# Biology (BIOL) courses Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 18 courses Source: https://riohondo.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/22181/25453/24441 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027. ### BIOL 101 — General Biology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 11 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 10 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Transfer: UC credit limitation. No credit will be given for BIOL 101 if taken after BIOL 200. This course is a General Education course open to all students, and is designed to provide an introduction to concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics covered include cell structure and function, energy relationships, genetic control mechanisms, concepts of evolution, biological diversity, and ecosystem function. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the application of the scientific method as a tool to understanding living systems. ### BIOL 105 — Human Biology - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 4 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Winter 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/winter-2027/biol.md); Spring 2027, 5 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This lecture-only course is an introduction to the basic principles, structures, functions, and biological processes of the human body. The course emphasizes a scientific view of the workings of the human body and its interactions with the environment as well as the necessary practices needed to promote a healthy body. The course is intended for non-biology majors who are interested in furthering their own knowledge of human biology. ### BIOL 105L — Human Biology Laboratory - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 0 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 4 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 105 This laboratory course pairs with the BIOL 105 lecture course, and is intended for non-biology majors. The course provides students with hands-on laboratory experiences to demonstrate and enhance concepts and principles essential to an understanding of the functions of the human body. ### BIOL 111 — Marine Biology - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course is designed to give students a better understanding of the basic principles of marine biology. Emphasis is placed on how the scientific method is used to investigate the chemical, physical, and geological properties of the marine environment. Students learn to distinguish among the diverse organisms and habitats that compose the ocean's ecosystems. An introduction to the structure and function of marine ecosystems is provided, and the impact of human activity on those systems addressed. This course fulfills the General Education requirement for the Life Sciences. ### BIOL 111L — Marine Biology Laboratory - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 111 This laboratory course complements the Marine Biology lecture course and is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of the marine environment and its organisms, with emphasis placed on marine life of the local coasts. The scientific method is employed to investigate the chemical and physical properties of seawater, the role of pigments in marine algae, the behavior of marine organisms, the basic classification and morphology of marine producers, invertebrates and vertebrates, and adaptations of organisms to specific habitats. Students use basic laboratory equipment and techniques in both classroom and field-based investigations. Field trips to coastal marine habitats and public aquariums are conducted. ### BIOL 112 — Outdoor Biology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to write short essays, comprehend textbook reading at the precollegiate level, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules This course is intended for students who have an interest in the natural world and the ecological relationships of the organisms found within it. The course emphasizes the natural habitats of Southern California and the plants and animals associated with them. Human impact upon these natural habitats is also discussed. Fieldwork utilizes the Río Hondo College Wildlife Sanctuary, which allows students to gather original data through firsthand observation and experience. Several additional, more distant trips require driving to explore some of the various natural habitats in Southern California. ### BIOL 120 — Environmental Biology - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **C-ID:** ENVS 100 - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Winter 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/winter-2027/biol.md); Spring 2027, 4 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) In this course, students utilize basic biological concepts and an interdisciplinary approach to determine how to address environmental challenges. Topics may include ecosystem characteristics and functions, population dynamics, energy and material resource use, pollution, and alternative energy sources. Because the course takes up the social, political, and economic implications of environmental decisions, it is intended for students from many disciplines, including non-STEM disciplines. This course fulfills the general education requirement for life sciences majors. ### BIOL 120L — Environmental Biology Laboratory - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 54 Lab - **Advisory:** It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts. - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 3 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 120 This laboratory course complements the Environmental Biology lecture course and is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of the environmental sciences. The scientific method is employed to investigate ecosystems and their functions, natural selection, population interactions, environmental toxicology, radiation exposure effects, soil and groundwater systems, water pollution, alternative energy systems, and environmental resistance. This is a required course for Environmental Science majors. ### BIOL 125 — Human Anatomy - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Advisory:** BIOL 101 or BIOL 105 - **C-ID:** BIOL110B - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 5 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 22 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 28 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences. ### BIOL 200 — Principles of Biology 1 (Molecular and Cellular Biology) - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 108 Lab - **Prerequisite:** CHEM 120 - **C-ID:** BIOL 135S, BIOL 190 - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course is first in a sequence of courses for undergraduate preparation for biology majors. The course covers principles and applications of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular genetics, classical/Mendelian genetics, cell metabolism including photosynthesis and respiration, and cellular communication. Additional areas of focus include evolution and ecology. The laboratory portion of the course applies the processes of scientific inquiry and experimental design to the study of biological concepts focusing on observations, experimentation, record keeping, data collection and analysis, and presentation of outcomes The course sequence also provides excellent preparation for students who intend to pursue post-graduate studies in the medical sciences. ### BIOL 201 — Principles of Biology 2 (Diversity and Ecology) - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 108 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 200 - **C-ID:** BIOL 135S - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course continues the sequence of undergraduate preparation for biology majors. The course is a survey of the diversity of unicellular and multicellular life on earth, focusing on the relationships between structure and function, as well as evolutionary adaptations to their environments. Topics deal with classification, development, evolutionary relationships, and ecological functions of living organisms, inclusive of prokaryotes, fungi, protists, plants, and animals. Laboratories emphasize life forms, experimentation, and dissections. Field trips are used to examine organisms in their natural settings. ### BIOL 205 — Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 200 , CHEM 130 - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules This course is designed for Life Science majors and introduces them to the basic concepts of biochemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics; including protein structure and function, DNA structure and replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and recombinant DNA technology. Students will also be introduced to the science of biotechnology by providing both the theory and hands-on experience with laboratory protocols that include the isolation, purification, and cloning of a gene; including the use of restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, library construction, blotting and hybridization and sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will be explained in detail, particularly how it has revolutionized research in molecular biology, medicine, forensics, systematics and evolutionary biology. ### BIOL 206 — Principles of Genetics - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 200 - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course is designed for life sciences majors as a continuation of their general biology studies. The course covers a variety of topics relevant to the study of genetics, ranging from classical to nontraditional Mendelian genetics, and from bacterial and viral genetics to human genetics, and includes studies on molecular techniques and their applications. Other topics will include chromosome analysis, and population genetics and genomics. ### BIOL 222 — Microbiology - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 108 Lab - **Prerequisite:** CHEM 110 - **Advisory:** BIOL 101 - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 6 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 6 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course encompasses the biology of microorganisms with an emphasis on the role of bacteria and viruses on human health and disease. Other topics include resistance and immunity to disease, basic biological principles, microbial genetics and physiology, the harmful and useful aspects of microorganisms in nature, medicine, and industry. Laboratory exercises emphasize sterile culture techniques and the detection, isolation, and identification of microorganisms. This course is intended for students preparing to enter careers in the health sciences. ### BIOL 226 — Human Physiology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture, 54 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 125 and CHEM 110 - **Advisory:** BIOL 101, BIOL 105 - **C-ID:** BIOL 120B - **Transfers to:** CSU, UC - **Offered:** Summer 2026, 5 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/summer-2026/biol.md); Fall 2026, 8 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 9 sections (/c/rio-hondo-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) This course is a general introduction to the function and regulation of human body systems. Physiological integration of the systems to maintain homeostasis and the significance of biochemistry is emphasized throughout the course. Course content includes neural and hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, as well as the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, and endocrine systems. Laboratory exercises allow students to gather physiological data and draw conclusions about how physiological mechanisms are regulated. This course is intended for students preparing to enter careers in the health sciences. ### BIOL 299A — Directed Study in General Biology - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 54-162 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 200 - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an Independent Study/Directed Study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress is evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies are the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, 6 hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of 3 units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of 9 units college wide. ### BIOL 299B — Directed Study in Health Science Biology - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 54-162 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 222 or BIOL 226 - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an Independent Study/Directed Study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress is evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies are the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, 6 hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of 3 units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of 9 units college wide. ### BIOL 299C — Directed Study in Health Environmental Technology - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 54-162 Lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 120 - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** not on the Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules Independent Study/Directed Study is intended for students who have the ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an Independent Study/Directed Study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent Studies/Directed Studies may be developed from any topic arising from or related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and submit a final report or project, and student progress is evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for Independent Studies/Directed Studies are the same as those for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of Directed Studies, 6 hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress throughout the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of 3 units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of 9 units college wide.