Life Sciences

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Division of Life Sciences to provide effective instruction in science courses to allow students to successfully achieve their educational and personal goals (transfer, certificate, and associate). The division is committed to constant assessment of instruction and pedagogy for effective learning and, most importantly, a basic understanding of science literacy for every student.

Whether you are considering a career in environmental or biomedical research, dentistry, medicine, nursing, allied health, or you are a non-majors biology student looking to fulfill a science requirement, our dedicated biology faculty and support staff are here to assist you. We offer a broad range of biology courses to meet your educational and career goals. In addition, our division supports a range of independent research projects and community based endeavors. Whatever your interest in biology we have a place of you!

Our biology course offerings include:

Biology Concepts | BIO100

Introductory course covering basic principles and concepts of biology. Methods of scientific inquiry and behavior of matter and energy in biological systems are explored.

Prerequisites: None.

Environmental Biology | BIO105

Fundamentals of ecology and their relevance to human impact on natural ecosystems. Field trips may be required at students' expense.

Prerequisites: None.

Marine Biology | BIO145

A survey of marine environments and their biotic communities with emphasis on the natural history of marine organisms.

Prerequisites: None.

Introductory Biology for Allied Health | BIO156

An introductory biology course for allied health majors with an emphasis on humans. Topics include fundamental concepts of cell biology, histology, microbiology, and genetics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100 or higher or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one-semester of college level chemistry is strongly recommended.

Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology | BIO160

Principles of scientific method. Structural organization, homeostasis and control mechanisms of the body. Specific chemistry concepts. Structure and function of the major systems of the body.

Prerequisites: None.

General Biology (Majors) I | BIO181

The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100 or higher or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.

General Biology (Majors) II | BIO182

The study and principles of structure and function of living things at cellular, organismic, and higher levels of organization. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, biology of organisms, and ecology.

BIO182 may require field trips. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181 or BIO181XT.

Human Anatomy & Physiology I | BIO201

Study of structure and function of the human body. Topics include cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in (BIO156 or BIO156XT or BIO181 or BIO181XT or one year of high school biology) and RDG100 or higher or eligibility for CRE101. CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required.

Human Anatomy & Physiology II | BIO202

Continuation of structure and function of the human body. Topics include endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; and fluid and electrolyte balance.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO201 or BIO201XT.

Microbiology | BIO205

Study of microorganisms and their relationship to health, ecology, and related fields.