Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 98A  Research Experience in International Natural History  (3-4 Units)  

This study abroad course offers students the opportunity to travel, and to learn about and experience first-hand biological research. The experience is designed to extend beyond the natural environment and the local geography by including the history and the culture of the trip destination(s). Pre-trip preparation may include lectures as well as reading and/or writing assignments. Participation in the travel portion of the course is mandatory. No prerequisite, permission from the instructor is required for registration. Trips vary in length from 9-13 days. Grade option.

Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 162.0

Transfer: Not transferable

BIOL 98B  Reserch Concepts in International Natural History  (4.0 Units)  

This study abroad course offers students the opportunity to travel, and to learn about and conceptualize biological research first-hand. The experience is designed to extend beyond the natural environment and the local geography by including the history and the culture of the trip destination(s). Pre-trip preparation may include lectures as well as reading and/or writing assignments. Participation in the travel portion of the course is mandatory. No prerequisite, permission from the instructor is required for registration. Trips vary in length from 14-18 days. Grade option.

Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 162.0

Transfer: Not transferable

BIOL 98C  Research in International Natural History  (5.0 Units)  

This study abroad course offers students the opportunity to travel, and to learn about and conduct first-hand biological research. The experience is designed to extend beyond the natural environment and the local geography by including the history and the culture of the trip destination(s). Pre-trip preparation may include lectures as well as reading and/or writing assignments. Participation in the travel portion of the course is mandatory. No prerequisite, permission from the instructor is required for registration. Trips vary in length from 19-25 days. Grade option.

Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 216.0

Transfer: Not transferable

BIOL 100  General Biology  (4.0 Units)  

This is an introductory course with emphasis on the scientific method, analysis of scientific data, metric system, current biological problems, cellular biology, genetics and heredity, classification and systematics, evolution, ecology, behavior, and environmental issues. The laboratory will include a survey of the morphological characteristics of various organisms on this planet. (UC credit limitation). CSU/UC

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 107  Introduction to Human Biology  (4.0 Units)  

This course is an introduction to biology, with an emphasis on human beings. The principles and concepts of biology are covered, including the scientific method, cells, genetics, evolution, ecologyand basic anatomy and physiology of humans. CSU

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 110  Introduction to Human Nutrition  (3.0 Units)  

Introduction to the medical aspects of nutrition, intended for students pursuing a career in health care. Biological function and chemical classification of nutrients. Nutritional needs throughout the lifespan. Effects of nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Recommended nutrient intakes and the role of diet in the development of chronic disease. CSU/UC

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 118  Principles of Heredity  (4.0 Units)  

A survey of Mendelian inheritance, quantitative traits, and population genetics. Also includes sections on DNA technology, immune genetics, and genetics of cancer. This course places special emphasis on human inheritance and family pedigree analysis, and will stress development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. CSU,UC

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 138  Work Experience Education Biology  (1-8 Units)  

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive collegecredit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 145  Forensic Pathology  (3.0 Units)  

This course examines the evolution of the present-day forensic pathologist and the role(s) he/she plays in implementing the statutes mandated by law. Discussions include the physical changes occurring to the body upon and after death and how these changes impact determination of the cause, manner and mechanism of death. The scientific techniques used in forensic pathology investigations of regional injuries and death are examined, including firearms, blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, child abuse, sexual assaults, infanticide, asphyxial and drug deaths. Law enforcement investigation, autopsy and after-death body care are explored. CSU.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 149  Independent Study  (1-4 Units)  

Assigned projects involving research, laboratory work, or directed study for selected students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of anatomy and physiology on an independent study basis. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Enrollment limited to those who meet independent study criteria. Prior to registration, a contract must be prepared. See instructor for details.

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 190  Environmental Science  (3.0 Units)  

A study of humans in relation to the environment, that emphasizes population ecology, nutrient cycles and energy flow, pollution, food production and conservation of natural resources.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 200  Botany: Plant Diversity and Ecology  (4.0 Units)  

This course is intended for majors and covers comparative diversity, structure, and function of plant, fungal, and protistan phyla. Topics include development, morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics. Principles of population and community ecology and ecosystem interactions are emphasized. C-ID: BIOL 155.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 105, MATH 105H, MATH 120, MATH 120H, or MATH 120S, Minimum grade C

Recommended Preparation: BIOL 201 and ENGL 101.0

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 201  Biology of Cells  (5.0 Units)  

This rigorous course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to biological principles at the cellular and molecular level. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method, molecular biology, biochemistry, structure and function of cells, cellular reproduction and Mendelian and molecular genetics. This course is designed for pre-professional and biology majors, but is open to all students. C-ID: BIOL 190. CSU,UC

Prerequisite(s): MATH 105 or higher Minimum grade C

Co-requisite(s): CHEM 201, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 202  Biology of Organisms  (5.0 Units)  

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the diversity of biological organisms. Emphasis is placed on the origin of life, evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms and the basic anatomy and physiology of the major groups of living organisms and an introduction to the principles of ecology. Biology majors should also take Biology 201. C-ID: BIOL 150. CSU/UC

Prerequisite(s): MATH 90 or Higher, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 203  Population and Environmental Biology  (4.0 Units)  

Prerequisite: MATH 90 or above. This rigorous course is an introduction to the structure and organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Emphasis will be on population genetics and evolution, demography, population growth, life history traits, extinction, species interactions and behaviors, ecosystem dynamics, and evolutionary ecology, as well as selected current environmental issues. Mathematical modeling, a difficult yet important aspect of population and community ecology, will also be addressed. Students will participate in field laboratories, use statistics to analyze data, and compose scientific papers. This course is designed for biological science majors but is open to all students. CSU,UC

Prerequisite(s): MATH 90, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 211  Human Anatomy  (5.0 Units)  

An introduction to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the human body. Lab includes dissection of a cat, sheep eye, kidney, heart, and larynx with demonstrations on anatomical models and including demonstration on human cadavers when available. Lecture covers cells, tissues, organs, and the major human systems such as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive. C-ID: BIOL 110 B. CSU/UC

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107 or BIOL 201, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 215  Human Gross Anatomy  (4.0 Units)  

An advanced anatomy class that utilizes a regional approach to the study of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Lecture will include medical/clinical applications and case studies on these regions. Laboratory includes hands on group dissection of these regions on a whole cadaver; as well as work on high level anatomy software. UC/CSU Transferable Prerequisite: Biol 211

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 211, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 221  General Microbiology  (5.0 Units)  

Introduction to microbiology with emphasis on: morphology, reproduction, growth, metabolishm, genetics and taxonomy of micro organisms; methods of biotechnology applicable to microbiology; and the role of micro organisms in infectious disease, methods of control of the disease, and the immune response of the host. CSU/UC

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 100, BIOL 107, or BIOL 201 ) and (CHEM 100 or CHEM 201, Minimum grade C)

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 231  Human Physiology  (5.0 Units)  

Study of the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism level: integumentary system, bone, skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. This course is primarily intended for Nursing, Allied Health, Kinesiology, and other health related majors. C-ID: BIOL 120 B. CSU/UC

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 100, BIOL 107 or BIOL 201 ) and (BIOL 211 ) and (CHEM 100 or CHEM 201, Minimum Grade C)

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 108.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 233  Pathophysiology  (3.0 Units)  

This introductory pathophysiology course uses a conceptual approach to introduce pathological mechanisms of altered human states of physiology. Topics include etiology, cellular metabolism, tissue perfusion, tissue alterations, functional changes and age-related differences when applicable. Specific disease processes are discussed to demonstrate application of the mechanisms.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 295AH  Biological Research I  (3.0 Units)  

Students who would like to explore biological research for the first time will experience basic research techniques using the scientific method. During this course, the essential elements of research will be stressed, such as literature review, writing a research proposal and conducting an experiment. Undergraduate research helps students develop valuable skills, and provides an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge in the context of "real world" problems.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 100, BIOL 107, or BIOL 201) and (CHEM 100 or CHEM 201, Minimum grade C)

Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

BIOL 295BH  Biological Research II - Experimental Design  (4.0 Units)  

Students who would like to further explore biological research will use various research techniques following the scientific method. During this course, many essential elements of research will be stressed, such as literature review, writing a research proposal and conducting an experiment. Undergraduate research helps students develop valuable skills, and provides an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge in the context of "real world" problems.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100, BIOL 107, or BIOL 201, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

BIOL 295CH  Biological Research III - Research Design & Analysis  (4.0 Units)  

Construction of basic experimental designs based upon literature and data analyses. Students develop and participate in experimental designs of selected research projects including measurements, statistical analyses, and interpretation of data. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of laboratory skills. CSU

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100, BIOL 107, or BIOL 201, Minimum grade C

Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only