Biology

BIOL 100 Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:AH 311 and BIOL 290 with grades of "C" or better; ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This introductory lecture course provides an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of all 11 body systems and is required for students entering the licensed vocational nursing and occupational therapy assistant programs. The course emphasizes the direct connection between human activities (i.e. diet and lifestyle choices) and health of the body. It is designed for students having little or no background in the biological sciences. The course is also open to those intending to pursue studies in the biological sciences who need to strengthen or develop a vocabulary in human anatomy and physiology.

BIOL 290 Science Skills and Applications

• Units:0.5
• Hours:36 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in a science course
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers individualized instructional modules designed to provide or improve skills in the various science courses. A partial list of skills may include the following: textbook comprehension, principles of learning and retention, note taking, annotating, discipline-based vocabulary, paraphrasing, reading graphics, test taking, spatial ability, proportionality, and problem solving. Enrollment closes the ninth week of the semester. To begin the course any later than that week would not permit completion of course material.

BIOL 299 Experimental Offering in Biology

• Units:0.5 - 4
• Prerequisite:None.
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

BIOL 302 Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:AH 311, BIOL 290, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026); UC (effective Fall 2026)
• General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2026)
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This lecture course provides an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of all 11 body systems and is required for students entering the licensed vocational nursing and occupational therapy assistant programs. The course emphasizes the direct connection between human activities (i.e. diet and lifestyle choices) and health of the body. It is designed for students having little or no background in the biological sciences. The course is also open to those intending to pursue studies in the biological sciences who need to strengthen or develop a vocabulary in human anatomy and physiology.

BIOL 305 Natural History

• Units:4
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The course is a survey of ecosystems in California with a special emphasis on the relationships between the species, adaptations of those species to their environment, and general ecological concepts. Students will explore the environment and diversity of organisms occurring in our geographical area but will be able to apply this knowledge to other areas as well. Attending a minimum of one field trip is required. The course is designed for the non-science major and is one of the core courses in the Field Ecology Certificate.

BIOL C1001 Introduction to Biology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as BIOL 308 Contemporary Biology.

This lecture course provides the non-biology major with an introduction to living things and their
environment. Students develop important critical thinking skills as they learn about the process of
science, the building blocks of life, the role and regulation of DNA, how populations change over
time, the movement of energy within and between life forms, and how species interact with each
other and their surroundings. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply an
understanding of biological concepts to current issues and their impacts on society. This course was formerly known as BIOL 308: Contemporary Biology.

BIOL C1001L Introduction to Biology Lab

• Units:1
• Hours:54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Corequisite:Completion of or concurrent enrollment in BIOL C1001
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as BIOL 309 Contemporary Biology Laboratory.

This laboratory course provides the hands-on application of concepts learned in the Introduction to Biology lecture (BIOL C1001) for the non-biology major. Students use experimentation and investigation to develop important critical thinking skills. Students engage in the process of science to explore the building blocks of life, the role and regulation of DNA, how populations change over time, the movement of energy within and between life forms, and how species interact with each other and their surroundings. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with some of the equipment and techniques used by biologists. This course was formerly known as BIOL 309: Contemporary Biology Laboratory.

BIOL 314 Dinosaurs and the Science of Life

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course investigates the evolution, form, function, and extinction of dinosaurs as a means of introducing students to scientific principles that are common to all forms of life on Earth. Topics will include scientific methodology; the mechanisms of evolution; the structure, early history, and geologic processes of the Earth; the evolutionary history of life on Earth; the diversity, ecology, physiology and behavior of dinosaurs; birds as dinosaurs. Additional topics will include proposed mechanisms of dinosaur extinction including meteorite impacts, volcanic plume events, global winters, global climate change, acid rain, and how each may occur today; genetics, the structure and function of DNA, cellular reproduction, cloning and stem cell technologies and whether they can be used to resurrect extinct organisms such as dinosaurs.

BIOL 315 Dinosaurs and the Science of Life Laboratory

• Units:1
• Hours:54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Corequisite:BIOL 314 or prior completion of BIOL 314 with a grade of "C" or better.
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an optional laboratory component to accompany BIOL 314. The laboratory sessions will allow students to engage in hands-on investigations to broaden and deepen their understanding of concepts discussed and developed in BIOL 314. Students may take this course either concurrently with or any time after completion of BIOL 314.

BIOL 320 Field Botany

• Units:3
• Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU
• General Education:Local GE L5
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for both science and nonscience students to learn about plant taxonomy. Students will learn about the classification of flowering plants, how to identify plant species, and will become familiar with native plants of California as well as their ecological relationships and historical uses. A plant collection and a minimum of 10 field trips are required. Field trip locations may include Table Mountain, Marin Headlands, vernal pool sites, and other locations where plants can be observed in their natural surroundings.

BIOL 321 Advanced Field Botany

• Units:3
• Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOL 320 with a grade of "C" or better
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for both science and non-science students to broaden and deepen their knowledge of plant taxonomy. Students will learn the technical aspects of the dynamic nature of the classification of flowering plants and expand their ability to identify plant families, genera, and species in the field. Students will become familiar with additional native and non-native plants of California as well as their ecological relationships and conservation status. The role of herbaria in the conservation of plant taxa and plant communities will be addressed and students will practice mounting and labeling plant specimens for inclusion in an herbarium collection. A plant collection and a minimum of seven (7) field trips are required. Field trip locations may include Table Mountain, Marin Headlands, Jepson Prairie, Traverse Creek, and other locations where plants can be observed in their natural surroundings.

BIOL 326 Ethnobotany

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This introductory lecture course focuses on the concepts, questions, and methods of ethnobotany (the scientific study of the interactions between plants and humans). Students will use the scientific method to investigate the ecological and biological traits of plants, how these traits have shaped multicultural human use, and, in turn, been affected by humans. Topics include plant structure and reproduction, biodiversity and plant evolution in natural and cultivated systems, traditional ecological knowledge and management techniques, ethnobotanical research methods and ethical issues, and a comparison of plant use by various cultures for food, medicine, shelter, basketry, and dyes.

BIOL 327 Ethnobotany Laboratory

• Units:1
• Hours:54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Corequisite:BIOL 326 or prior completion of BIOL 326 with a grade of “C” or better.
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This introductory laboratory course is designed to be taken after or concurrently with BIOL 326 (Ethnobotany). This course focuses on the concepts, questions, and methods of ethnobotany (the scientific study of the interactions between plants and humans). Students will use the scientific method to investigate the ecological and biological traits of plants, how these traits have shaped multicultural human use, and, in turn, been affected by humans. Topics include plant structure and reproduction, biodiversity and plant evolution in natural and cultivated systems, traditional ecological knowledge and management techniques, ethnobotanical research methods, and investigation of plant use for food, medicine, dyes, shelter, and other uses.

BIOL 330 Introduction to Entomology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to the science of entomology. Entomology examines the great diversity of insects, both in numbers as well as their life histories. The course introduces students to the variety found in insects: their structure and functions, their habits, their evolutionary biology, and their significance to humans. In addition, students will learn to identify orders and major families of insects. Due to their diversity and presence in all kinds of environments, insects provide a good framework for making scientific observations and for applying the scientific method to their studies. A semester project involving entomology is required.

BIOL 332 Introduction to Ornithology

• Units:4
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course investigates the evolution, ecology, and conservation of birds as a means of introducing scientific principles common to all life forms. Using birds as models, lecture and lab topics include scientific methodology, evolutionary principles including evolutionary mechanisms and phylogenetics, the structure and function of physiological and sensory systems, behavioral ecology such as foraging, competition, migration and navigation, breeding, social behavior, communication, and intelligence, and current research and conservation topics. Laboratory work teaches the scientific method, evolutionary mechanisms, and taxonomic classification and identification of birds, particularly those found in California and the western United States. Several field trips to study wild birds in regional habitats are required (total cost per student for field trips is approximately $25-$40). This course may be used as an elective by students in the Field Ecology Certificate Program or majoring in Biology, and also is suitable for non-majors.

BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will explore the biology, epidemiology, and pathology of selected pathogenic prions, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminthes threatening public health worldwide. The course will also explore how human behavior and human activities have catalyzed the emergence of new infectious diseases and re-emergence of ancient plagues.

BIOL 349 Applied Microbiology: Scientific Literacy through Practical Uses of Microbiology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:BIOL C1001, BIOL 342, BIOL 402, BIOL 440, or CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

In this course, the student will use applied microbiology as a means for learning scientific literacy. The student will learn microbiology fundamentals, including relevant genetics and biochemistry, as it is applied to a range of topics such as bioremediation, medicine and fuel production, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Most importantly, the student will learn how to connect ideas, evaluate scientific evidence, and think critically about controversial issues relevant to microbiology such as bioremediation, diminishing global food and fuel resources, and gene editing. This fast-paced course is intended for ambitious non-science majors who are interested in gaining scientific literacy by exploring the non-infectious-disease applications of microbiology, understanding the connection between science and the media, and how microbiology affects our everyday lives.

BIOL 350 Environmental Biology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is appropriate for both biology majors and non-majors. It provides instruction in human interactions with the environment and resolutions to potential conflicts that develop due to these interactions. Understanding how life affects environments and ecosystems is an integral part of the biological sciences. To achieve this understanding, biological and ecological principles are examined as they relate to the natural environment. Major topics include the function and structure of ecosystems and ecological processes, the effects of natural selection on populations, the role of biodiversity on the maintenance of ecosystems, the variety of human impacts on terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems, potential solutions to adverse impacts, and the application of the scientific method in the examination of these effects. Attendance on one class field trip is required in this course.

BIOL 351 Global Climate Change

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This interdisciplinary course explores the natural and human factors causing Earth’s climate to change. Whether alarmed, skeptical, or just curious about climate change, students will acquire the scientific tools to analyze the evidence that climate change is a looming threat. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and projects, students will examine Earth’s present and past climates as well as the influence of climate on the geographical distribution and diversity of plants and animals, extinction, and human societies.

BIOL 352 Conservation Biology

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This introductory course covers the biological and ecological principles necessary for understanding and analyzing environmental problems, as well as exploring scientifically sound conservation techniques. Major topics include the nature of science, basic principles of ecology, genetics and evolution, patterns of biodiversity and extinction, and the interdependence between humans and our environment. This course places emphasis on scientific processes and methodology and the application of science to conservation issues. Two field trips and/or a semester project may be required. Field trips may incur a program cost (such as admission to a museum, aquarium, or zoo), which will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

BIOL 360 Environmental Regulations

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; and BIOL 305 (Natural History) with a grade of "C" or better.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the environmental regulatory process in California with applicable Federal and California environmental laws being studied and discussed. Relevant Federal regulations include: The National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Superfund, and the Rivers and Harbors Act. Relevant California regulations include: California Environmental Quality Act, California Endangered Species Act, California Coastal Act, Natural Communities Conservation Planning process, Streambed Alteration Agreements, and California Water Law. In addition, the jurisdictional wetland delineation process will be studied in detail including field work to demonstrate the process. Students will be introduced to these regulations during lectures and will participate in discussions of the regulatory process. One field trip is required.

BIOL 362 Field Methods in Ecology

• Units:4
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOL 305 (Natural History) or equivalent college-level courses (college-level ecology course with lecture and lab may substitute for BIOL 305) with a grade of "C" or better.
• Advisory:Students must be in good health to be able to hike moderate distances through rough terrain often while carrying field equipment.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to methods for sampling and studying a variety of organisms in the field with a particular emphasis on the vegetation, macroinvertebrates, fish, and wildlife of the area. The goals are to gain experience and develop skills in the following areas: identification of plants and animals, first-hand knowledge of a wide array of organism life histories, quantitative field research techniques and procedures applicable to plants and animals, and recording of data and observations in a field notebook. Required field trips (approximately eight) to local and regional habitats focus on seasonally relevant events, processes, and appropriate methodologies to study these communities. Extensive fieldwork is required; therefore, students need to be in appropriate physical condition to successfully navigate uneven ground and withstand adverse weather conditions.

BIOL 364 Restoration Ecology

• Units:2
• Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Restoration ecology is the science of creation, management, and perpetuation of wildlife and wetland habitat. This course will examine this subject through lectures providing requisite knowledge of principles in ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. These principles are applied to existing and ongoing habitat restoration techniques in the Sacramento area. Field trips to local restoration sites may occur during the course.

BIOL 370 Marine Biology

• Units:4
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; Students must be in good health and be able to hike moderate distances through tough terrain.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to marine biology and oceanography. It includes the study of marine vertebrates and invertebrates, tide pool and coastal ecology, sea water, tides, currents, marine geology, and coastal processes. Instruction includes both lab and lecture and required field trips to study intertidal plants and animals and coastal ecology. Field trips focusing on the Central and Northern California coast are required and serve partially as the laboratory component of this course. Field experiences may include but are not limited to natural history of the rocky intertidal, invertebrate identification, salt marsh ecology, sandy beach ecology, or estuary ecology. Field trip dates will be announced at the first class meeting and overnight trips may incur costs associated with campsite rentals.

BIOL 402 Cell and Molecular Biology

• Units:5
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
• Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• C-ID:C-ID BIOL 190
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the first semester of a three-semester sequence in general biology designed for biology majors. It is an introduction to many aspects of living cells, with an emphasis on the molecular level of organization. Topics include an introduction to biological molecules, enzymes, cell structure, respiration, photosynthesis, reproduction, genetics, and statistical analysis. The course also covers molecular genetics, structure and function of viruses, DNA technology, and genetic engineering techniques.

BIOL 412 Plant Biology

• Units:5
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOL 402 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent course with a grade of "C" or better.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• C-ID:C-ID BIOL 155
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is part of a three-semester general biology sequence designed for biology majors. BIOL 412 and BIOL 422 may be taken in any order after completion of BIOL 402 with a grade of C or better. BIOL 412 builds upon and applies concepts developed in Cell and Molecular Biology to the study of plants and general ecology. Topics covered include the diversity, taxonomy, and evolutionary trends observed among the cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and plants, with special emphasis on higher plants; the comparative anatomy and physiology of higher plants; and general ecology, including population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. Two field trips are required. Possible locations include Pt. Reyes, Calaveras Big Trees, UC Davis, and others.

BIOL 422 Animal Biology

• Units:5
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOL 402 with a grade of "C" or better; or an equivalent college-level Cell and Molecular Biology course with a grade of "C" or better.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• C-ID:C-ID BIOL 150
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is part of a three-semester sequence in general biology designed for biology majors. BIOL 412 and BIOL 422 may be taken in any order after completion of BIOL 402 with a grade of C or better. BIOL 422 builds upon and applies concepts developed in BIOL 402 to the study of animals and evolution. Topics covered include principles of evolution such as mechanisms of microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change, population genetics, speciation, extinction, and classification and phylogenetics; a survey of animal phyla and unicellular non-photosynthetic eukaryotic taxa; and animal embryology, development, life cycles, comparative anatomy and physiology, and behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the evolutionary relationships among animals, their adaptations to different environments and modes of life, and the evolutionary origins of novel characteristics throughout Animalia.

BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology

• Units:5
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:CHEM 305, 309, or 400 with a grade of "C" or better
• Advisory:AH 311, BIOL 100, BIOL 290, BIOL 302, or CHEM 306 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• C-ID:C-ID BIOL 115S
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to normal structure and function in humans. The course emphasizes an understanding of physiological principles as related to body structure. The course includes study of the basic principles of physiology and anatomy, general histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. BIOL 431 follows BIOL 430 and is necessary for completion of the study of human anatomy and physiology.

BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology

• Units:5
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOL 430 with a grade of "C" or better
• Advisory:AH 311 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• C-ID:C-ID BIOL 115S
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course continues the study of normal structure and function in humans. Included in the course is the study of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Special topics included in the course are pH, fluids, and electrolytes.

BIOL 434 Pathology: The Study of Disease

• Units:3
• Hours:54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:BIOL 431 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course applies physiological concepts to the development of disease in humans. This course includes the pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, and treatment and care of major diseases and cancers of the organ systems of the body. Biochemical, cellular, and organ changes that take place during disease development will also be emphasized. This course is intended for students who are about to enter an allied health program.

BIOL 440 General Microbiology

• Units:4
• Hours:54 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:CHEM 305, 309, or 400 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The course includes the study of selected evolutionary, ecological, morphological, physiological, and biochemical aspects of representative micro-organisms. The laboratory includes staining, microscopic examination and identification of microbes, prokaryotic ecology, aseptic technique and isolation of microbes, microbial growth media, control of microbial growth including antibiotic sensitivity testing, metabolism, genetics, taxonomy, protists, fungi, helminths, and arthropod vectors. This course is intended for students in allied health majors.

BIOL 494 Topics in Biology

• Units:0.5 - 4
• Hours:9 - 36 hours LEC
• Prerequisite:None.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to enable both science and non-science students to learn about recent developments in biology. Selected topics will not include those that are part of current course offerings. This course may be taken four times for credit providing there is no duplication of topics. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

BIOL 495 Independent Studies in Biology

• Units:1 - 3
• Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:Student must obtain approval from an instructor to conduct an independent study with the appropriate instructor or instructors. Specific projects may not be available to a student.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is for students who wish to develop an in-depth understanding in fundamental topics of biology and to learn to work in a collaborative atmosphere with instructors and other students. The independent studies may be pursued in the classroom, laboratory, and/or field studies. This is particularly valuable for biology and ecology students in preparation for independent research as part of their advanced degrees. Instructor approval is required to enroll in this course. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

BIOL 499 Experimental Offering in Biology

• Units:0.5 - 4
• Prerequisite:None.
• Transferable:CSU; UC
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

BIOLFS 310 Natural History Field Study: Mojave Desert

• Units:2
• Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:This course requires completion of a course application that can be obtained from the instructor.
• Advisory:Students must be in good health and be able to hike moderate distances through a desert environment with uneven ground and in temperatures often above 100 degrees.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This field course explores the plants, animals, and geological features of the Mojave Desert. One or two lectures occur at Sacramento City College with a mandatory field trip of eight days to the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Accommodations are in a combination of outdoor tent camping for two nights and five nights at the Desert Studies Center field station or other lodging. Students provide their own tents, personal items, and personal field equipment. The course involves moderately strenuous hikes over uneven ground in the desert environment in temperatures that typically exceed 100 degrees F. A field station expense fee is due up to four weeks before the first day of class to cover the cost of accommodations, the cost of meals while at the Desert Studies Center, entrance fees to National Parks and Preserves, and transportation to and from the desert. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact David Wyatt at (916) 558-2406 or by e-mail at wyattd@scc.losrios.edu.

BIOLFS 311 Natural History Field Study: Advanced Study of the Mojave Desert

• Units:2
• Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:BIOLFS 310 with a grade of "B" or better
• Enrollment Limitation:This course requires completion of a course application that can be obtained from the instructor.
• Advisory:BIOL 305 with a grade of "C" or better; students must be in good health and be able to hike moderate distances through a desert environment with uneven ground and in temperatures often above 100 degrees.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This multi-day field course provides an advanced opportunity for students to understand in greater detail ecological concepts associated with the xeric environment of the Mojave Desert. One or two lectures occur at Sacramento City College with a mandatory field trip of eight days to the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Accommodations are in a combination of outdoor tent camping for two nights and five nights at the Desert Studies Center field station or other lodging. Students provide their own tents, personal items, and personal field equipment. Examples of advanced research topics include: interspecific interactions, relationships between a species and their physical environment, desert resource management concerns, and effects of climate change on desert environments. BIOLFS 311 is an advanced extension of BIOLFS 310, Natural History Field Study: Mojave Desert, and provides the student with opportunities to mentor new students in BIOLFS 310 and serve in leadership roles during group learning exercises. These applied experiences and mentoring opportunities are highly desirable to natural resource agencies and to private environmental consultants. Prior completion of BIOLFS 310 (or equivalent) with an A or B grade is a pre-requisite for this course. This course provides elective units involving field experience for students in the Field Ecology Certificate program.

BIOLFS 312 Natural History Field Study: Baja California

• Units:4
• Hours:36 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:This course requires completion of a written course application that can be obtained from the instructor.
• Advisory:Students must be in good health and be able to hike moderate distances through a desert environment with uneven ground and in temperatures often above 100 degrees F.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This field course explores the natural history of plants and animals of the desert and marine ecosystems of Baja California, Mexico, as well as historic and cultural sites. Three pre-trip lecture meetings will be held at Sacramento City College accompanied by a mandatory field trip of 14 days in Baja California. Accommodations include a combination of up to four nights in motels (during transit to and from Mexico) and ten nights at the field station in Bahia de Los Angeles (Baja California, Mexico). Students will supply their own bedding, personal items (toiletries, etc), and a limited amount of field equipment for use while at the field station. The course involves moderately strenuous hiking in temperatures generally in the high-90s to low-100s (with high humidity) as well as moderate swimming activities during snorkeling expeditions. The program cost to the student will cover accommodations, meals at the field station, and fees required in Mexico. Transportation may also be covered by the program cost. A valid passport for entry to Mexico and re-entry into the United States is required. For any questions or additional information, please contact David Wyatt at (916) 558-2406 or by e-mail at wyattd@scc.losrios.edu.

BIOLFS 324 Natural History Field Study: Sutter Buttes

• Units:1
• Hours:9 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:This course requires completion of a written course application that can be obtained from the instructor.
• Advisory:Students must be in good health and be able to hike moderate distances through rough and uneven terrain.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This field course explores the plants, animals, and geological features of the Sutter Buttes, called by many people the "world's smallest mountain range." This is a small, isolated cluster of eroded volcanic lava domes in the middle of the northern portion of California's Central Valley. Several lectures will occur at Sacramento City College with three mandatory field trips occurring during weekends. The field trips will occur over three days and will explore the habitats and organisms in a portion of the Sutter Buttes. The course involves moderately strenuous hikes over uneven ground thus students need to be in good health for these hikes. A small landowner access cost is required to enter the private properties in the Sutter Buttes (range = $25-$45). If you have questions or need additional information, please contact David Wyatt at (916) 558-2406 or by email at wyattd@scc.losrios.edu.

BIOLFS 350 Natural History Field Study: Sierra Nevada Plants

• Units:2
• Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:This course requires completion of a written course application.
• Advisory:Students must be in good health and able to hike moderate distances in a high elevation environment with uneven ground and variable temperatures.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This field course explores the plants of the Sierra Nevada and surrounding areas. Two to three lectures will occur at Sacramento City College with a mandatory field trip of eight days to the Sierra Nevada. No previous plant identification experience is required; intermediate as well as beginning students will benefit from this course. Topics include the identification and keying of plant species, plant adaptations and communities, and uses of plants. Accommodations will be primarily at field research stations (dorms or cabins), but may include outdoor tent camping, as needed. Students will provide their own sleeping bags and field gear. This course involves moderately strenuous hikes in the mountains and desert environments. A field station fee is due before the first pre-trip meeting to cover the cost of accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and transportation. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the biology department chair-person. This course was previously BIOL 398.

BIOLFS 495 Independent Studies in Field Biology

• Units:1 - 3
• Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
• Prerequisite:None.
• Enrollment Limitation:The student must obtain approval from an instructor prior to enrollment in the course.
• Advisory:Student must obtain approval from an instructor to conduct an independent study in field biology with that instructor or a combination of instructors. In addition, the student is advised to have previously completed a biology field studies course or have previous biological field experiences prior to enrollment in this course.
• Transferable:CSU
• Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is for students who wish to develop an in-depth understanding in fundamental topics of field biology and to learn and work in a collaborative atmosphere with instructors and other students. Independent studies are conducted in the field and in the laboratory. This is particularly valuable for biology and ecology students in preparation for independent research as part of their advanced degrees. Instructor approval is required to enroll in this course. Additionally the student is advised to have completed a prior field study course or have previous biological field experiences before enrolling in BIOLFS 495. An independent study project may involve extensive field activities that may occur in rugged and harsh conditions. Therefore, students would need to be in good physical health for most projects. UC transfer credit can be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 semester units required for admissions.