Biology Course Catalog

This is a listing of all the courses offered in biology

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Lower Division Courses
Upper Division Courses
Graduate Courses

Students pursuing a major and/or a minor in this Department may receive unit credit for courses marked with the symbol ## as a general elective but may not apply the units toward the specific or elective requirements for any degree or option in this Department. Majors in this department may, however, take, for general education purposes, interdisciplinary courses offered by this Department. All other courses in this Department are open to majors and minors but by traditional grading only. Courses with an asterisk (*) may be used in graduate programs.

Lower Division

100. ## Biology of the Human Environment (3) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in a course that fulfills one of the Foundation requirements in GE. Biological perspective on the interaction between humans and their environment. Specifically designed for non-science majors. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

110H. Ideas in the Biological Sciences - Honors (1)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. An examination of the historical roots of the biological and biochemical sciences. Through readings and discussions, participants will become acquainted with the people and discoveries that have advanced the state of biological sciences. Historical context, importance, and the scientific and social consequences of these discoveries will be examined. Introduction to research faculty in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry/Biochemistry. (Discussion 1 hr.) Traditional grading only.

153. Introduction to Marine Biology (3) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in courses that fulfill the A.1 and B.2 GE requirements. Scientific approach to the study of marine organisms and their relationships to the environment. Emphasis on human interaction with marine ecosystems. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) Field trips may be required outside of scheduled class time. Not open to students with a C or better in BIOL 201. A course fee may be required.

BIOL 153L. Introduction to Marine Biology Laboratory (1) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion at another accredited institution of coursework deemed equivalent to the lecture portion only of BIOL 153 and consent of department. Identical to the laboratory portion of BIOL 153.Students enrolled in BIOL 153L will take it in the same room and at the same time as students enrolled in BIOL 153. Not open for credit to students with credit in BIOL 153. (Laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.1 unit @ C-16

200.## General Biology (4) F,S

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Foundation requirements. A brief survey of the major areas of biology including cell biology, genetics, evolution, phylogeny, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ecology, and behavior. Specifically designed for non-science majors. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

200L.## General Biology Laboratory (1) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion at another institution of coursework deemed equivalent to the lecture component only of BIOL 200. BIOL 200L is identical to the laboratory component of BIOL 200. Students enrolled in BIOL 200L will take it in the same room and at the same time as students enrolled in BIOL 200. Not open for enrollment to students with credit for BIOL 200. (Laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

204.## Essentials of Pharmacology (2) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 207. A systematic study of drugs, their classification, methods and routes of administration, therapeutic and toxic effects with emphasis on nursing implications. Not designed for majors in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 206. (Lecture 2 hrs.)

205.## Human Biology (4) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements. A brief survey of human biology focusing on anatomy, physiology, and development of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; including molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and diversity. Specifically designed for non-science majors. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 107 or 205. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

BIOL 205L.## Human Biology Laboratory (1) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion at another accredited institution of coursework deemed equivalent to the lecture portion only of BIOL 205 and consent of department. Identical to the laboratory portion of BIOL 205. Students enrolled in BIOL 205L will take it in the same room and at the same time as students enrolled in BIOL 205. Not open for credit to students with credit in BIOL 205. (Laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required. 1 unit @ C-16

207.## Human Physiology (4) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements. General introduction to the functional integration of human body systems. Designed for majors in biomedical engineering, physical education, and the allied health fields. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 207 or 209. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

208.## Human Anatomy (4) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of the GE Foundation requirements. Gross anatomy of humans from the cellular to the systemic levels. Intensive laboratory experience including the use of human cadavers. Designed for majors in kinesiology and the allied health fields. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

211A. Biological Sciences I (5) F,S

Prerequisite: CHEM 111A with a grade of C or better and completion of GE Foundation requirements. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 111B. An introduction to cellular and molecular principles common to all life forms including biological macromolecules, cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and molecular biology. Also includes microbiology of prokaryotes and the origin of life. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 6 hrs.) Traditional grading only. Course fee may be required. (BIOL 211A+211B, CAN BIOL SEQ A.)

211B. Biological Sciences II (5) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, CHEM 111B with a grade of C or better. The second of a two-semester introductory sequence designed for biological science majors. An introduction to organismal biology, including the diversity, structure, and function of protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Also includes the principles of evolution, ecology, and animal behavior. (Lecture 3 hrs, laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Traditional grading only. (BIOL 211A+211B, CAN BIOL SEQ A)

211C. Biological Sciences Laboratory I (2) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion at another accredited institution of coursework equivalent to the lecture component only of BIOL 211A. BIOL 211C is identical to the laboratory component of BIOL 211A. Students enrolled in BIOL 211C will take it in the same room and at the same time as students enrolled in BIOL 211A. Not open for enrollment for students with credit for BIOL 211A. (Laboratory 6 hrs.) A course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

211D. Biological Sciences Laboratory II (2) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion at another accredited institution of coursework equivalent to the lecture component only of BIOL 211B. BIOL 211D is identical to the laboratory component of BIOL 211B. Students enrolled in BIOL 211D will take it in the same room and at the same time as students enrolled in BIOL 211B. Not open for enrollment for students with credit for BIOL 211B. (Laboratory 6 hrs.) A course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

220H. Fundamentals of Bioinformatics - Honors (2)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A and consent of instructor. Introduction to the scope and use of biological information databases including protein and nucleotide sequences and molecular structure databases as well as literature databases. Basic methods of comparison of DNA and protein sequences including sequence alignment, analysis of 3-D structures, and phylogenetic analysis. Fundamentals of DNA sequencing and genetic survey techniques including genotyping of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variation. (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

260. Biostatistics (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A or BIOL 207 or MICR 200; MATH 112 or 117 or 119A or 122. Use of probability and statistics in the description and analysis of biological data. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

TOP

Upper Division

303I.## Coastal Systems and Human Impacts (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing; BIOL 153 or 200 or 211B; GEOL 102 or 160. Defines and describes natural processes impacting human activities in the coastal zone and how human practices influence natural processes. Topics include global warming, sea level rise, El Nino, port development, ocean outfalls and water quality, fisheries, and coastal erosion. Same course as GEOL 303I. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

304.## Pathophysiology (3) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 207, 208; CHEM 302; MICR 200. Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of common disorders of human nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, digestive, and reproductive systems with emphasis on the physiological basis of the disease process and clinical correlations. Not designed for majors in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 305. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

306.## Human Prosection (3) F, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 208 or 332 and consent of instructor. Detailed regional dissection of the human body with emphasis on dissection techniques. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 306 or 336. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 6 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

309I. ## Human Body and Mind (3) F,S

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing. A course designed to facilitate understanding of the human being as an integrated physiological and psychological entity. It presents clear and simple explanations of various aspects of the human body's function, development and care, and explores the interaction between body and mind in physiological, medical and psychological terms. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 308I. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*312. Evolutionary Biology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with a grade of C or better, 260. A general survey of the various areas of evolutionary biology including but not limited to population genetics, speciation, origin of life, and phylogenetic analysis. Main emphasis is on evolutionary mechanisms and methods of analysis with some emphasis on specific details of the evolutionary history of life. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*313. Invertebrate Zoology (4) F,S

Prerequisite: BIOL 211A,B with grade of “C” or better. Systematics, morphology, and natural history of invertebrate animals, with an emphasis on local marine forms. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 6 hrs.; weekend field trips may be required.) A course fee may be required

*316. General Entomology (4) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better. Characteristics, structure, habits, and life cycles of insects; the importance of insects to humans and other organisms. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*324. Vertebrate Zoology (4) F,S

Prerequisite: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better. An evolutionary and systematic survey of the living vertebrates. Emphasis on the phylogenetic origin and the morphological and physiological adaptations of the major groups. Not open for major credit if more than one of the following courses has been previously taken; BIOL 419, 421 or 423. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

328. Plants and Human Affairs (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better. Economic and social role of plants and plant products in our civilization from a botanical perspective. Emphasis on the origins, methods of processing and uses of plants. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*332. Comparative Vertebrate Morphology (4) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B with grade of C or better. Evolutionary history of vertebrate structure. Lecture emphasizes primarily gross adult structure and secondarily embryonic origin and microanatomy. Laboratory focuses on comparative anatomy of shark, salamander, and mammal. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*340. Molecular Cell Biology (3) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with a grade of C or better; CHEM 320A or 327. Detailed study of the organization and functioning of cells and cellular organelles at the molecular level; emphasis on experimental approaches and structural/functional relationships. Individual research paper on a current aspect of cellular/molecular biology required. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

340L. Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 340, 370, both with a grade of C or better. (Preference given to students in the Bachelor of Science in Biology, Option in Cell and Molecular Biology.) An intensive course of modern laboratory techniques used in both cell and molecular biology. Topics include genomics, subcellular structure and transport, and purification and functional characterization of recombinant proteins. This class will provide extensive laboratory experience for students. (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*341. Physiology for Therapists I (4) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B; CHEM 111A, B; PHYS 100A, 100B; 100 hours of documented exposure to the practice of physical therapy in a variety of settings; and permission of instructor. Mechanisms of action and interaction of the physiological body systems with emphasis on the nervous and endocrine systems and skeletal and smooth muscle. Pathological and clinical considerations will also be presented. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 341 or 307. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

*342. Mammalian Physiology (3) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with a grade of C or better. Recommended: PHYS 100A-B. A course dealing with the function of the various mammalian body systems, especially of humans. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of homeostatic mechanisms of the nervous, muscular, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 342. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*342L. Laboratory in Physiology (1) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 342 (may be taken concurrently.) Experiments and exercises designed to provide laboratory experience in, and illustration of, physiological principles and mechanisms of interaction among the various body systems. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 342L. Traditional grading only. (Laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

*345. Comparative Animal Physiology (3) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with a grade of C or better. Comparison of the fundamental physiological processes of the major animal phyla. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 340. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*345L. Laboratory in Comparative Animal Physiology (1) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 345 (may be taken concurrently.) Laboratory course designed to acquaint students with direct observation and measurement of physiological processes in various animal groups, both invertebrate and vertebrate. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 340L. Traditional grading only. (Laboratory 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

*350. General Ecology (3) F,S

Prerequisite: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better, 260; MATH 112 or 117 or 119A or 122. Chemistry and physics recommended. Relationships of plants and animals to their physical and biological environment; structure and function of populations, communities and ecosystems. (Lecture 3 hrs., and two required Saturday field trips.) Traditional grading only.

*353. Marine Biology (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 153, both 211A,B with grade of C or better, and 260. Study of pelagic and benthic marine ecosystems, including topics of food resources, mariculture, and pollution. Weekend field trips may be required. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

370. General Genetics (4) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with grades of C or better and either BIOL 260 or CHEM 441B. Detailed study of classical transmission genetics and an introduction to modern molecular genetics. Included will be current observations and concepts of the nature, organization, function and regulation of the expression of genetic material. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

401.## Biology of Human Aging (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 200 or 205 or 207. Biological processes associated with aging in humans. Emphasis on both cellular and organ aging. Not designed for majors in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 401. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

BIOL 411./511. Marine Mammalogy (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 153 or 353, BIOL 345, 350, all with grade of “C” or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 411; graduates enroll in BIOL 511.) Fundamental biological, ecological, and physiological concepts of all marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, walruses, sirenians, and polar bears will be covered. Information concerning taxonomy, distribution, morphology, physiology, reproduction, and feeding will be obtained through textbook readings and current scientific literature. Laboratory will consist of fieldtrips, which may include weekends and spring recess. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

*419. Ichthyology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, 260, and at least six additional units of upper division biological science, all with a grade of C or better. Recommended: BIOL 350, 353, and 370. Systematics, morphology, genetics, and ecology of fishes. Emphasis on local marine forms. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs., weekend field trips may be required.) A course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

420./520. Advanced Ichthyology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350, 370, and 419. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 420; graduates enroll in BIOL 520.) Advanced aspects of distribution, systematics, physiology, adaptation, and life history of fishes; emphasis on state-of-art field/laboratory techniques and contemporary concepts. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.; weekend field trips may be required.) A course fee may be required.

*421. Herpetology (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, 260, with grades of "C" or better, and eight units of upper division biology. Taxonomy, natural history, ecology and distribution of amphibians and reptiles, emphasis on local forms. Weekend field trip required. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)
Biology Courses (BIOL)

BIOL 422./522. Methods in Avian Ecology and Conservation (3) S, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 422; graduates enroll in BIOL 522.) Research methods (estimation of population density, bioacoustics, phylogenetic methods, zonation of protected areas to reduce human disturbance, etc.) used in avian ecology and conservation, including the use of the ornithology museum as a research and educational resource. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*423. Mammalogy (3) F, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, 260, all with grade of C or better, and at least six units of upper division course work in biological sciences; BIOL 324 or 332 highly recommended. Phylogenetic survey of the living mammals of the world. Lecture emphasizes the radiation of the orders and families and their morphology, physiology, and behavior; laboratory emphasizes external and skeletal morphology of these same taxa and identification of California species. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

*424. Ornithology (3) S, even years

Prerequisites: : BIOL 211A,B, BIOL 260, and three units of upper division BIOL. Recommended: BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 424; graduates enroll in BIOL 524.) Ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, and taxonomy of birds from an evolutionary perspective, but also considering the factors that have influenced a recent increase in their extinction risk. Species identification techniques (emphasis on the local avifauna) and general methods of surveying avian populations. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*425. Phycology (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 153, 211A, B with a grade of C or better. Taxonomy, phylogeny, and physiology of algae, including the physiological ecology of marine macroalgae; emphasis on local marine forms. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*427. Taxonomy of Vascular Plants (4) S

Prerequisite: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better. Principles and methods of vascular plant systematics, including history, nomenclature and phylogeny; emphasis in the laboratory is on the identification and classification of native and introduced plants of Southern California. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 6 hrs.)

428./528. Biology of the Giant Kelp (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 353, 425, or 439 with a grade of C or better. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 428; graduates register in BIOL 528.) A study of the physiology, reproductive biology, anatomy, taxonomy, and ecology of the ecologically and economically important kelp genus Macrocystis. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

433./533. Developmental Biology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 370; CHEM 320A,B. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 433; graduates register in BIOL 533.) Presentation of current topics and experimental approaches in cell differentiation and development with emphasis on examination of these processes at the molecular level. Topics include gametogenesis, fertilization, differential gene expression, and role of oncogenes in development. (Lecture/discussion 3 hrs.)

*439. Plant Morphology (4) F

Prerequisite: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better. Comparative structure, life history and phylogenetic relationships of plants. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory 6 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

440./540. Advanced Molecular Cell Biology (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 340 and either BIOL 370 or CHEM 441B, each with a grade of C or better. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 440; graduates register in BIOL 540.) In depth discussion of cellular processes and their regulation. Topics may include intracellular targeting and transport of macromolecules, cell cycle control, and oncogenesis. The course includes critical discussion of primary journal articles on pertinent topics. Traditional grading only for majors/minors. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

*441. Physiology for Therapists II (3) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 341 and permission of instructor. Mechanisms of action and interaction of the physiological body systems with emphasis on the cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems. Pathological and clinical considerations will also be presented. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 441. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

442./542. Neurophysiology (3) F

Prerequisites: PHYS 100A,B; BIOL 342, 345. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 442; graduates register in BIOL 542.) Study of the mechanisms by which excitable cells function and of the sensory, motor, and integrative systems in which they participate. Representative examples will be selected from vertebrate and invertebrate phyla. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 442/542. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

443./543. Endocrinology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 340 or CHEM 441B; CHEM 320A or 327; and one of BIOL 341, 342, 345, 445, 448, 545, 548, CHEM 441A, or 448. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 443; graduates enroll in BIOL 543.) Role of the endocrines in vertebrate and invertebrate adjustment to changes in the internal and external environment. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

444/544. Reproductive Biology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or 345.(Undergraduates register in BIOL 444, graduates register in BIOL544). Discussion of current topics in comparative reproductive biology from the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Topics include hormones and reproduction, gamete/gonad biology, reproductive lifespan, mating systems/strategies, environmental influence on reproductive capabilities, contraception/in vitro fertilization. This course includes discussion of scientific communication, including reading of scientific journal articles, along with exposure to scientific writing. (Lecture 3 hrs.) Letter grade only (A-F)

445./545. Metabolic Regulation (3) F

Prerequisites: CHEM 441B or BIOL 443/543. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 445; graduates register in BIOL 545.) Study of molecular mechanisms by which intermediary metabolism is regulated in various mammalian tissues with emphasis on mechanisms of hormone action and their role in the regulation of some key enzymes of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 445/545. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

446./546. Respiratory and Renal Physiology (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or 345; PHYS 100A,B. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 446; graduates register in BIOL 546.) Functions of and interactions between the respiratory and renal systems of mammals. Not open to students with a C or better in A/P 446/546. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

447./547. Molecular Plant Physiology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 340, 370, both with grade of "C" or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 447; graduates enroll in BIOL 547.) Current molecular approaches to classical topics including plant hormones, photosynthesis, resistance to plant pathogens, adaptation of plants to environmental stress, and development of plants. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

448./548. Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 340 or CHEM 441B and one of BIOL 341, 342, or 345. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 448; graduates enroll in BIOL 548.) Study of the molecular, cellular, and developmental principles that underlie the functioning of the nervous system in the control of physiological and behavioral processes. Focus on mechanisms of electrical signaling and principles of synaptic biochemistry, development, and plasticity. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

BIOL 449./549. Fish Physiology and Endocrinology (3) F, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 345 with grade of “C” or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 449; graduates enroll in BIOL 549.) Fundamentals of physiological systems and strategies in fishes, with an emphasis on endocrine regulatory mechanisms. Adaptations in the endocrine physiology of fishes will be considered from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Impacts of human activities, particularly in the context of southern California’s marine environment, will also be addressed. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

450./550. Plant Ecology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. Recommended: BIOL 427, 447. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 450; graduates register in BIOL 549.) Relationship of plants to their environment and principles of plant distribution. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) A course fee may be required. Traditional grading only.

451./551. Wetlands and Mangrove Ecology (3) S, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 451; graduates register in BIOL 551.) Concepts of wetlands and mangrove ecology in relation to the general ecological processes that shape different types of wetland ecosystems. Physical and biogeochemical conditions, biological characteristics, specific players, and their interactions. Descriptions of specific coastal and inland wetland ecosystems: geomorphology, geochemistry, ecosystem structure, and function, and models. Included will be wetland management goals and concepts, and current approaches and practices in the U.S. and the world. Lecture time may be used for field trips, two of which will extend beyond standard lecture time. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

452./552. Behavioral Ecology (3) S

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B, 260. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 312 or BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 452; graduates enroll in BIOL 552.) The primary objectives of this course are to understand how animal behavior affects survival and reproduction and to introduce students to the current methodologies to study the behavior of animals in lab and field conditions. The course emphasizes the ecological and evolutionary consequences of behavior across taxa. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*453/553. Insect Ecology (3) F, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of “C” or better. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 453; graduates enroll in BIOL 553.) Field and experimental studies of abundance, dispersal, distribution, and behavior of insects. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

454./554A. Research in Tropical Marine Ecology (2) S, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, either 350 or 353, and 313 or 413 or 419 or 425. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 454; graduates register in BIOL 554.) Field and laboratory studies, lectures, and individual research on tropical marine biological problems. Designed to engage students in experimental research, including: recognizing a problem, designing and carrying out a project, statistical data analysis, and oral and written report presentation. An eight-day field trip to Hawaii will be required during the spring recess at student expense. Enrollment is limited. (Lecture 1 hr., 8 day field trip.)

454./554B. Research in Tropical Terrestrial Ecology (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, one of 316, 324, 421, 425, 427 or 439; and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 454B; graduates register in BIOL 554B.) Field based comparison of a tropical lowland deciduous forest and tropical lowland rainforest incorporating basic methodology in ecology. Forest structure and diversity of arthropods, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians will be emphasized. Students will be required to maintain a field notebook, submit a final paper, and give an oral presentation. A nine-day field trip to Costa Rica will be required during the spring recess at student expense. Enrollment is limited. (Lecture 2 hr., 9 day field trip.)

455./555. Ecology of Marine Communities (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350, 353. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 455; graduates register in BIOL 555.) Discussion of field studies on ecological principles related to marine communities. Includes an individual field research project and two class projects. (Lecture 2 hrs., field 3 hrs.)

456./556. Population Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, MATH 119B or 123. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 456; graduates in BIOL 556.) Analysis of characteristics of animal and plant populations including population growth and regulation, competition, predation, parasitism, and other intraspecific and interspecific interactions; population fluctuations; spatial patterns. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

457./557. Field Methods in Ecology (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 457; graduates in BIOL 557.) Design of field research projects, collection and analysis of data, writing and presentation of reports. Emphasis on field sampling techniques. Five weekend field trips required. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

459./559. Conservation Biology (3) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. Recommended: BIOL 370. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 459; graduates register in BIOL 559.) Central concepts in conservation biology including population dynamics, extinction processes, population viability analyses, metapopulations, community-level interactions, island biogeography, patterns of biological diversity, habitat fragmentation, reserve design, and landscape-level conservation. Lecture will include group discusssions of relevant primary literature. ( Lecture 3 hrs., two weekend field trips may be required)

463./563. Computer Modelling in Biology (4) F

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 463; graduates register in BIOL 563.) History, modelling theory, different modelling approaches, theoretical, empirical, and quantitative modelling. Laboratory will use modelling software and focus on model construction and quantitative simulation, possibly of student's own research project. Applicable to ecology, microbiology, physiology, environmental sciences, etc. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*464/564. Aquatic Toxicology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B, 340; CHEM 320A or 327, all with grade of C or better. BIOL 353 and CHEM 448 or 441A,B recommended. (Undergraduates register in 464; graduates register in 564.) An in depth study of the interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems. Topics include the origin, fate, chemical and biological detection, and quantification of pollutants and their impact at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, organismal, and community levels of organization. Individual research project required. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

465./565. Experimental Design and Regression Analysis (4) F, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; MATH 119B or 123; six units of upper division biological science or consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 465; graduates register in BIOL 565.) Techniques in experimental design and data analysis applied to problems in biology. Topics include analysis of variance and covariance, bivariate and multiple regression, experimental design, bootstrapping and randomization tests, and nonparametric statistics. Laboratory experience in analyzing biological data with computerized statistical packages. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.)

466H. Research Design and Methods - Honors (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, either BIOL 260 or CHEM 251, CHEM 320A, B, all with a grade of C or better, completion of the GE Foundation, and consent of instructor. A rigorous introduction to the following: i) hypothesis testing, experimental design, and regression modeling of biological data; ii) methodological and technical procedures for experimentation; and iii) techniques for written and oral presentation of research results to prepare students for undergraduate research. Research paper and oral presentation required. Same course as CHEM 466H. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 3 hours).

467./567. Multivariate Data Analysis (4) F, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260; MATH 119B or 123; six units of upper division biological science or consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 467; graduates register in BIOL 567.) Multivariate data analysis techniques applied to biological data. Applied matrix algebra as needed for analyzing and understanding multivariate analysis methods. Topics covered include principal components analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis as well as modern phylogenetic analysis techniques. Laboratory experience in analyzing multivariate biological data with computerized statistical packages. (Lecture 3 hrs., laboratory 3 hrs.) Traditional grading only for majors and minors.

473./573. Molecular Genetics (3) S

Prerequisite: BIOL 370 or MICR 371; CHEM 327 or 320A,B. Recommended: MICR 372. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 473; graduates enroll in BIOL 573.) Contemporary molecular genetic analysis of model organisms (mouse, worm, flies, yeasts) used in the study of human disease, basic biological processes, gene regulation, and global analysis of genomes and proteomes. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

477./577. Biotechnology: Applications of Molecular Techniques and Bioinformatics (3)

Prerequisites:

: BIOL 340 or 370 or CHEM 441A,B ; all with a grade of “C” or better. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 477; graduates register in BIOL 577.) Intensive study of the theory and techniques involved in the isolation, amplification, and analysis of genes, genomes, transcripts, and proteins. Includes identification and isolation of genes by hybridization or complementation, analysis of gene expression, and detailed study of how DNAs, RNAs, and proteins are characterized. Data-mining (generating hypotheses concerning the structure or function of a gene or protein by identifying similar sequences in better characterized model organisms), the use of homologs for experimental design and/or function analysis, the use of computers in experimental design, the current use of microarrays, and the future use of nanotechnology are also explored. (Lecture 3 hrs., activity 2 hrs.) Letter grade only (A-F).

480./580. Seminars (1) F,S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B with grade of C or better, consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 480; graduates register in BIOL 580.) Weekly meetings at which professional biologists present the results of their research. Requires participation in the organization and the critical evaluation of these presentations. May not be repeated for credit towards any single degree. (Seminar 1 hr.)

490./590. Special Topics in Biology (1-3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, with grade of C or better, consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 490; graduates register in BIOL 590.) Topics from selected areas of biology. Course content will vary from section to section. May be repeated for a maximum of six units with different topics. Topics may be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Traditional grading only. (Lecture 1-3 hrs.)

490L./590L. Special Topics Laboratory in Biology (1-2)

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A, B, with grade of C or better, consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 490L; graduates register in BIOL 590L.) Topics from selected areas of biology. Course content will vary from section to section. May be repeated for a maximum of four units with different topics. Topics may be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Traditional grading only. (Laboratory 3 or 6 hrs.) A course fee may be required.

495. Instruction in Laboratory Teaching (1-2) F,S

Prerequisites: Consent of lecture instructor, a B or better in the course in which the student elects to do BIOL 495 (another course with laboratory may be substituted with consent of instructor), and an overall GPA of at least 2.75. Individual instruction in the organization and techniques of teaching a biology laboratory. May be repeated for a letter grade and degree credit to a maximum of two units for any single degree or option. Any units beyond the two taken for a letter grade in BIOL 495 or MICR 495 or any combination of the two will be taken credit/no credit. (Conference 1 hr., laboratory 3 hrs. per unit.) Same course as MICR 495. Course may be repeated to a maximum of 2 units.

496. Undergraduate Directed Research 1-3 units at S-2 F,S

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and consent of appropriate undergraduate advisor. Research in a specific topic in biological sciences approved and directed by a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. May be repeated for a letter grade and degree credit to a maximum of three units for any single degree or option. Units beyond the three taken for a letter grade in BIOL 496 or MICR 496, or any combination of the two, will be taken credit/no credit. Same course as MICR 496. Not available to graduate students. (Conference 1 hr., laboratory 3 hrs. per unit.)

498H. Senior Thesis - Honors (3)

Prerequisites: At least one unit of BIOL 496 and consent of instructor. Planning, preparation, completion, and oral presentation of a written thesis based on a research project in the biological sciences begun in BIOL/MICR 496. Not available to graduate students. Traditional grading only.

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Graduate Division

BIOL 511./411. Marine Mammalogy (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites:

BIOL 153 or 353, BIOL 345, 350, all with grade of “C” or better, and consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 411; graduates enroll in BIOL 511.) Fundamental biological, ecological, and physiological concepts of all marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, walruses, sirenians, and polar bears will be covered. Information concerning taxonomy, distribution, morphology, physiology, reproduction, and feeding will be obtained through textbook readings and current scientific literature. Laboratory will consist of fieldtrips, which may include weekends and spring recess. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

520./420. Advanced Ichthyology (3) S

BIOL 522./422. Methods in Avian Ecology and Conservation (3) S, even years

BIOL 524./424. Ornithology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B, BIOL 260, and three units of upper division BIOL. Recommended: BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 424; graduates enroll in BIOL 524.) Ecology, morphology, physiology, behavior, and taxonomy of birds from an evolutionary perspective, but also considering the factors that have influenced a recent increase in their extinction risk. Species identification techniques (emphasis on the local avifauna) and general methods of surveying avian populations. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

528./428. Biology of the Giant Kelp (3) S

533./433. Developmental Biology (3)

540./440. Advanced Molecular Cell Biology (3) F

542./442. Neurophysiology (3) F

543./443. Endocrinology (3) S

544/444. Reproductive Biology (3) S

545./445. Metabolic Regulation (3) F

546./446. Respiratory and Renal Physiology (3) F

547./447. Molecular Plant Physiology (3) S

548./448. Cell and Molecular Neurobiology (3) S

BIOL 549./449. Fish Physiology and Endocrinology (3) F, even years

551./451. Wetlands and Mangrove Ecology (3) S, even years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 451; graduates register in BIOL 551.) Concepts of wetlands and mangrove ecology in relation to the general ecological processes that shape different types of wetland ecosystems. Physical and biogeochemical conditions, biological characteristics, specific players, and their interactions. Descriptions of specific coastal and inland wetland ecosystems: geomorphology, geochemistry, ecosystem structure, and function, and models. Included will be wetland management goals and concepts, and current approaches and practices in the US and the world. Lecture time may be used for field trips, two of which will extend beyond standard lecture time. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

552./452. Behavioral Ecology (3) S

Prerequisites: BIOL 211A,B, 260. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 312 or BIOL 350. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 452; graduates enroll in BIOL 552.) The primary objectives of this course are to understand how animal behavior affects survival and reproduction and to introduce students to the current methodologies to study the behavior of animals in lab and field conditions. The course emphasizes the ecological and evolutionary consequences of behavior across taxa. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory/field 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required.

*553/453. Insect Ecology (3) F, even years

554./454A. Research in Tropical Marine Ecology (2) S, even years

554/454B. Research in Tropical Terrestrial Ecology (3) S, odd years

555./455. Ecology of Marine Communities (3) F

556./456. Population Ecology (3)

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, MATH 119B or 123. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 456; graduates register in BIOL 556.) Analysis of characteristics of animal and plant populations including population growth and regulation, competition, predation, parasitism, and other intraspecific and interspecific interactions; population fluctuations; spatial patterns. (Lecture 3 hrs.)

557./457. Field Methods in Ecology (3) S, odd years

Prerequisites: BIOL 260, 350. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 457; graduates register in BIOL 557.) Design of field research projects, collection and analysis of data, writing and presentation of reports. Emphasis on field sampling techniques. Five weekend field trips required. (Lecture 2 hrs., laboratory and field 3 hrs.)

559./459. Conservation Biology (3) F

563./463. Computer Modelling in Biology (4) F

*564/464. Aquatic Toxicology (3) S

565./465. Experimental Design and Regression Analysis (4) F, even years

567./467. Multivariate Data Analysis (4) F, odd years

573./473. Molecular Genetics (3) S

Prerequisites: : BIOL 370 or MICR 371; CHEM 327 or 320A,B. Recommended: MICR 372. (Undergraduates enroll in BIOL 473; graduates enroll in BIOL 573.) Contemporary molecular genetic analysis of model organisms (mouse, worm, flies, yeasts) used in the study of human disease, basic biological processes, gene regulation, and global analysis of genomes and proteomes. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 3 hrs.)

577./477. Biotechnology: Applications of Molecular Techniques and Bioinformatics (3)

Prerequisites: : BIOL 340 or 370 or CHEM 441A,B ; all with a grade of “C” or better. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 477; graduates register in BIOL 577.) Intensive study of the theory and techniques involved in the isolation, amplification, and analysis of genes, genomes, transcripts, and proteins. Includes identification and isolation of genes by hybridization or complementation, analysis of gene expression, and detailed study of how DNAs, RNAs, and proteins are characterized. Data-mining (generating hypotheses concerning the structure or function of a gene or protein by identifying similar sequences in better characterized model organisms), the use of homologs for experimental design and/or function analysis, the use of computers in experimental design, the current use of microarrays, and the future use of nanotechnology are also explored. (Lecture 3 hrs., activity 2 hrs.) Letter grade only (A-F).

580./480. Seminars (1) F,S

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. (Undergraduates register in BIOL 480; graduates register in BIOL 580.) Weekly meetings at which professional biologists present the results of their research. Requires participation in the organization and the critical evaluation of these presentations. May not be repeated for credit towards any single degree. (Seminar 1 hr.)

590./490. Special Topics in Biology (1-3)

590L./490L. Special Topics Laboratory in Biology (1-2)

661. Seminar in Biology (2)

Critical evaluation of the primary literature of this field, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques. Course may be repeated to a maximum of 3 units with different topics. (Seminar 1 hr.)

663. Seminar in Genetics and Development (2)

664. Seminar in Marine Biology (2)

665. Seminar in Ecology(2)

666. Seminar in Physiology (2)

Critical evaluation of the primary literature of this field, including oral and/or written presentation of critiques. May be repeated for credit, with different topics, for a maximum of three units towards any single degree. (Seminar 1 hr.)

BIOL 696A. Research Design (2)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Department of Biological Sciences and departmental permission. Basic aspects of research design, including statistics, literature searches, and thesis proposal writing, utilizing tools that will allow graduate students to initiate their research projects. Laboratory component consists of computer work for literature searches, sample size determination, data processing, statistical analyses, and bioinformatics. Required for all graduate students in the first or second semester of the program. Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. 1 unit at C-2, and 1 unit at C-16

BIOL 696B. Scientific Communication (2)

Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy and departmental permission.Presentation and publication skills essential to communicating biological research to professional and lay audiences, including scientific writing, data presentation, bioethics, and career options and planning. Culminates with formal written, oral, and poster presentations of research in progress. Laboratory component consists of computer work for poster and oral presentations.Letter grade only (A-F). (Lecture 1 hr., laboratory 3 hrs.) Course fee may be required. 1 unit at C-2, and 1 unit at C-16

697. Directed Research (1-3) F,S

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Research on a specific topic to be approved and directed by a faculty member in the biological sciences. A written report will be required. May be repeated for a letter grade and degree credit to a maximum of three units. Any units beyond the three taken for a letter grade in BIOL 697 or MICR 697 or any combination of the two must be taken credit/no credit.

698. Thesis (1-6) F,S

Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy for the Master of Science in Biology, consent of the chair of the thesis committee and the departmental graduate advisor. Planning, preparation, writing, defense, oral presentation, and completion of a research thesis in the biological sciences.
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