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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 400/500/600-level courses are on an alternate-year schedule. Check with Department of Biological Sciences Office for schedule.

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, 2.0 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course.

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. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. CAN BIOL10.

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. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. CAN BIOL12.

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.

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.

Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 111 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151; recommend CHEM 112 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151; CHEM 112 or concurrent enrollment recommended.

Introduction to plant and animal physiology and development. Laboratory consists of small group independent investigations of biological questions that include student-devised experiments; application of biological techniques, data anaylsis, and peer reviewed presentation of results. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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.

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 BIOL14.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108 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.

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.

Prerequisites: Previous biological sciences 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 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108. Not open for credit to students majoring in microbiology or who have taken, or are taking, BIOL 211.

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

Prerequisites: One biological sciences course, preferably introductory biology.

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

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151, BIOL 152, BIOL 153, or faculty permission.

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, as well as viruses. Topics include cell structure, metabolism, genetics; ecological interactions; pathogenic mechanisms; and the roles of microorganisms in sanitation, food production, and biotechnology. The lab focuses on methods for growing and studying diverse microbes. 2.0 hours lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108.

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 also offered as PHIL 322.

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 also offered as PHIL 322H.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101 or BIOL 108.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 152 or faculty permission. 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, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule. Formerly BIOL 400.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; junior standing; BIOL 152.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153 or permission of instructor.

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 hours discussion.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151, BIOL 152, and BIOL 153, or faculty permission.

Advanced study of plant anatomy, morphology, physicology, ecology, and evolution. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151, BIOL 152, and BIOL 153, or faculty permission.

Advanced study of animal anatomy, morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152 and a computer science course providing skills in programming. Recommended: MATH 120 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.

Prerequisites: Microbiology/Clinical Laboratory Science majors with no previous clinical laboratory experience and who have completed BIOL 470 or CHEM 252; faculty permission.

Students observe in a clinical hospital laboratory and in a private clinical laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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.

This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152. Recommended: BIOL 321.

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. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, CHEM 112.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 360.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153, BIOL 360.

Detailed analysis of structure and related functions of cells with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and gene regulation. Lectures and laboratory sessions focus on current theories and methodologies associated with cloning, nucleic acid analysis, gene expression, bioinformatics, and genomics. 2.0 hours lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153, BIOL 360.

Detailed study of cellular function with an emphasis on intracellular and intercellular communication. Topics include protein structure and function, properties of biological membranes, signal transduction, protein trafficking pathways, vesicular transport, cell cycle, apotopsis and cancer. 3.0 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory. Formerly BIOL 410.

Prerequisites: BIOL 321, BIOL 360, CHEM 270. CHEM 451 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 108 or BIOL 153; CHEM 108 or CHEM 270; 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153; CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153; CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153; CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152 or faculty permission. Recommended: BIOL 153.

The morphology, ecology, and physiology of insects. Economic entomology and medical entomology, and taxonomy. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152 or equivalent. Strongly recommended: BIOL 153.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153, or faculty permission.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153 or PSSC 101 or faculty permission.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 369.

The composition and distribution of plant communities, emphasizing the ecological, environmental, and evolutionary processes that affect them. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 152.

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 hours discussion, 3.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152, BIOL 153.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153. Recommended: BIOL 424 and CHEM 270.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 360.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 321, BIOL 466, CHEM 270. 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. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

Prerequisites: BIOL 360. BIOL 321 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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 321, CHEM 270.

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

Prerequisites: BIOL 153. Recommended: BIOL 321.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151 and BIOL 152 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 hours lecture, 6.0 hours laboratory. This course is also offered as ANTH 479.

Prerequisites: BIOL 153.

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.

Prerequisites: BIOL 152.

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 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

Prerequisites: PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B.

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

Prerequisites: Necessary background for the specific internship.

This internship course is offered for 1.0–3.0 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or faculty permission.

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

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

Presentation and discussion of scientific reports based on current literature. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

This course is a field study offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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. 3.0 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–4.0 units. 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. Special fee required; see the Class Schedule.

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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

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.

Presentation and discussion of reports based on current biological literature and special studies by graduate students. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: BIOL 360, CHEM 451.

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. Formerly BIOL 510.

Prerequisites: BIOL 609.

This course is a special topic offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Detailed discussion of selected topics in molecular and cellular biology. Extensive survey of current literature and analysis of research strategies. Topics are selected and advertised by instructor. Past topics have included molecular actions between plants and microbes; pathogenesis of disease; oncogenes and signal transduction. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units.

Prerequisites: BIOL 411, BIOL 417, BIOL 426.

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. Formerly BIOL 512.

Prerequisites: BIOL 611.

This course is a special topic offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350.

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. Formerly BIOL 514.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350.

This course is a special topic offered for 1.0–3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 or GEOG 344; MATH 314 or MATH 350 or GEOG 315.

This course emphasizes on spatial patterning in the landscape—its causes, development, and importance for ecological and environmental processes. The course includes the study of ecological and anthropologic aspects of landscape pattern and change. The laboratory includes hand-on experience with tools use din landscape ecology. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This course is also offered as GEOG 660.

Prerequisites: BIOL 151, 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 hours seminar, 6.0 hours laboratory. Formerly BIOL 562.

Prerequisites: BIOL 422.

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. Formerly BIOL 563.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 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