BIOL- Biology

NSL- Students will be introduced to biological evolution and how it has generated the biodiversity on the planet. Students will examine major taxa of animals and some protists, with an emphasis on their evolutionary relationships, ecological interactions, and structure–function relationships. Students will examine major organ systems, with an emphasis on comparing mammalian anatomy and physiology to that of other taxa.  The laboratory work includes mandatory dissections of dead specimens, including a preserved rat. (LAB)

NSL- Students will examine major taxa of plants, fungi, photosynthetic protists, slime molds, and some bacteria, with an emphasis on their evolutionary relationships, ecological interactions, and structure-function relationships. They will examine principles of population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology, including the impact of human activities. They will apply scientific methods to a variety of laboratory problems and a term-long project. (LAB)

NSL- This is the first course in the two-quarter biology sequence of human anatomy and physiology. It will cover in detail the study of structure, function, and interrelationships of the human organ systems. The laboratory work will include microscopy, use of anatomical models, animal and/or organ dissections, experimental studies of physiological processes, and use of computer software for data acquisition and analysis.  Topics will include: histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and general and special senses. (LAB)

NSL- This is the second course in a two-quarter  sequence of human anatomy and physiology. It covers in detail the structure , function, and interrelationships of human  organ systems.  Laboratory work includes microscopy, use of  anatomical models, animal and/or organ dissections, experimental studies of physiological processes, and use of computer software. Topics include the following organ systems: cardiovascular, lymphatic (including immunology), respiratory, digestive (with metabolism), urinary, endocrine, and reproductive. (LAB)

NSL- This biology course enables students to learn and practice the scientific method as they develop an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of the microbial world.  Students will learn the basic principles of structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, as well as viruses, and how this relates to cellular processes, microbial genetics, metabolism, human disease, evolution, and the environment we live in.  In the lab, students will learn standard methods of isolating, cultivating, quantifying, and identifying microorganisms, including aseptic technique, microscopy and staining, microbial growth analysis, antimicrobial testing, and identification of unknowns.  (Students will work with Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1), and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms LAB)

NSL,SU- This course is an introduction to the vast diversity of life on Earth and the evolutionary processes that shape how organisms adapt to their environments. Students will explore ecological relationships among species, investigate the impact of humans on species and ecosystems, and connect biological concepts to everyday life and sustainability. Students will engage in the process of science through hands-on laboratory experiences, developing skills in observation, data collection and analysis, and the use of scientific tools such as microscopes and field guides. This course is intended for students not majoring in the sciences and does not fulfill prerequisites for other BIOL courses. (LAB)