Biology
13 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL-C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- BIOL-01
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This combined lecture and laboratory course provides the non-biology major with an introduction to living things and their environment. Students use experimentation and investigation to develop important critical thinking skills. Students learn about the process of science, the building blocks of life, the role and regulation of DNA, how populations change over time, the movement of energy within and between life forms, and how species interact with each other and their surroundings. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply an understanding of biological concepts to current issues and their impacts on society. (11/25)
BIOL-02 Human Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the principles of biology with an emphasis on humans. Topics covered include scientific method, cell structure and function, biochemistry, metabolism, cell division, heredity, biotechnology, evolution, anatomy and physiology of the human body, development and aging, disease, and ecology. This course is recommended for allied health students. (12/20)
BIOL-04A Fundamentals of Biology: the Cell and Evolution
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM-04A; Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
- Advisory
- BIOL-C1000 (formerly BIOL-01) or BIOL-02.; ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190
This course is a study of the principles of biology. Areas of study will include aspects of the philosophy of science, the chemistry of life, the cell and cellular organization, biological membranes, energy transfer including photosynthesis and cellular metabolism, mitosis/meiosis, and molecular biology. Genetics will include Mendelian genetics, human genetics and Biotechnology. This course is intended for science majors for pre-medical, pre-veterinarian, pre-dental, pre-optometry, and pre-pharmacy majors. (2/18)
BIOL-04B Diversity of Life: Morphology of Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL-04A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 140
This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence of general biology for biology majors. This course will cover the origins of life, evolutionary history, biological diversity, plant form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. This course is intended for science majors and for pre-medical, pre-veterinarian, pre-dental, pre-optometry, and pre-pharmacy majors. (11/21)
BIOL-06 Environmental Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This introductory course examines Earth as an ecosystem composed of biological, chemical, and physical processes with emphasis on man’s impact on the planet. Topics include the structure and function of ecosystems, bio-diversity, the impact of industrialization and urbanization, energy, populations, resources, pollution, pesticides, and risk/benefit assessment. (02/21)
BIOL-09 Introduction to Genetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introductory study of genetic principles, inheritance, variation, and evolution in plants and animals. This course includes the study of Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Recent research innovations explored include genetic engineering. (2/19)
BIOL-16 General Human Anatomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL-C1000 (formerly BIOL-01) or BIOL-02 or BIOL-4A
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 110 B
This course is an intensive study of the structure of the human body. Consideration is given to the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, and nervous systems. Special emphasis is placed on the needs of students majoring in biology, nursing, physical education, and medical sciences. (11/19)
BIOL-18 Principles of Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL-C1000 (formerly BIOL-01), BIOL-02, BIOL-04A or BIOL-16; CHEM-02A; Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120 B
This course is a general lecture and laboratory course in human physiology, including a study of blood and circulation, respiration, muscle activity, endocrine glands, digestion, excretion, and the functions and activities of the brain, nerves, and sense organs. (2/14)
BIOL-20 Microbiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL-C1000 (formerly BIOL-01), BIOL-02 or BIOL-04A; CHEM-02A;
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course familiarizing students with basic laboratory techniques and fundamental topics of microbiology. Laboratory work includes aseptic techniques, staining procedures, biochemical characterization, serology, and DNA technology used in the identification of microorganisms. Lecture topics consist of a historical overview, genetics, metabolism, cell physiology, growth requirements, immunology, and host-parasite interactions between humans and bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminthes. The course is designed for students in any of the allied health professions. (11/21)
BIOL-32 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course in the theory and principles of biotechnology and how the field applies to meeting the needs of today’s world. Topics covered within the lectures include the application of Biotechnology in medicine, microbial engineering, biomanufacturing, bioremediation, agriculture and biofueles. In addition, the specialized fields of stem cells, personalized therapies in medicine, forensics and agricultural biotechnology are covered. The discussion section of the course will incorporate active student involvement in genetic database searches, patent applications, market analysis and will focus on how biological research can be translated into solutions for current world problems. (02/21)
BIOL-32L Introduction to Biotechnology Lab
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 6 hours lab
- Corequisite
- BIOL-32. Advisories: ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A) (one-way)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This lab is the required partner to BIOL-32 for students pursuing the Biotechnology A.S. or certificate degrees. (2/18)
BIOL-33 Biotechnology II: Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Theory
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL-09, BIOL-32, and BIOL-32L
- Advisory
- BIOL-20 and ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU
An advanced course on techniques in biotechnology. This course is designed to build upon the skills developed in Biology 32. The course will cover PCR, restriction enzyme digest, subcloning, gene expression, genomic library construction, primary cell culture, mammalian cell expression systems, Southern and Western blotting, and protein quantization. Field trips may be required (3/16)
BIOL-50 Survey of Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
This is a course in basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is designed as an elementary course for students with limited background in science or biology. (12/20)