIOL 010 or faculty permission.

Principles and theories of animal delevopments, emphasizing the vertebrate. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 223

Plant Anatomy and Development    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Plant anatomical study with inclusion of modern genetic methods of analysis for a molecular understanding of plant development. Developmental concepts include biochemical signal, genetic control of cell division, cell differentiation and cell death in relationship to formation of the plant body and life cycle completion. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 225

Plant Morphology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or BIOL 009.

Comparative morphology of plant and fungal types, emphasizing evolution of structures and methods of reproduction. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 226

Phycology    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Reproduction, morphology, taxonomy, and economic importance of the algae. Field and laboratory work with both freshwater and marine representatives. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 227

Mycology    4.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 009.

A survey of the fungi, with emphasis upon structure and development, classification, and economic importance. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 228

Plant Pathology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Study of plant pathology encompassing parasitism and disease in plants, pathogen attack strategies, diseased plant physiology, plant defense mechanisms, environmental effects on disease and descriptions of diseases and treatments. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 230

Developmental Biology    3.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Includes concepts of macro-molecular assembly, biochemical signals, genetic controls, and morphological processes involved during development of organisms. The experimentally oriented laboratory exercises cover cell differentiation in fungi, plants, and animals, cell movement and communication mechanisms, teratogenic effects on limb development, regeneration, and metamorphosis. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 240

Plant Systematics    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B and BIOL 009, or faculty permission.

Principles of plant classification with field study of local flora, emphasizing the higher plants and their phylogenetic relationships. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 250

Invertebrate Zoology    4.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

A survey of the basic biology of the principal invertebrate phyla. Emphasis placed both on morphology and contribution of each group to biological principles. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 251

Principles of Evolution    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 207.

A detailed study of the evolutionary process, including history, natural selection, population genetics, molecular evolution, speciation, coevolution, and macroevolution.

BIOL 254

Field Ecology    3.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Principles of ecology illustrated in the context of biotic communities of northern California. Field studies using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Laboratory segment offered at Eagle Lake Biological Field Station. 1.0 hour discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 255

Plant Geography    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 009. Recommended: BIOL 240.

Discussion of the major plant communities with interpretation of environmental, migrational, and evolutionary processes affecting their distribution.

BIOL 255L

Plant Geography Laboratory    1.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of BIOL 255.

Field trips to local plant communities and laboratory work emphasizing range patterns of California plants. 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 256

Animal Behavior    3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

Consideration of the basic problems in animal behavior, including orientation, social behavior, and the nature and organization of animal societies. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 258

Fundamentals of Ecology    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B. Some taxonomic background is recommended.

Interrelationships among living organisms, field observations of such phenomena. Application of quantitative and qualitative methods to the interpretation of ecological phenomena. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 259

Aquatic Ecology    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, CHEM 038.

Physical, chemical, and biological factors influencing the ecology of inland waters. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 261

Ichthyology    4.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

Morphology, ecology, behavior, and systematics of California fishes, with an introduction to fisheries biology. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 262

Field Botany    2.0 Summer

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 009.

An examination of the ecological factors of plant distribution; taxonomy of the plants of biotic communities of northeastern California. Offered only at Eagle Lake Biological Field Station. 1.0 hour discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 263

General Entomology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B or faculty permission. Recommended: BIOL 010.

The morphology, ecology, and physiology of insects. Economic entomology and medical entomology, and taxonomy. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 264

Herpetology    4.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 010.

The morphology, evolution, physiology, behavior, ecology, and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles. California amphibians and reptiles are emphasized, including field studies of local species. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 265

Ornithology    4.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010.

The morphology, evolution, ecology, physiology, taxonomy, and behavior of birds, including field studies of local species. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 266

Mammalogy    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

Study of evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavior of mammals. California mammals will be emphasized in lab. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 267

Veterinary and Medical Entomology    3.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 010 or equivalent.

Epidemiology of arthropod diseases, especially transmitted to humans and domestic animals by insects; identification, control, and biology of the vectors. Course approved by Structural Pest Control Board for 8 technical points of Continuing Education. 2.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 269

Neurophysiology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B, BIOL 010; CHEM 028 or CHEM 070.

This course provides students with background and fundamental information necessary to pursue neuroscience at the graduate or professional level. Cellular and molecular mechanisms within mammalian central nervous system are emphasized. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 270

Immunology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B.

The development and expression of the immune response, the basic principles of antigen-antibody reactions and their relevance to medicine, genetics, taxonomy, and evolution. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 272

Bacterial Physiology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 011; BIOL 207; CHEM 070. CHEM 250A is recommended.

Study of bacterial structure and function, modes of metabolism, regulatory responses to environmental change and stress, and microbial aspects of nutrition and growth. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 273

Microbial Genetics    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: BIOL 207. BIOL 011 is recommended.

The molecular basis of mutation and recombination, mechanisms of gene transfer, transcription in bacteria and bacteriophages, genetics and biochemistry of regulation of bacterial operons, and bacteriophage development, and recombinant DNA application to genetic engineering. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 275

Microbial Ecology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 006B. Recommended: BIOL 011.

The roles and interactions of viruses, bacteria, algae, protozoa, and fungi in the natural and human environment, stressing fundamental principles of ecology and evolution. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 279

Zooarchaeology and Field Ecology    3.0 Summer

Prerequisites: BIOL 006A and BIOL 006B or equivalent.

This comprehensive field course introduces students to zooarchaeology, vertebrate osteology, fragmentary bone identification, as well as vertebrate ecology and natural history through a spectrum of lectures, laboratory exercises and field activities. This course is offered at the Eagle Lake Biological Field Station. 1.0 hour lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory.

This course is the same as ANTH 279 which may be substituted.

BIOL 289

Internship    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Necessary background for the specific internship; faculty permission.

This internship course is offered as 289A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units. You must register with a supervising faculty member. The internship program is designed to provide students with direct field or laboratory research experience in occupational settings. Credit/no credit grading only.

BIOL 291

Senior Seminar in Biology    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

Presentation and discussion of scientific reports based on current literature. Credit/no credit grading only.

BIOL 292

Seminars in Biological Science    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or faculty permission.

Analysis of seminars on various topics in the biological sciences. Credit/no credit grading only. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

BIOL 295

Electron Microscopy    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: PHYS 002A; PHYS 002B.

Introduction to electron optics and electron microscope construction. Electron microscope operation by demonstration only.

BIOL 296

Field Studies in Natural History    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a field study offered as 296A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with as supervising faculty member. Concentrated field study of habitats or organisms in the field. Forty-five hours of field work for each unit of credit.

BIOL 298

Special Topics    1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 298A-D for 1.0 to 4.0 units respectively. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

BIOL 299H

Honors Research in Biological Sciences    6.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: faculty permission.

An intensive 6-unit, one-year course in biological research. See department office for details. (Open only to students with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major.) The course will consist of participation in a team research effort. 18.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 300

Research in Biological Sciences    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Admission into the graduate program in biology or botany.

Orientation to literature review and thesis research. Strategies and techniques used in molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecological research. Required of all biology/botany graduate students during their first fall semester and will include sign-up for the Graduate Qualifying Examination to be given the next semester.

BIOL 305A

Biological Seminar    1.0 Fall

See description below.

BIOL 305B

Biological Seminar    1.0 Spring

BIOL 305A-BIOL 305B: Presentation and discussion of reports based on current biological literature and special studies by graduate students.

BIOL 312

Experimental Parasitology    3.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: BIOL 006, graduate standing.

Laboratory and field studies of parasitic infections. Directed original investigations and experimentation on the parasites of humans, domestic animals, and natural infections of animals in the wild. 1.0 hour seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 315

Ecological Plant Physiology    4.0 Spring

Prerequisites: BIOL 215.

This course focuses on the way different plant species and functional types react in various locations and in all climatic zones. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms underlying plant physiological ecology at the levels of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and whole-plant physiology. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 330

Developmental Plant Biology    4.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 215 or BIOL 223 or BIOL 225.

A consideration of the processes involved in plant growth and the development of form, with emphasis on higher plants and recent experimental approaches. 2.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 331

Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology    3.0 EvnFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 207; CHEM 250A.

Theory and strategies used in procaryotic and eucaryotic molecular biology. DNA manipulations, cloning systems, immunological assays, and protein purification and analytical techniques. 2.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 332

Advanced Physiology/Cell Biology    3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 202; BIOL 206; BIOL 220.

Examination of the underlying molecular and bio-chemical mechanisms which allow physiological adaptations, establishment of pattern formation and differentiation of eucaryotic organisms. 2.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 333

Topics in Cell/Molecular Biology    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: BIOL 331.

This course is a special topic offered as 333A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Detailed discussion of selected topics in molecular and cellular biology. Extensive survey of current literature and analysis of research strategies. Topics will be selected and advertised by instructor. Past topics have included molecular actions between plants and microbes; pathogenesis of disease; oncogenes and signal transduction.

BIOL 334

Topics in    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
Physiological/Developmental Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 332.

This course is a special topic offered as 334A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Detailed discussion of selected contemporary topics in physiological and developmental biology. Topic will be selected and advertised by the instructor.

BIOL 340

Plant Systematics    4.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 240.

Advanced principles of plant classification, with emphasis on the grasses, sedges, and composites. 3.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 341

Topics in Ecology and Systematics    1.0-3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 258.

This course is a special topic offered as 341A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Detailed investigation of selected special topics in ecology, systematics, or evolutionary biology. Extensive survey of current literature. Topics will be selected and advertised by the instructor. 1.0 hour seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.

BIOL 352

Plant Ecology    4.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 240; BIOL 258; graduate standing.

Autecology, emphasizing California vascular plants, with focus on current topics in behavioral and reproductive ecology. Field project work and detailed literature survey. 2.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 357

Population Ecology    4.0 EvnSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 258.

Study and lecture/discussion of population ecology, with an emphasis on field methods used on local populations. 2.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 358

Community and Ecosystem Ecology    3.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 258 and a statistics course.

The analysis, modeling, and computer simulation of the structure and function of communities and ecosystems, with emphasis on patterns of competition, predation, energy and nutrient flow and succession. 2.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 359

Topics in Limnology    4.0 OddSprg

Prerequisites: BIOL 259.

Study of the functional dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. 2.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 363

Social Insects    3.0 OddFall

Prerequisites: BIOL 263.

An advanced course for studying the problems of phylogeny, behavior, social organization, ecology, and zoogeography of social insects. 2.0 hours seminar, 3.0 hours laboratory.

BIOL 395

Electron Microscope Operation Laboratory    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: May be taken concurrently with BIOL 295 and faculty permission.

Introduction to the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopes, including daily operation, alignment, and routine maintenance. 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 396

Biological Preparations for    4.0 Inquire
Electron Microscopy

Prerequisites: BIOL 202 or faculty permission.

Preparation of biological specimens for scanning and transmission electron microscopes, using chemical and physical procedures. Emphasis is on preservation, localization, and identification of biological molecules. 2.0 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule.

BIOL 398

Independent Study    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a graduate level independent study offered as 398A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Survey and careful study of literature, experimentation, observation, and collection of data in field and laboratory. Credit/no credit grading only.

BIOL 399

Master’s Study    1.0-6.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a master’s study offered as a Master’s Thesis and identified as 399A-F for 1.0 to 6.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.