Department Chair:  S. K. Roberts

Department Office:  Science Building I, 227

Telephone:  (661) 654‑3089

email:  thansen@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/Biology/

Faculty:  D. Germano, K. Gobalet, C. Kloock, K. Kolb, T. McBride, L. M. Moe, P. Smith, S. K. Roberts,

K. Szick-Miranda, E. A. Weinheimer

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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. See Biology Tracks below.

Requirements for the Major

The Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum includes a wide range of courses that allow for diverse student interests. The courses required for this degree are listed below.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Biology must complete the following:*

Biology courses

a.   BIOL 201, 202, and 203

b.   BIOL 310, 304, 305, 306, 470 and 490

c.   One five-unit 400-level course with lab. Courses that may not satisfy this requirement include BIOL 480, 496, and 497. BIOL 477 may count with advisor’s approval.

d.   At least 20 units of additional upper division coursework in Biology. At least two of these courses must be 5-unit courses with lab.

*A minimum GPA for these 65 units is 2.0

Cognates+

a.   CHEM 212 or equivalent. (Note: CHEM 211 is a prerequisite to CHEM 212 and may be counted toward a Chemistry minor.)

b.   MATH 191 or equivalent

c.   At least 10 units in appropriate cognate areas subject to the approval of the advisor.

+ A minimum GPA for these 20 units is 2.0

Biology Tracks

Students obtaining the BS in Biology are encouraged to take course sequences (tracks) with specific emphases such as Ecology/Field Biology, Physiology, Zoology, Pre-professional Biology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and Physical Therapy. These unofficial tracks are not listed on the diploma or transcript. For example, a track in Pre-professional Biology would include two years of chemistry, one year of physics, math through calculus II, and selected electives in Biology. Specific courses recommended for these tracks can be obtained from an advisor or the departmental office.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in Biology consists of four courses (18-20 units), two of which 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. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required for the units applied towards the Minor.

Teaching Credential: Science Teacher Preparation Program Leading to a Degree in Natural Sciences, Primary Concentration in Biology

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) 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 subject matter requirements for entry into the credentialing program for a “Secondary Teaching Credential in Science”. Consult your advisor or the School of Education for details on other entry requirements. 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. Additional information may be obtained from the Biology Department office (661-654-3089).

For a detailed description of the course requirements, please turn to the Natural Sciences section in this catalog.

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Course descriptions

Lower Division

BIOL 100 Perspectives in Biology (5)

Topics and issues in modern biology and their relevance to society. Four hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Lab fee required.

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, and evolutionary processes. Emphasis is placed on applications to the human condition. Four hours lectures and three-hour laboratory. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Lab fee required.

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 201 Introductory Biology - Cells (5)

Cell structure and function with emphasis on molecular aspects. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: ENGL 110 and CHEM 150 or equivalent. Lab fee required.

BIOL 202 Introductory Biology - Animals (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. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 201. Lab fee required.

BIOL 203 Introductory Biology - Plants (5)

Plant structure, function, and diversity with emphasis placed on ecological and evolutionary aspects of seed plants. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 201. Lab fee required.

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 or minor. Three hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Lab fee required.

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. Not acceptable for the major or minor.  Five hours lecture. Prerequisites: BIOL 250 or 201 and CHEM 150 or equivalent.

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 or minor. Three hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Corequisite: BIOL 255.

BIOL 260 Microbiology (5)

(formerly BIOL 311)

Physiochemical organization and function of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and fungi. Concepts of pathogenic microbiology are emphasized in both lecture and laboratory. Three hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Prerequisite: CHEM 150 or equivalent.

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.

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Upper Division

BIOL 304 General Genetics (4)

Physical and chemical basis of inheritance in cells, individuals, and populations, including molecular mechanisms of heredity. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and 202 or 203; CHEM 211.

BIOL 305 General Physiology (4)

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. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 201, 202 and 203; CHEM 211.

BIOL 306 General Ecology (4)

Relationships between organisms and their environment with emphasis placed on evolutionary mechanisms and terrestrial ecosystems. Laboratory work illustrating ecological principles and methods. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 201, 202 and 203; CHEM 211.

BIOL 310 Research Design and Analysis. (6)

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. Three hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Recommended for all upper division elective courses. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 202 and 203. Recommended: MATH 140, 191.

BIOL 312 General Microbiology (5)

A comprehensive overview of the biology of microorganisms. Topics include microbial cell structure and function, physiology, metabolism, genetics, diversity, and ecology. Applied aspects of microbiology are also covered such as biotechnology, the role of microorganisms in environmental processes, food, and medical microbiology. Laboratory emphasizes methods in bacteriology, microbial diversity, and a research project. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and CHEM 211.

SCI 316 Integrated Science - Life Science

Perspective (5)

Application of fundamental principles in the physical sciences to the function of living systems from cells to ecosystems. Laboratories focus on developing scientific skills and science as inquiry. Materials from multiple curriculum sources are used. This course may not be used for science major or cognate requirements. Three hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Prerequisites: SCI 101, BIOL 100 and Math 221 or equivalent.

BIOL 317 Medical Mycology (3)

Elementary principles of mycology. Isolation and identification techniques of the more common medically important fungi of humans and animals. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. [Alternate years]

BIOL 318 Immunology (4)

Study of organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign materials that enter the body. Practical considerations and applications. Four hours lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 201; BIOL 319 recommended. [Alternate years]

BIOL 319 Hematology (4)

Study of formed elements of blood: hematopoiesis, maturation, and cell function. Introduction to blood dyscrasias. Four hours lecture Prerequisites: BIOL 201. [Alternate years]

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 lecture. Prerequisite: Completion of General Education Area B. Fulfills requirement for teaching credential; not acceptable for the major or minor.

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. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 203. [Alternate years]

BIOL 322 Vertebrate Diversity (5)

Diversity, evolution, and biology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with special emphasis on the biology and identification of local species. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 202. [Alternate years]

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 hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 or consent of instructor.

BIOL 324 Invertebrate Diversity (5)

Comparative study of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates with emphasis placed on terrestrial arthropods, especially insects. Laboratory focuses on comparative morphology, phylogeny, classification, and student projects. Lab fee required. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 202 [Alternate years]

BIOL 342 Cell Physiology (5)

A study of cellular biology with emphasis placed on bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics and regulation of cellular activity. Discussions of current topics in cellular physiology. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 201. [Alternate years]

BIOL 351 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (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 hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 202. [Alternate years]

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 hours lecture. Prerequisite: BIOL 255 or 357.

BIOL 357 Human Physiology (5)

Human physiology with an integrative approach to organ system function. Topics include the nervous, muscle, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Laboratory emphasis will be placed on quantitative measurement of physiological responses in the major organ systems. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite BIOL 201 and 250 or 305. [Alternate years]

BIOL 370 Principles of Nutrition (3)

Fundamentals of human nutrition based on the chemical and physiological processes of nutrient selection, digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Principles of nutrition information encountered in the public domain with emphasis on weight management. Selected coverage of nutritionally influenced disease processes across the life span. The special nutritional needs of children, pregnant women, and athletes are discussed. Three hours lecture. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Prerequisite: Satisfaction of General Education Area B.

SCI 370A Human Biology (5)

Current topics in human biology, which include growth and development, form and function, fitness and health, interaction with the environment, and evolution. Five hours lecture. Not acceptable for major or minor. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

SCI 370C Insects and People. (5)

Overview of the global impact of insects on human concerns, including the overwhelming abundance and diversity of insects, the role of insects as disease vectors to humans, livestock and pets, and the impact of insects as agricultural pests, and pollinators. Five hours lecture. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

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.)

BIOL 404 Conservation Biology (5)

Study of problems related to biological conservation, including endangered species issues, environmental laws, and mitigation solutions required by regulations. Includes site visits to conservation areas, collection of biological data, preparation of assessment reports, and study of elements of environmental impact reports. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 306 and 310. [Alternate years]

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. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Field trip fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 306 and 310. [Alternate years]

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. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 260 or 312. [Alternate years]

BIOL 424 Evolutionary Genetics (5)

Contributions of molecular genetics to the understanding of evolution. Emphasis is placed on the processes of mutation, selection, and random genetic events as they affect the genetic architecture of natural populations and the process of speciation. Topics include quantitative inheritance, population genetics, phylogenetics, conservation genetics, and bioinformatics. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 304 and 310. [Alternate years]

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 hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL 304 and 310. [Alternate years]

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 hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 304 and 310. [Alternate years]

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. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. Prerequisites: Senior status and a GPA above 3.2.

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 hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 351. [Alternate years]

BIOL 455 Physiological Measurements (5)

Physiological measurement techniques focusing on data collection and analysis of selected vertebrate organ systems. Discussion topics include electrical properties of nerve, cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues, pulmonary and metabolic function, and sensory physiology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms of how each system works and the benefits and limitations of the measurement techniques currently available. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL 255 or 357, BIOL 305 and BIOL 310. [Alternate years]

BIOL 462 Plant Physiology (5)

Structure, function, and physiological mechanisms of vascular plants. Topics include water and nutrient relations, photosynthesis and respiration. Two hours lecture and nine hours laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 305  and 310. [Alternate years]

BIOL 470 Evolution (4)

Study of the processes of organic evolution. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Open only to senior Biology majors who have completed BIOL 304, 305, 306 and 310.

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. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. Although repeatable, a maximum of five units may be applied towards the major or minor. Available by consent of instructor.

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‑baccalaureate students. Interested students should contact the department office.

BIOL 490 Senior Seminar (3)

Student paper presentations and discussion by faculty and students. Three hours discussion. Prerequisites: Open only to senior Biology majors who have completed Biol 310 and 40 units of Biology courses.

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.

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.

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Graduate Courses

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.

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). Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. May be repeated. Prerequisite: major or minor in Biology and consent of instructor.