# Biology (BIOL) courses San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 18 courses Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17459/18544/18546/17460/17469 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027. ### BIOL 100 — Natural History - Environmental Biology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 5 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the basic principles of ecology. Emphasis is placed on the biological systems, plants, and animals of Southern California through lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Topics include the nature of the physical environment, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, evolution and biodiversity, species interactions, and human impacts on natural systems. This course is intended for students interested in environmental biology. ### BIOL 107 — General Biology-Lecture and Laboratory - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 24 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 24 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for BIOL 105 & 106, 210A, or 210B - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is an examination of living organisms and their environment. The lecture and laboratory are intended for students in the Allied Health Track or students majoring in Education or related areas. Topics include the fundamental chemical and physical processes common to all living organisms, the interactions between organisms and their environment, classical and molecular genetics, metabolism, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, animal behavior, evolution, cellular and molecular biology, and the experimental and cognitive processes used to examine these fields. ### BIOL 110 — Introduction to Oceanography - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is a survey of physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography. This course is designed for all students interested in marine science. ### BIOL 115 — Marine Biology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a survey of marine biology. Emphasis is placed on marine organisms, their ecology and their evolutionary adaptations to marine habitats of the ocean environment. Topics include the marine environment and its organisms: plankton, plants, invertebrates, fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Field trips include local marine habitats, aquaria and museums. This course is intended for all students interested in marine biology. ### BIOL 120 — The Environment of Man - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This is an introductory course that examines the immediate and long-range causes and effects of air, water, and land pollution on the environment and human health. The course also explores basic concepts of ecology, overpopulation, natural resources, and the sustainability of the environment and its biodiversity. The study of positive solutions to the ecological dilemma is addressed. This course is designed for general students interested in the environment and for those students majoring in environmental sciences. ### BIOL 130 — Human Heredity - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course introduces students to the concepts and applications of human heredity. It deals with both classical Mendelian genetics and modern molecular genetics. Topics include gamete formation, human karyotypes, genetic crosses, sex-linked inheritance, structure and function of DNA and RNA, gene expression, transcription and translation, genetic engineering, and population genetics. This course is designed for students interested in biology and human heredity. ### BIOL 160 — Elements of Human Anatomy and Physiology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 10 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 10 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with previous credit for BIOL 230 or 235 - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the human body systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. This course is designed for students preparing for allied health occupations such as radiological technician, physical therapist assistant, and medical laboratory technician, as well as students interested in learning about the human body. ### BIOL 180 — Plants and People - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This is an introductory course that examines the interdependence of humans and plants. Emphasis is on plant groups that provide us with food, medicine, recreation, decoration, and material goods, as well as those that produce stimulating, intoxicating, or harmful effects. Basic principles of taxonomy, cell structure, plant physiology, plant anatomy, ecology, reproduction and genetics are explored as they relate to these plants. Current environmental and economic issues and the role of molecular genetics in future plant development and the importance of genetic diversity are also examined. This course is intended for all that want to learn about the uses of plants, especially those students with an interest in biology, anthropology, environmental sciences, and/or agriculture. ### BIOL 200 — Biological Statistics - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - BIOL 107, BIOL 210A and MATH 116 completed within five years of enrollment in BIOL 200 - Grading: Letter Grade Only This is an introductory course in statistics using biological examples and experimental design. Students learn methods and gain experience in defining and solving quantitative problems in biology. Descriptive and inferential statistics, basic probability and normal distributions are introduced. Students learn to estimate population parameters, test hypotheses, linear regression and correlation using clinical and biological data and experiments. This course is intended for students majoring in biological science. ### BIOL 205 — General Microbiology - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 103 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 8 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 7 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This introductory course covers fundamental aspects of microbiology including taxonomy, structure, physiology, reproduction, genetics, control, immunology, diversity, and host-symbiont relationships. Lab work emphasizes basic techniques for culturing, staining, counting, and identifying microorganisms. This course is intended for students pursuing careers in allied health fields and may meet entry requirements for these allied health fields. ### BIOL 210A — Introduction to the Biological Sciences I - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a "C" or better or appropriate placement based on California title 5 regulations. All prerequisites must be completed within five years of enrollment in BIOL 210A. - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 200 and CHEM 200L - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 5 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course covers biological chemistry, cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, classical and molecular genetics, and the molecular basis of evolutionary biology. This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence designed for biological science and pre-professional majors. ### BIOL 210B — Introduction to the Biological Sciences II - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 4 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course covers the three domains of life, including the phylogenetic relationships of major groups of organisms. Topics include adaptive radiation, anatomy, physiology, development, behavior, and ecology. This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence designed for biological science and pre-professional majors. ### BIOL 215 — Introduction to Zoology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade Only This is an introductory course that surveys the basic principles of animal biology. These principles include morphology, life processes and evolutionary relationships of the invertebrates and vertebrates. Laboratories include the identification of organisms, dissection and recognition of the anatomy of varied animal representatives, embryological development, histology, behavior and physiology. This course is intended for students majoring in Biological Science, Allied Health and Animal Science. ### BIOL 230 — Human Anatomy - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 160 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 12 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 12 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade Only This course is a systems approach to the study of human body structure from the microscopic level of organization to the gross level. Students relate body structures to their functions by studying histological slides and photomicrographs, anatomical models and charts, and mammalian dissection, which may include using prosected cadavers for studying and testing. This course is intended for students majoring in nursing, allied health (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, etc.), psychology, athletic training, physical education, and biology, or those who wish to extend their knowledge of the human body beyond the scope of introductory biology. ### BIOL 232 — Experience in Human Dissection - **Units:** 1 - **Hours:** 48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 230 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Limitation on Enrollment: BIOL 230 must be completed within 5 years of enrollment in BIOL 232 - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course provides a supervised study and actual experience in human dissection. Topics include dissection techniques and human anatomy. This course is intended for students pursuing careers in nursing, medicine, and other allied health professions. ### BIOL 235 — Human Physiology - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab - **Prerequisite:** BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Advisory:** BIOL 230 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 12 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/fall-2026/biol.md); Spring 2027, 12 sections (/c/san-diego-mesa-college/schedule/spring-2027/biol.md) - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introductory study of human body functions. Emphasis is placed on the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. The laboratory component focuses on investigating and applying the scientific method to the understanding the function of bodily systems. This course is intended for students majoring in nursing, allied health, psychology, biology and physical education. ### BIOL 250 — Introduction to Botany - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 32 - 36 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab - **Advisory:** ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of the anatomy, development, physiology, reproductive biology, genetics, ecology and evolution of the major plant groups, with emphasis on the flowering plants. The course is targeted towards students with no previous college level biology, but is also appropriate as a lower division course for biology majors. ### BIOL 290 — Independent Study - **Units:** 1-3 - **Hours:** 48-162 hours other - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Limitation on Enrollment: Obtain Permission Number from Instructor - Grading: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of biology. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.