Biology

Biology

Biology is the study of life across molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary scales. Core concepts include evolution, genetics, the connections between structure and function, transformations of energy and matter, and the development of emergent properties in living systems. The study of biology develops the ability to apply the process of science and to solve biological problems with quantitative reasoning, models, and simulations. Biologists communicate and collaborate with other disciplines and understand the relationship between science and society. Careers in research, genetics, biotechnology, plant sciences, zoology, conservation, environmental science, education, human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry are all possibilities for biology graduates.

See the Biology page for program and contact information.

Courses

BI 101 General Biology: Cells & Genes (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: MTH 60 or MTH 98 or placement into Math level 10.

Designed to fulfill general education requirements, this course is intended for non-major students whose program requires biology courses. Centers on concepts of unity of living organisms including evolution, biochemistry, cell biology genetics and development. Need not be taken in sequence.

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BI 102 General Biology: Evolution (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: MTH 60 or MTH 98 or placement into Math level 10.

Designed to fulfill general education requirements, this course is intended for non-major students whose program requires biology courses. Focus is on concepts of biological diversity including the evidence for and mechanisms of evolution, sexual selection, and adaptations to local environments. Need not be taken in sequence. This course includes animal dissection.

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BI 103 General Biology: Ecology (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: MTH 60 or MTH 98 or placement into Math level 10.

Designed to fulfill general education requirements, this courses is intended for non-major students whose program requires biology courses. Focus is on ecological concepts including interactions between organisms and the abiotic environment, co-evolutionary adaptations, and Central Oregon flora and/or fauna. Scheduled labs may include outdoor field trips. Need not be taken in sequence.

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BI 105 Human Biology for Health Science Careers (4 Credits)

Outlines anatomical structures and functions of the human body. Examines roles and interrelationships of body systems across the lifespan and identifies medical terminology for selected organs and function. Prepares students to enter Licensed Massage Therapist, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Health Information Management programs at COCC.

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BI 108 Introduction to Human Genetics (4 Credits)

Designed for non-science majors and introduces students to basic principles of genetics and genetic technologies applied to human health and human affairs. Topics include classical (Mendelian) inheritance, complex inheritance, inherited disorders, analysis of pedigrees, gene structure and gene expression, epigenetic effects on gene expression, sex determination and the genetics of cancer. Some technologies introduced include: the use of DNA in genealogy and forensic biology, gene-editing technologies, and reproductive cloning technologies.

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BI 115 Scientific Thinking with Lab (4 Credits)

Introduces the language and process of the scientific method and scientific studies. Provides tools to evaluate scientific information, including identifying pseudoscience and unethical uses of science. Promotes critical evaluation of scientific data and effective science communication. Labs offer students hands-on exploration of scientific inquiry.

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BI 120 Introduction to the Human Body (4 Credits)

Provides an introduction to how the human body works, including organs, the major body systems, and foundational information about diseases and disorders. Labs offer students hands-on learning with anatomical models, animals tissues, and human cadavers. This course is intended for non-biological science majors.

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BI 142 Introduction to Marine Biology (4 Credits)

Examines the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the marine environment with emphasis on the ecology, biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation of marine resources.

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BI 199 Selected Topics: Biology (1-5 Credits)

Provides a learning experience in biology not currently available; this course is in development to be proposed as a permanent course.

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BI 202 General Botany (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: At least one previous biology course (BI 101, 102, 103).

Studies plant anatomy, human interactions with plants, and especially plant taxonomy within an evolutionary framework. Focuses on flowering plant families common in Central Oregon and identification using taxonomic keys.

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BI 221 Principles of Biology: Cells (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: WR 065 or WR 121Z or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7.

Prerequisites with concurrency: CH 104 or CH 221.

Introduces fundamental biological concepts and theories about the chemical and molecular basis of life, structure and function, transformation of energy and matter, and information flow at a cellular and molecular level.

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BI 222 Principles of Biology: Organisms (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: BI 221.

Introduces fundamental biological concepts and theories about plant and animal physiology, evolution, structure and function, transformation of energy, and matter and systems at an organismal level.

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BI 223 Principles of Biology: Populations (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: BI 221.

Introduces fundamental biological concepts and theories about diversity, evolution, and ecology, specifically evolutionary relationship, transformation of energy and matter, information flow, and systems at a population level or above.

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BI 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: WR 065 or WR 121Z or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7.

Examines the structure and function of the human body utilizing a systems approach. Emphasizes body organization, cells, tissues, as well as microscopic and gross anatomy along with the functional roles of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems, and concludes with nerve cells and tissue. Concurrent labs include hands-on dissections of a variety of tissues, organs, rats, fetal pigs and/or cats. First course of a sequence for students in pre-nursing and other pre-professional health programs. This course includes animal dissection and cadaver observation.

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BI 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: BI 231.

Continuation of examination of the structure and function of the human body utilizing a systems approach with an emphasis on anatomical and physiological relationships between nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Concurrent labs include hands-on dissections of a variety of tissues, organs, fetal pigs and/or cats. For students in pre-nursing and other pre-professional health programs. This course includes animal dissection and cadaver observation.

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BI 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: BI 232.

Continuation of examination of the structure and function of the human body utilizing a systems approach. BI 233 emphasizes the anatomical and physiological relationships between the lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Concurrent labs include hands-on dissections of a variety of tissues, organs, fetal pigs and/or cats. For students in pre-nursing and other pre-professional health programs. This course includes animal dissection and cadaver observation.

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BI 234 Microbiology (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: WR 065 or WR 121Z or minimum placement Wr/Comm Level 7 and (BI 101 or BI 221 or BI 231).

Learn the characteristics and disease-causing features of microorganisms, especially the bacteria and viruses that cause serious infectious diseases in humans. Covers defense mechanisms against infections and disease, and the development of immunity against future infections. The mechanisms of action of certain classes of anti-microbial drugs are discussed. Also covers some of the historically-common human infections and diseases. Designed especially for students in nursing, pre-pharmacy and other pre-professional health programs.

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BI 280 Co-op Work Experience Biology (1-4 Credits)

Prerequisites: instructor approval.

Provides experience in which students apply previous biology classroom learning in an occupational setting. Credits depend on the number of hours worked. Repeatable for credit. P/NP grading.

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BI 298 Independent Study: Biology (1-6 Credits)

Prerequisites: Instructor approval required.

Recommended preparation: Prior coursework in the discipline.

Individualized, advanced study in biology to focus on outcomes not addressed in existing courses or of special interest to a student. P/NP grading.

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BI 299 Selected Topics: Biology (1-5 Credits)

This course is in development.

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FN 199 Selected Topics: Foods & Nutrition (1-4 Credits)

Provides a learning experience in foods and nutrition not currently available; this course is in development to be proposed as a permanent course.

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FN 225 Human Nutrition (4 Credits)

Introduces the science of nutrition, stressing characteristics of nutrients and their food sources. Examines digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients. Includes individualized diet analysis and current-interest topics like weight management and some disease therapies. Emphasizes use of scientific research criteria for evaluation of current nutrition articles.

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FN 298 Independent Study: Foods and Nutrition (1-6 Credits)

Prerequisites: Instructor approval required.

Recommended preparation: Prior coursework in the discipline.

Individualized, advanced study in [insert subject] to focus on outcomes not addressed in existing courses or of special interest to a student. P/NP grading.

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FN 299 Selected Topics: Foods & Nutrition (1-4 Credits)

Provides a learning experience in foods and nutrition not currently available; this course is in development to be proposed as a permanent course.

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