Biology
18 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL 1 General Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the major themes and principles in Biology through lecture, laboratory, and field experiences. Students investigate topics ranging from molecules to the ecosystem. Meets general education requirements.
BIOL 2 Environmental Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENVS 100
Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological processes within the Earth system, the interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management.
BIOL 3 California Environmental Issues
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, as they relate to California. Focus is on physical, chemical and biological processes within ecosystems, interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, California's biodiversity and threats, climate change in California, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, California water resources and pollution, air pollution in California, and solid waste management.
BIOL 10 Concepts in Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the major themes and principles of biology including energy flow and metabolism, structure/function relationships, inheritance patterns, ecology, evolution, and diversity of biological organisms. Students investigate these themes through topics at various levels of organization, ranging from molecules to ecosystems.
BIOL 12 Introduction to Human Genetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
General introduction to the fundamentals of human heredity. Topics include patterns of inheritance, DNA structure and function, the role of mutation in genetic diseases and cancer, the interaction between genes and the environment, and recent advances in biotechnology and its impact on society.
BIOL 20 Human Anatomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 110 B
A systematic study of the microscopic and macroscopic structures of the human body, from cellular to organ system levels of organization. Emphasis on cell structures, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, sensory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Includes considerations of pathologies and disorders of these systems. This course is a CalState/UC transferable course which is intended for biology, general education, kinesiology and health related majors.
BIOL 22 Human Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: BIOL 20 and; CHEM 9 or CHEM 10 or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120 B
The dynamic nature of life processes in the human body, including the physiology of the cell and the functions and interrelations of the organ systems. The course includes the study of the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism level. The Lab emphasizes experimentation and scientific reasoning.
BIOL 23 General Microbiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: BIOL 22 or BIOL 40
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to microbiology, with strong emphasis on microorganisms pathogenic to humans. Topics include microbial morphology, genetics, taxonomy, and metabolism; infectious disease process; mechanisms of controlling microbes; and immunology.
BIOL 23L General Microbiology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 Laboratory
- Corequisite
- Concurrent or Previous Enrollment or completion with a C or better in: BIOL 23
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to microbiology laboratory techniques. Methods of culturing, staining, biochemically analyzing, and classifying microorganisms.
BIOL 40 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 135S; BIOL 190
An intensive course designed to prepare students for upper division courses in cell and molecular biology. This course covers the principles and applications of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular genetics, classical/Mendelian genetics, cell metabolism including photosynthesis and respiration, and cellular communication. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry and experimental design are foundational to the course. Laboratory includes experimental design, a variety of techniques (e.g. microscopy, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis), and data analysis.
BIOL 42 Evolutionary Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: BIOL 40
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 130S
Introduction to the principles, theories and methods of evolutionary ecology, including evolutionary theory, speciation, physiological ecology, population dynamics, demographics and life history strategies, niche theory, community interactions and community structure, succession, biogeography, ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, and conservation biology.
BIOL 42L Research Methods in Evolutionary Ecology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: BIOL 40
- Corequisite
- Concurrent or Previous Enrollment or completion with a C or better in: BIOL 42
- Transfers to
- CSU
Laboratory and field research skills in ecology and organismal biology, including making observations and designing experiments, measuring biotic and abiotic variables, conducting library research, working in teams, communicating scientific information and analyzing data statistically. Emphasis will be placed on practical application and critical thinking skills necessary for conducting rigorous scientific investigations in ecology and organismal biology. Some weekend field trips required.
BIOL 44 Biology of Organisms
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: BIOL 42
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 130S; BIOL 135S; BIOL 140
An introduction to the origin and evolution of life on earth, emphasizing systematics, anatomy, physiology, development, and ecology. Lab includes an evolutionary survey of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants and animals.
BIOL 92ABC Special Topics: Biology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Specializations in the biological sciences. Prerequisites and/or corequisites may be required for topics that call for specific knowledge or preparation. Topics vary; see class schedule for current term focus.
BIOL 92L Special Topics Laboratory: Biology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Laboratory activities associated with specializations in the biological sciences. Prerequisites and/or corequisites may be required for topics that call for specific knowledge or preparation. Topics vary; see class schedule for current term focus. No individual topic subject may be repeated.
BIOL 98ABC Independent Study: Biology
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Course is designed for the biology student who wishes to explore and develop an independent project in the biological sciences. Individual inquiry, special techniques, and selected readings are expected. Student and instructor must reach agreement concerning the topic and scope of the project prior to student's registration.
BIOL 424 Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture
Human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structures and functions of the organ systems. Course is primarily intended for students entering related vocational programs.
BIOL 424L Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 Laboratory
- Corequisite
- Concurrent or Previous Enrollment or completion with a C or better in: BIOL 424
- Advisory
- HS 30
Laboratory investigation of anatomy and physiology of organ systems from cell through system levels. Course is primarily intended for students entering related vocational programs.