Biology (BIO)

Overview of fundamental concepts in biology and of scientific inquiry. Principles of cellular life and energetics, inheritance and genetic mechanisms, evolution and ecology. Emphasis on the relationship between biology and human affairs. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Marine Sciences. Not open to students who have completed BIO 161. Course offered in hybrid format with classroom-based and online learning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Plant diversity and ecology in aquatic and terrestrial plant communities including adaptations of plants to their environment. Identification of common, local native plants and plant communities, uses of native plants by Indigenous People, and human impacts on native plant communities. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Fundamental principles of biology related to sexual reproduction: genetics, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of sex in a broad range of organisms. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B2.

Overview of the history, diversity and genetic relatedness of life on Earth. Broad-scale evolutionary framework of the organization and expansion of life on Earth. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Fundamentals of cellular biology with an emphasis on the molecular perspective of life: biomolecules, cellular energetics, cell structure and reproduction, molecular mechanisms of genetics and gene expression. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Fundamentals of the structure and physiology of tissues and organs of plants and animals: energy acquisition and food distribution, gas exchange and fluid transport, and sensing and responding to the environment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Intended for lower division students in the Biological Sciences Department. Total credit limited to 12 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Introduction to the diversity of fields in biotechnology. Applications in agriculture, nutrition, medicine and environmental problems. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Crosslisted as BIO/CHEM 202.

Plant and animal anatomy, physiology, diversity and life cycles. How plants and animals acquire nutrients, reproduce, and adapt to environments. Emphasis on hands-on activities and model organisms suited for the elementary classroom. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences.

Fundamentals of life sciences: energetics, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, organismal biology, and ecology. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences. 2 lectures. Fulfills GE B2.

Foundations and importance of California's biological diversity from historical and modern contexts. Overview of California's diverse habitats, wildlife and their adaptations. Current challenges to preserving California's biodiversity. Concepts in quantification, conservation and appreciation for California's biodiversity. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B2.

Wildlife biology and philosophies of conservation. Basic principles of ecology and evolution. Practices applied to wildlife management. Current problems involving people-wildlife interactions with special reference to world biodiversity. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences. Not open to students with credit in BIO 363. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B2.

Structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, and integumentary systems. Molecular, cellular, and organ system levels of organization. Lab includes study of prosected human cadavers. Not intended for Biological Sciences majors. May be taken after BIO 232. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Structure and function of the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Molecular, cellular, and organ system levels of organization. Lab includes study of prosected human cadavers. Not intended for Biological Sciences majors. May be taken before BIO 231. 4 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Observation in a healthcare setting. Students will shadow healthcare practitioners on campus or in a community setting. Specific placement depend on practitioner availability. Total credit limited to 2 units with a maximum of 1 unit per quarter. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Priority to BIO and MCRO majors.

Basic concepts in ecology and evolution. Relationships among organisms in populations, communities and ecosystems, structures and dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems, ecosystem inputs and energy flows, nutrient cycling, biogeography, population genetics, evolution, patterns of biodiversity and issues in conservation biology. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Laboratory, field, or biology education research experience. Development of research skills and techniques. Interested students consult with a faculty member prior to enrolling to clarify expectations and deliverables. Total major credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Framework for understanding the implications of service in different health-related settings through discussion and participation in a local service project. Social determinants of health, cultural competency and unconscious bias, identity/intersectionality, and health needs of different populations. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Basic principles of human inheritance, including the transmission of genetic traits, chromosomal abnormalities and their effects, gene structure and function, mutations and mutagenic agents, cancer genetics, population genetics, and principles of genetic counseling. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences. Not open to students with credit in BIO 303 or BIO 351. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Principles of heredity and variation. Transmission genetics; molecular mechanisms of inheritance and gene expression. Not open to Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or Marine Sciences majors. Not open to students with credit in BIO 351. Credit will be granted in only one of the following courses: BIO 302 or BIO 303. 4 lectures.

Introduction to the causes, characteristics and treatment of human cancer. Effects of carcinogens and radiation; the genetics of cancer; molecular, cellular and physiological changes in common cancers; conventional chemotherapy and new treatments. Not open for major credit in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Marine Sciences, or Biochemistry. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Introduction to the biology, methodology, and techniques used in genetic engineering. Potential benefits and problems in application within agriculture, nutrition, medicine and environmental context, including the underlying ethical questions. Not open to students with credit in CHEM 373, or to Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences, or Microbiology majors. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as BIO/CHEM 308. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Ecology, behavior, physiology, functional morphology, and evolution of mammals. Classification and identification of mammals, with emphasis on California species. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Phylogeny, anatomy, functional morphology, physiology, and ecology of marine and freshwater fishes. Special reference to local and economically important species. Laboratory emphasis on taxonomy of California species, especially marine groups. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Classification and identification of birds, with emphasis on California species. Functional morphology, physiology, ecology, behavior and census methods. Field trips may require meeting in the morning before scheduled lab time. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Living and extinct reptiles and amphibians; an adaptive approach to their diversity, biology, and classification. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Principles of ecology as applied to the study of wild vertebrates and their habitats. Emphasis on techniques for collecting and analyzing field data and how these data apply to the study and management of wildlife. Use of the literature, inventory of plants and animal populations, use of maps and databases, quantifying diet and habitat use, determining sex and age and nutritional condition, capture and marking techniques, non-invasive sampling methods. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Identification and natural history of terrestrial vertebrates, with emphasis on field studies and local species. Field trips may require meeting in the morning before scheduled lab time. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Minimum of two days of field instruction in places with significant biological diversity, and an individual or group project. Focus on field notebooks, field identification, survey methods, experimental design, and significant habitat types for various groups of organisms. The Class Schedule will list the topic of the associated field biology course. Total credit limited to 6 units, each associated with a different field biology course, with no more than 4 units applied as advisor approved electives. Field trip required. 1 to 3 activities.

Introduction to the study of insects. Structure, major orders and families of insects, life histories, medical, and economic importance. Insect collection required. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Invertebrate groups of animals with emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, distribution, and economic importance. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories, and fieldwork.

Principles of genetics and genetic analysis, including underlying molecular mechanisms. Subjects include gene structure and function, inheritance patterns, regulation of gene expression, mutation, recombination, recombinant DNA technology, and an introduction to population genetics. 5 lectures.

Fundamental principles of animal physiology, including cellular mechanisms and integration to whole animals including humans. Membrane transport, fluid/salt balance, excitable cells, metabolic rate, temperature, gas exchange and circulation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Foundational concepts in the conservation of wild organisms and their habitats. Quantification and valuation of biological diversity, current threats to diversity, and approaches to better understand and address these threats, across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. 4 lectures. Formerly BIO 401.

Investigation, research, studies, or surveys of biological problems by students working with faculty. Interested students should consult with a faculty member prior to enrolling to clarify expectations and deliverables. Total major credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Total credit limited to 12 units.

Events and mechanisms of embryonic development, including fertilization, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and organogenesis, with emphasis on differential gene expression in model organisms. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Anatomy and physiology of nervous systems, including electrophysiology, molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurotransmission, and interactions between the nervous system and other body systems, including integumentary and digestive, with an emphasis on humans and other vertebrates. Includes human cadaver study. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system and hormones, and interactions with body systems including digestive and reproductive systems, with an emphasis on humans and other vertebrates. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, with an emphasis on humans and other vertebrates. Discussion of health and disease states and responses to exercise and environmental factors. Includes human cadaver study. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Anatomy and physiology of musculoskeletal systems, including energetics and biomechanics of locomotion. Discussion of invertebrates and vertebrates with emphasis on humans. Includes human cadaver study. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Functional microscopic anatomy of principal tissues and organs of vertebrates, including humans. Structural studies to determine mechanisms underlying physiological processes and their clinical applications in medicine. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Human gross anatomy using human cadaver dissection from a regional perspective. Dissection of the musculo-skeletal and nervous tissues, vasculature, and viscera of body regions including: head, neck, torso, extremities, and body cavities. 2 laboratories.

Anatomy and physiology of the digestive system in humans and other vertebrates. Emphasis on structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and interactions with the immune system and the microbiome. 4 lectures.

Principles and mechanisms of biological evolution in the context of human health. Microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes, adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, biogeographic patterns of allele frequencies, tradeoffs. Focus on human health including host-pathogen coevolution, cancer, mental health, obesity, drug metabolism, evolutionary history. 4 lectures. Not open to students with credit in BIO 414.

Principles, theories and mechanisms of biological evolution of plants, animals and microorganisms. Core principles include microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes, adaptation, phenotypic plasticity, biogeographic patterns of allele frequencies, tradeoffs. Not open to students with credit in BIO 413. 4 lectures.

Plant and animal distribution patterns in terrestrial and aquatic systems in relation to past and present physical and biotic factors. Methods to determine local and global distribution patterns of biota. Role of humans in past, present and future distributions of organisms. 4 lectures.

Biological consequences of climate change. Effects on cellular and organismal physiology and geographic distribution of organisms. Biodiversity, community and ecosystem impacts. Introduction to atmospheric chemistry, climate dynamics, and consequences for human populations. Possible biological mitigation strategies to reduce CO2 emissions. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

The formation, characteristics, and functions of wetlands. Genesis of hydric soils. Plant adaptations to saturated soils. Wetlands as wildlife habitat. Policies and social issues associated with wetlands. The procedures of wetland delineations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BIO/NR/SS 421.

Techniques, aims and objectives in the teaching of physical and life sciences at the secondary level. Selection and organization of teaching material, including strategies for English language learners (ELL) and special needs students. Evaluation of results. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as BIO/PSC 424.

Principles and practices in effective teaching of science at the middle and high school level, learning theories, curriculum content and structure, classroom issues, and the teaching profession. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 seminars. Crosslisted as BIO/PSC 425.

Principles of molecular and cellular immunology. Emphasis on molecular regulation of immune cell development, including generation of unique receptors, lymphocyte signal transduction and selection, programmed cell death and regulation of immune responses. Discussion and demonstration of roles of immunology in disease and as diagnostic tools. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Important habitats, such as riparian, wetlands, and habitat features important to wildlife, such as vegetation types and snags. Basic concepts of wildlife management. Emphasis on planning and designing habitats to meet the needs of wildlife. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Development and function of blood as a tissue. Composition, function, and mechanisms of formation and destruction of blood components in health and disease. Methods for examination of blood. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

External and internal parasites of man and animals. Life history. Parasite-host relationships. Control and recognition of species of clinical importance. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Comparative physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of oxygen uptake, water and ion balance, and temperature regulation in animals. Emphasis is placed on physiological adaptations which maintain or restore homeostasis in animals which are subjected to environmental changes. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Consideration of the principal physiological and biochemical processes of plants with emphasis on water relations, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, and the physiology of plant development. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to new problems in molecular biology and current computer applications for genetic database analyses. Use of software for: nucleic acid, genome and protein sequence analysis; genetic databases, database tools; industrial applications in bioinformatics; ethical and societal concerns. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BIO/CHEM 441.

Behavioral adaptations of animals to their environment and way of life. Analysis of behavior patterns, use of patterns in clarifying evolutionary and ecological relationships. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Growth, fluctuations, balance, and natural mechanisms controlling wild populations, and methods for assessing their interconnectedness. Field trip may be required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Principles of ecology at the community level including the mechanisms that structure ecological communities, and the quantitative methods used to study community ecology such as diversity metrics, community composition analyses, interaction strengths and the application of statistics to field and experimental studies. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced ecosystem ecology and biology, and the interactions of biological communities with the abiotic environment. Emphasis on climate change, ecosystem services, and major fluxes and pools of organic elements. 4 lectures.

Effect of geographical space on distribution and abundance of organisms. Analysis of movement, home ranges, connectivity, range limits, and factors that shape these processes. Survey of available tools and data to answer questions in the discipline. 3 lectures, 1 lab.

Exploration of the role of landforms and lithology in shaping species and community diversity, and ecological and evolutionary processes. Plant-microbe-soil relations, heavy metal tolerance, conservation of rock outcrop plants and associated biota. Green technologies such as phytoremediation and agromining. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Assisting the instructor in teaching and supervising undergraduate laboratories in the Biological Sciences Department. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Introduction to cell structure and function, energy conversions, protein sorting, signaling, cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and the cell cycle. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Guided course with group meetings, leading to completion of a written research proposal. Review of scientific literature and analysis of existing experimental results from published peer-reviewed articles in biology. Includes oral presentations. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 activities.

Completion of research, data analysis, or other substantial project as a capstone for the major. Student identifies faculty mentor before enrolling to develop project proposal and clarify deliverables. Typically a continuation of BIO 400. Written project report and/or presentation required.

Continuation of research experience leading to completion of advanced research in the biological sciences. Topic selected and conducted in consultation with a faculty mentor. Results presented as a written report and/or oral presentation in a public forum.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topics selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Applications of biological research topics. Discussions of how selected discoveries in biological research formed the basis for, and were developed into, practical applications, currently accepted theories, generally utilized techniques or decisions affecting society and political policies The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Introduction to techniques used in molecular biology and biotechnology; DNA extraction, characterization, cloning, Southern blotting, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing analysis. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as BIO/CHEM 475.

Heterologous gene expression of a recombinant protein in a microbial system: gene cloning, construction of expression plasmid, DNA sequence analysis, transformation of microbial host, selection and analysis of transformed host cells, expression and purification of recombinant protein. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as BIO/CHEM 476.

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advanced study planned and completed with the approval of and under the direction of a member of the department faculty. A written scholarly presentation of the results of each BIO 500 project must be included in the graduate student's departmental file. Total degree credit limited to 3 units. Total credit limited to 12 units.

Principles of molecular and cellular biology including gene function and regulation, energetics, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton, signaling, adhesion, and the cell cycle. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Principles of and current topics in organismal biology, with an emphasis on physiology (including organ systems), behavior, and responses to the environment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Considerations of theory and practice in population ecology, evolutionary biology, and biosystematics. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Key issues for scientists communicating with the general public. Introduction to principles, examination of case studies, and practical application in outreach projects. Intended for graduate students in biology and related disciplines. 1 activity.

Principles and selected topics in developmental biology. Issues of differentiation, morphogenesis, and pattern formation; specific topics chosen by participants. 2 seminars.

Principles of stem cell biology including characteristics, types, roles in development, therapeutic uses, historical perspectives and ethical issues. 2 seminars.

Function and evolution of behavioral traits as they relate to ecological phenomena. Behaviors include habitat selection, migration, spacing mechanisms, mating strategies, foraging, aggression, parasitism, altruism, communication, and comparative social systems. Examples from the primary literature. Includes oral presentations. 2 seminars.

Preparation for a successful career in biology within or outside of academia through skills development in professional communication and presentation, the peer-review process, mentorship, scientific ethics. 2 seminar.

Written and oral presentations of a proposal for research in biology including a literature review. 3 seminars.

Data management and visualization tools for research. Introduction to data management in menu driven applications. Extensive work with data management in code-driven applications. Advanced visualization techniques for data presentation and publication. 3 seminars.

Directed group study of selected topics for graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topics for selection. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Concepts of teaching and learning related to instructor performance in college biology laboratory classes. Introduction to teaching strategies, managing a classroom, writing exam questions, and science education research for the laboratory class setting. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity.

Supervised teaching-related activities associated with undergraduate classes in the Biological Sciences Department including assessment, curriculum development, implementing novel teaching approaches. Total credit limited to 2 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Independent research experience in biological or biomedical research. Proposal writing and literature review; experimental design, implementation and troubleshooting; oral and poster presentations. 1 seminar and supervised work. Crosslisted as ASCI/BIO/BMED 583. Formerly ASCI/BIO/BMED 594.

Advanced study, analysis and part-time work experience in student's career field; current innovations, practices, and problems in administration, supervision, and organization of business, industry, and government. Must have demonstrated ability to do independent work and research in career field. Total credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Critical evaluation of primary literature on a specific topic in biology. Includes oral and/or written presentation of critiques. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 2 seminars.

Recent trends in the field of biology for graduate students in the Biological Sciences master's degree program. Overview of current research with presentations from visiting scholars and Cal Poly faculty. Total credit limited to 4 units. 1 activity.

Supervised graduate research and/or development in stem cell science or regenerative medicine and engineering. Provides students with an off-campus industrial or university internship. Total credit limited to 10 units. Crosslisted as ASCI/BIO/BMED 593.

Advanced study, analysis and full-time work experience in student's career field; current innovations, practices, and problems in administration, supervision, and organization of business, industry, and government. Must have demonstrated ability to do independent work and research in career field. Total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Individual research under the general supervision of the faculty, leading to a graduate thesis of suitable quality. Total credit limited to 9 units.