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Biology

Administrative Office

Harney Science Center, Room 342
(415) 422-6755

Faculty

Professors:
R. James Brown; Paul K. Chien; Carol J. Chihara
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences:
William P. Jordan
Chair:
Deneb Karentz
Fletcher Jones Professor:
Allan H. Mines (Term); Patricia J. Schulz; Gary L. Stevens; Thomas J. Zavortink
Associate Professors:
Mary Jane Niles; Robert A. Schooley
Assistant Professors:
John A. Amaral; Xuanli Yao (Term)
Instructor:
Leslie King (Term)

Degree

Bachelor of Science | The Department of Biology offers a program designed to lay the foundation for a broad spectrum of careers in the life sciences. Within the Biology major, curricula are available that satisfy requirements for admission to professional schools and graduate programs.

Program Objectives

  • Introduce majors to a common core of Biology and supporting courses during the first two years, regardless of a student's specific career objectives.
  • Provide majors with the latest concepts, techniques and equipment in modern biology.
  • Require supporting courses for majors that will both complement their curriculum and enhance their potential growth.
  • Offer majors a diversity of lecture, laboratory and field courses that reflects the various facets of modern biology.
  • Provide opportunities for significant research experiences for the interested undergraduate major.
  • Supply to any student seeking a career in a biological or health related field the best information on curricula, graduate programs, career demands and how to obtain further specialized information.
  • Remind ourselves and our students of the ethical components inherent in the application of science and technology and our mutual responsibilities.
  • Foster the Jesuit ideal of an educational climate where education continues outside the classroom and beyond a baccalaureate degree.

Undergraduate Programs in Biology

Major

Requirements for the Major in Biology

Students majoring in Biology are required to complete sixty-eight (68) units as follows:

Biology (41 units)

Lower division (14 units):

No more than four (4) units from BIOL 398 and 497, 498, and no more than two (2) units of BIOL 490 may be counted toward upper division Biology credit. Three (3) units of Biochemistry will be accepted as three units of upper division Biology.

Required supporting courses (27 units)

Chemistry (16 units):

Recommended Curriculum for the Biology Major

Freshman Year

Fall
BIOL 104 Intro to Biology and Writing  (1)
EW 184, 204, 214, or 235 (3)
CHEM 111 Gen. Chemistry I (5)
COMM 103 Public Speaking (3)
MATH 103, Statistical Reasoning for Business and Science (3)

Total: 15

Spring
 CHEM 113 Gen. Chem II (5)
 EW and other GEC  (6)
BIOL 105 Gen. Biology I (5)

Total: 16

Sophmore Year

Fall
CHEM 236 Organic Chemistry (5)
CHEM 237 Organic Chemistry Lab (3)
BIOL 106 Gen. Biology II (3)
GEC (finish EW series) (6)

Total: 17

Spring
BIOL 212 Cell Physiology(3)
Upper-Division Biology* or
  CHEM 356 Fund. Biochemistry (3-4)
Electives or GEC (9)

Total: 15-16

Junior Year

Fall
BIOL 310 Genetics  (3)
PHYS 100 Intro. Phys I  (4)
Upper-division Biology  (3-4)
Electives or GEC  (6)

Total: 16-17

Spring
PHYS 101 Intro. Phys II (4)
Upper-division Biology (6-7)
Electives or GEC (6)

Total: 16-17

Senior Year

Fall
Upper-division Biology (6-7)
Electives or GEC (9)

Total: 15-16

Spring
BIOL 414 Evolution (3)
Upper-division Biology (6-7)
Electives or GEC (6)

Total: 15-16

* For students preparing for medical or other health related professional school, please refer to the Pre-Medical and Other pre Health Advising Program in the Institutes and Enrichment Programs section of the University Catalog. For those intending to apply to graduate schools, consultation with the academic advisor is recommended for additional courses Note: Upper division Biology courses that do not require Cell Physiology as a prerequisite
include: California Flora, Human Anatomy, and California Wildlife.

Molecular Biology Emphasis

This area of emphasis within the Biology major trains students for positions in academic, medical, or industrial biotechnology laboratories. It also prepares students for graduate study in genetics, molecular biology and other fields of the life sciences.

In addition to the lower division Biology requirements (14 units) and the required supporting courses (27 units) the following courses constitute the Emphasis (27 units):

The following additional courses are recommended:

Six units of credit toward the upper division Biology requirement will be granted for Chemistry 350-351 (Biochemistry).

In the senior year, a student electing the emphasis completes an individual senior thesis research project (Biology 498, 2 to 3 units) utilizing techniques of molecular biology. The student must see an advisor to declare the emphasis by the end of the junior year, and must have a 3.0 grade point average in the Biology major in order to register for the senior research project.

Biology Majors Who Are Considering Post-baccalaureate Degree Programs

Students should consult their advisors to determine the best program for their individual needs. Those who wish to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy schools should also ascertain the specific admission requirements for the professional schools to which they plan to apply (information is available in the Biology Department Office and under the Pre-Medical and Other Pre Health Science Advising Program in the Institutes and Enrichment Programs section of the University Catalog). The standard curriculum can then be enhanced accordingly. Students may also wish to complete requirements for a minor in Biochemistry (description of Biochemistry minor is provided under the Chemistry Department section of this catalog).

Biology Honors Program

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science degree with honors. This degree requires a research thesis in one of the following areas: botany, developmental biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, or vertebrate zoology. The program is designed to provide superior undergraduate students with opportunities to carry out original research in preparation for graduate school, professional training, or a position in an industrial or government research laboratory.

Only students with an overall grade point average of 3.2 or above are eligible for acceptance into the program. Applications are to be made to the Honors Thesis Program Committee during the student's junior year. Depending on the area of research interest, students are assigned a thesis committee consisting of a research advisor and one additional faculty member. Research credit amounting to four (4) units is earned through enrollment in BIOL 598, followed by two (2) units of thesis writing through enrollment in BIOL 599.

Each project must be evaluated by the thesis committee before submission to the chair for final approval. Successful completion of the Biology Honors Program is recorded on the student's transcript.

Minor

This program requires completion of the following (33-34 units):

Undergraduate Courses in Biology

Lower Division

0201-104. Introduction to Biology and Writing (1)
Corequisite: EW 184, 204, 214, or 235. Introduction to the history of great ideas in Biology and to writing in the biological sciences. Required for freshmen intending to major in Biology or Environmental Science. One hour lecture each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-105. General Biology I (5)
Pre- or corequisite: CHEM 113. Introduction to the principles and concepts of biology with emphasis on molecular biology and cell physiology. Three hours lecture and two laboratory sessions each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-106. General Biology II (5)
Prerequisite:BIOL 105 (with a grade of "C-" or better) or consent of instructor. Introduction to the principles and concepts of biology with emphasis on biological diversity, organismal biology and ecology. Three hours lecture and two laboratory sessions each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-115. Survey of Human Physiology (4)
Prerequisite:CHEM 116 or equivalent. Not open to Biology majors. Survey of the functions of tissues, organs and organ systems in the human; with an emphasis on the mechanisms involved. Three hours lecture and one laboratory session each week. Offered every semester.

0201-134. Microbiology (3)
Pre- or Corequisite:CHEM 116;
Corequisite: BIOL 135. Not open to Biology majors. An elementary study of bacteria and other microorganisms causing disease and immunity. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Fall and Spring.

0201-135. Laboratory in Microbiology (1)
Corequisite:BIOL 134. Not open to Biology majors. One laboratory session each week. Offered every Fall and Spring.

0201-212. Cell Physiology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 106 (with a grade of C or better), CHEM 236 (or equivalent). Study of cell action with emphasis on the fundamental relationships between structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Spring and Fall.

0201-296. Work Experience (1-2)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. An opportunity to obtain work experience in an area of biological interest. A weekly average of at least three (3) hours volunteer work per unit is required. (Note: This course does not fulfill upper division Biology requirements.) Offered every Fall and Spring.

Upper Division

0201-310. Genetics (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212. Basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics covering both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Three hours lecture and one hour recitation each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-311. Laboratory in Genetics (2)
Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 310 Techniques for studying genetics in the laboratory, utilizing primarily fruit fly cultures. One hour lecture and one laboratory session each week. Offered in Fall of odd numbered years.

0201-319. Ecology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 105/106. The principles of the structure and function of ecosystems and types of data/analyses utilized in order to study, e.g., energy flow, biogeochemical cycling, and population dynamics. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Spring. (Not offered Spring 1999.)

0201-320. Human Physiology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212;
Corequisite: BIOL 321. Survey of the function of the tissues, organs and organ systems in the human, with an emphasis on the mechanisms involved and problem solving. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-321. Laboratory in Human Physiology (1)
Corequisite: BIOL 320. One laboratory session each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-345. Virology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212recommended. Structure, replication, and genetics of viruses with emphasis on viruses that infect vertebrates and dynamics of host virus interactions. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-346. General Microbiology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212; Corequisite: BIOL 347; Recommended: BIOL 347. An introduction to microorganisms: structure, metabolism, and biological properties. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-347. Laboratory in General Microbiology (1)
Corequisite: BIOL 346. One laboratory session each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-348. Microbial Ecology (3)Prerequisites:BIOL 105/106 or (ENVR 210); CHEM 111/113;
Corequisite:BIOL 349. An introduction to microbial groups; their growth and activities in various environments, interactions with plants and animals, and applications in bioremediation and industry/biotechnology. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-349. Laboratory in Microbial Ecology (1)
Corequisite: BIOL 348. One laboratory session each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-350. Comparative Animal Physiology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 212. Animal physiology, from invertebrates to mammals, emphasizing basic physiological principles. Offered every Fall.

0201-354. Endocrinology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212. A study of the biology of hormonal mechanisms in higher animals. Three hours lecture each week. Offered in Spring of odd numbered years.

0201-448. Advanced Human Physiology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 320/321;
Corequisite:BIOL 449. Study of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal physiology in humans. Emphasis on quantitation and problem solving. Three hours lecture and one hour conference each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-449 Laboratory in Advanced Human Physiology (1)
Corequisite: BIOL 448. One laboratory session each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-457. Cell Biology and Ultrastructure (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 212. A study of the theory and practice of electron microscopy and interpretation of cell ultrastructure. Three hours lecture each week. Offered every Fall. (Not offered Fall 1998).

0201-458. Laboratory Techniques in Electron Microscopy (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 212. Laboratory techniques of preparing biological materials for electron microscopy. Two laboratory sessions each week. Offered every Fall. (Not offered Fall 1998).

0201-464. Photobiology (3)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212.
Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 100. A study of the effects of solar radiation on biological systems. Three hours lecture each week. Not offered 1998-2000.

0201-481. Techniques in Cell Biology (2)
Prerequisite:BIOL 212;
Corequisite: BIOL 482. Principles and practices of laboratory techniques used in cell biology. Two hours lecture each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-482. Laboratory in Techniques in Cell Biology (2)
Corequisite: BIOL 481. Two laboratory sessions each week. Offered every Fall.

0201-485. Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (2)
Prerequisite: BIOL 212;
Corequisite: BIOL 212. Recombinant DNA techniques; methods of nucleic acid isolation and characterization. Two hours lecture each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-486. Laboratory in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology (2)
Corequisite: BIOL 485. Two laboratory sessions each week. Offered every Spring.

0201-490. Undergraduate Seminar in Biology (1) Topics in Biology. Open to juniors and seniors only. May be repeated once for upper-division credit. One hour each week. Offered intermittently.

0201-497. Research Seminar for Advanced Undergraduates (1-3) Prerequisites: Upper Division standing and a 3.0 GPA in Biology. Selected students have an opportunity to work on a research project under the direction of a faculty member while also participating in a seminar on research topics, which include information retrieval, grant proposal and research paper writing, and computer applications. May be repeated for credit (up to 4 units combined with Biology 398, 498 may apply to the Upper Division requirements). Offered intermittently.

0201-498. Research for Advanced Undergraduates (1-3) Prerequisites: Upper Division standing and a 3.0 GPA in Biology. Selected upper division students have an opportunity to work on an ongoing research project under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit (up to 4 units combined with Biology 398, 497 may be counted towards the Biology Upper Division requirements). Offered every Fall and Spring when Biology 497 is not offered.

0201-550. Environmental Physiology (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Principles of animal physiology and adaptive mechanisms. Two hours lecture each week. Offered intermittently.

0201-551. Laboratory in Environmental Physiology (2)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, Biology 550 (may be taken concurrently). Project-oriented course with an emphasis on adaptive mechanisms and environmental toxicology. Two laboratory sessions each week. Offered intermittently.

0201-598. Thesis Research for Biology Honors Program (1-2)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered every Fall and Spring.

0201-599. Thesis Writing for Biology Honors Program (1-2)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered every Fall and Spring.
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