Biology
20 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
BIOL 8 Biology of Plants
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or ENGL 1AH (now ENGL C1000H)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This biology course focuses on the world of plants and plant-like organisms. Students will study vascular plant anatomy, physiology, and ecology as well as explore the significance of plants to human life. The laboratory work will include a survey of algae, fungi, and all representative plant groups.
BIOL 10 Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This survey course covers basic principles in multiple biological fields. It includes the study of molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, ecology and evolution. Organ systems' structure and function are applied throughout the units.
BIOL 10H Honors Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, covers a survey of basic principles in multiple biological fields. It includes the study of molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, ecology, and evolution. Organ systems' structure and function are applied throughout the units. The content is enriched with a deeper emphasis on critical thinking and through a writing assignment or oral presentation that involves academic research and data analysis. Students not enrolled in HTP may take this course but must adhere to the expected academic standards.
BIOL 11 Fundamentals of Zoology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces major animal groups and the single-celled protozoans. Comparative studies of animal structure and physiology will illustrate principles of classification and evolution. Ecological topics include animal behavior, natural history, and relationships of animals to humans. Genetics and basic cell biology are also covered.
BIOL 12 Field Zoology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate animals involving general principles of biology, taxonomy, physiology, and ecology with an emphasis on California. Major invertebrate phyla will be introduced in the classroom and through field trip experiences. The taxonomy, anatomy, and natural history of all major vertebrate animal classes will be explored through classroom lecture and demonstration and field assessment. Field experience will include both optional and required trips to museums, aquariums, and field locations.
BIOL 15 Environmental Aspects of Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL 82
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Basic ecological and biological principles and concepts are emphasized in the study of the structure and function of ecosystems. Major ecological problems such as overpopulation, resource depletion and food production are related to endangered species and habitat degradation. Environmental pollution of air and water resources is considered in local areas as well as national and international situations. Air quality and global warming issues are considered. Students are encouraged to participate in local activities addressing environmental problems and restoring and improving local habitats.
BIOL 16 Field Entomology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a survey course in insect biology, taxonomy, physiology, and ecology, and considers the methods and economic importance of controlling insect populations. Major insect orders and families are introduced through lecture with slides and live and preserved specimens. Emphasis is placed on learning how to identify insect specimens in the laboratory and to recognize them in the field. Field trips to local sites, local desert and coastal mountain habitats will be taken to practice collection, preparation, and recognition techniques.
BIOL 17 Marine Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory marine biology lecture course exploring biological principles and structure, function and adaptation for marine life. It includes a review of the history of marine biology and a discussion of local species of marine plants and animals and major marine communities. Human interaction and impact on the ocean is also discussed
BIOL 18 Marine Biology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Biology 17 with a minimum grade of C or Concurrent Enrollment
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory marine biology laboratory course designed to complement the marine biology lecture course. The laboratory course will explore the animals and plants living in the ocean and their structure and adaptations for a marine environment. Local species will be identified and classified and local aquariums will be visited.
BIOL 75 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Beginning algebra or higher or placement by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course features an introduction to the field of biotechnology including a history of its origin and development, scientific principles of biotechnology including biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and biological energy, a survey of modern industrial applications and accomplishments, ethical considerations, and career paths.
BIOL 76 Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 75 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.
- Advisory
- Beginning algebra or higher or placement by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This laboratory is a general examination of biology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. The laboratory addresses basic skills and techniques common to the biotechnology industry. Topics include the measurement of activity and quantity of proteins, growth and manipulation of bacteria, genetic engineering and antibody methods.
BIOL 77 Biotechnology A: Basic Lab Skills
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Beginning algebra or higher or placement by appropriate assessment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills necessary for any biotechnology laboratory. Skills include maintenance of an industry standard notebook and preparation and sterilization of solutions, reagents, and media. Topics also include utilization of a good aseptic technique, proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, adherence to quality control protocols, and laboratory safety regulations.
BIOL 78 Quality and Regulatory Compliance in the Biosciences
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover quality assurance and regulatory compliance for the bioscience industries. Topics will span quality control and Food Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, biomedical device, and food industries. Theories and application of quality assurance and quality control will be presented and several different quality systems will be discussed such as GMP (good manufacturing practices), ISO9000 (International Standards Organization), Six Sigma, and Lean.
BIOL 79 Biotechnology B: Proteins and other Biomolecules
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 77 Biotechnology A: Basic Lab Skills with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with the fundamental skills in applied biotechnology necessary for any biotechnology laboratory but particularly focused on downstream manufacturing processes in biomanufacturing. Skills include the development and maintenance of an industry standard notebook, preparation and sterilization of solutions, reagents and media, utilization of good aseptic technique, proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, adherence to quality control protocols, lab safety regulations, in vitro translation, large scale expression, purification, modification, western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibody tagging, and fluorescent microscopy.
BIOL 99 Independent Study in Life Science
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Biology 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Biology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Biology projects (54 hours per unit).
BIOL 110 Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 4 or CHEM 4H with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- BIOL 102
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers a detailed study of eukaryotic cell anatomy, metabolism, and division, including the study of Mendelian genetics and the molecular genetics of eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cellular structure (eubacteria and archaea), microbial genetics, and viruses are also studied. The scientific method is discussed in the lecture component and students implement elements of the process in various laboratory exercises. This course is one of three courses in the biology series designed for biology majors, including those students planning to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or other life sciences.
BIOL 110H Honors Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 4 or CHEM 4H with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- BIOL 102H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, offers a detailed study of eukaryotic cell anatomy, metabolism, and division, including the study of Mendelian genetics and the molecular genetics of eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cellular structure (eubacteria and archaea), microbial genetics, and viruses are also studied. The scientific method is discussed in the lecture component and students implement elements of the process in various laboratory exercises. This course is one of three courses in the biology series designed for biology majors, including those students planning to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or other life sciences. This course is enriched through extensive rigorous reading, writing, and research assignments.
BIOL 120 Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 4 or CHEM 4H with minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- BIOL 110 and ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- BIOL 101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of eukaryotic organisms, their evolution and ecology. The student will have a thorough exposure to plant and animal anatomy and physiology, and will utilize animal dissection in the lab. Students will be expected to complete a project that includes hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, and presentation of results. This course is one of three courses in the biology series designed for biology majors, including those students planning to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or other life sciences.
BIOL 120H Honors Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 4 or CHEM 4H with minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Advisory
- BIOL 110 or BIOL 110H and ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000) or qualification by appropriate assessment
- Formerly
- BIOL 101H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, is a survey of eukaryotic organisms, their evolution and ecology. The student will have a thorough exposure to plant and animal anatomy and physiology, and will utilize animal dissection in the lab. Students will be expected to complete a project that includes hypothesis, prediction, experimentation, and presentation of results. This course is one of three courses in the biology series designed for biology majors, including those students planning to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or other life sciences. This course is enriched through extensive rigorous reading, writing, and research assignments.
BIOL 130 Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 110 or BIOL 110H and BIOL 120 or BIOL 120H with a minimum grade of C in each course and CHEM 7A with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Formerly
- BIOL 103
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to molecular biology. The student will study DNA, RNA and protein structure; protein biochemistry; protein purification and analysis; genome organization of viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes, DNA replication; transcription and splicing; regulation of transcription; translation; and recombinant DNA technology. The student will also explore the uses of DNA technology, such as forensics and agriculture, as well as the ethical considerations of these uses.