The Biology Discipline offers courses spanning the full breadth of the life sciences, including microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, nutrition, pathophysiology, and forensic biology. Many courses address pressing social issues such as public health, natural resource management, food systems, and the intersection of science and law.
Students and faculty collaborate on laboratory research, fieldwork, and peer-reviewed publications with direct real-world application. The department provides both broad exposure to biological processes and systems and in-depth understanding at the environmental, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels—preparing students to think and work as scientists from ecosystems to molecules.
Career Opportunities
A background in biology opens pathways across a wide range of fields. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare (nursing, physician assistant, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy), biological and biomedical research, forensic science, environmental science and conservation, natural resource management, public health, nutrition and dietetics, science education, and biotechnology. Many positions in research, healthcare, and advanced science fields require a bachelor's or graduate degree.
Victor Valley College biology courses are designed to support transfer to four-year universities and prepare students for professional and graduate programs in the life and health sciences.
Faculty
Gibbs, David
Gibbs, Jessica
Harvey, Lisa
Howard, Kristy
Jalota, Naveen
Kaiser, Hinrich
Ko, Minhee
Meyer, Archie
Sauer, Frank
Transfer
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Students planning to transfer should meet with a counselor early to develop an educational plan aligned with their intended major and transfer institution.
Biology coursework at Victor Valley College articulates with transfer institutions throughout California, including:
- California State University, San Bernardino – Biology major
- University of California, Riverside – Biology major
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Students are encouraged to explore additional CSU and UC transfer pathways via assist.org, the official California articulation database, as biology coursework may apply toward majors at multiple campuses.
The Biology Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is designed to provide a clear pathway to the CSU system and guarantees admission to a CSU campus (though not necessarily to a specific campus or impacted major). Students interested in UC transfer should work with a counselor to complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) and major preparation coursework.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Use the scientific process to formulate questions, design experiments to test hypotheses, interpret experimental results to draw conclusions, communicate results both orally and in writing, and critically evaluate the use of the scientific method from published sources.
- Apply evolutionary theory at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels to explain the unity and diversity of living things.
- Demonstrate proficiency in principles of basic crime scene investigations, including proper collection, handling, and analysis of biological evidence.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently to complete in a timely manner a laboratory-based project in forensic science, including completion of an acceptable final report.
- Demonstrate familiarity with courtroom aspects of forensic casework, including experience with providing expert technical opinions under direct and cross examination.
Biological Science Courses
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4.0 Units)
This combined lecture and laboratory course provides the non-biology major with an introduction to living things and their environment. Students use experimentation and investigation to develop important critical thinking skills. Students learn about the process of science, the building blocks of life, the role and regulation of DNA, how populations change over time, the movement of energy within and between life forms, and how species interact with each other and their surroundings. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply an understanding of biological concepts to current issues and their impacts on society. Formerly BIOL 100. (UC credit limitation).
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
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).
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. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
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. C-ID NUTR 110.
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
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.
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
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. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
BIOL 146 Principles of Forensic Biology (4.0 Units)
In this course students will study biological and earth science by engaging in investigations of how scientific evidence is used to solve crimes. Students take on the roles of public safety professionals to identify, collect, preserve, test, and analyze physical evidence. Each unit of this course asks how biological evidence can be used to solve a type of crime, and students explain and explore the scientific principles at work. Students learn not only how and why evidence can be used to solve crime, but also how biological processes affect the preservation and viability of physical evidence. Throughout this course, students will collect and analyze evidence from simulated crime scenes. The course culminates with students using evidence to solve a simulated homicide and delivering expert testimony in a simulated murder trial. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab 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. .
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.
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.
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)
Students explore ecological principles through integrated field and laboratory investigations, analyzing population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem processes. Emphasis on applying ecological concepts to environmental challenges in the High Desert region and surrounding ecosystems. Students develop skills in field sampling techniques, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication through collaborative research projects. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Designed for biological science majors; open to all students. .
Prerequisite(s): Complete MATH-226, MATH-226H, STAT-C1000, or STAT-C1000E. 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.
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. 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)
Introductiontomicrobiologywithemphasison: 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.
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.
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 (4.0 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. .
Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher
Lecture Hours: 72.0
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. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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.
Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only