Biology
8 courses · Porterville College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL P052 Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Total lecture 27 hours, total laboratory 27 hours
- Formerly
- ANAT P052
This course introduces the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is designed to meet the requirements for students preparing to enter Registered Nursing, Vocational Nurse, Psychiatric Technician, Allied Health, and Personal Training pathways. (Does not meet the Associate in Arts degree requirement in science. Course is approved for the pass/no pass grading option.)
BIOL P110 Introduction to Biology with Lab
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours, total laboratory 54 hours
- Formerly
- BIOL P110
- 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.
BIOL P115 Environmental Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers an introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, emphasizing Earth processes, human interactions with these processes, and the role of science in developing sustainable solutions. Topics include human population and consumption, ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, energy and water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management. Course is approved for pass/no pass grading option.
BIOL P119 Human Anatomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 54 hours, laboratory 54 hours
- Advisory
- BIOL P052 or BIOL C1000.
- Formerly
- ANAT P110
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 110B
The essential features of human anatomy, including the gross and microscopic anatomy of all the body systems. Laboratory study of animal and human preserved specimens, models, and dissection of the cat. Designed for students majoring in nursing, physical education, and the para-medical professions. Approved for pass/no pass grading option.
BIOL P120 Human Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours, laboratory 108 hours
- Advisory
- CHEM P105 or P106 and BIOL P119.
- Formerly
- PHYL P101
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120B
Basic functions of human body systems with an emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms and systems integration. A detailed study of the physical and chemical basis of life.
BIOL P135 General Biology I
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours, total laboratory 108 hours
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for standalone college-level math course (or any other course with Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite) or placement by Porterville College multiple measures.
- Formerly
- BIOL P105
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 135
The course covers the molecular basis of cells and organisms, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, cell reproduction and its controls, cellular communication, classical/Mendelian genetics, patterns of inheritance, and population genetics. It includes a survey of the biology and diversity of prokaryotic organisms and the protist and animal kingdoms, with reference to structure, physiology, classification, and evolutionary relationships, reproduction, and development. The principles and mechanisms of evolution are reviewed. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry, and experimental design are foundational. One of two semesters of introductory biology typically required for biology majors, as well as pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary students. S [BIOL P135 + BIOL P136]
BIOL P136 General Biology II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours, total laboratory 108 hours
- Prerequisite
- Eligible for standalone college-level math course (or any other course with Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite) or placement by Porterville College multiple measures.
- Formerly
- BIOL P106
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 135
This course covers ecology and environmental biology (including interactions between organisms and their environment), molecular genetics and genetic technologies, cell metabolism, including photosynthesis and respiration, and homeostasis. It includes a survey of the biology and diversity of the fungal and plant kingdoms with reference to structure, physiology, classification, and evolutionary relationships. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry, and experimental design are foundational. One of two semesters of introductory biology typically required for biology majors, as well as pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary students. S [BIOL P135 + BIOL P136]
BIOL P160 General Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- Total lecture 54 hours, laboratory 108 hours
- Prerequisite
- CHEM P105 or P106.
- Advisory
- BIOL C1000 or equivalent.
- Formerly
- MICR P106
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to microbiology dealing with morphology, physiology, classification, and importance of bacteria, viruses, and multicellular parasites and immunology. Recommended for students entering allied health fields. Approved for pass/no pass grading option.