Biology Courses for University Degree and Transfer Programs
BIOL 104 Biology I
A course designed for those students who require first year biology in their program of study or who wish to go on to further study in biology. The course includes cell biology, biochemistry, and an examination of the processes of life in the plant and animal body. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, research design, and laboratory analyses.
BIOL 106 Biology II
Along with BIOL 104 (Biology I), this course provides an overview of the study of living things. Biology 106 presents topics in population, community and ecosystem ecology, and classical and molecular genetics. Evolution provides a unifying theme for the course. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, case studies and laboratory investigation.
BIOL 164 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course provides an integrative approach to the normal structure and function of the human body. Repair and replication, structural support, nervous integration, movement and metabolism are examined at the cellular, tissue and system levels. Recent scientific discoveries are presented as a means of relating the systems studied to various applied disciplines including health care and Kinesiology.
BIOL 165 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
A continuation of Biology 164, this course covers the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, urinary and digestive systems. Endocrinology is discussed throughout as a means of integrating the various systems to the function of the body as a whole. The focus remains on application of knowledge gained in this course.
BIOL 200 Principles of Ecology
Ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, and the interactions that determine distribution and abundance. This course provides an introduction to the major principles of ecology. Ecological concepts are discussed as they apply to individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Basic statistical methods for ecology are used to analyse data gathered in field and laboratory experiments.
BIOL 202 Principles of Genetics
This course provides the student with a knowledge of classical and reverse genetics. Topics covered include Mendelian inheritance, chromosome theory of heredity, sex determination, mutation, the structure and function of genes, molecular genetics, and the genetic structure of populations. Experimental techniques used in molecular genetics are also introduced.
BIOL 204 Cell Biology
This course provides the student with a thorough knowledge of cell structure and function. Topics covered include biomolecules, membranes, organelles, cell movement, cell signaling, gene regulation, and transcription and translation. Experimental techniques used in modern cellular and molecular biology are also introduced.
BIOL 206 Introductory Biochemistry
This course provides an introduction to biochemistry including protein structure and function, and representative catabolic and anabolic pathways. Topics covered include water, enzyme kinetics and enzyme structure and function. Experimental techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology are also introduced.
BIOL 210 Biology of Vascular Plants
This course provides a study of vascular plants emphasizing anatomy, evolution of structure, taxonomy, and ecology. Topics include cell and tissue types, growth and development, basic physiology and comparative studies of the divisions of vascular plants. A final case study of timberline plants draws the different subject areas together for a practical review. Lab work involves working with live samples and prepared slides of important plant tissues, learning how to identify shrubs in winter, carrying out a greenhouse experiment, and participating in a field trip.
BIOL 212 Microbiology
This course is a survey of the microbial world, with discussions of the medical and ecological significance of key organisms. The biology of micro-organisms (including bacteria and viruses) is a key focal point, but there will also be discussions of immunology and pathology. The laboratory component will build basic skills necessary to perform and interpret research in the fields of medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology and virology. A basic knowledge of biology will be presumed, including basic cell biology, ecology, physiology, biochemistry and metabolism.
BIOL 214 Vertebrate Morphology
This course provides experience in the functional and evolutionary analysis of vertebrate structure. The course is required or recommended in most degree programs in animal biology, zoology, conservation biology, environmental biology, ecology, physiology, and health sciences. The term vertebrate morphology refers to the structure of back-boned animals (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals). The Biology 214 curriculum emphasizes the development of communication, problem-solving, self-directed learning, information retrieval, and critical thinking skills. The course includes laboratory, seminar, investigative, report-based, and problem-based learning exercises.
BIOL 220 Investigations in Biology
A field or laboratory project course taught cooperatively by department faculty and some community agencies. Data collection, report writing, seminar presentation, and lab analytical procedures will be taught as required to carry out an approved project. For university second year unassigned credit.
