Biology
27 courses · Santiago Canyon College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026
BIOL 097 Introduction to Work Experience
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
This course introduces work experience through an on-campus, supervised volunteer experience in the biosciences, including an introduction to new or expanded responsibilities. Fifty-four hours of unpaid 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 109 Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- BIOL 109L (Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) or concurrent enrollment or BIOL 109HL (Honors Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) or concurrent enrollment
- 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. Designed for non-biology majors.
BIOL 109H Honors Fundamentals of Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- BIOL 109L (Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) Concurrent Enrollment or BIOL 109HL (Honors Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) Concurrent Enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Traditional Biology enriched in breadth and depth by extensive outside reading assignments and guest lecture presentations. Emphasis is on individual preparation for discussion and analysis of pertinent topics using critical oral and written expression. Designed for non-biology majors. Field trips may be required.
BIOL 109HL Honors Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 109 (Fundamentals of Biology) or concurrent enrollment or BIOL 109H (Honors Fundamentals of Biology) or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Hands-on laboratory experiments to identify and illustrate significant organisms and their structures. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of all organisms from an anatomical, physiological, and ecological framework. Content correlates to Biology 109/109H lecture material. Field trips required.
BIOL 109L Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 109 (Fundamentals of Biology) or concurrent enrollment or BIOL 109H (Honors Fundamentals of Biology) or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Laboratory experiments to identify and illustrate significant organisms and their structures. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of all organisms from an anatomical, physiological, and ecological framework. Content correlates to Biology 109/109H lecture material. Field trips required.
BIOL 115 Concepts in Biology for Educators
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- 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, and the interaction of humans with the environment. The course is taught from an inquiry-based strategy using active learning. Field trips may be required.
BIOL 139 Health Microbiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Advisory
- BIOL 109 (Fundamentals of Biology) or BIOL 109H (Honors Fundamentals of Biology) or BIOL 149 (Human Anatomy and Physiology)
- 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
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduces human anatomy and physiology stressing the interrelationships between normal and abnormal structure and function. Laboratory may include the dissection of mammalian tissues. Designed for students in the allied health sciences and as a life science general education course. May not meet requirements for kinesiology or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) majors.
BIOL 177 Human Genetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory course in genetics. Topics include the principles of Mendelian genetics, mechanisms of mitosis and meiosis, process of transcription, translation and protein synthesis, non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance, the cell cycle, and cell structure. Discussions relevant to current social concerns about genetics covering topics such as cloning, DNA profiling, genetic engineering, prenatal diagnosis, gene therapy, and genomics.
BIOL 190 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Qualifying profile from the mathematics placement process
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the field of biotechnology including a history of its origin and development, a survey of modern industrial applications and accomplishments, ethical considerations, and career paths.
BIOL 190L Introduction to Biotechnology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- BIOL 190 (Introduction to Biotechnology)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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. The 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 Lab Skills
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Qualifying profile from the mathematics placement process
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the fundamental skills necessary for any biotechnology laboratory. 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, and laboratory safety regulations.
BIOL 192 Biotech B: Proteins
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 191 (Biotech A: Basic Lab Skills)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamental skills in applied biotechnology necessary for any biotechnology laboratory but particularly focused on downstream manufacturing processes in biomanufacturing. 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, in vitro translation, large scale expression, purification, modification, western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibody tagging, and fluorescent microscopy. Compliance with industry standards and regulations will be incorporated into course procedures.
BIOL 193 Biotech C: Nucleic Acids
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 191 (Biotech A: Basic Lab Skills)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the fundamental skills in applied biotechnology focusing on the upstream research and development process. Skills include the 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; DNA/RNA extraction and purification, bioinformatics, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, recombinant DNA technology, DNA cloning, fluorescence in situ hybridization, Southern blot analysis, and in vitro transcription. Compliance with industry standards and regulations will be incorporated into course procedures.
BIOL 196 Food Safety
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 contact hours total
- Advisory
- BIOL 139 (Health Microbiology) or BIOL 229 (General Microbiology) and BIOL 194 (Quality and Regulatory Compliance in Biosciences)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the regulatory agencies that oversee and the methodologies prescribed to ensure a safe food supply. The basics of quality assurance and quality improvement as applied to the food industry as well as The Food Safety Modernization Act, hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP), product traceability, food allergens, and food contaminants including microorganisms are presented. Illnesses known to result from ingestion of contaminated foods are discussed.
BIOL 197 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Internship
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 240 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an Internship of supervised paid or unpaid work experience in the student's major which could include new or expanded responsibilities. 75 hours paid work or 60 hours of unpaid work equals one unit. A maximum of 4 units is allowed per semester. Limitation of 16 units in occupational cooperative education courses. May require field experience. Open Entry/Open Exit.
BIOL 211 Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 200A (General Chemistry A) or CHEM 200AH (Honors General Chemistry A) or Completion of any mathematics course at the Intermediate Algebra level or above with a grade of "C" or better. OR Qualifying profile from the mathematics placement process.
- Advisory
- Eligible for ENGL 100 or ENGL 101/101H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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 213 Animal Diversity and Evolution
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Qualifying profile form the mathematics placement process.
- Advisory
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and Eligible for ENGL 100 or ENGL 101/101H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for biology majors and surveys the diversity, structure, function, evolution, and taxonomy of the major animal phyla. Topics also include behavior, development, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary relationships, emphasizing the principles and mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution, accentuating molecular and morphological phylogeny. Field trips are required.
BIOL 215 Plant Diversity and Ecology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Qualifying from the mathematics placement process.
- Advisory
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for biology majors and surveys the diversity, structure, function, and taxonomy of prokaryotes and the eukaryote kingdoms of Protista, Fungi, and Plantae. Topics include development, morphology, physiology, taxonomy and systematics, and population, community, and ecosystem ecology principles. Field trips are required.
BIOL 221 Animal Diversity and Evolution
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Equivalent course from the mathematics placement process
- Advisory
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for biology majors and surveys the diversity, structure, function, evolution and taxonomy of the major animal phyla. Topics also include behavior, development, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary relationships with an emphasis on the principles and mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution accentuating molecular and morphological phylogeny. Field trips are required.
BIOL 229 General Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 109 (Fundamentals of Biology); BIOL 109L (Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) or BIOL 109H (Honors Fundamentals of Biology); BIOL 109HL (Honors Fundamentals of Biology Laboratory) or BIOL 139 (Health Microbiology) or BIOL 149 (Human Anatomy and Physiology) or BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) or BIOL 239 (General Human Anatomy) or BIOL 249 (Human Physiology) or CHEM 100 (Introductory Chemistry)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to microorganisms, their classification, structure, biochemistry, growth, control and their interactions with other organisms and the environment. Designed for biology, preprofessional, and prenursing (BSN) majors. This course may also include an optional field trip.
BIOL 231 Plant Diversity and Ecology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Equivalent course from qualifying profile from the math placement process
- Advisory
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for biology majors and surveys the diversity, structure, function and taxonomy of the kingdoms Protista, Fungi, and Plantae. Topics include development, morphology, physiology, taxonomy and systematics, and the principles of population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Field trips required.
BIOL 239 General Human Anatomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Structure of the human body. Systems, organs, and tissues are studied from human skeletons, models, charts, slides, and computer programs. Laboratory includes the dissection of a cat and periodic demonstrations of a prosected cadaver as available.
BIOL 241 Organismal Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- College-level math or any other course with Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite.
- Advisory
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) or ENGL C1000 (Academic Reading and Writing) or ENGL C1000H (Academic Reading and Writing - Honors)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is intended for biology majors and surveys the diversity, structure, function, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology of organisms. Topics include development, comparative anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, systematics, evolutionary relationships (through the principles and mechanisms of microevolution and macroevolution), and the principles of population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Field trips required.
BIOL 249 Human Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 239 (General Human Anatomy)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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 lab tests. Non-invasive experiments are performed on students enrolled in the class.
BIOL 259 Environmental Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Environmental Biology includes the 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. Field trips required.
BIOL 290 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 211 (Cellular and Molecular Biology) and CHEM 100 (Introductory Chemistry)
- 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.