Natural Science Division
Course Descriptions: Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 105. Introduction to Marine Biology (4)With an emphasis on Southern California�s marine environment, this course provides an introduction to biological principles directed at an examination of the various ocean ecosystems and their inhabitants. Does not count for major credit, nor does the grade received count in the major GPA. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. (GE).
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BIOL 106. Principles of Biology (4)An introductory course in the fundamental principles of biology with emphasis on cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and human physiology. Does not count for major credit, nor does the grade received count in the major GPA. Three hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. (GE).
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BIOL 107. Plants and the Environment (4)Studies the relationships of plants to the environment, with emphasis on the importance of plants to humans for food, fiber, fuel, and medicine. Emphasis will also be given to the management and preservation of our natural vegetation resources of Southern California coastal marsh, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, conifer forest, desert scrub, and grassland. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Does not count for major credit, nor does the grade received count in the major GPA. (GE).
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BIOL 108. Genetics and Human Affairs (4)A study of the biological process by which genetic information and common genetic traits are transmitted from one generation to the next. Causes and treatments of common inherited diseases and the biochemical nature of genes are discussed, as well as the current social issues in genetics, including applications of recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, genetics or organ and tissue transplantation, and inheritance of intelligence and behavior. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Does not count for major credit, nor does the grade received count in the major GPA. (GE).
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BIOL 109. Introduction to Animal Behavior (4)Introduces students to the diversity of behavioral adaptations animals have for survival. Emphasis will be placed on current fields of interest and research in animal behavior. Methodology and techniques necessary for investigation in behavior will also be discussed. Some time will be spent examining behavioral adaptations that conflict with the rapidly changing environment and the subsequent impact on animal populations. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Does not count for major credit, nor does the grade received count in the major GPA. (GE).
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BIOL 110. Colloquium for Freshman Biology Majors (1)A seminar designed to introduce freshman biology majors to the principal areas of biological interest and research at Seaver College. Mandatory for all biology majors during the freshman year. One meeting per week. Cr/NC grading.
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BIOL 211. Biology of Cells (4)A study of the basic processes which are common to all living organisms. The study of these principles, which emphasizes such cellular processes as transport mechanisms, metabolism, and the genetic control of cellular functions, is designed to be an introductory course for students who plan to major in biology. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 (plus laboratory) or co-enrollment in CHEM 120 or consent of instructor.
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BIOL 212. Biology of Animals (4)A study of the basic groups of animals with emphasis on the morphology and physiology of the various taxa. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week.
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BIOL 213. Biology of Plants (4)A study of the basic groups of plants with emphasis on the morphology, classification, and physiology of these groups. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. (WI).
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BIOL 230. Human Anatomy (4)A structural survey of the human body, including skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and genito-urinary systems. Laboratory includes dissection of biological specimen and examination of prosected human cadaver specimen. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. (Same as SPME 230.) This class does not fulfill degree requirements for either the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and will not count as a biology elective. Enrollment is intended for sports medicine majors only. (GE).
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BIOL 270. Principles of Human Physiology (4)An integrated study of the body�s functional systems with particular attention to fundamental physiology. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of function, especially cellular and molecular mechanisms. The course uses physical and chemical principles to present information regarding the organ systems. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. This class does not fulfill degree requirements for either the B.A. or B.S. degree in biology and will not count as a biology elective. Prerequisites: SPME 230 or BIOL 230 (Same as SPME 270.) (GE).
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BIOL 292. Selected Topics (1-4)
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BIOL 299. Directed Studies (1-4)Consent of the divisional chairperson is required.
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BIOL 311. Introduction to Ecology (4)Introduces the student to the basic concepts of ecology. Topics covered include paleoecology, biomes, ecosystems, soils, population dynamics, competition, and predation. Field trips are required. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213.
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BIOL 328. Environmental Politics and Policy (4)This course examines environmental problems from scientific, political, and ethical perspectives. The goal of the course is to give students an understanding of the scientific dimension of the world�s ecological problems, an appreciation of the political opportunities and obstacles to solving those problems, and a consideration of how our values structure the kinds of decisions we make regarding the planet. The course is taught by professors from the biology and political science areas. The course includes field trips to local environmental locations and guest lectures from local experts on environmental policy. (Same as POSC 528).
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BIOL 330. Behavioral Mechanisms in Ecology (4)Examines the relationships between animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. Emphasis will be placed on behaviors as survival mechanisms. The course will investigate predator-prey interactions, mating behaviors, aggressive interactions, communication, parental care, and altruism. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212, BIOL 213, and MATH 104.
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BIOL 331. Advanced Cellular Biochemistry (4)A study of DNA and RNA structure and function from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes; the processes and regulation of DNA replication; transcription and translation; the isolation, amplification, cloning, and sequencing of DNA and RNA; and high-level expression of cloned DNA sequences. Two three-hour lecture/laboratory periods per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 311 and CHEM 330. (Same as CHEM 331).
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BIOL 340. Natural History of the Vertebrates (4)A field course which surveys the local fresh water and terrestrial vertebrates. Emphasis is on taxonomy, ecology, and local distribution of the vertebrate species which inhabit Southern California. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213.
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BIOL 350. Genetics (4)A study of classical and molecular genetics with emphasis on genetic material and its formation, transmission, function, and organization. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213 (CHEM 301 or CHEM 310 is strongly recommended).
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BIOL 390. Plant Physiological Ecology (4)Studies principal life processes in higher plants with emphasis on physiological adaptations to environmental stress and diverse ecological habitats. The course will investigate growth, gas exchange, water and mineral transport, and hormone physiology of higher plants. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213; CHEM 301 or CHEM 310.
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BIOL 410. Principles of Physiology (4)The study of physiological functioning from the molecular level to organ systems in mammals. Membranes, neuroendocrine control mechanisms, and homeostatic feedback processes are examined for the respiratory, circulatory, excretory, immune, digestive, reproductive, and other body systems. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and 212 or equivalent; one year of college chemistry.
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BIOL 411. Advanced Cell Biology (4)Focusing on the attributes of life in its simplest form, this course examines the molecular mechanisms regulating cellular function. Emphasis will be placed on current advances in our understanding of cellular architecture, control of cellular activity by gene expression, and the specialization of uniquely differentiated cells. Experimental approaches to these advances and the accompanying primary research literature will be critically examined. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and CHEM 310. BIOL 350 is recommended.
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BIOL 420. Microbiology (4)A study of the important microorganisms and the major areas of bacteriology: medical, industrial, food, agricultural, and sanitation. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratory periods per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213; CHEM 301 or CHEM 310.
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BIOL 440. Immunohistology (4)In this course students will become familiar with the microanatomy and major structural features of the various tissue types in the mammalian body. Particular emphasis will be on human histology. Also considered will be the three-dimensional organization of cells into tissues as it relates to tissue function. Discussion of the histology of the immune system will include a detailed examination of the molecular basis of immunity and how it relates to tissues and cell types of the immune system. Includes contemporary issues of public health, cancer, and epidemiology as it relates to immune system function. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 211.
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BIOL 450. Marine Biology and Ecology (4)Examines the physiological adaptations of marine organisms to their environment. Topics include diving adaptations in whales and seals, endosymbiosis and mutualism in coral reefs and kelp forests, energy metabolism in hydrothermal vent communities, and respiratory adaptations of fishes. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213.
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BIOL 460. Developmental Biology (4)A study of developmental and embryological processes in plants and animals, with emphasis on fertilization, germ layer formation, and the genetic regulation of cellular differentiation and morphogenesis. Three hours lecture and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213. BIOL 350 or CHEM 330 are strongly recommended.
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BIOL 470. Biology of Invertebrate Animals (4)A survey of the diversity of invertebrate animal form and function emphasizing physiological and ecological adaptations to varied and changing environments through the study of living specimens collected from marine, aquatic, and terrestrial habitats. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213.
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BIOL 490. Comparative Animal Physiology (4)A study of the physical and chemical principles governing gas exchange, feeding, digestion, temperature regulation, locomotion, water and solute balance, and reproduction in the animal kingdom. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and 212, or equivalent; one year of college chemistry.
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BIOL 491. Biology Senior Seminar (1)A literature and discussion course designed to address classical and current issues from many areas of biology, including molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, environmental, and evolutionary. Special emphasis will be placed on preparation and thought to the future of biology and biological research. One one-hour discussion period per week. Open only to seniors. Cr/NC grading only.
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BIOL 590. Research in Biology (1-4)Original or classical research in the field of biology. May be taken with the consent of a selected faculty member. A comprehensive written report is required.
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BIOL 591. Biology Honors Thesis (4)Prerequisite: BIOL 590.
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BIOL 592. Selected Topics (1-4)
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BIOL 599. Directed Studies (1-4)Consent of the instructor and the divisional chairperson is required.
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Although the above are excerpted from the 2008-2009 Seaver catalog this is
not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit:
http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/
