Biology
24 courses · San Diego Miramar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL 48 Pre-biology and Study Skills
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 4 - 6 hours lecture/12 - 18 hours lab
This course covers fundamental concepts and skills for success in introductory biology courses. Topics include language and terms for comprehending biology textbooks; mathematical concepts and units of measurement; chemistry concepts; the process of science; basic biologic themes; and effective habits of self-awareness and effective learning. This course is intended for students who plan to enroll in general or introductory biology and have not previously taken high school biology and/or chemistry; students who have previously taken biology and need to refresh and review basic concepts and skills; or students who have unsuccessfully attempted general or introductory biology and wish to review prior to re-enrolling.
BIOL 100 Natural History - Environmental Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
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 101 Environmental Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a course in contemporary issues in environmental science. Topics include basic ecological principles; biological, chemical, and physical ecosystem dynamics; biodiversity; human population dynamics; human resource management; global climate change; and pollution. These are viewed within the context of their environmental, economic, and social settings. Issues are examined utilizing the process of scientific inquiry. The laboratory is coordinated with lectures and emphasizes the environmental issues of Southern California. This course is intended for students majoring in sustainability and business as well as all students interested in environmental issues.
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
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 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
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 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
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 131 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a general examination of biology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. Topics include the fundamental chemical processes common in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology; chemistry of bio-molecules (proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and lipids); cellular and molecular biology; basic immunology; and classical and molecular genetics with an emphasis on gene expression and genetic engineering. The laboratory addresses basic skills and techniques common to the biotechnology industry. Topics include the measurement of activity and quantity of proteins; growth and manipulation of bacteria; genetic engineering; and antibody methods. This course is intended for students majoring in applied biology and as a general education option for all students.
BIOL 132 Applied Biotechnology I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- BIOL 131 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides students with entry-level skills common to the biotechnology industry, such as aseptic techniques, laboratory safety, and biological media and solution preparation. Other topics include microbial growth, solutions, buffers, separation of cellular components, and macromolecules. This course is intended for students preparing for a career in biotechnology.
BIOL 133 Applied Biotechnology II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab
- Advisory
- BIOL 132 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or BIOL 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This advanced biotechnology training course covers transformation, restriction analysis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), protein analysis, and immunological applications. In the lab, students practice mastering current techniques used in the biotechnology industry. This course is intended for students preparing for a career in biotechnology.
BIOL 134 Introduction to the Biotechnology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
This course examines biology laboratory technology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. The laboratory addresses basic skills and techniques common to the biotechnology industry including the measurement of activity and quantity of proteins; growth and manipulation of bacteria; genetic engineering; polymerase chain reaction; and antibody methods. In addition to hands-on skills, the course provides context for how and why these techniques are used in the industry. This course is intended for students majoring in Applied Biology or Allied Health, or those seeking careers in the biotechnology industry.
BIOL 135 Biology of Human Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This introductory course relates the biological principles of human nutrition to the psychological, cultural, and social aspects of food, eating patterns, and human health. This course integrates concepts from biology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, sustainability, agriculture, sociology, and psychology to understand the relationships among food, nutrients, and human wellness over a lifetime. The cultural, economic, and emotional aspects of food selection, access, quality, and preparation are also addressed. Students explore scientific principles and methods to develop skills necessary for critical evaluation of nutritional research, news, and policies, as well as to recognize that the dynamic nature of science encourages a lifelong pursuit of relevant knowledge. This course is intended for all students who want to learn about how nutrition impacts their health, the health of their family, and the health of society, as well as how human activities related to diet and health impact the environment.
BIOL 136 Quality and Regulatory Practices in Biotechnology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to basic quality principles and tools with an emphasis on their application in biotechnology. Topics include quality control, quality assurance, validation, documentation, and regulatory compliance within the biotechnology industry. The course prepares students for the Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) examination through the American Society for Quality. It is intended for future or current biotechnology technicians.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 231 Media Experiences in Human Anatomy
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 16 - 18 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- BIOL 230
This course is self-paced study of anatomy through the use of computer software, microscope slides, anatomical models, and graphics. It is intended to meet the requirements of students in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, chiropractic, psychology, 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
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
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 277L Service Learning in Biotechnology
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 48-108 hours lab
This course provides students with the opportunity for conducting biotechnology-related service learning projects to help the college's community under the direct supervision of college faculty. Projects may include assisting with college classes, creating educational materials for college or prospective college students, mentoring, or other related activities. Students gain hands-on experience in project planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. This course is intended for students who are interested in biotechnology-related project development, development of teaching skills, or enhancement of communication and planning skills.
BIOL 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
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.