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Math & Natural Sciences

Biology Course Descriptions

BIOL& 100: Survey of Biology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

An introductory class for non-science majors, which includes an introduction to major biological principles and scientific processes. Emphasis will be on the application of modern biological knowledge in society in a way that is informative and exciting. Prerequisite(s): Placement in both ENGL 99and MATH 81 or MATH 87.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science. These include the principles underlying the theories and processes underlying scientific discovery and the nature of scientific evidence upon which such contemporary scientific theories are based.
  2. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, important concepts of biology, such as evolution, the biological transformation of matter and energy, the mechanisms of the replication and utilization of inherited information, the interaction of life with its environment, and the relationship between biological structure and function, etc.
  3. Articulate the importance of biology to their lives by applying the concepts and information of biology to problems that affect their lives, in particular, and our society, in general.
  4. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data.
  5. Correctly and safely use and care for appropriate tools and equipment.
  6. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  7. Effectively communicate biological knowledge and understanding using a variety of methods.

BIOL 105: Western Washington Ecology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Explore the ecology of Pacific Northwest terrestrial and/or wetland ecosystems and human impacts on them, while learning about common animals, plants and fungi. Focus on field trips to local ecosystems, possibly including distant trips such as NW Trek and Mt. Rainier. For non-science majors. Prerequisite(s): Placement in both ENGL 99 and MATH 81 or MATH 87.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the biological principles that apply to Pacific Northwest terrestrial ecosystems. These principles include, among others, ecosystem structure and function, succession, the roles climate and topography play in the distribution of organisms and of ecosystems, adaptation, and evolution.
  2. Identify the major plants, animals, and other organisms that live in Western Washington, and describe their basic natural history.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the impacts that humans have on Western Washington ecosystems through their personal and political choices.
  4. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of terrestrial ecosystems in the field. These include the principles underlying the theories and processes underlying scientific discovery and the nature of scientific evidence upon which such contemporary scientific theories are based.
  5. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including sketching observations and using graphs.
  6. Correctly and safely use and care for tools and equipment appropriate for the study of terrestrial systems.
  7. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  8. Effectively communicate biological knowledge and understanding using a variety of methods.

BIOL 106: Marine Biology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Explore the ecology of different marine ecosystems and human impacts on them, and learn about common marine inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest. Labs include field trips to local beaches; some labs may be replaced by a field trip to a marine lab and/or research vessel. For non-science majors. Prerequisite(s): Placement in both ENGL 99and MATH 81 orMATH 87.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the biological principles that apply to Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems. These principles include, among others, biological classification, ecosystem structure and function, adaptation, and evolution.
  2. Identify the major organisms that live in our state's marine waters and describe their basic natural history.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the impacts that humans have on Western Washington marine ecosystems through their personal and political choices.
  4. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of marine systems in the field and the lab. These include the principles underlying the theories and processes underlying scientific discovery and the nature of scientific evidence upon which such contemporary scientific theories are based.
  5. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including sketching observations and using graphs.
  6. Correctly and safely use and care for tools and equipment appropriate for the study of marine systems.
  7. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  8. Effectively communicate biological knowledge and understanding using a variety of methods.

BIOL 155: Special Topics in Biology

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Topics and seminars of current interest in Biology.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, important biological concepts of current interest.
  2. Demonstrate information literacy: understand and critically evaluate material (journal articles, websites, news articles, and other media sources of information) related to topics of current interest in biology.

BIOL& 160: General Biology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to biology, with an emphasis on evolution, diversity of life, cell structures and function, metabolism, molecular biology, and genetics. Designed for students pursuing nursing, dental hygiene, and related health professions. Prerequisite(s): Placement into MATH 87 and ENGL 99.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the process of science, and be able to use the scientific method.
  2. Describe the theory of evolution by natural selection and the foundational role of evolution in biology, including why life is organized into three domains.
  3. Explain the cell theory and the two major cell types, and describe cell structure and function across levels of biological organization.
  4. Describe how processes in chemistry (pH, temperature, chemical bonds, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions) explain cellular structures and processes.
  5. Describe processes that enable cells to communicate and coordinate with other cells in both single-celled and multicellular organisms.
  6. Describe transport processes in and out of cells including the properties of molecules associated with each type of transport.
  7. Describe metabolic processes cells use to meet their energy and carbon needs.
  8. Describe the structure and function of DNA, how information stored in DNA is transcribed into mRNA and translated into proteins, and how and why cells carefully regulate these processes of gene expression.
  9. Compare and contrast genotype and phenotype, solve Mendelian genetics problems, and explain changes in genotype through mutations which may or may not result in changes in phenotype, with changes in phenotype potentially contributing to diseases. 
  10. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis and the roles of each type of cell division, and describe patterns of inheritance explained by meiosis and the combination of gametes.
  11. Explain how biotechnology processes build upon our understanding of molecular biology, and describe examples of their importance in biology and health.
  12. Collect, analyze, and report data, draw conclusions based upon experimental results, and communicate effectively using language and understanding of biology.

BIOL& 175: Human Biology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Introductory course for the non-science major. Topics emphasize how the human body normally functions, ways infectious disease and genetic disorders interfere with human health, and the diversity of the human body. Prerequisite(s): Placement in both ENGL 99 and MATH 81 or MATH 87.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of human biology and use the scientific method as a means of problem solving.
  2. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, important biological concepts, such as homeostasis, the relationship between biological structure and function, the organization of the body, growth and development from birth to adulthood, and the regulation and communication to control body functions.
  3. Explain how homeostatic systems work to maintain human health and fail to work in specific diseases and disorders.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the human body and explain how the 11 different organ systems function.
  5. Apply the concepts and information of human biology to examine the diversity of the human body.
  6. Apply the concepts and information of human biology and analyze their effect on the health of an individual. Assess, for example, risk behaviors that may reduce either the quality or length of life.
  7. Accurately collect and analyze data.
  8. Demonstrate lab safety and proficiency in identifying anatomical structures and performing experiments which illustrate physiological pathways in each organ system.
  9. Productively collaborate to complete group activities and assignments.
  10. Define anatomical and physiological vocabulary and use medical terminology to communicate effectively about human biology in health and disease.
  11. Demonstrate information literacy: understand and critically evaluate material (journal articles, websites, news articles, and other media sources of information) related to human biology.

BIOL 210: Problem Solving for Majors Cellular Biology

Credits: 1.0

Designed to improve student success in BIOL& 211. Provides practice solving problems with improved overall understanding of principles. S/U grade only. Registration permitted first seven weeks (six in summer) as space is available. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101, MATH 87, and CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161, all with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Corequisite(s): BIOL& 211.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Appropriately use a vocabulary of biological terms, which will enable communication about biology, and analysis and explanation of biological phenomena.
  2. Interpret, analyze, and graph data, use equations and perform calculations in practice problem sets, and BIOL& 211 related laboratory examples.
  3. Work in small groups to develop the skills necessary to solve complicated biological problems such as working in a stepwise manner through various types of genetics problems or problems related to pH.
  4. Assess which levels of analysis are most appropriate for approaching a particular biological problem.
  5. Discuss and describe principles of biology taught in BIOL& 211 in a small group environment.
  6. Communicate (both in writing and orally) their understanding of the various biological concepts taught in BIOL& 211.

BIOL& 211: Majors Cellular w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL&101 and completion or concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 121, CHEM& 140, or CHEM& 161.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and be able to use the scientific method when performing laboratory experiments.
  2. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, the important concepts of molecular and cellular biology, and integrate them across levels of biological organization.
  3. Collect valid data, report data (using equations, graphs, charts and tables), critically analyze data and make conclusions based upon the experimental results.
  4. Explain the mechanisms of evolution, critically evaluate evidence for evolution, and describe the importance of evolution in biology.
  5. Apply their understanding of chemistry to biology in explaining cellular structure, enzyme function, metabolic pathways, genetics, protein synthesis, cell signaling, and other concepts in molecular and cellular biology.
  6. Describe cell theory and use their knowledge of cell parts to explain the complex functions of cells.
  7. Describe, compare, and contrast the two mechanisms of nuclear division (mitosis and meiosis) and explain the biological importance of both and their relationship to DNA synthesis.
  8. Explain the basics and basis of genetics and solve and explain typical introductory genetics problems (both Mendelian and non-Mendelian).
  9. Explain how genes, proteins, and phenotypes (traits) are related and describe the processes of protein synthesis and gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  10. Apply the concept of structure and function across levels of biological organization.
  11. Describe and apply biotechnology tools and techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes, bacterial transformation, and others.
  12. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of molecular and cellular biology.
  13. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of laboratory techniques and instruments.
  14. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  15. Apply biological knowledge to important personal, social, and political issues.
  16. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into scientific writing.

BIOL& 212: Majors Animal w/Lab

Credits: 6.0

Part of three-quarter series (211, 212, 213). An introduction to the patterns and mechanisms of evolution, and animal (invertebrate and vertebrate) diversity, development, anatomy, and physiology. A course for life-science majors and pre-professionals. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 211 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of evolution, population genetics, animal phylogeny, physiology, and development.
  2. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, the important concepts of biology that apply to evolutionary biology, population genetics, animal phylogeny, physiology, and development.
  3. Describe, compare and contrast major animal phyla with respect to structure and function of the major organ systems (using anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary perspectives).
  4. Integrate across levels of biological organization to explain particular evolutionary processes, animal morphology, and animal physiology.
  5. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of evolutionary biology, developmental biology, zoology, and animal physiology.
  6. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including basic statistical testing.
  7. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of laboratory techniques and instruments, including observation and critical examination of microscopic of animal cells, tissues and organs, and the basic principles of dissection of animal tissues and organs.
  8. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  9. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed, access information legally and efficiently, evaluate sources critically, and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into scientific writing.

BIOL& 213: Majors Plant w/Lab

Credits: 6.0

Part of three-quarter biology series (211, 212, 213). An introduction to ecology and the biology of plants, algae, prokaryotes, protists, and fungi with emphasis on structure, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, development, and evolutionary trends of land plants. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 211 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process, and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of prokaryote, fungal, and plant evolution, diversity and biology, and to ecology. These include the principles underlying the theories and processes underlying scientific discovery and the nature of scientific evidence upon which such contemporary scientific theories are based.
  2. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, important concepts of biology that apply to ecology and the evolution, structure and physiology of prokaryotes, fungi, and plants.
  3. Integrate across levels of biological organization to explain ecological structure and the structure and function of prokaryotes, fungi, and plants.
  4. Apply ecological and biological concepts in this course to regional, national, and/or global issues that may affect their lives in particular, and society in general.
  5. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of biology.
  6. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including basic statistical testing.
  7. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of field and laboratory techniques and instruments.
  8. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  9. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed, access information legally and efficiently, evaluate sources critically, and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into scientific writing.

BIOL& 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

First in a two-quarter sequence (241, 242). The structure and function of cells and tissues of the human body and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, sensory, and nervous systems. A course for science, nursing, and pre-professional students. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 251 is recommended. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process, and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of histology and human anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems.
  2. Apply important concepts of physiology to the integumentary, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems, including homeostasis (and negative feedback), cell theory, cell-cell communications, flow down gradients, structure-function relationships and interdependence, to explain specific physiological processes.
  3. Apply conceptual understanding of human anatomy and physiology to explain the mechanisms of specific skin, muscular, neural, and sensory diseases, and disorders and repair processes.
  4. Integrate across levels of biological organization to explain particular human anatomy and physiology.
  5. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of human anatomy and physiology, including correctly spelling and using anatomical, chemical, and physiological terms.
  6. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including basic statistical testing.
  7. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of laboratory techniques and instruments, including observation and critical examination of microscopic of mammalian cells, fibers, and tissues the basic principles of dissection of mammalian tissues and organs.
  8. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  9. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed, access information legally and efficiently, evaluate sources critically, and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into scientific writing.
  10. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to important personal, public, and global health issues.

BIOL& 242: Human A & P 2 w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

Second in a two-quarter sequence (241, 242). The structure and function of the endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, blood, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. A course for science, nursing, and pre-professional students. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 252 is recommended. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 241 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate a critical and basic understanding of the nature, process and methodology of science, especially as it relates to the study of histology and human anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
  2. Apply important concepts of physiology to the endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, including homeostasis (and negative feedback), cell theory, cell-cell communications, flow down gradients, structure-function relationships and interdependence, to explain specific physiological processes.
  3. Apply conceptual understanding of human anatomy and physiology to explain the mechanisms of specific endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary, and reproductive diseases and disorders, and repair processes.
  4. Integrate across levels of biological organization to explain particular human anatomy and physiology.
  5. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of human anatomy and physiology, including correctly spelling and using anatomical, chemical, and physiological terms.
  6. Correctly and appropriately collect and analyze data, including basic statistical testing.
  7. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of laboratory techniques and instruments, including observation and critical examination of microscopic of mammalian cells, fibers, and tissues the basic principles of dissection of mammalian tissues and organs.
  8. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.
  9. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed, access information legally and efficiently, evaluate sources critically, and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into scientific writing.
  10. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to important personal, public, and global health issues.

BIOL 251: Problem Solving Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

Credits: 1.0

Designed to improve student success in BIOL& 241. Provides practice solving problems with improved overall understanding of principles. Corequisite(s): BIOL& 241.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Appropriately use a vocabulary of biological terms, which will enable communication about biology, and analysis and explanation of biological phenomena.
  2. Interpret, analyze, and graph data, use equations and perform calculations in practice problem sets and BIOL& 241 related laboratory examples.
  3. Develop the skills necessary to solve complicated biological problems related to anatomy and physiology.
  4. Assess which levels of analysis are most appropriate for approaching a particular biological problem.
  5. Discuss and describe principles of biology taught in BIOL& 241.
  6. Communicate (both in writing and orally) understanding of the various biological concepts taught in BIOL& 241.

BIOL 252: Problem Solving Human Anatomy and Physiology 2

Credits: 1.0

Designed to improve student success in BIOL& 242. Provides practice solving problems with improved overall understanding of principles. S/U grade option. Corequisite(s): BIOL& 242.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Appropriately use a vocabulary of biological terms, which will enable communication about biology, and analysis and explanation of biological phenomena.
  2. Interpret, analyze, and graph data, use equations and perform calculations in practice problem sets and BIOL& 242 related laboratory examples.
  3. Develop the skills necessary to solve complicated biological problems related to anatomy and physiology.
  4. Assess which levels of analysis are most appropriate for approaching a particular biological problem.
  5. Discuss and describe principles of biology taught in BIOL& 242.
  6. Communicate (both in writing and orally) understanding of the various biological concepts taught in BIOL& 242.

BIOL 255: Special Topics in Biology

Credits: 1.0 - 5.0

Topics and seminars of current interest in Biology.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Describe, identify, and explain, with examples, important biological concepts of current interest.
  2. Demonstrate information literacy: understand and critically evaluate material (journal articles, websites, news articles, and other media sources of information) related to topics of current interest in biology.

BIOL& 260: Microbiology w/Lab

Credits: 5.0

An introduction to microorganisms for science, nursing, and pre-professional students. Topics include microscopy, microbial cell structure, function, growth, metabolism and genetics, biotechnology, virology, epidemiology, anti-microbials, host-microbe interactions, and immunology. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 261 is recommended. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Apply understanding of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, and evolution from previous courses to the microbial world. This includes comparing and contrasting prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, metabolism, genetics, and reproduction, and describing the importance of microbial evolution.
  2. Describe the ubiquity and diversity of microorganisms and relate both to the critical roles they play in global processes and to all life.
  3. Explain the impact, both positive and negative, of microorganisms on human health.
  4. Describe the interplay of microbial mechanisms of pathogenesis and the human immune system in an evolutionary context.
  5. Articulate processes of microbial growth, and relate these to human methods of control.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in techniques important to the study, cultivation, and classification of microorganisms, including aseptic technique, biochemical tests, growth assays, and molecular biology techniques.
  7. Compare and contrast current and historical understanding of microorganisms.
  8. Articulate the importance of microorganisms to the individual, to human beings, to all life, and to global processes.
  9. Apply knowledge of microbiology to important personal, health, social, and political issues.
  10. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of biology.
  11. Productively work in groups to successfully complete group activities and assignments.

BIOL 261: Problem Solving in Microbiology

Credits: 1.0

Designed to improve student success in BIOL& 260. Provides practice solving problems with improved overall understanding of principles. Corequisite(s): BIOL& 260.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Appropriately use a vocabulary of biological terms, which will enable communication about biology, and analysis and explanation of biological phenomena.
  2. Interpret, analyze, and graph data, use equations and perform calculations in practice problem sets and BIOL& 260 related laboratory examples.
  3. Develop the skills necessary to solve complicated biological problems related to microbiology.
  4. Assess which levels of analysis are most appropriate for approaching a particular biological problem.
  5. Discuss and describe principles of microbiology taught in BIOL& 260.
  6. Communicate (both in writing and orally) understanding of the various biological concepts taught in BIOL& 260.

BIOL 293: Undergraduate Research In Biology

Credits: 3.0

Collaborate to design, develop, and undertake a student-driven research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): Completion of BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211 with a minimum grade of 2.0 is required to take this course.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and be able to use the scientific method when performing laboratory experiments.
  2. Collect valid data, report data, critically analyze data, and make conclusions based upon the experimental results.
  3. Productively work in groups to successfully plan, design, and undertake a research project.
  4. Appropriately select and properly and safely use a variety of laboratory techniques and instruments.
  5. Communicate effectively using language and understanding of biology.
  6. Demonstrate information literacy: determine the extent of information needed and incorporate the information effectively and ethically into an appropriate method of dissemination (e.g., scientific writing, poster presentation, oral presentation).
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