Biology
18 courses · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
BIOL 1A General Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190, BIOL 135 S (with BIOL 1B)
Introduction to general biology: Cell structure and function, metabolism, molecular and organismal genetics, animal physiology.
BIOL 1B General Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 001A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 140, BIOL 135 S (with BIOL 1A)
Continuation of BIOL 1A: Origin of life, evolution, classification, plant structure and function, and ecology.
BIOL 2 Human Anatomy
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL C1000 or BIOL 024.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 110B
Detailed study of human body structure: Molecules, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, basic physiology and cell division, selected human diseases. Laboratory work includes extensive use of micro-scopes, figures/charts, three-dimensional models, dissected human cadavers, and dissection of other mammalian organisms/organs.
BIOL 3 Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 001A or CHEM 030A or CHEM 032.
- Advisory
- BIOL C1000 or BIOL 10.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of the various microscopic agents of particular importance to humans: Emphasis on microbes involved in infectious diseases, host defenses against diseases, elements of infectious chains and means utilized for breaking the chains.
BIOL 4 Human Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 001A or CHEM 032- Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry or CHEM 030A.
- Advisory
- BIOL 002.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120 B
Detailed study of human body function: Molecules, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, basic anatomy essential to understanding function, physical and chemical factors and processes, selected human diseases. Laboratory work includes computer simulations and interactive programs, physiological experiments and demonstrations, and use of microscopes.
BIOL 5 Botany
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory study of botany: Structure, physiology, genetics, ecology, and uses of plants. Laboratory work emphasizes microscopy, physiology experiments, and field identification.
BIOL 9 Marine Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the natural history of marine organisms: Basic concepts of biology and environmental science with some local focus on Northern California marine ecosystems.
BIOL 15 Environmental Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study of the relationships between living things and their environment: Natural selection and speciation, the organism and its environment, population ecology, the ecosystem, and a survey of ecosystems.
BIOL 20A Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- BIOL 024 or CHEM 032- Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry or CHEM 030A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115 S (with BIOL 20B)
Structure and function of the human body: Biological chemistry, cytology, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems; selected human diseases. Laboratory work: Dissection of mammalian organs, work with dissected human cadavers; use of microscopes, figures/charts, three-dimensional models; physiological experiments and demonstrations, and computer simulations.
BIOL 20B Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 020A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 115 S (with BIOL 20A)
Structure and function of the human body: Special senses, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems; selected human diseases. Laboratory: Dissection of mammalian organs, work with dissected human cadavers; use of microscopes, figures/charts, three-dimensional models; physiological experiments and demonstrations, and computer simulations.
BIOL 22A Human Cadaver Dissection I
- Units
- .5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 002 or BIOL 020A, Or equivalent.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Human Cadaver Dissection: Regional dissections of a human cadaver with detailed studies of a particular body region and the related cross-sectional anatomy, development of skills in the prosection (dissection) of a cadaver.
BIOL 22B Human Cadaver Dissection II
- Units
- .5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 022A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Human Cadaver Dissection: Regional dissections of a human cadaver with detailed studies of a particular body region and the related cross-sectional anatomy, improvement of skills learned in BIOL 022A in the prosection (dissection) of a cadaver.
BIOL 23 Introduction to the Human Body
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Course is equivalent to Biol 24 without the lab; it does not meet Allied Health requirements for an anatomy and physiology course. Fundamentals of structure and function of the human body: Emphasis on medical and health aspects.
BIOL 24 Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Fundamentals of the structure and function of the human body from an organ system perspective: Key concepts and basic principles of the chemistry of life and organic compounds, cells and tissues, cell physiology, organ systems, selected human diseases. Laboratory work includes use of microscopes, figures/charts, three-dimensional models, dissection of mammalian organs and demonstration of human cadavers.
BIOL 29 Introduction to Biodiversity
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to biology emphasizing chiefly the evolution, adaptations, and classification of life forms from bacteria to animals: Identification of groups of organisms and the most common species; lesser emphasis on cellular and molecular biology and genetics.
BIOL 42 Basic Pathophysiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 002 and BIOL 003 and BIOL 004 or BIOL 003 and BIOL 020A and BIOL 020B.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- HIT 105 X
Introduction to the fundamentals of pathophysiology with a focus on physiologic changes and altered functions in the human body resulting from disease processes: Study of basic disease process concepts, body systems, etiology, and pathogenesis of various disorders based on foundation principles from anatomy, physiology and chemistry; exploration of diagnostic procedures, preventative measures, and current therapeutic regimens.
BIOL 49 Independent Study in Biology
- Units
- .5-5
- Hours
- .5 - 5 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Biology. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.
BIOL 80C Fundamentals of Ornithology and Birding in Central California/Bay Area
- Units
- .5-2
- Hours
- .5 - 2 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamentals of ornithology: Study of habitats from the pelagic to the High Sierra and the birds found there.