Biological Sciences

BIOL 101. Genetics. 5 Units.

Emphasis of study is heritable variations and their relation to structure, behavior and function of genetic material. This basic course is for students concentrating on biological sciences, medical sciences and liberal arts. In addition to lecture, one-three hour laboratory per week is required. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061. Recommended: Sophomore standing.

BIOL 111. Anatomy and Physiology. 4 Units.

This lecture and laboratory course covers the structure and function of the major physiological systems of the human body, and it is intended primarily for students in the Dental Hygiene program. Students taking BIOL 111 do not receive credit for either BIOL 071 or BIOL 081. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 116. Applied Microbiology. 4 Units.

An introduction to medically relevant bacteria, plus fungi, viruses, parasites and biting arthropods. In addition to basic topics that include basic cell structure and function, biochemistry, and metabolic diversity, students acquire knowledge and practical understanding of antimicrobial treatment and immunology. An organ systems approach to learning about pathogens allows students to practice problem-solving skills in treating human infections. Case studies from the CDC reinforce problem-solving skills and provide students with a comprehensive, practical and holistic approach to learning microbiology. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to undergraduates in the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage program. C or better grades in both BIOL 061 and CHEM 026.

BIOL 117. Applied Physiology. 4 Units.

A lecture and practicum course reviewing the functions of all major organ systems of the human body. Lectures use a systems-level approach with physiological performance explained in the context of anatomical structures. Practicum exercises include some hands-on lab activities and case studies analyzing the biological effects & side-effects of pharmaceutical drugs in both normal and pathological states. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to undergraduates in the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage program. C or better grades in both BIOL 061 and CHEM 026.

BIOL 118. Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 4 Units.

A broad overview of the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a particular emphasis on health-related topics for students preparing for Pharmacy School. Topics include rates of reactions, pH and protein-ligand binding, protein folding and structure, enzyme catalysis, cell signaling, genome mutation and gene regulation. Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to undergraduates in the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage program. C or better grades in all of the following courses: BIOL 061, BIOL 116, BIOL 117, CHEM 026, CHEM 028, and CHEM 122.

BIOL 122. Principles of Immunology. 4 Units.

The fundamental properties of antigens and antibodies are covered with an emphasis on the theories of antibody production, tolerance, transplantation immunity, autoimunity and tumor immunology. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and CHEM 121.

BIOL 124. Cancer Biology. 4 Units.

The course examines the morphological and molecular events that accompany the changes of a normal mammalian cell into a cancer cell, with an emphasis on the major pathways that affect cell growth and division, cell communication, cell death and metastasis. Prerequisite: BIOL 101.

BIOL 126. Neurobiology. 4 Units.

This course focuses on the molecular and cell biology of neuronal function and development, and how neurons work together to retrieve and process information and respond accordingly, with thorough discussions of sensory and motor systems and a brief review of more complex brain functions, such as emotions, speech and language, and memory. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 128. Histology. 4 Units.

A study of the tissues which comprise the organs of the human body. Thin sections of organs are examined, and their structures related to function. Emphasis is placed on learning how cells and tissues which have been treated with different colored stains appear under light microscopy, interpreting how those stains reflect the chemical makeup of the cells, and recognizing when preparative artifacts distort the appearance of the normal tissue. Credit will not be given if a student has taken BIOL 129. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 130. Plant Kingdom. 4 Units.

Through lectures, laboratories and field trips, students are introduced to the morphology, reproduction biology and environmental requirements of all major groups of plants. Included are material bearing on the evolutionary relationships within and between each major group. Individual projects are required. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 134. Comparative Physiology. 4 Units.

This course is a detailed review of organ function in diverse groups of organisms. Emphasis is on physiological adaptation to the environment. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 145. Microbiology. 5 Units.

The biology of microorganisms is studied with emphasis on viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. In addition to lecture, one three-hour laboratory per week is required. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061; CHEM 025, CHEM 027.

BIOL 146. Industrial Microbiology. 4 Units.

An in-depth knowledge of the industrial applications of microorganisms. The course uses an understanding of microbial physiology and genetics to illustrate how these organisms are utilized to create commercial products ranging from medicines to food products. Prerequisite: BIOL 145.

BIOL 147. Medical Microbiology. 4 Units.

Medical microbiology covers a survey of microorangisms implicated in human disease; emphasis on characteristics and properties of microorganisms, chiefly bacteria and fungi which are responsible for pathogenesis. Laboratory includes methods of isolation, characterization, and identification of bacteria and fungi responsible for human disease. Prerequisites: BIOL 145 and CHEM 121 with a C- or higher or permission of instructor.

BIOL 148. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 4 Units.

This class focuses on the evolutionary and ecological principles driving new infectious diseases of humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. Through the exploration and application of real cases worldwide, students will have an understanding of how diseases emergence and present threats to global health. Research projects, writing assignments, case studies, and other activities will help students to synthesize a stronger appreciation for this aspect of health. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 151. Parasitology. 4 Units.

Principles of parasitism as well as biology of animal parasites with special emphasis on the protozoa, platyhelminths, nematodes, acanthocephala and arthropods are studied. Techniques of recovery of parasites from various vertebrate hosts are introduced including staining, mounting and identification. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101.

BIOL 152. Human Parasitic Diseases. 4 Units.

This class focuses on parasitic diseases of humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. Through the exploration and application of real cases worldwide, students will have an understanding of how parasitic diseases emergence and present threats to global health. Midterm exams which focus on research projects and writing will help students to synthesize a stronger appreciation for these kinds of infectious diseases. Students will also engage in many discussions online as a method of improving their analytical and critical thinking, argumentative writing, and collaborative skills. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 153. Cell Biology. 4 Units.

Cell Biology studies cell structure and function with emphasis on the dynamic nature of the cellular environment and the methodologies of cell biology. The experimental basis of our present understanding of the cell is also stressed. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101, CHEM 025 and CHEM 027. Recommended: Organic chemistry.

BIOL 155. Biological Electron Microscopy. 4 Units.

The process and techniques involved in examining biological specimens with the transmission electron microscope will be covered in detail. When competence in specimen processing is achieved, each student performs an original experiment as a term project. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, CHEM 025, CHEM 027. Recommended: BIOL 101.

BIOL 157. Topics in Biomedical Research. 4 Units.

Basic research in the areas of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology are examined in their applications to current problems in medicine. Topics covered include genetic engineering, gene therapy, transplants and cloning. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101; CHEM 121.

BIOL 159. Molecular Biological Techniques. 4 Units.

This advanced laboratory course in the methods of molecular biology, has an emphasis on modern techniques and their application in the laboratory. Topics covered include gene cloning, protein expression systems, nucleic acid isolation and purification, and basic methods of bioinformatics. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and CHEM 121 with a "C-" or higher.

BIOL 160. Proteomics. 4 Units.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and its applications to investigate macromolecules, with an emphasis on proteins. The use of mass spectrometry, specifically in the area of proteomics, is an emerging, powerful technology that is rapidly becoming an essential tool for scientists to study biological systems and the function of proteins. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 061.

BIOL 162. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. 5 Units.

The evolution of vertebrate organ systems as revealed by comparative morphology are emphasized. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061. Recommended: BIOL 101.

BIOL 165. Embryology and Development. 4 Units.

This laboratory course focuses on the events that occur as a single-celled embryo develops into an adult organism. Developmental processes are studied at the descriptive and mechanistic levels, leading to an understanding of how and why complex structures are produced. Major emphases is placed on animal embryology (both vertebrate and invertebrate) leading to the production to tissues, organs and organ systems. Later developmental processes also are studied, as well as sex determination. Additional topics include cancer and evolution as seen in the context of development. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101.

BIOL 167. Evolution and Developmental Biology. 4 Units.

How do butterfly wings get their spots and stripes? Why do dolphins and humans have the same bones in their limbs? How did Darwin’s finches quickly evolve so many different beak shapes? These are all questions that require an understanding of Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EvoDevo) to answer. EvoDevo explores the intersection of Evolution, Developmental Biology, and Genetics. This course covers introductory topics in those three fields, theoretical underpinnings of EvoDevo, as well as case studies. This course uses phylogenetic and developmental genetics frameworks to examine topics that include body-plans and patterning, genetic and morphological complexity, and novel features. Prerequisites: BIOL 51 and BIOL 61 or permission of instructor.

BIOL 168. Pharmacology. 4 Units.

Pharmacology is a complex field focusing on the mechanism of action of drugs. This course provides background information on the basic mechanisms of drug absorption, distribution and interaction with targets. In addition, this course covers how drugs are discovered and regulated. Finally, a selected set of drug families focusing on the nervous system and anti-cancer treatments are examined. This course is intended as a primer for later study of pharmacology covering many more drug families. Other courses such as Organic Chemistry, Physiology and Genetics are helpful but are not required. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, CHEM 025, CHEM 027.

BIOL 169. Elements of Biochemistry. 4 Units.

The field of biochemistry is the focus in this non-lab course that is designed as a preparation for students who will attend a Pharmacy or Dental School. Topics include nucleic acid and protein structure and synthesis, intermediary metabolism, enzyme action, and synthesis and degradation of important biological molecules. The relationship of biochemistry, nutrition, and human disease is discussed. This course does not count for the Biochemistry major. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101, CHEM 123 with a "C-" or higher.

BIOL 170. Human Anatomy. 5 Units.

This course is a study of the structure of the organ systems of humans. In addition to lecture, one three-hour laboratory per week is required. Credit will not be given if a student has taken BIOL 111. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 171. Methods in Field Biology. 4 Units.

A course focused on methods of biological investigation with emphasis on modern field sampling techniques and instrumentation. Students are trained in experimental design and quantitative data analysis used to address a range of biological questions. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061 with a "D" or better.

BIOL 175. Ecology. 5 Units.

The structure and dynamics of populations, biotic communities and ecosystems, is emphasized with particular focus upon relationships of organisms to their environments. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 176. Ecology and Conservation Biology. 4 Units.

The principles of ecology are introduced with attention to consider threats and disruptions to ecological systems from the level of local populations through ecosystems, landscapes, and global processes. Ecological principles are used to help understand these systems, to make predictions for the future or for other systems, and to evaluate possible solutions. The class considers the importance of economic and demographic forces in causing conservation problems and in shaping conservation strategies, and students practice planning conservation areas. Prerequisite: BIOL 051.

BIOL 177. Natural Medicines. 4 Units.

A lab course that surveys drugs found in nature, in particular their history, uses, and mode of action, and is designed as a preparation for students who will attend a Pharmacy or Dental School. Topics include history of medicine, survey of natural compounds relevant to pharmacology, and survey of naturally-derived drugs used to treat cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, BIOL 101, CHEM 123 with a "C-" or higher.

BIOL 179. Evolution. 4 Units.

Lectures and readings on the mechanisms of evolutionary change in organisms are the focus. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061. Recommended: BIOL 101.

BIOL 180. Human Physiology. 5 Units.

This course is a lecture- and laboratory-based review of the functions of the major organ systems of vertebrates with emphasis on the human body. Lab exercises demonstrate basic physiological processes in the human body and emphasize techniques of instrumental data acquisition and data presentation. Credit will not be given if a student has taken BIOL 111. Prerequisites: BIOL 061 and (CHEM 023 or CHEM 024 or CHEM 025 or CHEM 027). Recommended: one semester of genetics.

BIOL 182. Medical Endocrinology. 4 Units.

This lecture/lab course presents the fundamentals and current topics in human endocrinology from a medical and clinical perspective. Lectures cover normal endocrine physiology, endocrine diseases, diagnostic rubrics for patient assessment/disease evaluation, and current treatment recommendations. Lab is divided into two units: (1) Histology of healthy endocrine glands and histopathology of diseased endocrine glands; and (2) Developing patient assessment/diagnosis skills using computer "virtual patients." Prerequisites: BIOL 051, BIOL 061, CHEM 025 and CHEM 027. Recommended: BIOL 71 or 81 or BIOL 128.

BIOL 183. Comparative Oral+ENT Biology. 4 Units.

This course is a hands-on introduction to the mouth, ears, nose and throat of vertebrates. It provides a comparative view of the evolution, design and function of the mouth and associated cavities. Mastication, swallowing, speech and hearing are examined from various perspectives. Common clinical issues in humans, as well as species with extreme performances are also discussed. Labs include practical training in technical sculpture, casting, dissection, drilling, adhesives, wire work, anesthesia, and experiments on speech and hearing. The target audience is students interested in dentistry, otorhinolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology or organismal biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061.

BIOL 185. Comparative Animal Behavior. 4 Units.

The ecology and evolution of animal behavior are examined from both proximate and ultimate perspectives. Genetic, hormonal, neural and environmental influences on the development and expression of behavior are discussed, as well as how behaviors are shaped and constrained by ecology and evolutionary history. Through laboratory and field activities, students practice observational and quantitative methods to record and analyze a variety of animal behaviors.

BIOL 186. Hormones and Behavior. 4 Units.

An on-line reading/discussion/writing course focusing on the bidirectional interactions between an animal's behaviors and its endocrine system. Topics include: overview of the vertebrate endocrine system, biological sex and gender issues, courtship and sex behaviors, parenting behavior, pheromonal communication, aggression and other social behaviors, learning and memory, hunger, stress, and biological rhythms. Discussions also analyze current research publications, research methodologies, and results. Students practice scientific writing and prepare a 10-12 page research paper. This course counts as an upper division elective in the Biology major and as an elective in the Gender Studies degree. Prerequisites: BIOL 051 and BIOL 061. (GEND)

BIOL 191. Independent Study. 2-4 Units.

BIOL 194. Science Communication. 4 Units.

This course provides students the opportunity to improve their skills at assessment of primary scientific literature, oral presentation of scientific research, and scientific writing. Students critically analyze a series of journal articles related to their own research, perform several writing exercises, orally present preliminary results of their research or research prospectus, write a research proposal, and evaluate peers’ oral and written communication efforts. Additionally, students attend and participate in departmental seminar presentations given by researchers from Pacific and other universities. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.

BIOL 197. Undergraduate Research. 1-4 Units.

BIOL 222. Immunology. 4 Units.

Students study immunoglobin structure, function, and expression in animals. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of humoral immune response, cell-mediated immunity, complement system, autoimmune diseases, tolerance induction, transplantations, cancer immunity, vaccines, and cytokine actions are also emphasized. Graduate standing.

BIOL 224. Cancer Biology. 4 Units.

The course examines the morphological and molecular events that accompany the change of a normal mammalian cell into a cancer cell, with an emphasis on the major pathways that affect cell growth and division, cell communication, cell death and metastasis.

BIOL 226. Neurobiology. 4 Units.

The course focuses on the molecular and cell biology of neuronal function and development, and how neurons work together to retrieve and process information and respond accordingly. It involves thorough discussions of sensory and motor systems and a brief review of more complex brain functions, such as emotions, speech and language, and memory.

BIOL 234. Comparative Physiology. 4 Units.

This course offers a detailed review of organ function in diverse groups of organisms. Emphasis is on physiological adaptation to the environment. Graduate standing.

BIOL 244. Developmental Biology. 4 Units.

Students examine the genetic control of development and the physiological mechanisms involved in fertilization and differentiation. Graduate standing.

BIOL 246. Industrial Microbiology. 4 Units.

An in-depth knowledge of the industrial applications of microorganisms. The course uses an understanding of microbial physiology and genetics to illustrate how these organisms are utilized to create commercial products ranging from medicines to food products. Prerequisite: BIOL 145.

BIOL 247. Medical Microbiology. 4 Units.

This course content is the same as BIOL 147 with three additional hours per week of seminar and/or special project. Graduate standing.

BIOL 251. Parasitology. 4 Units.

This course content is the same as BIOL 151. Principles of parasitism, biology of animal parasites with special emphasis on the protozoa, nematodes, helminths, acanthocephala, and arthropods are covered with three additional hours per week of seminar and/or special project. Graduate standing.

BIOL 253. Cell Biology. 4 Units.

This course content is the same as BIOL 153. Students take an in-depth look at the structure and function of a cell with an emphasis on the methodologies of Cell Biology. Research-based current understanding of the topics is stressed and a special project is required. Graduate standing.

BIOL 255. Biological Electron Microscopy. 4 Units.

This course content is the same as BIOL 155. The processes and techniques involved in examining biological specimens with the transmission electron microscope are covered in detail. When competence in specimen processing is achieved, each student performs an original experiment as a term project. Graduate standing.

BIOL 259. Molecular Biological Techniques. 4 Units.

This is an advanced laboratory course in the methods of molecular biology, with emphasis on modern techniques and their application in the laboratory. Topics covered include gene cloning, protein expression systems, nucleic acid isolation and purification, and basic methods of bioinformatics. Graduate standing.

BIOL 260. Proteomics. 4 Units.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and its applications to investigate macromolecules, with an emphasis on proteins. The use of mass spectrometry, specifically in the area of proteomics, is an emerging, powerful technology that is rapidly becoming an essential tool for scientists to study biological systems and the function of proteins. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

BIOL 267. Evolution and Developmental Biology. 4 Units.

How do butterfly wings get their spots and stripes? Why do dolphins and humans have the same bones in their limbs? How did Darwin’s finches quickly evolve so many different beak shapes? These are all questions that require an understanding of Evolutionary Developmental Biology (EvoDevo) to answer. EvoDevo explores the intersection of Evolution, Developmental Biology, and Genetics. This course covers introductory topics in those three fields, theoretical underpinnings of EvoDevo, as well as case studies. This course uses phylogenetic and developmental genetics frameworks to examine topics that include body-plans and patterning, genetic and morphological complexity, and novel features. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

BIOL 268. Pharmacology. 4 Units.

Pharmacology is a complex field focusing on the mechanism of action of drugs. This course provides background information on the basic mechanisms of drug absorption, distribution and interaction with targets. In addition, this course covers how drugs are discovered and regulated. Finally, a selected set of drug families focusing on the nervous system and anti-cancer treatments are examined. This course is intended as a primer for later study of pharmacology covering many more drug families. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

BIOL 271. Methods in Field Biology. 4 Units.

This is a course focused on methods of biological investigation with emphasis on modern field sampling techniques and instrumentation. Students are trained in experimental design and quantitative data analysis used to address a range of biological questions. Graduate standing.

BIOL 274. Biology of Insects. 4 Units.

A lecture and laboratory introduce a broad study of the structure and function of insects, the most diverse terrestrial organisms with over 1 million described species. The course includes a study of their anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, reproduction, behavior, and relation to humans. The laboratory work includes field trips in addition to the preparation of 50 classified insects. Project assignments include but are not limited to identification of taxa of interest, and analysis of insect data related to student interests.

BIOL 279. Evolution. 4 Units.

This course content is the same as BIOL 179 and a special project is required. Graduate standing.

BIOL 282. Medical Endocrinology. 4 Units.

This lecture/lab course presents the fundamentals and current topics in human endocrinology from a medical and clinical perspective. Lectures cover normal endocrine physiology, endocrine diseases, diagnostic rubrics for patient assessment/disease evaluation, and current treatment recommendations. Lab is divided into two units: (1) histology of healthy endocrine glands and histopathology of diseased endocrine glands; and (2) developing patient assessment/diagnosis skills using computer "virtual patients." Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

BIOL 283. Comparative Oral+ENT Biology. 4 Units.

This course is a hands-on introduction to the mouth, ears, nose and throat of vertebrates. It provides a comparative view of the evolution, design and function of the mouth and associated cavities. Mastication, swallowing, speech and hearing are examined from various perspectives. Common clinical issues in humans, as well as species with extreme performances are also discussed. Labs include practical training in technical sculpture, casting, dissection, drilling, adhesives, wire work, anesthesia, and experiments on speech and hearing. The target audience is students interested in dentistry, otorhinolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology or organismal biology. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

BIOL 291. Independent Study. 2 or 4 Units.

BIOL 294. Science Communication. 4 Units.

This course provides students the opportunity to improve their skills at assessment of primary scientific literature, oral presentation of scientific research, and scientific writing. Students critically analyze a series of journal articles related to their own thesis research, perform several writing exercises, orally present preliminary results of their thesis research or thesis prospectus, write a thesis research proposal, and evaluate peers’ oral and written communication efforts. Students also form and meet with their graduate thesis committee to discuss thesis research. Additionally, students attend and participate in departmental seminar presentations given by researchers from Pacific and other universities. Prerequisites: Open to first-year graduate students.

BIOL 295. Graduate Seminar. 4 Units.

BIOL 297. Graduate Research. 1-6 Units.

BIOL 299. Thesis. 2 or 4 Units.