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A plant (forget-me-not), an animal (flabouyant cuttlefish), & petri dishes with pGLO plasmids

The Biology Program

The Biology program offers courses that are intended to create interest and enrichment through the study of living organisms and the basic biological principles. The major courses provide a strong background in the biological sciences for students transferring to four-year institutions who are interested in careers such as agriculture, health, research, and teaching. Prerequisite courses for nursing and other allied health programs are also offered. For detailed requirements for individual four-year institutions, students should contact the transfer institution and/or meet with a counselor for specific transfer course requirements in their major. Students can also access major and transfer information for California State Universities and University of California at www.assist.org.

 

Biology Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Biology program, a student should be able to:

  • apply the scientific method to problem solving, devising a research plan, and evaluating data and findings.
  • describe the structure and function of biological molecules, cells and organelles, and tissues and organ systems of plants and animals.
  • apply the principles of heredity at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
  • explain the mechanism and evidence of evolution through natural selection.
  • apply taxonomic principles to the classification of organisms.
  • describe the flow of energy within organisms and within ecosystems.

Biology Faculty & Staff

Faculty

Dr. Alexander Edens  
S233 aedens@hartnell.edu 

Dr. Jeffery Hughey
S229 jhughey@hartnell.edu 

Rosser Panggat 
S224 rpanggat@hartnell.edu 

Nancy Wheat
S222 nwheat@hartnell.edu 

Dr. Ann Wright
S225 awright@hartnell.edu 

Instructional Staff

Joni Black
S116 jblack@hartnell.edu 

 

Adjunct Faculty

  

Matt Berry
mberry@hartnell.edu

Robin Hayes
rhayes@hartnell.edu

 

Tina Raeder Vanstirum 
traeder@hartnell.edu 

Alicia Steinhardt 
asteinhardt@hartnell.edu 

Mary Touton
mtouton@hartnell.edu 

 

Biology Course Descriptions

BIO1. Fundamental Biological Concepts (5 credits) 
Prerequisites: MAT 123 or two years of high school algebra; CHM 22 or CHM 60 or CHM 1A, or successful completion of any college level chemistry course. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 6 Hrs
An introduction to the study of the structure and function of living systems with an emphasis on t he molecular and cellular levels of organization and the roles of DNA, genetics, and evolution as the unifying concepts of biology. Recommended for biology, pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary majors. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]
[C-ID BIOL 190]

BIO2. General Zoology (5 credits) 
Prerequisite: MAT 123 with a grade of “C” or better or placement by Hartnell’s assessment.
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 6 Hrs
An introduction to the study of animals and their diversity of form and function. An emphasis will be made on comparative morphology, physiology and behavior and on the application of evolutionary and ecological principles to animal populations. This course will also explore the historical development of animal sciences and current innovations in zoological research. Laboratory and field activities will introduce students to methods of systematics and ecological study and to the diversity of the animal groups. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO3. General Botany (5 credits) 
Prerequisite: MAT 123 with a grade of “C” or better or placement by Hartnell’s assessment. Advisory: A college-level biology course.
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 6 Hrs
An introduction to the principles of plant biology with emphasis on t heir structure, function, reproduction, genetics, systematics, and ecology. Required for biology majors. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO5. Human Anatomy (4 credits) 
Advisory: A college-level biology course.
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
A survey of the structure of the human body including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, nervous, lymphatic, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. The course is designed to appeal primarily to physical education and nursing majors but may be profitably taken by any student. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO6. Introductory Physiology (3 credits) 
Prerequisite: BIO 1 or BIO 5, and completion of any college-level chemistry course. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Lec 3 Hrs
An introduction to the study of the structure and function of human systems with an emphasis on the contribution of cellular and tissue structure and function to homeostasis. Recommended for health-related certificate programs, registered nursing, biology, physical education, pre-med, pre-dental and pre-veterinary majors. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2; IGETC, AREA 5B]

BIO6L. Physiology Laboratory (2 credits) 
Corequisite: BIO6
Lab 6 Hrs
An introduction to the laboratory study of the structure and f unction of human systems with an emphasis on the collection and analysis of chemical and physical data which relate to the concept of homeostasis in the human body. Recommended for health-related certificate programs, physical education, biology, pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary majors. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5C]

BIO10. General Biology (4 credits) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
An introduction to the principles of general biology with emphasis on diversity, morphology, cellular and organismal physiology, heredity, evolution, and ecology of living organisms. This is a general education course intended for students not majoring in biology. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO11. Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits) 
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
An introduction to the biology of the human being. The structure and f unction of the organ systems of the human body, and their contributions to homeostasis will be emphasized in lecture and laboratory. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO12. Introduction to Genetics (3 credits) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Advisory: Completion of one-year of beginning algebra (high school or college)with a grade of “C” or better.
Lec 3 Hrs
An introduction to the fundamental principles of genetics and heredity. Students will investigate the transmission of traits from one generation to the next, the molecular structure of genes and gene products, the regulation of gene expression, and factors affecting gene frequencies in populations. Students will also analyze the social, legal and ethical implications of advances in genetic technology as applied to medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The course is designed for all students interested in the science and applications of genetics. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2; IGETC AREA 5B]

BIO13. Introduction to Forensic DNA Analysis (3 credits) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Lec 3 Hrs
An introduction to forensic DNA analysis with emphasis on biology. Students will develop an appreciation for forensic DNA methodologies and an under standing of their limitations in solving crime. Designed for students interested in learning the basic principles of molecular human identification. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2]

BIO18. Introduction to Pathophysiology (3 credits) 
Lec 3 Hrs
Prerequisite: BIO 11 with a grade of “C” or better, or BIO 6, BIO 6L and BIO 5 with a grade of “C” or better.
Introduction to the concepts and principles of disease processes of the human body. The course will utilize the format of detection, diagnosis, treatment, etiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of diseases in all major body systems. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2; IGETC, AREA 5B]

BIO20. Field Biology/Natural Science (4 credits) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
An introduction to the natural history of bacteria, fungi, protists, plants and animals. Identification, classification, life histories, and ecological relationships will be investigated. Recommended for students interested in outdoor biological studies. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO27. Principles of Microbiology (4 credits) 
Prerequisite: Completion of CHM 1A or CHM 22 or CHM 60 with a grade of “C” or better. Advisory:  Completion of any college-level biology course with a grade of “C” or better. For nursing students, completion of coursework in human anatomy and physiology (i.e., BIO 5 and BIO 6/6L) is strongly recommended.
Lec 3 Hrs;  Lab 3 Hrs
A general introduction to the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae protozoa, and helminths, with major emphasis on t he  study of bacteria. Aspects of microbiology  important in health, sanitation, food  processing and biotechnology are  emphasized in lecture and laboratory. This course is designed for students majoring in biological sciences, nursing, and other health science majors. [CSU, UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO30. Marine Biology (4 credits) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
An introduction to the study of marine life.  Emphasis on the fundamentals of biology, with a s urvey of the prokaryotes, algae, invertebrates, vertebrates and their physiology and ecology. Recommended for non-science majors who desire a general knowledge and appreciation of life in the sea. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO42. Human Biology (3 credits) 
Lec 3 Hrs
Introduction to human biology, including biochemistry, cytology, histology, organ systems, and genetics. Behaviors related to health and diseases are presented, as well as advances in biotechnology and the impact of humans on the environment. Will benefit non-majors as well as students interested in health careers. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, E; IGETC, AREA 5B]

BIO47. Ecology (4 credits) 
Lec 3 Hrs; Lab 3 Hrs
Introduction to the relationships between organisms and their environments. Emphasis on habitats, organismal biology, energy flow, nutrient cycles, natural populations, communities, and human interactions with natural ecosystems. Field trips required. Recommended for science and non-science majors who desire a general knowledge and appreciation of ecosystems. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2, B3; IGETC, AREA 5B, 5C]

BIO48. Environmental Science (3 credits) 
Lec 3 Hrs
An introductory and multidisciplinary study of the biology of our environment and its interrelationships. Emphasis is on the impact of human population and policies in regard to air, water, land use, resources and waste management. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE, AREA B2; IGETC AREA 5B]

BIO48L. Environmental Science Laboratory (1 credit) 
Pass/No Pass Option
Corequisite: BIO 48
Lab 3 Hrs
Introduction to the study of the environment through hands-on field and laboratory experiments. Emphasis on ecological principles, populations, natural resources, energy use, and lifestyle choices. [CSU; UC; CSU-GE AREA B3; IGETC AREA 5C]

BIO59. Biological Research Methods (3 credits) 
Advisory: MAT 121 or placement by Hartnell’s assessment. Completion of a chemistry class at either the high school or college level.
Lec 1.5 Hrs; Lab 4.5Hrs
This course provides training in research methods in the biological sciences. It is intended to prepare students for work on independent projects in a professional laboratory environment. Students will learn how to develop a project, collect and record data using appropriate techniques, conduct and analyze experiments, and communicate their findings. This course provides intensive training in research methods used in biology, chemistry, agriculture, and other disciplines in which living organisms are studied in a laboratory setting. Lecture and lab experiences include laboratory safety, data collection and record keeping, use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, aseptic technique, calculation and preparation of solutions and media, fundamentals of measurement, separation technologies, and specialized methods in field studies and biotechnology. This course is recommended for students seeking to acquire skills that can be applied in the workplace or in advanced studies.

Biology Degree Requirements

Required Major Courses Course Title Units
BIO 1 Fundamental Biological Concepts 5
BIO 2 General Zoology 5
BIO 3 General Botany 5
CHM 1A/1B General Chemistry 10
MAT 13 Elementary Statistics 5
MAT 25 Pre-Calculus 4

PHY 2A/2B OR
PHY 4A/4B/4C

College Physics OR
General Physics

8
12
  Subtotal units (42-46)  
Recommended Major Electives (Select from the following; none required)    
CHM 12A Organic Chemistry I 5
CHM 12B Organic Chemistry II 5
MAT 2 Calculus for managerial, life, and social sciences 4
MAT 3A Analytic Geometry and Calculus I 4
MAT 3B Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
MAT 3C Analytic Geometry and Calculus III 4
General Education Courses    
Natural Sciences CHM 1A will count  
Social and Behavioral Sciences Select a minimum of 3 units  
Humanities Select a minimum of 3 units  
Ethnic Groups in the United States Select a minimum of 3 units  
Language and Rationality 9 units  
Written Composition ENG 1A College Composition and Reading 3
Communication and Analytical Thinking MAT 13 will count  
  MAT 25 will count  
     
  General Education 21
  Biology Required Major Courses 42-46
  Electives (required when GE units plus degree units total < 60)  
  Total Units 63-67

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Completing the AS degree does not meet all the requirements for transfer. Students planning to transfer to a university should follow the requirements of the four-year university. Information on course equivalencies and major preparation requirements for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are available online at www.assist.org. Please consult with a Hartnell College counselor to review transfer requirements.