BIOL 23 | Organismal and Environmental Biology5 unitsTransfer: UC*, CSU IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, + LAB)
*No UC credit for BIOL 3, BOTANY 1 or ZOOL 5 if taken after BIOL 21, 22 or 23. This is the third of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for biology majors. Organisms at and above the cellular level of organization are examined, with plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates receiving equal attention. Topics emphasized include morphology, physiology, systematics, ecology, evolution, and behavior. Additionally, each student must complete a term project which includes lab or fieldwork and library research. Transfer credit is limited if students enroll in other overlapping Biology courses or Zoology 5. |
---|---|
BIOL 3 | Fundamentals of Biology4 unitsTransfer: UC*, CSU IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, + LAB)
*No UC credit given for BIOL 3 if taken after BIOL 21, 22 or 23. This general biology course is for transfer students who are not biology majors. Topics include basic molecular and cellular biology, genetics, the anatomy and physiology of plants, animals and humans, the diversity of life, evolution, and ecology. Current environmental issues and new developments in biological science are discussed. Laboratory experiences are integrated and stress scientific methodology and thinking. Credit is allowed for either BIOL 3 or BOTANY 1, but not both. |
BIOL 30 | Fundamentals of Biotechnology 15 unitsTransfer: CSU This course will introduce students to the broad spectrum of the biotechnology field and workforce, with content that will be accessible and appropriate to students and professionals from diverse disciplines. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be eligible to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential. Topics explored in this course include basic molecular and cellular biology, introductory genetics, biomanufacturing, microbiology, agriculture & bioremediation, chemistry, environmental health & safety, quality assurance & regulation, business, ethics, and biotechnology company structure. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for the intermediate and advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses as well as internships. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe the general structure and operating practices for a biotechnology company, demonstrate knowledge of fundamental biotechnology concepts in a molecular biology context, and express understanding of biotechnology applications and ethical practices. |
BIOL 31 | Fundamentals of Biotechnology 2: From Genes to Proteins5 unitsTransfer: CSU
This course will introduce students to fundamental molecular and protein chemistry techniques that are essential to the biotechnology field and workforce. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be prepared for the biotechnology internship course and to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential or equivalent exams. Topics explored in this course include maintaining an industry standard notebook, following and writing SOPs, and utilizing a digital quality management software; lab safety regulations, aseptic technique, and quality control protocols; preparing and sterilizing solutions, reagents, and experimental materials; usage and maintenance of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment; bioinformatics; and amplifying, extracting, purifying, and analyzing polynucleotides and proteins. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for the advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses as well as internships. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate competency in following and editing SOPs, explain fundamental molecular and protein chemistry methods, and apply their training to use and maintain laboratory equipment. Prerequisite/Corequisite: CHEM 10. |
BIOL 32 | Cell Culture Methods & Techniques4 unitsTransfer: UC, CSU
This course will build upon students’ knowledge of cell and molecular biology by introducing students to techniques and methods that are critical for culturing, studying, and genetically manipulating eukaryotic cells. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be eligible to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential exam. Topics explored in this course include eukaryotic gene expression patterns and signal transduction pathways; biomanufacturing principles for eukaryotic cells; proper culturing and handling of eukaryotic cells; application of cell biology tools to manipulate and edit genes in eukaryotic cells; quality assurance & regulation; business, ethics, and biotechnology company structure. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for internships or transfer into biomanufacturing bachelor programs. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe & demonstrate aseptic technique; culture, maintain, and prepare eukaryotic cells for long-term storage; describe and perform cell specific assays; explain the layout and use required equipment to culture cells; and demonstrate knowledge of biotechnology applications and ethical practices. |
BIOL 33 | Immunoassay Methods4 unitsTransfer: CSU
This techniques-focused course will provide knowledge and skills in the use of antibody-related reagents and antibody-based assays as a tool in biotechnology, biomedical research, or clinical laboratories. It focuses on the specific properties of antibody reagents for the identification and quantification of various biological or environmental molecules. Students learn basic immunology, the theoretical basis of antigen-antibody reactions, micropipetting techniques, and how to design, perform, analyze, and troubleshoot modern immunoassay-related techniques. The course will prepare students for work-ready skills in a bioscience research and biotechnology industry career. |
BIOL 34 | Science Communication for Regulated Environments3 unitsTransfer: CSU
This course focuses on the documentation in regulatory environments, particularly as they relate to the biotechnology/bio- manufacturing workforce. Various modes of scientific communication to a broad range of audiences including scientists, regulatory agencies, and the general public is emphasized. The course also expands on concepts of scientific writing and experimental design covered in prerequisite classes and addresses the bioethical obligations of being a professional or citizen scientist. |
BIOL 36 | Quality Control and Assurance3 unitsTransfer: CSU Students will be introduced to principles of quality management by gaining sufficient mastery of the Quality Body of Knowledge (QBOK) to pass the Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) exam administered by the American Society of Quality. An introduction to basic quality principles and tools with an emphasis on their application in biotechnology and the bipharmaceutical industry will be covered. Concepts related to quality control, quality assurance, validation, documentation, and regulatory compliance will be discussed. |
BIOL 45V | Natural History and Marine Biology of Belize1 unitTransfer: CSU
Formerly known as British Honduras, and located 350 miles south of Cancun, Belize is famous for its natural wonders including the second largest Great Barrier Reef in the world. This course presents an opportunity to study firsthand the plant and animal forms of the land and under the sea of this tranquil corner of the Caribbean Basin. Students will analyze the tropical flora, fauna, ecology history and culture of the area including visits to Mayan archaeological sites. On-site lectures will be held in the field, on the shoreline, on the river cruise, and during snorkeling dives. Introductory lectures and a final evaluation meeting will take place on the Santa Monica College campus. |
BIOL 46A | Field Studies in Natural History3 unitsTransfer: CSU
See Schedule of Classes for current offerings This series of courses is designed to combine classroom and laboratory studies with actual field studies in biology. Students will be introduced to the flora and fauna of particular habitats, biomes, or ecological communities and the ecological relationships of these areas using a field biology approach. Identification of unknown organisms and use of standard field sampling techniques are emphasized. Courses in this series allow students to study and visit such diverse areas as Belize, China, Tahiti, the Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands, and specific habitat-types such as California Deserts, California Mountain ranges, and wetlands of Southern California. |
BIOL 46G | Natural History and Marine Biology of Costa Rica1 unitTransfer: CSU
This course presents an opportunity to study firsthand the plant and animal forms of Costa Rica. Students will analyze the neotropical fauna and flora, biogeography, and the ecology of Costa Rica, including Central America’s Cenozoic geology, volcanism, tropical rainforest canopies, and the history and impact of human inhabitation. Near shore and offshore marine ecosystems will be included in the course. Introductory lectures and a final evaluation meeting will take place on the SMC campus. |
BIOL 88A | Independent Studies in Biological Sciences1 unitTransfer: CSU Please see “Independent Studies” section. |
BIOL 88B | Independent Studies in Biological Sciences2 unitsTransfer: CSU Please see “Independent Studies” section. |
BIOL 88C | Independent Studies in Biological Sciences3 unitsTransfer: CSU Please see “Independent Studies” section. |
BIOL 9 | Environmental Biology3 unitsTransfer: UC, CSU IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, non-lab) Satisfies Global Citizenship
This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized. |
BIOL 90A | Life Science Internship1 unitTransfer: CSU Please see “Internships” section. |
BIOL 90B | Life Science Internship2 unitsTransfer: CSU Please see “Internships” section. |
BIOL 94C | Cell and Molecular Biology Research Methods2 unitsTransfer: UC, CSU
This course utilizes techniques of biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology to explore the actions of cellular proteins participating in pathways that are critical to the functioning of living organisms. Students examine the roles of a single vital protein or pathway. Through a survey of the scientific literature, students formulate hypotheses and determine appropriate methods for testing predictions. Students collect data, apply statistical methods, engage in comprehensive data interpretation, utilize computer-aided computational analyses of protein structure and searches of bioinformatics databases to evaluate experimental results, and generate new hypotheses. Comparisons between the normal function of the protein or pathway and the possible outcomes of dysfunctions are emphasized. Students report their findings in the format of a scientific journal article. |
BOTANY 1 | General Botany4 unitsTransfer: UC*, CSU IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences, + LAB)
*No UC credit for BOTANY 1 if taken after BIOL 21, 22 or 23 and no credit for BIOL 4 if taken after ZOOL 5 or BOTANY 1. This course provides an overview of photosynthetic organisms (the Plant Kingdom, photosynthetic Monerans and Protistans) and Fungi. Flowering plants are emphasized. Topics covered include a survey of botanical life forms, taxonomy, the structure, development and function of cells, stems, roots leaves, flowers, and seeds; chemistry, photosynthesis, respiration, plant physiology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, genetic engineering, evolution, and ecology. Scientific thinking skills will be developed in laboratory exercises. One or more labs are field trips to local natural areas or Plant society meetings. Credit is allowed for either BIOL 3 or BOTANY 1, but not both. |
BOTANY 3 | Field Botany4 unitsTransfer: CSU
This introduction to the life habits, interrelationships, and classification of both native and introduced plants. Provides practice in identifying species by means of keys, manuals, and charts. Emphasis is on the field study of southern California plant communities, both terrestrial and marine. Other geographic regions may be explored. Field trips are taken to any combination of botanical gardens, parks, nurseries and a number of natural settings, including nature reserves, as well as state and national parks. It is designed to be of special interest to future teachers and recreational leaders, as well as to majors in botany, general agriculture, landscape architecture, forestry, and wildlife management. |