Bachelor of Science (BS)
in Biology, Master of
Forensic Science (MFS)
Transition Program

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation

An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Covers simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes Rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing. Assignments may utilize the MiniTab software, or text-accompanying course-ware. Computers are available at the University’s computer lab. Calculator with statistical functions is required.

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation

The first part of a comprehensive two-month treatment of algebra and trigonometry preliminary to more specialized study in mathematics. The course covers higher degree polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, transformations and the algebra of function, matrix algebra and basic arithmetic of complex numbers.

Prerequisite: MTH 216A

The second month of a comprehensive two-month treatment of algebra and trigonometry; this course is a continuation of MTH 216A. Topics include trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry and application, parametric equations, matrix algebra, sequences and series, and applied problems. Graphing calculator may be required.

Prerequisite: MTH 215 or equivalent

General chemistry topics important for higher level chemistry and science courses: thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and quantum mechanics. Successful completion of a college algebra course is required for enrollment in this course.

Prerequisite: CHE 141

Second course of general chemistry, covering: bonding, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids/bases, and thermodynamics.

Corequisite: CHE 149A; Prerequisite: CHE 142

Third course of general chemistry, covering: electro, nuclear, organic, bio, and coordination chemistry. Chemistry of metals and non-metals is also covered.

Fundamental concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics. Concepts include important organic molecules, cell structure and function, metabolism and enzyme activity, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, DNA structure, meiosis and mitosis, Mendelian genetics. Intended for science majors.

Prerequisite: BIO 161

Evolution, taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology. Concepts include evolutionary processes, taxonomy and phylogeny of the kingdoms of life, and ecological processes at the levels of the population, community and ecosystem. Intended for science majors.

Corequisite: BIO 169A; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162

Morphology and physiology of multicellular organisms, particularly plants and animals. Concepts include plant structure and physiology, and comparative animal morphology and physiology. Intended for science majors.

Prerequisite: MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B

Non-calculus based general physics course. Intended for Science majors. Study of one-dimensional and two – dimensional kinematics, dynamics, statics, work, energy, linear momentum, circular motion and gravitation.

Prerequisite: PHS 171

Non-calculus based general physics course for Science majors. Study of temperature, kinetic theory, gas laws, heat, oscillatory motion and waves, and electricity.

Corequisite: PHS 179A; Prerequisite: PHS 171; PHS 172

Non-calculus based general physics course intended for Science majors. Extended study of magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, optics, relativity, quantum physics, nuclear reactions and elementary particles.

Prerequisite: CHE 101 and CHE 101A, or CHE 141 and CHE 142 and CHE 143 and CHE 149A

Introduction to the fundamentals of organic chemistry. This course covers the properties and reactions of hydrocarbons and their functional groups, aromatic compounds, and biological molecules. Special efforts are made in demonstrating the interrelationship between organic chemistry and other areas of science, particularly biological, health, and environmental sciences.

Corequisite: CHE 150

This course is designed to introduce students to the practical aspects of organic chemistry. This course covers basic techniques for handling, analyzing, and identifying organic compounds. In addition, students will learn how to synthesize simple and practical small organic molecules.

Corequisite: BIO 163; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162

Laboratory course in general biology intended for science majors. Topics include the application of the scientific method, examination of cellular processes (eg. respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis), Mendelian genetics, operation of basic laboratory equipment, taxonomic classification, and investigations of structure and function of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Corequisite: CHE 143

Augments student understanding of important concepts in chemistry through hands-on experiments. Students will become proficient in advanced chemistry laboratory techniques, will learn how to operate modern instruments, will acquire the necessary skills to collect data accurately and to perform error analyses.

Prerequisite: PHS 171 and PHS 172 and PHS 173, or PHS 104

General physics lab course for science majors. Includes lab practicum in major concepts of general physics: one and two-dimensional kinematics, work and energy, electric current, oscillations, and geometric optics.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A

A study of the relationship of plants and animals to their environment and to one another. Emphasizes populations, the population-community interface and community structure and interactions within the ecosystem.

Prerequisite: BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 143; CHE 149A

Principles of genetics and heredity. Topics include linkage and pedigree analysis, DNA replication and repair, gene expression and regulation, inheritance of traits, genetic engineering, relationship of genetics to human health, and application of genetics to understanding the evolution of species.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A

Evolutionary biology. Topics include the history of life, fossil record, causes of microevolution (including natural selection and mutation), macroevolutionary processes (including speciation and extinction), evolutionary genetics and developmental biology (“evo-devo”), phylogeny construction and taxonomy.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Corequisite: BIO 406A

Introduction to cellular biology, including fundamentals of cell structure and function, inter- and intracellular communication through signaling and signal transduction, cell growth and energy generation through aerobic respiration and photosynthesis. Examination of cellular events and analysis of specific case studies in cell biology.

Corequisite: BIO 406; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A

This course emphasizes techniques essential to cellular biology, including cell culturing, Western blotting, ELISA, and DNA, RNA, and protein extractions.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Corequisite: BIO 407A; Prerequisite: BIO 305

An introduction to molecular biology focusing on gene structure, organization, regulation and expression. Topics in genetic engineering and genome evolution are covered, as well as DNA replication, recombination, transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Corequisite: BIO 407; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; BIO 305

This course emphasizes techniques essential to molecular biology including DNA extraction, purification and quantification; polymerase chain reactions; and restriction enzyme digestion.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Corequisite: BIO 414A

Comparative study of invertebrates: taxonomy, structure, physiology, reproduction, evolution, and behavior.

Corequisite: BIO 414

Laboratory complement of invertebrate zoology, involving specimen investigations, demonstrations, and experiments. Contact hours (45.0) are based on a 3:1 ratio; i.e., 3 lab hours = 1 lecture hour equivalent.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Corequisite: BIO 416A

Study of the life of Vertebrates integrating the anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution and behavioral adaptations that enable them to survive effectively in their natural environment.

Corequisite: BIO 416

Laboratory complement of vertebrate zoology, involving specimen investigations, anatomical examination, and live observations when feasible.

Prerequisite: BIO 305, or BIO 310, or BIO 330

Examination of current topics in biology. Emphasis on evaluation, discussion, and analysis of peer-reviewed literature.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A

Study of animal behavior, integrating genetic, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.

Recommended Preparation: BIO 203, or BIO 406, or equivalent courses.

Examination of the structure and function of the immune components, including the complement system, innate and adaptive responses, and immune cell signaling. Analysis of fundamental concepts such as antibodies, antigens, antigen-antibody complexes, allergic reactions, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, cancer, and autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A

Plant biology, including structure, function, evolution, taxonomy, and diversity of major groups of plants.

Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A, or BIO 100; BIO 100A

Study of the flora, fauna, and biomes of California. This course includes field trips, with sites selected for each academic center within the University.

Prerequisite: BIO 161 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have taken General Biology or equivalent ; BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have taken General Biology or equivalent ; BIO 163 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have taken General Biology or equivalent

Global approach to the science of marine biology. Study of life in the marine environment and the structure and function of various marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries. Analysis and evaluation of the human impact on ocean ecology.

Recommended Preparation: BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have a grade of C or higher

Survey of marine habitats for fish species identification and quantification; survey of marine mammal (dolphins and manatees) ecology and behavior; identification of sea turtle species nesting and ecology; assessment of sea grass health and species identification; coral identification and health; ecosystem health and methods of monitoring. Species list composition, biopsying techniques, and basics of biological field work. Taught in a field laboratory in Turneffe Atoll, Belize; requires international travel. Contact instructor for approval and additional requirements.

Corequisite: BIO 470A; Prerequisite: BIO 161 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 163 with a minimum grade of C-. Student must have passed the class with a C- or better

Analysis of biotechnology-related information using software tools to store, manipulate, and extract information from protein and nucleic acid sequence data. Topics include genome annotation, gene and protein prediction, sequence alignment, and analysis of aligned sequences in the description of patterns of protein or species relationships and gene expression.

Corequisite: BIO 470

Techniques essential to bioinformatics. Topics include practical knowledge of databases, basic commands in Unix and R, sequence alignment and annotation, and gene-expression quantification.

Project-based study in biology under the individual direction of the faculty. Topics and sites are specifically designed in collaboration with teachers and students. Units can be taken separately or cumulatively; this course can be repeated depending upon the needs of individual students.

Prerequisite: CHE 142

Introduces students to the chemistry of carbon compounds and their properties, structures and reactions. It emphasizes the study of the properties and reactions of aliphatic, halides, alcohols, esters, thiols and sulfides, and aromatic compounds, which in conjunction with selected experiments, gives an understanding of the mechanisms of organic reactions.

Corequisite: CHE 350 Minimum C

Students will learn how to apply common laboratory techniques to determine the structure and the chemical properties of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, alkyl halides, acids and esters. The experiments will be done on a small scale approach or microscale. Contact hours for this laboratory course (45) are based on a 3:1 ratio, i.e. 3 Lab hours= 1 lecture hour equivalent.

Prerequisite: CHE 350

Study of the properties and reactions of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, and amides. In addition, students are introduced to the use of modern spectroscopic techniques to analyze and predict structures of organic molecules.

Corequisite: CHE 351 Minimum C

Students will apply laboratory techniques learned in CHE350A to synthesize , purify and identify organic compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics, ketones, ethers, esters, amides and amines. The experiments will be done on a small scale approach or microscale. Contact hours for this laboratory course (45) are based on a 3:1 ratio, i.e. 3 Lab hours= 1 lecture hour equivalent.

Prerequisite: CHE 350; CHE 350A; CHE 351

Study of the structures and functions of important classes of biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids. A strong and current background in chemistry is required to successfully complete this course.

Prerequisite: CHE 360

A continuation of CHE 360. This course concentrates on the principles of cellular regulatory processes and synthesis of biological molecules.

Examination of the interactions between oceanographic, geological and astronomical processes on the physical and living components of the world’s oceans. Includes interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere and how these interactions affect currents, weather and biological activity.

Prerequisite: MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B and MTH 210

An introductory to mathematical modeling, utilizing a variety of diverse applications from physical, biological, business, social, and computer sciences. Discuss the limitations, as well as the capabilities, of mathematics as applied to understanding of our world. Teaches problem identification, models of solutions and model implementation. Graphing calculator is required.

Interdisciplinary features in Geographic Information Systems. Aspects include geography, cartography, and computer science for scientific, business, and environmental applications. This will include teaching the student how to input spatial data into the computer, organize the data and perform basic spatial operations.

Prerequisite: One 4.5 quarter unit science course from the natural sciences.

A study of the history of science throughout all human cultures. Emphasizes the mutual interaction between science and society, especially in modern times.

Individual study under direction of instructor. Requires prior approval of appropriate academic department.

An exploration of forensic terminology, anatomy, and physiology of the human body. This course emphasizes the underlying pathology of traumatic and sudden unexpected natural deaths encountered in forensics. Topics of focus include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), types of injuries and their characteristic features, and methods of human identification.

A comprehensive study of general principles and fundamentals of forensic toxicology. Coursework will examine poisons, action, toxicity, samples, and methods of collection, preservation, and analysis. Analysis methods detailed include color testing, microdiffusion, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

A survey of the basic functions and protocols of a forensic biology laboratory. This course focuses on quality control and assurance measures in forensic biology labs, as well as approaches for locating, identifying, and confirming the presence of biological evidentiary fluids encountered in casework. In addition, you’ll learn the fundamentals of forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing.

A fundamental study of forensic anthropology. This course explores the current methods of determining personal identity, cause and manner of death, elapsed time since death, and other relevant information revealed by human skeletal remains. You’ll learn to gather and analyze evidence to determine sex, age, ancestry, stature, trauma, and pathology. Archaeological techniques used in processing a crime scene are also explored.

An examination of scientific techniques used in medico-legal investigations surrounding injury and death. This course studies injuries resulting from firearms, heat, chemicals, electricity, and transportation accidents. You’ll also learn to diagnostic features of child abuse, infanticide, asphyxial deaths, and death from poisons and drugs. Finally, you’ll learn to gather and report forensic medical evidence and records for use in court proceedings.