BIOL 104. General Biology (3). Principles of modern biology. Emphasis on aspects of biology rapidly reshaping our culture. Not intended for majors in science or natural resources. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, either 3 hrs lab or 2 hrs activ/disc.
BIOL 105. Principles of Biology (4). Fundamental processes of life. Structure and function of cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Prereq: CHEM 107 or 109. All with grade of C- or better. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab. (CAN BIOL 2). GE.
BIOL 109. General Microbiology (3). Biology of life forms. Emphasis: microscopic organisms and their relationships to humankind. Scientific inquiry; terminology; diversity in nature; relationship of organism to disease, pollution, and the environment. No credit for science majors. Weekly: 3 hrs lect.
BIOL 109L. General Microbiology Lab (1). Scientific inquiry. Survey microscopic life forms. Interactions between life forms using microbial methods associated with food, water, and pollution. Prereq: BIOL 109 (C). No credit for science majors. Weekly: 3 hrs lab.
BIOL 180 / 180A / 180L. Selected Topics in Biology (1-3). Topics of current interest supplemental to established lower division curricular offerings. Rep. Prereq: IA.
BIOL 210. Medical Microbiology (4). Classification, physiology, and pathogenesis of human disease caused by bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and virus. Theories of diagnosis, treatment, immunity, and prophylaxis. Lab training in cultivation, identification, and diagnosis. Primarily for nursing majors. Prereq: BIOL 105 or BIOL 104. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
BIOL 301. History of Biology (3). How key ideas in biological sciences developed from antiquity to the present. Sociocultural influences on biology; effects of biological discoveries on society. GE. Prereq: completed lower division science GE. Weekly: 3 hrs lect.
BIOL 302. Human Biology (3). Form and function of the human organism. Development and aging; current health issues; modern genetics; reproductive technology; behavior. Lab activities investigate functions of human organ systems. Prereq: BIOL 104. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab. GE. DCG.
BIOL 304. Human Genetics (3). Heredity in humans. Sexuality and reproduction; nature and activities of genes and chromosomes; behavioral genetics; genetic disorders; modern biomedical technology and social implications; population genetics. Prereq: completed lower division science GE. DCG.
BIOL 305. Social Behavior & Biology (3). Social behavior and biology of animals, including humans. Social grouping; communication; sexual and parental behavior; reciprocity; altruism; aggression and dominance. GE. Prereq: completed lower division science G.E.
BIOL 306. California Natural History (3). Human interaction with the natural world as seen by biologists. Identifies plants or animals and habitats of northern California. Prereq: completed lower division science GE. Weekly: 2 hrs lect/disc, 3 hrs lab/field trip.
BIOL 307. Evolution (4). Properties and differentiation of populations. Population genetics; mechanisms of species formation; and macroevolution. Prereq: BIOL 340. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 1 hr disc.
BIOL 308. Environment & Culture: How People Transformed a Continent (3). How different cultures have altered ecological systems in the U.S. From the influence of Native Americans on ecosystems to how expansion of European colonists and contemporary culture effects our environment. Prereq: completed lower division science GE.
BIOL 330. Principles of Ecology (4). Major ideas shaping modern ecology: population regulation, competition, predation, ecosystem energetics, mathematical models, and nutrient cycling. Role of biological and physical factors in developing community structure. Prereq: BIOL 105, BIOM 109, and BOT 105 or ZOOL 110. All with grade of C- or higher. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 1 hrs lab.
BIOL 335. Field or Laboratory Problems (1-2). Individual work in field or lab research. Rep once. Prereq: IA.
BIOL 340. Genetics (4). Principles of heredity; nature and function of genetic material, with quantitative analyses; genetic constitution of populations. Prereq: BIOL 105, BIOM 109 (or equivalent). All with grade of C- or higher. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 2 hrs disc/quiz.
BIOL 345. Genetics with Population Emphasis (4). Theory and basic processes of transmission, molecular, and population genetics. Causes and significance of genetic variation within and between populations; applications in conservation genetics. Prereq: BIOL 105, BIOM 109. Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 1 hr disc/quiz.
BIOL 369. Professional Writing in the Life Sciences (4). Writing scientific papers for publication. Theses, journal articles, reviews, grant applications, technical reports.Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ.
BIOL 383. Introduction to Undergraduate Research (1). Exposure to research design. Data collection from field and lab. Statistical analysis. Oral and written presentation of research. Intended as preparation for BIOL 335, 490, or 499. Prereq: BIOM 109. Weekly: 1 hr lect.
BIOL 399. Supplemental Work in Biology (1-3). Directed study for transfer student whose prior biology course work is not equivalent to corresponding courses at Humboldt. Rep once. Prereq: IA and DA.
BIOL 410. Cell Biology (4). Biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, quantitative analysis, and culture of eucaryotic cells. Prereq: BIOL 340, CHEM 109, and PHYX 106 or 109. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab.
BIOL 412. General Bacteriology (4). Natural history and importance of bacteria and viruses in disease, agriculture, and geochemical cycles. Structure, metabolism, genetics, taxonomy, and culture methods. Applications in biotechnology. Prereq: BIOL 340 with a grade of C- or higher. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab.
BIOL 415. Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes (3). Molecular biology, genetics, and physiology of selected prokaryotes; emphasis on E. coli and its heritable elements. Prereq: BIOL 412. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 2 hrs activ/disc.
BIOL 430. Intertidal Ecology (3). Ecological principles as applied in coastal marine habitats: rocky shores, sandy beaches, bay flats, and nearshore waters. Numerous field trips, including one weekend trip. Individual and group studies a major part of laboratory work. Prereq: BIOL 330 and ZOOL 314, or their equivalents. All with a grade of C- or higher. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
BIOL 431. Population Ecology (3). The study of the spatial distribution and changing abundance of populations. Topics include population viability modeling, metapopulation dynamics, mark-recapture techniques, population genetics, and conservation issues. Prereq: BIOL 330 or WLDF 301 or WLDF 310 with C- or better. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
BIOL 432. Community Ecology (3). Lectures examine the structure and organization of natural communities. Topics include species interactions, trophic dynamics, community stability, assembly rules, biodiversity, and macroecology. Prereq: BIOL 330 or WLDF 301 or WLDF 310 with C- or better. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab.
BIOL 433. Microbial Ecology (4). This course explores the biology, behavior, and function of microorganisms in natural environments with attention to their role in ecologically and environmentally significant processes. Prereq: BIOL 412 or BIOL 340 and BIOL 330. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab, 1 hr discussion. One weekend fieldtrip.
BIOL 433D. Microbial Ecology Discussion (1). This discussion explores the biology, behavior, and function of microorganisms in natural environments (to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 433 lecture and lab). Prereq: BIOL 412 or BIOL 340 and BIOL 330.
BIOL 438. Field Ecology (4). A capstone experience in field ecology for advanced undergraduates majoring in Biology with an Ecology emphasis and a preparatory experience for graduate students entering advanced studies in ecology. Prereq: BIOL 330 and (BIOM 333 or BIOM 408) and (BIOL 432 or BIOL 432). Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab/field trip.
BIOL 440. Genetics Lab (2). Experiments in modern and classical genetics, using a variety of organisms. Prereq: BIOL 340 or equivalent with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL 480 / 480L. Selected Topics in Biology (1-3). Topics in current advances as demand warrants. Rep once with different topic and instructor. Prereq: IA. Lect/lab as appropriate.
BIOL 490. Senior Thesis (1-2). Thesis based on student-designed project approved by advisor. Approval must occur before enrollment. Prereq: senior standing and IA. Rep once.
BIOL 499. Directed Study (1-2). Individual work for senior students showing special aptitude. Conference, reading, research. Rep once. Prereq: IA.
BIOL 532. Community Ecology (3). Lectures examine the structure and organization of natural communities. Topics include species interactions, trophic dynamics, community stability, assembly rules, biodiversity, and macroecology. Prereq: BIOL 330 or WLDF 301.
BIOL 533. Microbial Ecology (4). This course explores the biology, behavior, and function of microorganisms in natural environments with attention to their role in ecologically and environmentally significant processes. Prereq: BIOL 412 or BIOL 340 and BIOL 330. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab, 1 hr discussion. One weekend fieldtrip.
BIOL 533D. Microbial Ecology Discussion (1). This discussion explores the biology, behavior, and function of microorganisms in natural environments (to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 533 lecture and lab). Prereq: BIOL 412 or BIOL 340 and BIOL 330.
BIOL 540. Advanced Genetics (2). Theory, structure, and function of genetic material. Prereq: BIOL 340 and CHEM 328, or their equivalents.
BIOL 542. Biotechnology (4). Theory and practice of modern biotechnology. Genetic engineering; manipulating DNA. Rep. Prereq: BIOL 440. Weekly: 2 hrs lect, 6 hrs lab.
BIOL 548. Biogeography (3). Past and present geographic distribution of animal and plant groups. Emphasis on vertebrate animals and vascular plants. Prereq: BIOL 330. Weekly: 3 hrs seminar/recitation.
BIOL 550. Systematics (3). Detect, describe, and explain biological diversity. Explore evolutionary, numerical, and cladistic approaches to classifying organisms and assessing their relationships. Prereq: upper division survey courses in animals or plants (BIOL 307 is also recommended) or IA.
BIOL 554. Plant/Animal Interactions (3). Current research in pollination biology and plant/herbivore relations. Critique journal articles. Rep. Prereq: BIOM 109 or equivalent.
BIOL 564. Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy (4). Transmission and scanning electron microscopy theory and technique. Preparation of materials, operation of electron microscopes, conduct an EM based independent research project utilizing both systems. Prereq: IA required, BOT 105, BIOL 105, ZOOL 110.
BIOL 580 / 580L. Selected Topics in Biology (1-3). Topics on current advances as demand warrants. Rep once. Prereq: graduate standing and IA. Lect/lab as appropriate.
BIOL 597. Methods of Laboratory Instruction (2). Methods and techniques of lab instruction in biological sciences. Required for those hired as teaching associates. CR/NC. Credit does not apply toward grad degree. Prereq: grad standing in Department of Biological Sciences.
BIOL 683. Introduction to Graduate Studies (1). Orientation to research opportunities. Plan and develop master's project. Beginning graduate students should enroll at earliest opportunity. Prereq: acceptance into master's program in biology. Weekly: 1 hr seminar/recitation.
BIOL 684. Introduction to Graduate Research (1). Orientation to research opportunities, funding, and planning. Develop and present a research proposal, with peer review. Prereq: BIOL 683 or classified graduate standing in biology.
BIOL 685. Seminar in Biology (1). Review and report on current literature and problems. Rep. Prereq: grad standing.
BIOL 690. Thesis (1-4). Individual work on thesis required for master's degree. Rep. Prereq: consent of major advisor.
BIOL 699. Independent Study (1-4). Individual work on appropriate topics. Rep. Prereq: consent of advisor.
BIOL 700. In-Service Professional Training in Biology (1-3). Directed studies for biology professionals desiring advanced or specialized instruction, especially that leading to credentialing and certification. Rep once. Prereq: IA.
activ = activity section
(C) = may be concurrent
CAN = California articulation number (for a more complete explanation, see section 3 under Transfer Requirements).
coreq = corequisite(s)
CR/NC = credit/no credit grading
DA = department approval
DCG = diversity & common ground elective course
disc = discussion section
d = domestic
F, S, Su = fall, spring, summer. To help in long-range academic planning, these letters signify that a course is regularly offered in a fall, spring, or summer term.
GE = general education elective course
IA = instructor approval
lect = lecture section
n = non-domestic
prereq = prerequisite(s)
rec = recommended preparation
rep = may be repeated