for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Biology
COURSES
- Biology (BIOL)
- Biological Science Core (BIOSC)
- Botany (BOT)
- Ecology (ECOL)
- Genetics (GENET)
- Marine Science (MSCI)
- Microbiology (MICRO)
- Physiology/Anatomy/Development (PHYAN)
- Zoology (ZOOL)
- Biology (BIOL) --- Graduate Courses
- Marine Science (MSCI) --- Graduate Courses
- Biology (BIOL) --- In-Service Courses
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 10. Life Science (3)
Not open to students with credit in BIOSC 1A. How living things work and
why they work that way. Biology from chemical and physical foundations to
ecological and evolutionary processes. Biology and its relationship to human
affairs. G.E. Breadth B2. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)
BIOL 15. An Ecological Approach to Life Science (5)
Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 15, NSCI 15, SSCI 15 required. Portion of
Humans and the Natural Environment Cluster. An introduction to biological
concepts and investigational methods in the natural environment. Lecture,
lab, and fieldwork. See Humans and
the Natural Environment, Natural Science Interdisciplinary Courses section.
G.E. Breadth B2. (HNE program field trip fee, $300)
BIOL 100. Nature Study (3)
Not allowable for credit for biological or physical science majors or minors.
Prerequisite: a college level biology course. Evaluation of natural science
programs at the elementary level; optional opportunities in developing K-9
environmental study material or designing environmental awareness topics
for adult groups; emphasis on life science programs dealing with the interaction
of man and the biosphere. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly BIOL 101)
BIOL 110. Human Ecology (3)
The study of the relationships between humans and their environment, both
natural and man-made; emphasis on scientific understanding of root causes
of current environmental problems.
BIOL 189T. Topics in Biology (1-4; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of selected areas
in the field of biology. (Lecture and/or laboratory) (Formerly BIOL 185T;
MICRO 160T)
BIOL 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
Biological Science Core (BIOSC)
BIOSC 1A. Introductory Biology (4)
Course one of two-semester sequence required of all biology majors. Thematic
introduction to the unifying concepts of life science: chemical basis of
life; cellular processes; energy metabolism; genetics; evolution. G.E. Breadth
B2. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
BIOSC 1B. Introductory Biology (5)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 1A. Course two of a two-semester sequence required of
all biology majors. Continuation of thematic introduction to the unifying
concepts of life science: classification and diversity of life; survey of
the living organisms; physiology; ecology and environmental biology. (3
lecture, 6 lab hours)*
BIOSC 130. General Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B; PSYCH 42 or MATH 101. MATH 70 or equivalent
recommended. Required of all biology majors. The structure, function, organization,
and regulation of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The role of
evolution in environmental relationships. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
BIOSC 140A-B. Genetics and Cellular Biology (3-4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B and CHEM 8 or 128A. Two-semester sequence required
of all biology majors. Fundamentals of inheritance and cellular biology
for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including an introduction to
the underlying molecular mechanisms. BIOSC 140A is prerequisite to BIOSC
140B. BIOSC 140B taken prior to fall 2005 is equivalent to BIOSC 140B and
140L. No credit for BIOSC 140B if taken previous to fall 2005.
BIOSC 140L. Genetics and Cellular Biology Lab (1)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A; BIOSC 140B is a prerequisite or corequisite. Must
be taken a minimum four semesters of completing BIOSC 140B. Required of
all biology majors. Basic techniques in molecular genetics and cell biology.
No credit if BIOSC 140B taken prior to fall 2005. (3 lab hours) (Formerly
BIOSC 140B lab component)
BIOSC 180. Evolution (3)
Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor; BIOSC 130, 140A-B.
Required of all biology majors. Evolutionary processes and patterns. Satisfies
the senior major requirement for the B.S. in Biology. (Formerly BIOL 125)
Botany (BOT)
BOT 10. Plant Biology (3)
Not open to students with credit in BIOSC 1B. Structure, function, and development
of plants. G.E. Breadth B2. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)
BOT 130. Plant Physiology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B (or BOT 10); CHEM 1A or 3A; CHEM 3B or 8
or 128A; or permission of instructor. General metabolism (photosynthesis,
water relations, respiration, nutrient use, etc.) of plants and functional
integration with structure. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
BOT 131. Vascular Plants (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Morphology,
reproduction, and evolution of the major groups of vascular plants (both
living and extinct). Emphasis placed upon the seed plants. (2 lecture, 6
lab hours)
BOT 132. Nonvascular Plants (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Comparative
structure and phylogeny of the fungi, algae, mosses, and liverworts. (2
lecture, 3 lab hours)
BOT 133. Plant Anatomy (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Structure and
development of flowering plants at the cellular and tissue levels. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours)
BOT 137. Plant Growth and Development (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140A or permission of instructor. Processes involved
in plant growth with emphasis on the development of form in higher plants
and the experimental approach. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
BOT 142. Phycology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Morphology,
cytology, ecology, physiology, economic importance, and cultivation of the
algae. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)*
BOT 144. Plant Taxonomy (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Principles of
plant classification; local flora. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)*
Ecology (ECOL)
ECOL 135. Marine Biology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 1B or ZOOL 10. Introduction to the marine environment
with emphasis on the biological aspects; systematics, ecology, and morphological
and physiological adaptations of marine organisms, especially intertidal
and shallow water forms; pollution; utilization of marine resources. (One
field trip required)
ECOL 151. Terrestrial Ecology (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. The interaction of organisms and communities with
the physical and biotic environment, with emphasis on the biotic communities
of Central California. (3 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
ECOL 152. Aquatic Ecology (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. Physical-chemical features of inland waters as
related to their biology; community structure and function, ecological interactions,
adaptations, and identification of aquatic organisms. (3 lecture, 3 lab
or field hours)*
ECOL 162. Microbial Ecology
(4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 130 and MICRO 140. Physiological ecology of microorganisms;
interactions of microorganisms with abiotic and biotic factors in the environment;
microbial habitats including soil, water, and organisms; techniques of microbial
ecology (field and laboratory). (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)*
ECOL 171. Fisheries Biology and Management (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130; statistics strongly recommended. Ecology and management
of fisheries; techniques for studying fish populations; quantitative methods
for assessing fish stocks; environmental requirements and habitat improvement
methods; acquisition and application of information to obtain maximum benefit
from fishery resources. Inland fisheries emphasized. (2 lecture, 3 lab or
field hours)*
ECOL 172. Wildlife Biology and Management (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. Ecological theory and its use in the management
of wildlife resources. Field and laboratory exercises designed for the application
of techniques used in research and in making management decisions. (2 lecture,
6 lab or field hours)*
ECOL 174. Systematic Biology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 1A and 1B; BIOSC 140A-B recommended. Modern theory and
methods of phylogenetic analysis applied to the study of biodiversity and
evolution. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
(See also BOT, MICRO,
ZOOL courses.)
Genetics (GENET)
GENET 142. Molecular Biology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140A-B; CHEM 150 or 155. The study of genome structure
and fluidity, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, and genomics.
GENET 142 taken prior to fall 2005 is equivalent to GENET 142 and 143.
GENET 143. Bioinformatics (2)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140A-B; CHEM 150 or 155. Practical use and application
of computational tools for the analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. Genomic
database searching, sequence alignment, molecular phylogenetic analysis,
and secondary and tertiary structure modeling of biological macromolecules.
No credit if GENET 142 taken prior to fall 2005. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
(Formerly GENET 142 lab component)
GENET 170. Seminar in Cellular and Molecular Biology
(1)
Prerequisites: GENET 142 or permission of instructor. Trends and breakthroughs
in cellular and molecular biology accessed through the primary literature.
(1 seminar hour)
GENET 171. Experimental
Molecular Genetics (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A-B. The nature of genetic information, its mutation,
transfer, and recombination in cells. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
GENET 172. Developmental Biology (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A-B. Investigations concerning the variety of mechanisms
acting during the several stages of development of the living organism,
from gamete formation to morphological and biochemical differentiation of
organ systems; emphasis on differential genetic control. (3 lecture, 3 lab
hours)
GENET 182. Microbial Genetics (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A or BIOSC 140B or MICRO 140 or CHEM 150 or CHEM
155. Students not meeting the above prerequisite should not enroll in GENET
182. Genetic variation, gene transfer, and regulation of gene expression
in model microbial systems and medically and industrially important microbes.
(3 lecture hours, 3 lab hours)
Microbiology (MICRO)
MICRO 20. Introductory Microbiology (4)
Not open to students with credit in MICRO 140. Prerequisites: CHEM 1A or
3A. Introduction to microbiology; principles and selected applications.
(3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
MICRO 140. Microbiology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1AB and CHEM 8 or 128; or BOT 10 and CHEM 150. Emphasis
on prokaryotes (bacteria); microbial physiology, genetics, ecology, classification,
and identification; applications of microbiology. Prerequisite to most upper-division
microbiology courses.
(2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MICRO 161. Microbial Physiology (4)
Prerequisite: MICRO 140. Structure, function, energy metabolism, growth,
and regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MICRO 181. Bacteriology of Human Disease (5)
Prerequisite: MICRO 140; PHYAN 160 recommended. Bacterial, etiological agents
of human disease. (3 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MICRO 183. Medical Microbiology (3)
Prerequisite: MICRO 140; PHYAN 160 recommended. The role of microorganisms
in causing infection and disease; strategies for diagnosing and treating
infections. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly BIOL 189T)
MICRO 185. Virology (4)
Prerequisite: MICRO 140; PHYAN 160 recommended. Inquiries into the unique
nature of viruses; methods of analysis, structure, and replication. Virus-host
interactions are described from bacterial, plant, and animal virus groups.
Considerable emphasis is placed on diagnosis of viruses infecting humans
including epidemiology and viropathology. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
(See also BOT 142; ECOL
162; GENET 171; PHYAN
160; ZOOL 148.)
Physiology/Anatomy/Development (PHYAN)
PHYAN 33. Human Anatomy and Physiology (5)
Three units allowed for students with prior credit in human anatomy; 2 units
allowed for students with prior credit in human physiology. An integrated
study of the structure and function of the human body. (4 lecture, 3 lab
hours) (Course fee, $25)
PHYAN 64. Functional Human Anatomy (3)
Not open to students with credit in PHYAN 33. Primarily for students in
the health related and biological professions. The life continuum from conception
to death. A systems approach to the gross and microscopic structures of
the human body. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $25)
PHYAN 65. Human Physiology (5)
Prerequisite: General Education Area B2 lower division requirement. Not
open to students with credit in PHYAN 33. College chemistry and human anatomy
recommended. Homeostasis in the human body; how organ systems function to
maintain life; dynamic and adaptive systems at the molecular, cellular,
and organ level. (4 lecture, 3 lab hours)
PHYAN 110. Human Reproductive Physiology, Aging, and
Death (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Human reproduction, structures,
functions, and control systems; the relationship between sexual reproduction
and aging; the physiology and aging of specific systems, such as the cardiovascular
system; medical and cultural definitions of death. G.E. Integration IB.
PHYAN 130. Neuroanatomy (4)
Prerequisites: PHYAN 33 or 64 or 65. Macroscopic and microscopic study of
the structure and functional relationships of the human nervous system.
(3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
PHYAN 134. Histology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A-B. Identification and study of vertebrate cells,
tissues, and organs. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
PHYAN 135. Vertebrate Embryology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B. Morphogenesis of vertebrates from gamete formation
through organogenesis, including physiological and experimental aspects
of development. Laboratory emphasis on frog, chick, and pig. (2 lecture,
6 lab hours)
PHYAN 140. Neurophysiology (3)
Prerequisites: PHYAN 33 or 64 or 65 or 151 or BIOSC 140B. Function of the
human nervous system with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of electrical
and chemical signaling.
PHYAN 151. Comparative Animal Physiology (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A-B. Evolution of physiological systems; functional
adaptations to different environments; physiological principles as applied
to animals. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
PHYAN 158. Biological Membranes: Structure and Function
(3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A-B or CHEM 150 or 155. A study of the myriad of
functions membranes perform with an emphasis on transport. General structural
properties of membranes, including fluidity and asymmetry, and modification
of structural building blocks which lead to membrane diversity.
PHYAN 160. Immunology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140A; BIOSC 140L. CHEM 150 or 155 highly recommended.
Principles of mammalian immune response, featuring the molecular and cellular
interactions involved in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Regulatory
controls and adverse clinical conditions involving immune functions are
addressed. Experimental basis of inquiry is emphasized.
PHYAN 160L. Immunology Laboratory (2)
Prerequisites: PHYAN 160 and either BIOSC 140B or MICRO 140. Experimental
illustration of immune response; classical and contemporary immunology techniques;
interpretation and presentation of experimental outcomes. (6 lab hours)
PHYAN 162. Hematology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140B; PHYAN 65 and 160 recommended. Development, structure,
identification, and quantification of cellular blood elements; qualitative
and quantitative considerations of hemoglobin, coagulation, and immunohematology.
PHYAN 163. Advanced Human Physiology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140B and either PHYAN 65 or equivalent. Primarily
for students in biology and in the health professions. Advanced study of
the cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems. Concepts
explaining normal functioning will be emphasized, with presentation of supporting
scientific data. Integration of function of organ systems will be illustrated
through study of specific examples, such as exercise.
PHYAN 165. Endocrinology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 140A-B. A systems approach to the study of hormone synthesis,
secretion, function as intercellular signals, and their role in both controlling
and integrating normal physiological processes.
PHYAN 172. Pathophysiology (3)
Prerequisite: PHYAN 65 or equivalent or PHYAN 163. An application of anatomic
and physiologic principles in the study of those disturbances that underlie
the etiology and pathogenesis of human diseases.
(See also BOT 130, 133, 137; GENET 172; MICRO 161 .)
Zoology (ZOOL)
ZOOL 10. Animal Biology (3)
Not open to students with credit in BIOSC 1B. Structural and functional
comparison of animals; principles and human implications of inheritance,
evolution, and ecology; physiology as applied to man. G.E. Breadth B2. (2
lecture, 2 lab hours)
ZOOL 120. General Entomology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B. Anatomy, physiology, life history, and classification
of insects and other arthropods. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
ZOOL 132. Comparative Vertebrate Morphology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B. Comparative structure of vertebrate organ systems;
laboratory study of representative vertebrates. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
ZOOL 141. Invertebrate Zoology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B. Systematics and phylogeny (based primarily
upon external and internal anatomy) and general ecology of free-living invertebrates
(excluding insects). Includes field studies of marine and occasionally freshwater
habitats. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
ZOOL 148. Parasitology (4)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 1A, 1B and CHEM 1A or 3A. A study of the biology of
parasitic organisms, including those of humans. Lecture topics: life history
strategies, infectious processes, epidemiology, ecology, parasite evolution
and phylogeny, diagnosis and treatment. Laboratory and field exercises:
identification and sampling techniques, taxonomy, investigation of biological
processes. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours*)
ZOOL 150. Natural History of Vertebrates (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. Systematics, distribution, morphology, behavior,
and ecology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Fieldwork
includes capture and sampling techniques, species identification and habitat
analysis, and may require weekend field trips to coastal, desert, and mountain
environments. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)* (Formerly
ZOOL 113)
ZOOL 152. Animal Behavior (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130; one additional course in ecology or natural history
recommended. Principles of ethology with emphasis on mechanisms of behavior.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)*
ZOOL 171. Ichthyology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. Ecology, evolution, and diversity of the fish of
the world with emphasis on California fish, freshwater and marine. (2 lecture,
3 lab or field hours)*
ZOOL 174. Biology of Reptiles and Birds (4)
Not open to students with credit in ZOOL 137 or ZOOL 172. Prerequisite:
BIOSC 130. Ecology, ethology, and evolution of the reptiles and birds of
the world. Encompasses the traditional areas of herpetology and ornithology.
(3 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
ZOOL 177. Mammalogy (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 130. Ecology, evolution, and diversity of the mammals
of the world. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
(See also ECOL 171, 172 and PHYAN courses .)
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Catalog Numbering System.
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 204. Biology of Speciation (2)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 140A-B and 180. Evolution of the species as a unit
of biological organization.
BIOL 208. Biological Field Studies (1-6;
max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Integrated studies or specialized
topics, including botanical, environmental, microbiological, or zoological
field studies.* Approved for RP grading.
BIOL 225. Molecular Evolution (3)
Patterns and processes by which biological molecules evolve. Lecture topics
include rates and modes of DNA sequence evolution, molecular phylogenetics,
gene duplication, concerted evolution, genome organization, and application
of computers to comparative molecular analysis. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly
BIOL 189T)
BIOL 240. Systems Ecology (3)
Prerequisites: BIOSC 130, MATH 70. Quantitative approach to the analysis
of whole ecosystems including data acquisition and statistical treatment,
conceptual and mathematical ecosystem model ing, and computer simulations
in FORTRAN or BASIC. No programming experience needed. (2 lecture, 3 lab
hours)
BIOL 241A-B. Molecular Biology I-II (3-3)
(See CHEM 241A-B.)
BIOL 242. Techniques in Protein Purification
and Analysis (3)
(Same as CHEM 242.) Prerequisite: CHEM 151 or 156 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 241A. Deals with the technologies relevant to protein
isolation, purification, analysis, immobilization, and modification in micro
and macro quantities. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)
BIOL 243. Nucleic Acid Technology Lab (3)
(See CHEM 243.)
BIOL 244. Cell Culture and Hybridoma (3)
(Same as CHEM 244.) Prerequisite: MICRO 185 or PHYAN 160 and 160L. The theory
and practice of in vitro propagation of eukaryotic cells, including growth
characteristics, metabolic requirements, and genetic analysis. Cloning,
fusion, and generation of monoclonal antibody (hybridoma) are presented
relative to cultured cell biology and application to biotechnology. (1 lecture,
6 lab hours)
BIOL 248. Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1-2; max total
4)
(See CHEM 248.) Prerequisite:
admission to the biology or chemistry graduate program. Preference will
be given to students enrolled in the Biotechnology Certificate Program.
Reviews and reports on current literature in various aspects of biotechnology
and molecular biology.
BIOL 250. Scientific Research Reporting (2)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Techniques of scientific photography
and writing, illustrating emphasized. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
BIOL 255T. Topics in Botany (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 260T. Topics in Biology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 265T. Topics in Physiology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 270T. Topics in Zoology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 274. Biometry (3)
Prerequisite: one statistics class, preferably MATH 101. Application
of statistical techniques to biological problems with emphasis on sampling,
analysis of variance, experimental design, and regression techniques. Emphasis
on analysis of real biological data and interpretation of results.
BIOL 275. Biogeography (3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Seminar in descriptive and ecological
geography of animal and plant groups.
BIOL 281. Seminar in Biological Science (1-2; max total 3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Reviews and reports on current literature
in the various phases of biology. (Formerly BIOL 281T)
BIOL 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
BIOL 295. Research (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent research by the advanced
graduate student.
BIOL 299. Thesis (2-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.
IN-SERVICE COURSE
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 302T. Topics in Biology (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Relation of
man to his surroundings; review of concepts, cell, physics and chemistry
of life, energetics, inheritance, evolution.
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
The California State University began operation of the Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories, Moss Landing, California, in the fall semester 1966. This
facility functions as a seaside extension of the campuses of six cooperating
state universities (Fresno, Hayward, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose,
and Stanislaus). It offers full-time coursework in marine biology, oceanography,
and other marine sciences for majors in either the biological or physical
sciences whose objectives include further graduate study, teaching the sciences,
or research in the marine sciences. Properly qualified upper-division and
graduate students may enroll at the Fresno State campus for a term of instruction
at Moss Landing and earn resident credit for such coursework. See Earth and Environmental Sciences Department for on -campus
coursework in general oceanography and geology courses related to marine
science.
Space reservation is required for attending Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
Forms for this purpose are available from the Biology Department or Moss
Landing Marine Laboratories, P.O. Box 223, Moss Landing, CA 95039. Priority
is determined based upon the date the space reservation form is received
at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Since enrollment is limited, interested
students should make early application.
COURSES
Note: The following courses are offered at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
MSCI 103 and 104 are usually recommended for first semesters of full-time
students.
The Biology Department will accept only the following Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories courses for major credit as indicated. Botany: MSCI 131, 144.
Zoology: MSCI 112, 113, 122, 124, 125. Biology elective: MSCI 103, 104.
Marine Science (MSCI)
MSCI 103. Marine Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: ecology and statistics (or concurrent registration in
MSCI 104) or permission of instructor. A field-oriented introduction to
the interrelationships between marine and estuarine organisms and their
environment with emphasis on quantitative data collection and analysis.
(2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 104. Quantitative Marine Science (4)
Prerequisite: college mathematics. The mathematical methods for analysis
of biological, chemical, and physical data from the marine environment;
experimental design, parametric and nonparametric statistics. (3 lecture,
3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 105. Marine Science Diving (3)
Prerequisites: upper-division science major; thorough physical examination;
ability to pass swimming test. Skin and SCUBA diving course; pool-training
culminates in 10 ocean dives. Topics include diving physics, physiology,
diving environments, night diving, and research diving. Successful completion
gives NAUI and MLML certification. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 110. Introduction to Marine Behavior (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 103 or permission of instructor. Basic theoretical concepts
of animal behavior, stressing the causation, development, and evolution
of behavior. Emphasis is on the marine environment. (3 lecture and 3 lab
hours)
MSCI 112. Marine Birds and Mammals (4)
Prerequisite: upper-division vertebrate zoology; MSCI 103 recommended. Systematics,
morphology, ecology, and general biology of marine birds and mammals. (2
lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 113. Marine Ichthyology (4)
Prerequisite: college zoology or equivalent. Taxonomy, morphology, and ecology
of marine fishes. Both field and laboratory work concentrate on the structure,
function, and habits of marine fishes and the ecological interactions of
these fishes with their biotic and abiotic surroundings. (2 lecture, 6 lab
or field hours)
MSCI 122. Marine Invertebrate Embryology (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 124, cell biology or biochemistry strongly recommended
or permission of instructor. Survey of principles of developmental biology,
concentrating on experimental evidence obtained using invertebrate material.
Laboratory observations cover the embryology of lower invertebrates, molluscs,
crustacea, enchinoderms, and protochordates. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 124. Marine Invertebrate Zoology I (4)
Prerequisite: college zoology or permission of instructor; MSCI 103 recommended.
A field-oriented introduction to the structure, systematics, evolution,
and life histories of the major phyla. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 125. Marine Invertebrate Zoology II (3)
Prerequisite: college zoology or permission of instructor; MSCI 103 and
MSCI 124 recommended. A field-oriented introduction to the structure, systematics,
evolution, and life histories of the minor phyla. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 131. Marine Botany (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 103 recommended. Introduction to the plants of the
sea, marshes, and dunes, with emphasis on the morphology, taxonomy, and
natural history of seaweeds and vascular plants. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 135. Physiology of Marine Algae (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103, 131, 144. Develops physiological basis for understanding
the adaptation of marine algae (seaweeds and microalgae) to their environment.
Students will learn modern methods in physiological research, covering areas
such as photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activity, and biochemical composition.
(2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 141. Geological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 142 or 143 or concurrently. Structures, physiography,
and sediments of the sea bottom and shoreline. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 142. Physical Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: college algebra; college physics recommended. An introduction
to the nature and causes of various oceanic motions including currents,
waves, tides and mixing, and the physical properties of seawater including
transmission of sound and light; does not require calculus. (3 lecture,
3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 143. Chemical Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry. An introduction to the theoretical
and practical aspects of the chemistry of the oceans, including major salts,
dissolved gases, nutrient ions, carbonate system, transient tracers, and
shipboard sampling techniques. (2 lecture, 6 lab and field hours)
MSCI 144. Biological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: general biology and general chemistry. The ocean as an ecological
system. Emphasis is on the complexity of organismal-environmental interaction
of the plankton, the transfer of organic matter between trophic levels and
nutrient cycles. Laboratory includes methods in sampling, ship board techniques,
identification of plankton, and current analytical techniques. (2 lecture,
6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 161. Marine Fisheries (4)
Prerequisite: college mathematics, MSCI 104, or permission of instructor;
MSCI 103 recommended. An introduction to fishery biology, including the
concepts of stock, recruitment, and yield; emphasizing the parameters abundance,
age, growth, and mortality; discussion of hydrography and fishery ecology,
management problems, world fisheries and mariculture; and collection and
analysis of fishery data. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 173T. Topics in Marine Biology (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of a selected area in
marine biology (morphology, physiology, ecology, etc.). Subjects will vary
depending on student demand and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
MSCI 174T. Topics in Oceanography (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of selected areas in oceanography;
subject varies depending on student demand and availability of instructors.
(Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 175T. Topics in Marine Science (1-4)
The study of a selected area in the marine sciences. The subjects vary depending
on student demand and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 177. Microscopic Techniques (3)
Prerequisites: one semester college physics and permission of instructor.
Princi ples and techniques of light and electron microscopy; consideration
of brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, and interference contrast light
microscopy; episcopic and diascopic illumination systems; photomicrography;
preparation of materials for and operation of the scanning electron microscope.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
MSCI 180. Independent Study (1-4; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Faculty directed study of selected
problems; open to under graduate students with adequate preparation. Approved
for RP grading.
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Marine Science (MSCI)
MSCI 201. Library Research Methods in Marine Science (1)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Provides
framework for using and evaluating information sources in marine science.
Strong emphasis will be placed on developing critical skills. Interweaving
bibliographic tools in to the history of marine science will reinforce knowledge
of the appropriate resource for each question.
MSCI 202. Oceanographic Instrumentation (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 141, 142 and permission of instructor. Principles
of instruments used in oceanographic research, introduction to electronics,
and applications of instrument measurements. Emphasis will vary from CTD
profilers, current meters, radiometry, and chemical measurements. Offered
alternate spring semesters. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 204. Sampling and Experimental Design (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103, 104. Basic design of experiments and field sampling,
including random sampling, systemic sampling, subsampling, survey techniques,
and design of single and multifactor experiments using randomized and block
experimental designs. (Formerly MSCI 285T section)
MSCI 206. Molecular Biological Techniques (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing; college level genetics, molecular biology,
or permission of instructor. Laboratory-based overview of concepts and techniques
for the isolation, characterization, and analysis of DNA and RNA. Covers
standard methods (amplification, cloning, and sequencing) and selected specialized
techniques (analysis of gene expression) emphasizing marine science applications.
MSCI 208. Scientific Methods (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Information
and skills for graduate students beginning their research careers. Includes
the philosophy of science, scientific writing, design of experiments and
sampling programs, and using library and other resources
MSCI 211. Ecology of Marine Birds and Mammals (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103, 104, 112. Community approach to the ecology of
marine birds and mammals using experimental and sampling methodology. Examines
the distribution, abundance, trophic ecology, and behavior of birds and
mammals in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 212T. Advanced Topics
in Marine Vertebrates (1-4; max total 8 if no topic is repeated)
Prerequisites: MSCI 112 or 113 and permission of instructor. Advanced
considerations of the ecology, physiology, and phylogeny of fishes, birds,
reptiles, or mammals, emphasizing current literature and research. Topics
and emphasis will vary with term and instructor. May be repeated once for
credit if no topic is repeated. Likely to be offered alternate fall semesters.
(Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 221T. Advanced Topics in Marine Invertebrates (1-4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 124 and permission of instructor. Advanced considerations
of the ecology, physiology, and phylogeny of the various invertebrate phyla
emphasizing current literature and research. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 233T. Advanced Topics in Marine Ecology (1-4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103 and permission of instructor. Selected topics and
current issues in marine ecology; subjects vary depending on student demand
and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 234. Advanced Biological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 144 or permission of instructor. Experimental techniques
in biological oceanography with emphasis on problems important in plankton
ecology. Lectures, labs, and discussions of current research problems. An
individual research project involving analytical tools will be required.
(2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 246. Geology of the Monterey Bay Region (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Geology,
tectonic, and active naturally occurring processes in the Monterey Bay region
and in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The geologic and tectonic
history of central California, plate tectonic processes, and representative
stratigraphy and geomorphology of the Monterey Bay region.
MSCI 248. Marine Benthic Habitat Techniquest (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Collection
and interpretation of geophysical data used to characterize marine benthic
habitats. Principles of basic geophysics. Application of techniques to identify
and characterize marine benthic habitats, including echosounders, multibeam
bathymetry and backscatter, sidescan sonar, seismic profiling, and GIS.
MSCI 261. Ocean Circulation and Mixing (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 142; college physics strongly recommended. Mathematical
description of the distribution of properties (e.g., density, dissolved
oxygen) in the oceans relating to physical and biochemical processes; theory
of distribution of variables, geostrophic method. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
MSCI 262. Satellite Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 142, 144, or permission of instructor; MSCI 263 strongly
recommended. Physical principles of remote sensing with applications to
the ocean, including satellite image processing methods. Labs involve use
of PC and Unix workstation. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
MSCI 263. Applications of Computers in Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: college math, permission of instructor. Lecture, discussion,
and technical programming with MATLAB for computation and visualization
with applications in marine sciences. Use of existing program libraries
for data I/O and analysis. Offered fall semesters. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 271. Population Biology (3)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103 and 104 or permission of instructor. Principles
of the interaction among marine organisms which result in the alternation
of population structures, techniques for assessment, and management of animal
populations. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 272. Subtidal Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: MLML diver certification and marine ecology; knowledge of
marine algae, invertebrates, and statistics recommended. The ecology of
nearshore rocky subtidal populations and communities with emphasis on kelp
forests; lectures and discussions of original literature; fieldwork with
SCUBA including group projects on underwater research techniques and community
analysis, and individual research on ecological questions chosen by student.
(2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 273. Marine Environmental Studyings of the Gulf of California
(4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. An Analysis
of Gulf of California marine environments. Lectures, readings, intensive
field work, and writing a scientific paper based on original research. Topics
vary. Taught with Mexican faculty and students from La Paz, Mexico. Students
must be able to participate in two weeks of field work in June. Offered
spring semesters.
MSCI 274T. Advanced Topics in Oceanography (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of a selected area in
oceanography. Subjects vary depending on student demand and availability
of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 280W. Scientific Writing (3)
Prerequisites: graduate standing, permission of instructor. Techniques and
strategies of scientific writing used for proposals, journal submissions,
and abstracts of meetings. Students will develop their writing skills by
preparing, editing and rewriting manuscripts.
MSCI 285T. Seminar in Marine Biology (2; max total 4)
Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Seminar will
be held on topics that change each semester; each student will be required
to give at least one seminar. May be repeated for credit. Offered spring
and fall semesters.
MSCI 295. Research in the Marine Sciences (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent investigations of an
advanced character for the graduate student with adequate preparation. (3
conference, lab, and field hours per unit)
MSCI 299. Thesis (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.
_______________
*Late afternoon, Saturday and/or overnight field trips may be required.
Biology
Degrees