Course Finder

• Prerequisites: BIOL 32 or BIOL 33.

This survey course will introduce students to the broad field of nanobiotechnology by highlighting principles of nanoscience and nanotechnology and their applications in biomolecular, biomedical, medical, and environmental nanoscience. These concepts will be reinforced through research presentations from industry professionals that utilize the techniques and methodologies discussed during lectures. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Topics explored in this course include the history of nanoscience and its impact on society; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; chemical properties and potential interactions in biological systems; and the industry and workforce applications of nanomaterials. The course is intended to supplement the advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses and to assist students in networking with industry professionals. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate competency in the methods for fabricating and characterizing nanomaterials used in biological contexts; describe the impact that nanobiotechnology has on society; apply their knowledge of biotechnology and nanoscience to design a novel experiment; engage and communicate with industry professionals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

Please see “Independent Studies” section.

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.

Please see “Internships” section.

Please see “Internships” section.

• Prerequisite: BIOL 21 or SCI 10.

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.

*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.

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.

C-ID: BUS 110.

An overview of the functional areas of business in a global society. Students will complete the course with knowledge of the general business environment, economic systems, business ethics, operations and project management, and technology and information systems. In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of economics, business ownership, entrepreneurship, finance, management, leadership, and marketing. Key themes woven throughout the course include exploration of career options and development of business problem-solving skills.

This course introduces students to the basics of intellectual property law. The course is designed for the non-law student who wants to gain a general understanding of the different types of intellectual property and the subject matter that each protects. Current case examples will be explored to illustrate the application and relevance of each form to different industries.

This course provides students with an introduction to the hospitality industry, explaining the interrelationships and history of key leisure industry segments. An emphasis is placed on the application of technology, sustainability, ethics, leadership, teams, critical thinking, and service standards for the restaurant, hotel, and travel-related businesses. The course examines career opportunities, operations management, human resource management, marketing, and financial considerations for each segment.

This course is a survey of entry-level, first-time management concepts, theories, and principles with a focus on a manager’s job responsibilities and the role that managers play in planning, organizing, leading and motivating teams, and controlling organizations. Career and educational pathways include organizational development as applied to retail management across a variety of industries.

This course will explore the role women play in business management and leadership. It is geared for those interested in building a career in business. Key topics include women in leadership positions and how that relates to communication styles, teamwork, and corporate performance. Students also explore the challenges women face such as the pay gap, difficult people, and “derailment.” Finally, students will explore possible career paths of interest focusing on empowering themselves to harness their strengths and to find a mentor in their field as they begin to envision and to build successful careers for themselves.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic overview of the property/casual insurance system. It is designed for those students who have little or no knowledge of insurance. In addition, this course will enable students to understand and apply the proper ethical behavior and obligations related to the insurance field.