Biology
11 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
BI 004 Elements of Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
An introduction to biology for non-science majors including the study of plants, animals, ecology, and evolution. The foundations of biology, including biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and the impact of humans on the environment will be covered in this course.
BI 005 Molecular and Cell Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 72, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- CH 001A BI 004 or high school biology ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190, BIOL 135S
This course presents a survey of basic biological principles with a strong emphasis on biochemistry, cell biology and genetics. Topics include: structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, origin and evolution of cellular life and molecular evolution, organelle structure and function, membrane structure and function, cellular transport, cellular chemistry and biomolecules, cellular metabolism (respiration and photosynthesis), cell reproduction and its controls, cell communication, classic and molecular genetics, DNA structure and function, gene structure, gene expression and control of gene expression, biotechnology, and scientific inquiry. This course is primarily designed for students pursuing careers in science, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health fields requiring a strong foundation in biology. Together, BI 005 and BI 006, Biology of Organisms, provide students with the basic biology core curriculum for transfer. (C-ID BIOL 190; BIOL 135S)
BI 006 Biology of Organisms
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 72, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- BI 004 or high school biology MATH 012 or concurrent enrollment and ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 140, BIOL 135S
This course covers classification, development, physiology and regulation at the organismal level. Additional topics include population dynamics, community ecology, evolution, and population genetics. This course is primarily designed for students pursuing careers in science, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health fields requiring a strong foundation in biology. Together, BI-006 and BI-005, Molecular and Cell Biology, provide students with the basic biology core curriculum for transfer. (C-ID BIOL 140; BIOL 135S)
BI 007 Biology of Mammals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- BI 004 & ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers classification, development, physiology, and regulation of mammals. Additional topics covered include zoogeography, echolocation, domestication, conservation ethics, and diseases and zoonoses. This course is primarily designed for students pursuing careers in science, veterinary medicine, and other fields requiring a strong foundation in biology.
BI 007L Biology of Mammals Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- BI 007 or concurrent enrollment.
- Advisory
- BI 004 & ENG 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers classification, development, physiology, and regulation of mammals. Additional topics covered include: zoogeography, evolution, identification of mammals based on skulls and teeth, and anatomy. This course is designed for students obtaining a general elective in natural science, as well as students pursuing careers in science, veterinary medicine, and other fields requiring a strong foundation in biology.
BI 011 Biology of Viruses
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for science and non-science major students. The course emphasizes molecular and cellular biology, epidemiology, and development of diseases caused by human viruses. This includes the study of viral structure, classification, natural viral habitats, viral replication methods, host immune responses to viral infections, human viral diseases, viral isolation techniques, immunization and treatments. The scientific method is introduced and specific examples of its application to the study of viruses are included.
BI 013 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- MATH 054.
- Advisory
- ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115BS
This course involves an integrated study of human body organization and function. Topics include anatomical terminology, cells and tissues, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, articulations, the muscular system, the nervous system, and special senses. This is the first part of a two-course sequence that studies the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology and provides a foundation for advanced study of the human body. Both BI 013 and BI 014 must be taken to study all of the major body systems. This two-course sequence is designed to meet the prerequisites for health professional programs, e.g. nursing, physical therapy. (C-ID BIOL 115BS)
BI 014 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 72, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- BI 013 & CH 005 OR BI 013 & CH 007 CH 004 has become CH 007. Students who have already taken CH 004 will be allowed to register for this class and do not need to take CH 007. CH 007 or CH 005.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115BS
This course involves an integrated study of human body organization and function. Topics include the endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. This is the second part of a two-course sequence that studies the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology and provides a foundation for advanced study of the human body. Both BI 013 and BI 014 must be taken to study all of the major body systems. This two-course sequence is designed to meet the prerequisites for health professional programs; e.g. nursing, physical therapy. (C-ID BIOL 115BS)
BI 015 General Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 72, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- BI 013 and CH 007 or BI 013 and CH 005.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a comprehensive study of the microbial world. It is designed to develop an appreciation and understanding of microorganisms and their relationship to humans and their environment. A knowledge of the principles of microbiology and their practical applications is stressed. Subject matter includes medical microbiology, microbial physiology, microbial genetics, and industrial microbiology. The laboratory experience explores the development of current methods, techniques, and skills necessary to culture, propagate and identify micro-organisms.
BI 031 Undergraduate Research Experience
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18, Lab Hours: 54
- Prerequisite
- BI 005 or BI 006.
- Advisory
- LIS 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Under the supervision of STEM faculty, students will select a project to be completed during the semester. Topics will include information retrieval, computer skills applied to laboratory research, time management and organizational skills, application of modern research methods, experimental design, data collection and analysis, presentation skills (written and oral), and investigating summer internship opportunities. This course is intended for students pursuing a STEM degree and who have completed a minimum of 35 college level units.
BI 095A Biology Work Experience
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 270
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Biology.