Biology
17 courses · Lake Tahoe Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
BIO 101 Principles of Biology I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of Intermediate Algebra or placement based on college assessment or other appropriate methods.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIO 135S = BIO 101 + BIO 102 + BIO 103
This course will provide a general introduction to organic molecules, cell structure and function, and molecular genetics. Lab topics include microscopy, scientific method, biological molecules, cell structure and function, and genetics. This course is intended for biological science majors but open to all students. This course is a prerequisite for BIO 102 and BIO 103, which must be taken to complete the sequence.
BIO 102 Principles of Biology II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIO 135S = BIO 101 + BIO 102 + BIO 103
This course is an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth. BIO 101 is a prerequisite. BIO 103 must be taken in addition to this course to complete the biology majors sequence. Topics covered include: evolution; the five major kingdoms of organisms; survey of structure and diversity in plant, fungi and protist kingdoms; populations, communities, and ecosystems. Laboratory time emphasizes protist, fungi and plant structure and function; ecological structure and processes of ecosystems; and evolution and cladistics.
BIO 103 Principles of Biology III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIO 135S = BIO 101 + BIO 102 + BIO 103
This course gives an overview of animal diversity, structure, and function, with an emphasis on mammalian anatomy and physiology. It is intended as part of a year-long sequence for science majors, along with BIO 101 (a prerequisite) and BIO 102. Topics include: survey of the diversity of protist and animal kingdoms; introduction to mammalian anatomy and physiology, including digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Laboratory time focuses on diversity of the animal kingdom and fetal pig dissection with emphasis on the organ systems.
BIO 110 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course will describe the biological and chemical principles that apply to all living organisms. Topics covered include scientific method, critical thinking, homeostasis, chemical bonds, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA structure and function, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), genetic theory, and gene function. Laboratory time emphasizes learning proper microscopy techniques and the study of living organisms using hands-on experiments. *UC unit/course limit
BIO 111 Introduction to Plant and Animal Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for non-science majors and gives an overview of the basic diversity of life on earth with focus on organisms, evolution, and biological systems. Topics include, but are not limited to the following: Darwin and origin of species, Earth history and macroevolution, basic systematics, prokaryotes, protists, animal evolution and diversity, including invertebrates and vertebrates, fungi, evolution of plants, major plant groups, plant structure growth and reproduction, the biosphere, basic ecology, communities, population dynamics, animal behavior, and conservation biology. Indoor and field laboratory exercises will illustrate course concepts using local organisms, communities, and ecosystems. *UC unit/course limit
BIO 113 Field Methods in Wildlife Ecology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 48 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class provides an overview of survey techniques and the required field experience necessary in wildlife management and research. Topics covered include experimental design, habitat assessment, and survey protocol for mammals, birds, amphibians, herpetofauna, butterflies, bats, and owls. Students should be prepared to participate in field work each class meeting.
BIO 115 Forensics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to forensic science. Topics covered include volar tissue analysis; an introduction to trace evidence, including hair and fibers; ballistics; forensic entomology, botany and geology; ABO and Rh blood factors and spatter analysis; cellular components, including DNA; human skeletal anatomy and forensic anthropology; forensic odontology, autopsies and facial reconstruction techniques; arson and explosives; and computer forensics. Laboratory exercises will employ the scientific method and teach microscopic and laboratory techniques, as well as proper trace evidence and data collection and analysis. Experiments will correlate with aspects of forensic science and biotechnology discussed in lecture. The laboratory course will culminate in students using their acquired skills to process a mock crime scene.
BIO 120 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 24 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide an introduction to the human body and is designed for anyone wanting to learn more about how their body actually works. Topics covered include the following: the history of medicine, the cell and its organelles, the bones and the muscles of the body, the nervous system, the general and special senses, the endocrine system, the blood and the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, and the reproductive system.
BIO 141A Birds of the Lake Tahoe Basin
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 1 hours lecture weekly, 0.75 hours lab weekly, 21 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to the science of ornithology as well as an overview of the birds that inhabit the Lake Tahoe basin. The course will cover the major classes of birds, important local species, their characteristics, importance in the ecosystem, and their impacts on humans. Students will observe and identify representative species of birds.
BIO 142 EMT/Firefighter Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 2 hours lab weekly, 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for EMT/Firefighter Academy students preparing for a paramedic training program. The basic anatomy and physiology of all body systems will be covered. Activities include demonstrations utilizing models, torsos, and skeletons, as well as physiological experiments. This course is not appropriate for pre-nursing students.
BIO 149 Ecology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the basic principles of ecology. It will cover population, community and ecosystem structure and dynamics, and the interaction of organisms with the physical world and with each other. The course includes investigation of local terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Laboratory exercises focus on applying the scientific method in the investigation of local ecosystems.
BIO 201 Plant Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the structure and function of plants. The course will examine how plants grow, reproduce, and respond to environmental stimuli. Topics include the evolution and biology of major groups in the plant kingdom. Laboratory exercises will focus on identification, structure, and function of plants and will be both indoor and field-based. *UC unit/course limit
BIO 203 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 101 or BIO 110 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115S = BIO 203 + BIO 204 + BIO 205
BIO 203 is the first part of a three-course sequence. It is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body from the cellular and tissue level to organ system level. The major topics addressed are as follows: anatomical terms, homeostasis, cells and tissues, the integumentary system, the skeletal system, nervous tissue, and the central nervous system (brain). Required laboratory work includes wet-lab experiments, microscopic study of tissues, dissection of preserved animal specimens, and the study of anatomical models, skeletons, and charts. BIO 203, BIO 204, and BIO 205 must be taken to complete the study of all major body systems.
BIO 204 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 203 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115S = BIO 203 + BIO 204 + BIO 205
BIO 204 is the second part of a three-course sequence. It is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. The major topics addressed are as follows: the muscular system, central nervous system (spinal cord), peripheral nerves system, autonomic nervous system, special senses, endocrine system, blood, the cardiovascular system (heart), and immune system. Required laboratory work includes wet-lab experiments, microscopic study of tissues, dissection of preserved animal specimens, and study of anatomical models, skeletons, and charts. BIO 203, BIO 204, and BIO 205 must be taken to complete the study of all major body systems.
BIO 205 Human Anatomy and Physiology III
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 204 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115S = BIO 203 + BIO 204 + BIO 205
BIO 205 is the last part of a three-course sequence. It is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body through the physiological integration of different systems: cardiovascular (blood vessels), lymphatic, respiratory, digestive system, urinary, and reproductive. Required laboratory work includes wet-lab experiments, microscopic study of tissues, dissection of preserved animal specimens, and study of anatomical models, skeletons, and charts. BIO 203, BIO 204, and BIO 205 must be taken to complete the study of all major body systems.
BIO 210 Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIO 101 or BIO 110 with a grade of "C" or better or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course serves as an introduction to the field of microbiology and includes the study of the form, function, pathogenicity, and control of bacteria, fungi, protozoans, helminths, and viruses. The transmission, diagnosis, symptoms, and control of diseases caused by these microbes are examined. Also included is the role of microorganisms in environmental processes, biotechnology, water quality control, and bioremediation. Laboratory emphasis is on specimen handling, pure culture techniques, bacterial growth, staining, and identification.
BIO 212 Zoology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 84 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introductory survey of vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. Topics include animal ecology, physiology, reproduction, behavior, evolution, classification, and characteristics of the major animal phyla. Emphasis is placed on natural history and diversity of animal morphology. *UC unit/course limit