Biology Courses
The Biology Department at Moorpark College offers a wide range of lower division undergraduate courses for students who have never taken a college biology class to the more advanced science majors preparing to transfer to a four-year institution. Specific courses specializing in various areas of Biology are available to students who wish to learn about a particular topic in more depth. Topics covered include general biology, botany, genetics, molecular biology, marine biology, zoology, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. The various biology courses offered and their respective descriptions are found below.
ANAT M01 – HUMAN ANATOMY (4 UNITS)
The course examines the anatomy of human organs and organ systems from a functional perspective that focuses on an understanding of the design of the human body. Students will learn how to distinguish tissue types through histological specimens and study the three-dimensional relationship of body structures through required non-human mammalian dissection. In addition, using human cadavers, the gross anatomy of the human body.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Prep: BIOL M01 or BIOL M02A or BIOL M02AH and ENGL M02 and MATH M03
Class Hours: 2 lecture, 6 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC (ANPH M01and PHSO M01/M01H maximum credit, one course)
C-ID: BIOL 110B
ANPH M01 – HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (6 UNITS)
The course combines the study of anatomy and physiology which allows students to effectively integrate the study of structure with functioning of the system. It utilizes themes of hierarchical structural organization and the maintenance of homeostasis to form the framework for the study of the human system at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students will examine the structure/function relationship through the required dissection of a cat in the laboratory portion. Likewise, a human cadaver will be utilized to demonstrate the principles of the anatomy of the human body.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Prep: BIOL M02A and CHEM M11
Class Hours: 4 lecture, 6 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BIOL M01 – INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY (4 UNITS)
Biology M01 introduces non-majors to science and scientific methodology through a study of the basic principles of biology. The course focuses on student understanding of the unity and diversity of life through discussions of topics that include biological chemistry, metabolism, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution of living systems, and ecology.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC (no credit if taken after BIOL M02A or BIOL M02H)
BIOL M02A – GENERAL BIOLOGY I (5 UNITS)
Biology M02A introduces students to major biological themes and principles that are fundamental to an understanding of life processes in any field of biology today. Topics covered include the scientific process, experimental design, biological chemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, cell reproduction and its controls, cell communication, genetics, molecular biology, DNA technology and evolutionary processes.
Prerequisites: MATH M03 or 2 years of high school algebra or equivalent, and CHEM M12 or high school chemistry, all with a grade of C or better
Class Hours: 4 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: BIOL 190
BIOL M02AH – HONORS: GENERAL BIOLOGY I (5 UNITS)
Biology M02AH introduces students to major biological themes and principles that are fundamental to an understanding of life processes in any field of biology today. Topics covered include the scientific process, experimental design, biological chemistry, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, cell reproduction and its controls, cell communication, genetics, molecular biology, DNA technology and evolutionary processes. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments, real-world applications, and enrichment opportunities.
Prerequisites: MATH M03 or 2 years of high school algebra or equivalent, and CHEM M12 or high school chemistry, all with a grade of C or better
Class Hours: 4 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: BIOL 190
BIOL M02B – GENERAL BIOLOGY II (5 UNITS)
Biology M02B surveys the basic biology and diversity of unicellular and multicellular organisms. The course emphasizes general biological principles, classification, structure, function and evolutionary adaptations of organisms (including plants, fungi, animals, and unicellular organisms) to their environments.
Prerequisites: BIOL M02A or BIOL M02AH
Class Hours: 4 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
C-ID: BIOL 140
BIOL M02C – GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (5 UNITS)
Biology M02C focuses on inheritance and macromolecular functioning of the cell. The course emphasizes data analysis and problem-solving skills. It also includes analysis of inheritance patterns, structure and expression of DNA in viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotes, regulation of gene expression, RNA and protein functioning, and examination of current DNA analysis technologies and their applications.
Prerequisites: BIOL M02A or BIOL M02AH and CHEM M07A or concurrent enrollment
Class Hours: 4 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BIOL M03 – MARINE LIFE AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (4 UNITS)
Biology M03 examines marine organisms and their relationships to their environment while emphasizing intertidal and offshore life forms. The course includes an investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BIOL M05 – FIELD BIOLOGY – A NATURAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA (4 UNITS)
Biology M05 introduces the ecology, taxonomy, and natural history of plant life in the diverse ecosystems of California. The course uses the principles of evolution, ecology, and geology to illustrate the structure of plant communities that form the basis of ecosystems. Furthermore, it includes identification of dominant plant species in each community and visits to desert, salt and fresh water wetlands, chaparral, and mountain habitats to explore plant, animal, and environmental interactions and the impact of humans on these environments. Field trips required.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BIOL M16 – HUMAN BIOLOGY (3 UNITS)
Biology M16 introduces the biology of humans by covering basic cell structure, organ systems, inheritance, reproduction, development and aging, disease process, and human evolution and ecology. It explores biology as a scientific endeavor and analyzes the functioning of the human body both as an integrated system and as a part of the ecosystem with special attention to physiological structure and function. The course emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge needed to make intelligent decisions on bioethical issues that face society.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 3 lecture
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BIOL M50A – BRIDGE TO BIOTECHNOLOGY (0.5 UNIT)
Biology M50A helps develop practical, hands-on experience with laboratory techniques used in the field of biotechnology. Specific techniques taught will vary depending on the current state of technology. It provides a bridge for entry-level and high school students who are interested in exploring the field of biotechnology.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 1.5 lab
BIOL M80 – INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY (1 TO 4 UNITS)
Biology M80 provides on-the-job learning to develop effective work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in paid or unpaid internships that are related to the discipline. It involves the development and documentation of learning objectives and the completion of an internship paper, presentation, or project. Includes both workplace supervisor and faculty adviser feedback and/or written evaluations. To take this course, contact the Career Transfer Center. Requires orientation session.
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one course in the discipline and instructor approval.
Class Hours: Hours as arranged
Transfer credit: CSU
BIOL M122 – INDEPENDENT STUDY - BIOLOGY (0.5 TO 3 UNITS)
Biology M122 allows independent study for students who wish to extend their knowledge of a particular area of biology through research and study. It utilizes an approved independent project and includes one-on-one work with instructor. Interested students should contact a Biology instructor for assistance in developing a contract for learning about a specific topic.
Prerequisites: A previous course in Biology and instructor approval
Class Hours: 1.5 to 9 lab hours as arranged
Transfer credit: CSU; UC (determined after admission)
BOT M01 – INTRODUCTION TO BOTANY (5 UNITS)
Botany M01 emphasizes the physical and chemical aspects of life as related to plants. Includes cellular organization, metabolism, reproduction, heredity, ecology,evolution, and plant kingdom survey. The course examines the anatomy and physiology of representative plants in each of the major plant groupings.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Prep: BIOL M02A or BIOL
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 6 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
BOT M06 – PLANTS AND SOCIETY (4 UNITS)
Botany M06 introduces basic concepts related to plant structure, function, genetics,evolution, and domestication. The course examines the economic, aesthetic, and ecological roles of plants, and considers the role of plants as a force in shaping civilizations. Likewise, it stresses the importance of plants and plant products in everyday life, as well as their ritualistic and pharmacological uses. Students will be presented with basic scientific principles and techniques using examples from plants and their products to gain an understanding of science and its value in today’s society.
Prerequisites: None
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
MICR M01 – GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY (5 UNITS)
Microbiology M01 emphasizes microbiological principles and lab techniques related to themorphology, metabolism, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria. Characterization of viruses and eukaryotic microorganisms will be taught. The course focuses on human disease, and includes the study of characteristics of pathogens, immunology, and epidemiology. Laboratory exercises including aseptic technique, staining, the determination of bacterial growth conditions and requirements, and the identification of an unknown bacterium will be performed. Application of microbiology in clinical applications as well as the examination of the bacteriology of water, soil, and food will be examined.
Prerequisites: BIOL M02A or BIOL M02AH or PHSO M01 or PHSO M01H and CHEM M01A, CHEM M12, CHEM M12H, CHEM M11, or high school chemistry
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 6 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC
PHSO M01 – HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY (4 UNITS)
Physiology M01 studies the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at the cellular, tissue, organ, organ system and organism level: integumentary system, bone, skeletal system, smooth and cardiac muscles, nervous system, sensory organs, cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, endocrine system, and reproductive system. Utilizes laboratory computer simulations and experiments to demonstrate basic principles and introduce physiological techniques and instruments. This course is primarily intended for Nursing, Allied Health, Kinesiology, and other health-related majors.
Prerequisites: ANAT M01 or concurrent enrollment, and 1 year of High School Chemistry (or higher)
Recommended Prep: BIOL M01 or BIOL M02A, or BIOL M02AH and ENGL M02, and MATH M03
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC (ANPH M01 and PHSO M01/M01H maximum credit, one course.)
C-ID: BIOL 120B
ZOO M01 – INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY (5 UNITS)
Zoology M01 covers the comparative structure, function, evolution, and a survey of animal phyla. Includes development, morphology and physiology, microevolution and macroevolution, taxonomy and systematics, molecular and morphological phylogeny, and animal behavior.
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Prep: BIOL M02A or BIOL M02AH
Class Hours: 3 lecture, 6 lab
Transfer credit: CSU; UC