Science Building I, 227
(661) 664-3089
(661) 665-6956 (fax)
email: epedroza@csub.edu
http://www.academic.csub.edu/home/acadpro/departments/biology/
| Chair: | David S. Hinds |
| Faculty: | F.
D. Blume
K. W. Gobalet E. A. Halpern, J. C. Horton L. J. McBride T. McBride, L. M. Moe T. D. Murphy D. H. Ost S. K. Roberts E. A. Weinheimer L. Wells |
Program Description
Throughout its curriculum the Department
emphasizes evolution and the relationship between organisms and the environment.
Classes include extensive field and laboratory investigations allowing
students to observe and measure biological systems. Students are encouraged
to select the courses best suited to their interests.
Requirements for the Major
The Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum includes a wide range of courses which allows for diverse student interests. Two degree programs are listed on the official transcript and diploma: BS in Biology and BS in Biology with a Concentration in Environmental Studies. The courses required for these two degrees are listed below.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology are:
The Environmental Studies concentration integrates classroom studies and practical problem-solving with major emphasis on responsible decision-making on environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on developing a deliberate and systematic study of environmental problems as they relate to humans. This coordinated approach enhances job entry into environmental planning, protection and regulation.
Students obtaining the BS in Biology are encouraged to take course sequences (tracks) with specific emphases. An official track presently offered is the Concentration in Environmental Studies (see above). Other tracks include Ecology, Physiology, Zoology, Pre-professional Biology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and Physical Therapy. These unofficial tracks are not listed on the diploma or transcript. Courses suggested for the Pre-professional track are listed below as an example. Courses recommended for other tracks can be obtained from Biology Department advisors or the departmental office.
Pre-professional Biology Track
This track provides basic course requirements to prepare students for entrance into post-baccalaureate study in medicine, optometry, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology. Only those courses listed under "Requirements for the Major" (above) must be taken; the others are recommended based upon knowledge of the relevant post-baccalaureate program.
Requirements
for the Minor
A minor in Biology consists of four courses of five units each (20 units) of which two courses (10 units) must be upper division. Only courses applicable to the major will be accepted for the minor. Requests for approval are to be submitted to the Department Chair.
Teaching Credential -- Science Teacher Preparation Program Leading to a Degree in Natural Sciences, Primary Concentration in Biology
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has authorized CSUB to offer a single subject matter preparation program in Natural Science leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. This course work satisfies the course requirements for a "Secondary Teaching Credential in Science." The program consists of three components: I. Primary Concentration (major), II. Secondary Concentration (minor), and III. Breadth (cognates). Program completion leads to a BA degree in the Natural Sciences with a major in the area of primary concentration and a minor in the secondary concentration. Following is the course work recommended for a primary concentration in Biology. Additional information may be obtained from the Biology Department office (661-664-3089).
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Lower Division
BIOL 100 Perspectives in Biology (5)
Topics and issues in modern biology and their relevance to society. Four lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Not acceptable for the major. [F, W]
BIOL 103 Principles of Ecology (5)
Basic relationships of plant and animal
populations to each other and to their physical environment. Topics include
limiting factors, population dynamics, evolutionary processes, and emphasis
is placed on applications to the human condition. Four lectures, one three-hour
laboratory. Not acceptable for the major. [S]
|
Note:
|
Students are encouraged to take a 100-level science course before the 200-series if they lack a firm background in high school or college science courses. |
BIOL 210 Principles of Animal Biology (5)
Function, form, and diversity of animals. Emphasis placed on the solutions to problems of survival and reproduction and the evolutionary relationships among various animal groups. Three lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: ENGL 110 and an ELM score of 550 or equivalent. (CAN BIOL 4) [F, W, S]
BIOL 211 Principles of Plant Biology (5)
Fundamentals of plant structure, function, and diversity. Emphasis placed on ecological and evolutionary aspects of seed plants. Three lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: ENGL 110 and an ELM score of 550 or equivalent. (CAN BIOL 6) [F, W]
BIOL 212 Principles of Cellular Biology (5)
Cell structure and function with emphasis on molecular aspects. Three lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: ENGL 110, an ELM score of 550 or equivalent and CHEM 211. [F, W, S]
BIOL 250 Human Anatomy (5)
Major structures of the human body with an emphasis on the integration of histology and gross anatomy of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive and endocrine systems. Not acceptable for the major. Three lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Lab fee required. (CAN BIOL 10) [F, W]
BIOL 255 Human Physiology (5)
Functions of major body systems with emphasis on mechanics, control, and integration. Discussion of the nervous, muscle, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. Five hours of lecture. Acceptable for the major with BIOL 257. Prerequisites: BIOL 250 or 212 and CHEM 150 or equivalent. [S]
BIOL 256 Laboratory in Human Physiology (1)
Laboratory investigations into the functions of major systems of the human body. Experiments dealing with the physiology of muscles, the circulatory and respiratory systems, metabolism and body fluids are included. Not acceptable for the major. One three-hour laboratory. Corequisite: BIOL 255. [S]
BIOL 257 Laboratory in Human Physiology (2)
Laboratory investigations into the functions of major systems of the human body. Expanded version of BIOL 256 designed for Biology majors. Two three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: ENGL 110 and an ELM score of 550 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 255. [S]
BIOL 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)
Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office. [F, W, S]
SCI 294 Computer Skills for Natural Sciences (5)
Instruction and tutoring in computer skills
necessary in the sciences. Includes extensive hands-on experience with
Macintosh applications available to students on campus using assignments
taken from the natural sciences. Applications covered include the system,
word processing (Word 6), spreadsheet and graphing (Excel 5), accessing
the world wide web, and using e-mail. Special emphasis will be placed on
transporting information from one application to another and interfacing
with the main frame on campus. Five lecture/discussions. Acceptable for
the major. Prerequisite: declaration of a major in the natural sciences.
Required for major in Biology and Chemistry. [F, W]
Upper Division
BIOL 301 Design of Biologic Investigations (5)
Construction of basic experimental designs based upon literature and data analyses. Students’ development of and participation in experimental designs of selected research projects including measurements, statistical analyses, and interpretation of data. Special emphasis placed upon the written presentation of the investigation. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Required for the major. Prerequisites: Two of the required 200-level courses in Biology; SCI 294. Recommended: MATH 140, 191. [F]
BIOL 304 General Genetics (5)
Physical and chemical basis of inheritance in cells, individuals, and populations, including molecular mechanisms of heredity. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 210 or 211, and 212. [S]
BIOL 305 General Physiology (5)
General aspects of cellular and organismic function in animals and plants with special emphasis on physical and chemical properties that regulate physiological processes. Topics include biological solutions, membrane characteristics, fluid dynamics, gas flow, material exchange, energy acquisition and utilization, and heat exchange. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 212 or BIOL 255/257. [W]
BIOL 306 General Ecology (5)
Relationships between organisms and their environment with emphasis placed on evolutionary mechanisms and terrestrial ecosystems. Laboratory work illustrating ecological principles and methods. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or 211. [F]
BIOL 311 Microbiology (5)
Physiochemical organization and function of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Concepts of environmental, applied and pathogenic microbiology are considered. Three lecture/discussions and two laboratories. Lab fee required. Not acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: CHEM 203 or 212 and BIOL 255. [F]
BIOL 312 General Microbiology (5)
Functional relationships between chemistry, ecology, genetics and physiology of microorganisms. Topics include the role of bacteria in biogeochemical cycling and applied biotechnology. Laboratory emphasizes methods in bacteriology. Two lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Lab fee required. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 212. [W]
SCI 314 Integrated Science (5)
The study of physical and life science content and processes with emphasis on the interconnecting principles, processes, and themes. Laboratory focus is on science as process and discovery. The primary lecture emphasis is the integration of principles across disciplines and includes topics such as: environmental constraints (gravity, temperature, latitude, etc.), energy flow through biological systems, plant and animal adaptations as evolutionary strategies, material cycles, evolutionary processes and biological diversity. Technological concepts and issues are addressed in an integrated manner when and where appropriate. Three lectures and two laboratory periods. Not acceptable for major or minor. Prerequisites: BIOL 100 and PHSI 101. Recommended: Math 220 level proficiency. [F, W, S]
BIOL 320 Current Health Problems (3)
A study of select factors pertaining to current public health problems, with emphasis on the physiological and sociological effects of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; developing self-awareness for health by appropriate utilization of the health system, wellness as a life-long concept through health information services; fostering physical fitness and knowledge of nutrition, especially for children and young adults; and thorough stress management. Three hours of lecture. Fulfills requirement for teaching credential; not acceptable for the major. [W, S]
BIOL 321 Plant Diversity (5)
Phylogeny and classification of vascular plants with emphasis on field recognition and identification of important plant families and genera characterizing the major floristic regions of California. Lectures review taxonomic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and eco-geographic patterns of western floras. Laboratory includes weekend field trips for which a fee is required; consult the class schedule. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 211. [S01]
BIOL 322 Animal Diversity (5)
Relationship of animal diversity and environmental conditions, the ecology of major phyla, and identification of local species. Laboratory includes weekend field trips for which a fee is required; consult the class schedule. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 210. [S01]
BIOL 323 Practicum in Animal Rehabilitation (5)
Practicum in the repair, care and release of injured animals; studies of life histories and ecology of protected species; presentation of conservation programs. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 210 or consent of instructor. [F, W, S]
BIOL 342 Cell Physiology (5)
A molecular approach to cell physiology covering bioenergetics, regulation of cell activity and cell specialization. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 212. [S00]
BIOL 351 Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates (5)
Classical anatomy and the analysis of form in terms of the phylogenetic history of the major vertebrate groups: fishes, amphibians, turtles, lizards and snakes, birds and mammals. A survey of the vertebrate groups is followed by the study of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urogenital, nervous and sensory systems. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 210. [W01]
BIOL 355 Human Pathophysiology (5)
Human physiology with emphasis on the mechanisms of disease. Topics include physical responses to injury, disturbances of homeostasis in major body systems, and both physical and chemical stressors. Five lectures. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 255. [F]
BIOL 370 Principles of Nutrition (3)
Development of an understanding of normal adult nutrition based on learning the chemical and physiological processes of nutrient selection, digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Selected coverage of diseases, especially, but not limited to, cardiovascular, cancer and diabetes, that are nutritionally influenced either with respect to cause or management. Three lectures. Acceptable for the major if taken with BIOL371. Prerequisite: BIOL 212 or CHEM 203 and BIOL 255. [S]
SCI 370A Human Biology (5)
Biophysical aspects of human growth and development, form and function, fitness and health, and their interaction with the environment. Not acceptable for major or minor. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies new general education upper division theme 1 requirement. [F, W]
BIOL 371 Problems in Nutrition (2)
Current models for dietary and nutritional assessment. Preparation of own dietary and activity analysis to compare and evaluate various methods. Two discussions. Acceptable for the major. Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 370. [S]
BIOL 372 The Fundamentals of Nutrition for Adults and Children (3)
An overview of nutrition for the healthy person based on understanding the principles of nutrient action and interaction, as well as the principles used to assess nutrition information encountered in the public domain. In addition, the course will explore the special nutritional needs of infants, children and the pregnant woman. Highlights reflecting current issues of nutrition presented. Three lectures. Not acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 300 or SCI 370A. [F]
BIOL 377 Special Topics in Biology (1-5)
Topics of current interest in biology. Although repeatable, a maximum of five units may be applied toward the major or minor. Not necessarily restricted to Biology majors. A field trip fee may be required when applicable; consult the class schedule for specific costs. (Note: Field trips are for Biology majors only.) Acceptable for the major. [F, W, S]
BIOL 402 Soil Ecosystems (5)
Interactions between terrestrial microorganisms and the soil physical/chemical environment. Emphasis is placed on soil ecosystems, their fertility, cultivation, and reclamation. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 301 and 306. [F00]
BIOL 404 Environmental Assessment and Impact (5)
Study of problems related to specific issues of environmental impact, mitigation solutions required by regulations, costs, benefits and consequences. Includes collection of biological data, preparation of assessment reports, and study of elements of environmental impact reports. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 210, 211, 301 and SCI 294. [S01]
BIOL 406 Advanced Ecology (5)
Advanced study of ecology. Emphasis includes evolutionary perspectives of physical and biological environments, population dynamics, and ecosystem stability. Laboratory emphasis will be placed on analytical methods used in the field. Laboratory includes weekend field trips for which a fee may be required; consult the class schedule. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Field trip fee required. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 210 or 211, 301, 306, and SCI 294. [S00]
BIOL 414 Medical Microbiology (5)
Isolation and identification procedures, and the clinical significance of medically important microorganisms (mainly bacteria). Key points of these organisms’ epidemiology, and pathogenic mechanisms will be discussed. Skills concerning the isolation and identification of medically important bacteria is emphasized in laboratory. Three lecture/discussions and two three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 301 and 311 or 312. [S01]
BIOL 415 Integrated Pest Management (5)
Plant pest control strategies including relationships between biological and chemical practices. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of economic and ecologic aspects of an integrated approach. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 301, 306, and CHEM 211. [F01]
BIOL 416 Parasitology (3)
Biology of animal parasites of humans and their transmission and control; epidemiology of parasitic diseases and zoonosis and their impact on human welfare; laboratory methods in the collection, examination, preparation, and identification of parasites. Two one-hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or 312. [W00]
BIOL 417 Medical Mycology (2)
Elementary principles of mycology. Isolation and identification techniques of the more common medically important fungi of humans and animals. One one-hour lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or 312. [S01]
BIOL 418 Immunology (3)
Study of organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign materials that enter the body. Practical considerations and applications. Three lecture/discussions. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisite: BIOL 212. [S00]
BIOL 419 Hematology and Urinalysis (5)
Study of formed elements of blood: hematopoiesis, maturation, and cell function. Introduction to blood dyscrasias. Theory of detecting red cell antigens and antibodies. Genetics of red cell antigens. Study of compatibility testing, hemolytic disease of the newborn, causes and investigation of transfusion reaction, and transfusion therapy. Physiology of urine and other body fluids. Discussion of physical characteristics, chemical tests, and microscopic examination. Five lecture/discussions. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 212, 304, and 418.
BIOL 430 Molecular Biology (5)
Evolution and molecular organization of the cell, macromolecules of organisms, and gene expression. Emphasis placed on recombinant DNA techniques, genetic engineering and biotechnology. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and either BIOL 304. [F00]
BIOL 433 Developmental Biology (5)
Development and growth of plants and animals at the cellular and organismic level. Embryogenesis of organisms from fertilization to the establishment of organ systems. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 210 or 211, 212, and 301. [S01]
BIOL 440 Honors Practicum in the Teaching of Biology (3)
Theory and practice in teaching biology at the undergraduate level. Regular meetings with the faculty sponsor and supervised experience in course design, lecturing, tutoring, laboratory preparation and delivery, administering and scoring examinations, and leading classroom discussions. Open to biology majors by faculty invitation only. One lecture/discussion and one three-hour laboratory. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 40 units in biology courses and a GPA above 3.2. [W]
BIOL 451 Functional Analysis of Vertebrate Structure (5)
Anatomy of vertebrates interpreted in terms of function including support, running, jumping, digging, climbing, swimming, flying and feeding. These functions are studied in their environmental context and as evolutionary adaptations. Independent student project will focus on one of these adaptations. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 351. [W00]
BIOL 453 Comparative Physiology of Vertebrates (5)
Investigations into the comparative physiological responses of animals to a variety of environments. Description, analysis, and measurement of whole animal physiology related to survival and the diversity of functional adaptation. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 301, 210 or 255/257, and SCI 294.
BIOL 462 Plant Physiology (5)
Structure, function, and physiological mechanisms of vascular plants. Topics include water relationships, photosynthesis, respiration, hormones, and growth regulators. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, 212, and 301. [F]
BIOL 477 Special Topics in Biology (1-5)
Contemporary or interdisciplinary problems of current interest. Typical topical areas might include pollution, population or integrative biological phenomena. Although repeatable for different topics, a maximum of five units may be applied toward the major or minor. Not necessarily restricted to Biology majors.
BIOL 480 Research (1-5)
Independent research: the student formulates a problem and research design in consultation with the faculty, conducts the investigation, compiles and analyzes the data, and presents the findings in written form. Although repeatable, a maximum of five units may be applied towards the major or minor. Open to Biology majors and minors with consent of instructor. [F, W, S]
BIOL 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)
Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Although repeatable, a maximum of five units may be applied toward the major or minor. Not open to post-graduate students. Interested students should contact the department office. [F, W, S]
BIOL 490 Senior Seminar (5)
Integration of principles and concepts of biology, with emphasis on evolutionary mechanisms. Five discussions. Open only to senior Biology majors who have completed 40 units of Biology courses. [W, S]
BIOL 496. Internship in Biology (1-5)
Internships may be arranged by the department with various agencies, businesses, or industries. The assignments and coordination of work projects with conferences and readings, as well as course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the faculty liaison (or course instructor) working with the field supervisor. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. Department will determine credits and application of credit. Although repeatable, a maximum of five units may be applied toward the major or minor. [F, W, S]
BIOL 497 Cooperative Education (variable units)
The Cooperative Education program offers
a sponsored learning experience in a work setting, integrated with a field
analysis seminar. The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative
Education office on an individual basis, subject to approval by the department.
The field experience, including the seminar and reading assignments, is
supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison
(or course instructor), working with the field supervisor. Students are
expected to enroll in the course for at least two quarters. The determination
of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the
departmental faculty. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. Department
will determine application of credit. [F, W, S]
Graduate Courses
BIOL 512 Modeling of Biologic Systems (5)
Formulation, development, use and testing of models describing biologic phenomena. Simulation and prediction models are designed and tested using computer and non-computer techniques to obtain realistic explanations of biological problems. Two lecture/discussions and three three-hour laboratories. Acceptable for the major. Prerequisites: SCI 294, BIOL 301, senior or graduate standing.
BIOL 577 Advanced Topics in Biology (1-5)
Contemporary or interdisciplinary problems of current interest. Typical topical areas might include pollution, population or integrative biological phenomena. Although repeatable for different topics, a maximum of five units may be applied toward the major or minor. Not necessarily restricted to Biology majors. Prerequisites: major or minor in Biology; specific courses dependent upon topic. Acceptable for the major.
BIOL 580 Advanced Research Participation (1-5)
Individual scientific investigation: The student formulates a problem and research design in consultation with the faculty, conducts the investigation, compiles and analyzes the data, and presents the findings in written form (Experience as a research assistant does not count for credit.) May be repeated. Prerequisite: major or minor in Biology and consent of instructor. [F, W, S]