Biology
39 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL 098 Topics
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 9-72 Lecture
Specialized courses on topics related to the needs of students in biology.
BIOL 109 Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Principles of biology stressing the relationship of all organisms from anatomical, physiological, and ecological points of view. Includes cell machinery, genetics, reproduction, embryology, animal behavior, botany, ecology, evolution, and human physiology. Concurrent enrollment in Biology 109L recommended. Designed for non-biology majors.
BIOL 109H Honors Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- A college GPA or high school GPA for first term college students of 3.0 or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Traditional Biology, enriched by extensive instructor-prepared study guides for each subject area of curriculum. Additional enhancement by outside reading suggestions and optional student reports. Class participation and discussion is strongly encouraged, as are questions on current reports and news in the popular media and scientific sources. Information will be expanded by reference to research observations and by appropriate references to classical and current literature. Emphasis is on analysis of pertinent topics using critical reading and interpretation skills. Concurrent enrollment in Biology 109L is recommended. Designed for non-biology majors.
BIOL 109L Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 109 or BIOL 109H or
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 109 or BIOL 109H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Laboratory experiments that illustrate important biological concepts at all levels of organization, from molecules and cells, to organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Content complements Biology 109/109H lecture material. Fieldtrip required.
BIOL 111 Marine Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers basic concepts of marine ecosystems including oceanographic principles, ecology, and a survey of marine habitats and diversity of marine organisms. Field trips required.
BIOL 115 Concepts in Biology for Educators
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An investigation in the basic principles of Biology and Science with content appropriate for future multiple-subject teachers and secondary through high school. The course material is presented within the context of the human experience and includes cell biology, physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, animal behavior, and the interaction of humans with the environment. The course is taught from an inquiry-based strategy using active learning.
BIOL 127 Ecology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the basic principles of ecology. Study of ecosystems, biomes, and the relationships of plants and animals in the natural world. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 128 Natural History of the California Coast
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An ecological study of plant and animal life of the southern and central California coast. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 129 Ecology of Southern California
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Identification and study of the plants and animals of the ocean, mountain and desert regions of Southern California with emphasis on the organisms' relationship to their environment. This is a field study course and includes overnight camping.
BIOL 131 Natural History of the Southwest
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
An ecological study of mountain, canyon, and desert ecosystems of the Southwestern United States. Animal and plant identification, geology, and environmental problems will be emphasized. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 132 Natural History of Death Valley
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Natural history of Death Valley emphasizing the biology of the plants and animals, their ecology, adaptations and evolutionary history, as well as the history of environmental change and human activities. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 133 Desert Biology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of desert organisms, their adaptions to arid conditions, their evolution, identification and ecology, and the impact of human activities on desert organisms, communities, and ecosystems. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 139 Health Microbiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 64 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Presents practical and theoretical aspects of medical microbiology to meet the needs of those in allied health professions. Provides basic knowledge of the microbial world by covering diversity, structure, metabolic and genetic characteristics, cultivation and control. Emphasis is placed on human-microbe interactions especially infectious diseases. Laboratory deals with identification, growth, and control of microorganisms. Field trips may be required.
BIOL 149 Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems, from cellular to organ system levels of organization. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health related majors.
BIOL 169 Natural History of the Sierra Nevadas
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 18-54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
A field study of the ecology, geology, and history of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Animal and plant studies, environmental problems, and wilderness preservation will be emphasized. This is a field study course with overnight camping required.
BIOL 177 Human Genetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course in human genetics which explores basic principles, patterns of inheritance, gene structure, function and regulation, current advances in genetics and gene technology, as well as social and ethical issues in contemporary genetics.
BIOL 187 Work Experience - Biotechnology
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Successful completion of 10 units from Biotech course series.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to work experience with an on campus, supervised volunteer experience in bioscience including an introduction to new or expanded responsibilities. This course is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of paid work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
BIOL 190 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOT 101X; BIOT 101BX = BIOL 190 + BIOL 190L
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.
BIOL 190L Introductory Biotech Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 Lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 190
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOT 101BX = BIOL 190 + BIOL 190L
This laboratory is a general examination of biology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. 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 as a laboratory class for students majoring in applied biology and as a general education laboratory option for all students.
BIOL 191 Biotech A: Basic Skills
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- BIOT 150X = BIOL 191 + BIOL 193
This course prepares students for entry-level work in the biotechnology industry by emphasizing the core concepts needed to work effectively in a bioscience laboratory. Topics include laboratory math, basic chemistry of buffers, healthy and safety, metrology and quality control. This course introduces students to standard biotechnology laboratory skills including laboratory measurement, maintenance of an industry standard notebook, preparation and sterilization of solutions, reagents and media, proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, adherence to quality control protocols and lab safety regulations, data collection and evaluation, basic separation methods, aseptic technique and documentation.
BIOL 192 Biotech B: Proteins
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 191
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- BIOT 220X
This course is an introduction to protein purification techniques including sample preparation, protein separation and purification, column chromatography, large-scale recovery, and use of assays for recovery analysis. It provides hands-on training with chromatography systems and assays used in industry and research laboratories. Application of current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in relation to these techniques will be addressed. This course covers methods utilized for eukaryotic cell culture protein purification.
BIOL 193 Biotech C: Nucleic Acids
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 191
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- BIOT 150X = BIOL 191 + BIOL 193
This course introduces the fundamental skills in applied biotechnology focusing on the upstream research and development process. Skills include maintenance of an industry standard notebook; preparation and sterilization of solutions, reagents and media; utilization of good aseptic technique; proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment; adherence to quality control protocols, lab safety regulations; biomolecules, cell structure, gene expression, molecular techniques including DNA/RNA extraction and purification, bioinformatics, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, recombinant DNA technology, DNA cloning, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and Southern blot analysis, and in vitro transcription. Compliance with industry standards and regulations will be incorporated into course procedures.
BIOL 194 Quality and Regulatory Compliance in Biosciences
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- BIOT 210X
This course will cover quality assurance and regulatory compliance for the bioscience industries. Topics will span quality control and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, biomedical device, and food industries. Theories and application of quality assurance and quality control will be presented and several different quality systems will be discussed such as cGXP (current Good Practices), ISO9000 (International Standards Organization), Six Sigma and Lean.
BIOL 195 Biotech: QC/QA Microbiology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 229 or
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: BIOL 229
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will cover the skills necessary to work in a regulated quality control microbiology laboratory.
BIOL 197 Work Experience - STEM internship
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Successful completion of 10 units from Biotech course series.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised paid or volunteer experience in student's major including new or expanded responsibilities. This course is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of paid work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
BIOL 198 Topics
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 9-72 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Specialized courses on topics related to the needs of students in biology.
BIOL 199 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 18-54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Enrollment in at least one other class at either Santa Ana College or Santiago Canyon College. And Must show evidence of competence in their academic major and in the area in which they propose to conduct independent study.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Under faculty direction, students can increase their knowledge in specific areas of biology through directed field experience, research, readings and independent study. Students can also develop laboratory skills and competencies. Divisional approval required.
BIOL 200 Human Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A biological and physical science introduction to environmental problems such as energy, resources, pollution, land use, population and food, including econoQuad mic and political factors. A natural science elective. (Same as Environmental Studies 200.)
BIOL 202 Cell Culture Techniques
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 191
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will learn eukaryotic cell culture techniques that include working under aseptic conditions, sterile techniques, media preparation, quantification and passage of cell lines. Laboratory experience prepares students for work in industry.
BIOL 211 Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures. and Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: CHEM 219 or CHEM 219H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190
An investigation into the molecular and cellular basis of life, including the evolution of cells, cell structure and function, energy and information flow, cellular reproduction, genetics, and the molecular basis of inheritance. Required of majors in biology, medicine, forestry, and agriculture.
BIOL 212 Animal Diversity and Ecology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 275 or BIOL 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 130S = BIOL 212 + BIOL 214
A study of ecological principles and relationships between animal diversity and ecosystems. Habitat, populations, ecological interactions, and environmental influences are stressed while surveying animal diversity and addressing structure, function, behavior, and adaptation of major taxonomic groups. Required of majors in biology, medicine, forestry and agriculture. Field trips required.
BIOL 214 Plant Diversity and Evolution
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 275 or BIOL 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 130S = BIOL 212 + BIOL 214
Principles and processes of evolution leading to biodiversity. Survey of the organisms, viruses, prokaryotes, fungi, algae, and plants with emphasis on evolutionary adaptations of the anatomy, physiology, and life cycles of these organisms. Field trips required.
BIOL 217 Pathophysiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 239 and BIOL 249
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Covers the functional changes in human physiology resulting from disease or injury. Clinical correlations are used to compare typical physiological processes and atypical pathophysiological processes affecting cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems across the life span. Includes the etiology, clinical presentation, and possible treatment of diseases or injures.
BIOL 229 General Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 109 or BIOL 109H and BIOL 109L or BIOL 190 and BIOL 190L or BIOL 139 or BIOL 149 or BIOL 275 or BIOL 211 or BIOL 239 or BIOL 249 or CHEM 209
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to microorganisms, their classification, structure, biochemistry, growth, control, and interactions with other organisms and the environment. Designed for biology, preprofessional, and prenursing (BSN) majors.
BIOL 239 General Human Anatomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 110B
Structure of the human body. Systems, organs, and tissues are studied from human skeletons, models, charts, slides and various electronic programs. Laboratory includes the dissection of a cat and periodic demonstrations of a prosected cadaver as available.
BIOL 249 Human Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 239 or similar Human Anatomy course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120B
Microscopic, macroscopic, and dynamic view of the human physiological processes. The lecture portion includes a thorough consideration of both "cell and systems" physiology. Laboratory work includes the use of techniques used in basic research, an introduction to the use of standard medical equipment, and the performance of medical laboratory tests. Non-invasive experiments are performed on students enrolled in the class.
BIOL 259 Environmental Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to Environmental Biology. Includes study of ecosystems, population dynamics, classification, diversity of plant and animal species, effects of pollutants at both the cellular and organismal levels, and principles of ecology (Same as Environmental Studies 259). Field trips required.
BIOL 275 Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: CHEM 219 or CHEM 219H and ; Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This combined lecture and lab course is designed for majors within the biological sciences and pre-health profession field. This course is an investigation on the fundamental concepts of biology that include but are not limited to the following: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology, biological molecules, membrane dynamics, homeostasis, cell communication and reproduction, metabolism including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, molecular genetics, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry and experimental design are foundational to the course.
BIOL 290 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: BIOL 211 or BIOL 275 , and CHEM 209
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to biochemistry and molecular biology. Included are discussions of biological macromolecules, energy production, metabolic pathways and regulation, genetic code, genomics, DNA replication, transcription and RNA processing, translation, and gene regulation. Laboratory activities will include use of visible and UV spectroscopy, chromatography, cell fractionation, ultracentrifugation, protein purification, electrophoresis, and recombinant DNA methods. This course is designed for biology majors, health pre-professionals, and biotechnology majors.