Course Finder

• Prerequisite: Instructor approval required.

Students must arrange an approved internship prior to enrolling in this Class. F-1 students must see the Immigration Coordinator at the International Education Center before enrolling.

The internship program is designed to provide the advanced student with on-site, practical experience in the automotive field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required.

This beginning course familiarizes older adults with how an automobile functions and builds their understanding of safety checks and emergency procedures. Older adults learn basic under-the-hood auto maintenance checks, interior and exterior care, and skills for on-the-road problem solving.

This course provides a basic understanding of bicycle maintenance and adjustments and techniques to fix most common problems. Topics include technical and mechanical skill development, tool selection and use, drive-train systems, wheel and hub systems, brake systems, suspensions, handlebar and stem assemblies. Career pathways in the bicycle industry at the local, national and international levels will be explored.

This course provides a foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in the bicycle industry including owning their own shops, working at a local bicycle shop, starting their own bicycle-related business, or finding employment in the bicycle industry. Topics in shop operations include customer service, sales, inventory management, customer segment focus, computer system selection, cash flow projections, establishing and developing vendor relationships, insurance, service ticket writing, pricing, and labor rates.

This course helps older adults explore a variety of Spanish literature in the language in which it was written and stimulates their appreciation of the vast literary output of Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish speaking countries. Students may also explore the history and culture of the country in which a literary work was produced, and participate in class discussions in Spanish.

This course helps older adults understand and appreciate the vast literary output of France and other French speaking countries, and introduces them to French culture and people. Older adults explore a variety of French literature in the language in which it was written and engage in stimulating discussions with their peers.

This course helps older adults experience and appreciate the vast literary output from non-English speaking countries and discuss that literature with peers in the language in which it was written. Course sections may focus on literature from any non-English speaking country, as long as there are sufficient numbers of interested students and faculty who can teach in that language are available.

Satisfies Global Citizenship

This course introduces students to basic concepts of environmental biology through the study of evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. The course is designed for both major and non-major environmental science students. It is intended both as preparation for upper division Environmental Science classes, but also as general education for all students interested in a more in-depth understanding of current biological and environmental issues. By the end of the course, students should be able to use scientifically sound information to critically analyze complex environmental issues from around the world. Students will gather and analyze basic research data and apply the scientific method to conservation-related projects. Laboratory and field experiments are integrated and stress scientific methodology and thinking.

Satisfies Global Citizenship

*Total of four units credit for BIOL 15 and BIOL 15N is transferable.

This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included is an investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course is three hours each of lecture and laboratory work.

*Total of four units credit for BIOL 15 and BIOL 15N is transferable.

This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included are investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course includes three hours of lecture per week.

This survey course explores the principles of biology using humans as examples. It includes introductions to the scientific method, cell biology, heredity, evolution, human ecology, behavior, and the major concepts of structure, function and pathology of most organ systems. The course may serve as an introduction to the future study of biology, including anatomy and physiology, or stand by itself as a non-lab life science course for general education students.

• Prerequisite: CHEM 11.

*No UC credit for BIOL 3, BOTANY 1 or ZOOL 5 if taken after BIOL 21, 22 or 23.

This is the first course of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for Biology majors, including Biology 21, 22, and 23. It describes how scientists approach the scientific method to generate scientific knowledge; studies the history, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution; identifies the chemistry of four classes of macromolecules; elucidates the cell principle including cell structure, function, and physiology; describes general energy metabolism; and illustrates the processes of growth and reproduction through mitosis, meiosis, development, and life cycles. Students are required to perform at least two experiments that require data collection, computer-based data management and graphing, and scientific analysis and interpretation of data. The course is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to upper division biology study.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 21 and CHEM 11.
• Advisory: CHEM 21.

*No UC credit for BIOL 3, BOTANY 1 or ZOOL 5 if taken after BIOL 21, 22 or 23.

This is the second course of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for Biology Majors, Biology 21, 22 and 23. It focuses on the structure, function and transmission of genes from the perspectives of genetics and molecular biology. A strong foundation in genetics and its relationship to molecular biology is developed through problem solving. Students perform experiments that require data analysis and demonstrate interpretations in laboratory reports. Application of Internet databases for bioinformatics is used to show relationships between DNA and protein sequences. The course is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to upper division biology study.

It is strongly recommended that students also enroll in Chemistry 21 which is required for transfer. Any online section of BIOL 22 will be taught as a hybrid with all lab meetings scheduled for in-person learning on the SMC campus.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 22.

*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.

*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.

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.

• Prerequisites: BIOL 30. Prerequisite/Corequisite: CHEM 10.

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: BIOL 31.

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.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 31.

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.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 31.

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.