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for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Biology

COURSES

• Biology (BIOL)
• Biology (BIOL) --- Graduate Courses
• Marine Science (MSCI)
• Marine Science (MSCI) --- Graduate Courses
• Biology (BIOL) --- In-Service Courses

 

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 1A. Introductory Biology (4 units)
Course one of a 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) (Course fee, $15) (Formerly BIOSC 1A)

BIOL 1B. Introductory Biology (3 units)
First-time enrollees must take BIOL 1BL concurrently. 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) (Formerly BIOSC 1B)

BIOL 1BL. Introductory Biology Laboratory (2 units)
First-time enrollees must take BIOL 1B concurrently. Required of all biology majors. Continuation of thematic introduction to the unifying concepts of life science: laboratory exercises in evolution, classification and diversity of life; survey of the living organisms; physiology; ecology and environmental biology. (6 lab hours)* (Course fee, $15) (Formerly BIOSC 1B, BIOL 1B)

BIOL 10. Life Science (3 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 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) (Course fee, $5)

BIOL 11. Plant Biology (3 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 1B. Structure, function, and development of plants. G.E. Breadth B2. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) (Course fee, $15) (Formerly BOT 10)

BIOL 12. Animal Biology (3 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 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) (Course fee, $15) (Formerly ZOOL 10)

BIOL 20. Introductory Microbiology (4 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 120. Prerequisites: CHEM 1A or 3A. Introduction to microbiology; principles and selected applications. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $25) (Formerly MICRO 20)

BIOL 33. Human Anatomy and Physiology (5 units)
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) (Formerly PHYAN 33)

BIOL 64. Functional Human Anatomy (3 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 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) (Formerly PHYAN 64)

BIOL 65. Human Physiology (5 units)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 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) (Formerly PHYAN 65)

BIOL 101. General Ecology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B; PSYCH 42 or MATH 101, or EES 178 (earth and environmental sciences majors only). 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)* (Course fee, $15) (Formerly BIOSC 130)

BIOL 102. Genetics (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B. Corequisites: CHEM 8 or 128A. Required of all biology majors. Fundamentals of inheritance, including an introduction to the underlying molecular mechanisms. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly BIOSC 140A)

BIOL 103. Cellular Biology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 and either CHEM 150 or 155. 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. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly BIOSC 140B but excludes 3 lab hours, BIOSC 140B)

BIOL 104. Genetics and Cellular Biology Lab (1 unit)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. (BIOL 103 may be taken as concurrently.) Required of all biology majors. Must be taken a minimum of four semesters from completing BIOL 103.Basic techniques in molecular genetics and cell biology. No credit if BIOSC 140B taken prior to fall 2005. (3 lab hours) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly BIOSC 140B lab component, BIOSC 140L)

BIOL 105. Evolution (3 units)
Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor; BIOL 101, 102, and 103. Required of all biology majors. Evolutionary processes and patterns. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly BIOSC 180)

BIOL 110. Human Ecology (3 units)
The study of the relationships between humans and their environment, both natural and manmade; emphasis on scientific understanding of root causes of current environmental problems.

BIOL 120. Microbiology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A, 1B; CHEM 8 or 128A; or BIOL 11 and CHEM 150. Emphasis on prokaryotes (bacteria); microbial physiology, genetics, ecology, classification, and identification; applications of microbiology. Prerequisite to most upper-division microbiology courses. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $25) (Formerly MICRO 140)

BIOL 121. Medical Microbiology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 120; BIOL 157 recommended. The role of microorganisms in causing infection and disease; strategies for diagnosing and treating infections. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly MICRO 183)

BIOL 122. Nonvascular Plants (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Comparative structure and phylogeny of the fungi, algae, mosses, and liverworts. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly BOT 132)

BIOL 123. Phycology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 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)* (Course fee, $30) (Formerly BOT 142)

BIOL 124. Vascular Plants (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 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) (Formerly BOT 131)

BIOL 125. Plant Taxonomy (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Principles of plant classification; local flora. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)* (Formerly BOT 144)

BIOL 130. Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 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)* (Course fee, $25) (Formerly ZOOL 141)

BIOL 131. Parasitology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 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)* (Course fee, $20) (Formerly ZOOL 148)

BIOL 132. General Entomology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B. Anatomy, physiology, life history, and classification of insects and other arthropods. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)* (Formerly ZOOL 120)

BIOL 133. Natural History of Vertebrates (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. 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 150)

BIOL 134. Ichthyology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. 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)* (Formerly ZOOL 171)

BIOL 135. Biology of Reptilesand Birds (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. 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)* (Course fee, $25) (Formerly ZOOL 174)

BIOL 136. Mammalogy (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. Ecology, evolution, and diversity of the mammals of the world. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)* (Formerly ZOOL 177)

BIOL 140. Plant Anatomy (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B or permission of instructor. Structure and development of flowering plants at the cellular and tissue levels. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly BOT 133)

BIOL 141. Histology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103. Identification and study of vertebrate cells, tissues, and organs. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Formerly PHYAN 134)

BIOL 142. Vertebrate Embryology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 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) (Formerly PHYAN 135)

BIOL 143. Comparative Vertebrate Morphology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B. Comparative structure of vertebrate organ systems; laboratory study of representative vertebrates. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Course fee, $30) (Formerly ZOOL 132)

BIOL 144. Neuroanatomy (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 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) (Formerly PHYAN 130)

BIOL 150. Molecular Biology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 and 103; CHEM 150 or 155. The study of genome structure and fluidity, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, and genomics. If BIOL 150 was taken prior to fall 2005, it is equivalent to BIOL 150 and 151. (Formerly GENET 142)

BIOL 151. Bioinformatics (2 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 and 103; CHEM 150 or 155. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL 150. 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 BIOL 150 taken prior to fall 2005. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $10) (Formerly GENET 143)

BIOL 152. Experimental Molecular Genetics (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. The nature of genetic information, its mutation, transfer, and recombination in cells. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Course fee, $30) (Formerly GENET 171)

BIOL 153. Microbial Genetics (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 120 or permission of instructor. 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) (Formerly GENET 182)

BIOL 155. Developmental Biology (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. 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) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly GENET 172)

BIOL 156. Plant Growth and Development (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 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) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly BOT 137)

BIOL 157. Immunology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 required. BIOL 103 and 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. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly PHYAN 160)

BIOL 157L. Immunology Laboratory (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 157 and either BIOL 103 and 104 or BIOL 120. Experimental illustration of immune response; classical and contemporary immunology techniques; interpretation and presentation of experimental outcomes. (6 lab hours, 1 discussion hour) (Course fee, $30) (Formerly PHYAN 160L)

BIOL 160. Microbial Physiology (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Structure, function, energy metabolism, growth, and regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Course fee, $25) (Formerly MICRO 161)

BIOL 161. Plant Physiology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B (or BIOL 11); 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) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly BOT 130)

BIOL 162. Comparative Animal Physiology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. Evolution of physiological systems; functional adaptations to different environments; physiological principles as applied to animals. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly PHYAN 151)

BIOL 162L. Comparative Animal Physiology Lab (1 unit)
Prerequisite: BIOL102 and 103. BIOL 162 is a pre- or co-requisite. Comparative experimental approach to understanding how animals adapt to different environmental challenges and investigations into physiological processes. (3 lab hours) (Course fee, $20) (Formerly PHYAN 151 lab component)

BIOL 163. Advanced Human Physiology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103 and either BIOL 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. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly PHYAN 163)

BIOL 164. Hematology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 103; BIOL 65 and 157 recommended. Development, structure, identification, and quantification of cellular blood elements; qualitative and quantitative considerations of hemoglobin, coagulation, and immunohematology. (Formerly PHYAN 162)

BIOL 165. Endocrinology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. 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. (Formerly PHYAN 165)

BIOL 166. Neurophysiology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 33 or 64 or 65 or 103 or 162. Function of the human nervous system with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of electrical and chemical signaling. (Formerly PHYAN 140)

BIOL 170. Microbial Ecology (4 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 120. 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)* (Formerly ECOL 162)

BIOL 171. Terrestrial Ecology (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. 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)* (Course fee, $20) (Formerly ECOL 151)

BIOL 172S. Aquatic Ecology (4 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. Physical-chemical features of inland waters as related to their biology; community structure and function, ecological interactions, adaptations, and identification of aquatic organisms. Includes a service-learning component. (3 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)* (Course fee, $25) (Formerly BIOL 172, ECOL 152)

BIOL 173. Marine Biology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 1B or BIOL 12. 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) (Formerly ECOL 135)

BIOL 174. Animal Behavior (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101; one additional course in ecology or natural history recommended. Principles of ethology with emphasis on mechanisms of behavior. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)* (Formerly ZOOL 152)

BIOL 175. Ecology Case Study (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. Discussion-based course focusing on analysis and problem-solving in ecology. Cases are grounded in basic ecological and environmental science, but include relevance and application to sociological, economic, and political considerations. (2 hours lecture; 1 hour TBA) (Formerly ECOL 140)

BIOL 176. Field Methodsin Ecology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. Teaches a broad range of field methods used in ecology. Focuses on quantitative techniques for studying animal populations: census techniques, capture/marking, radio telemetry, habitat assessment, behavioral observation and experiments, and design and logistics of field experiments. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Course fee, $25) (Formerly BIOL ECOL 141)

BIOL 178. Systematic Biology (3 units)
Prerequisite: BIOL 1A and 1B; BIOL 102 and 103 recommended. Modern theory and methods of phylogenetic analysis applied to the study of biodiversity and evolution. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly ECOL 174)

BIOL 181. Seminar in Cellularand Molecular Biology (1 unit)
Prerequisites: BIOL 150 (may be corequisite) or permission of instructor. Trends and breakthroughs in cellular and molecular biology accessed through the primary literature. (1 seminar hour)

BIOL 189T. Topics in Biology (1-4; max total 6 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of selected areas in the field of biology. (Lecture and/or laboratory)

BIOL 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6 units)
See Academic Placement - Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

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*Late afternoon, Saturday and/or overnight field trips may be required.

GRADUATE COURSES

(See Catalog Numbering System.

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 208. Biological Field Studies (1-6; max total 6 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Integrated studies or specialized topics, including botanical, environmental, microbiological, or zoological field studies.* Approved for RP grading.
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*Late afternoon, Saturday and/or overnight field trips may be required.

BIOL 225. Molecular Evolution (3 units)
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)

BIOL 230. Foundations of Ecology (2 units)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor. Discusses ideas and papers that defined ecology as an independent scientific discipline, both in the context of their time of publication and in comparison to current ecological paradigms. Covers late 19th century to present.

BIOL 240. Systems Ecology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 101, 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 units)
(See CHEM 241A-B.)

BIOL 242. Techniques in Protein Purification and Analysis (3 units)
(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) (Course fee, $40)

BIOL 243. Nucleic Acid Technology Lab (3 units)
(Same as CHEM 243.) Prerequisites: BIOL/CHEM 241A and 242. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 241B. A lecture/laboratory course focusing on the technologies used in nucleic acid chemistry; specifically, synthesis, translation, mutagenesis, and genetic engineering. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Course fee, $40)

BIOL 244. Cell Culture Techniques (3 units)
(Same as CHEM 244.) Prerequisite: BIOL 103 and 104. The theory and practice of the in vitro propagation of eukaryotic cells, including growth characteristics, metabolic requirements, genetic analysis, and screening assays. Special focus is placed on cancer cell lines with the potential for stem cell manipulation relative to cultured cell biology culture and application to biotechnology. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Course fee, $40)

BIOL 245. Industrial Biotechnology (3 units)
Prerequisites: BIOL 120 and CHEM 150 or 155, or permission of instructor. Theory and current practices of bioprocessing, including hands-on experience with standard techniques and formulation of a strategic plan for a new technology or product. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)

BIOL 248. Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1-2; max total 4 units)
(See CHEM 248.) Prerequisite: admission to the biology or chemistry graduate program. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Biotechnology or Biotechnology Certificate programs. Reviews and reports on current literature in various aspects of biotechnology and molecular biology.

BIOL 250. Scientific Research Reporting (2 units)
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 9 units 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 9 units 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 9 units 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 9 units 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. Biostatistics and Experimental Design (3 units)
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 units)
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 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Reviews and reports on current literature in the various phases of biology.

BIOL 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6 units)
See Academic Placement Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

BIOL 295. Research (2-6; max total 6 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent research by the graduate student.

BIOL 299. Thesis (2-4; max total 4 units)*
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.

_________

* For 299C courses, see Graduate Studies.

IN-SERVICE COURSE

(See Catalog Numbering System.)

Biology (BIOL)

BIOL 302T. Topics in Biology (3; max total 6 units)
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 seven cooperating state universities (East Bay, Fresno, Monterey Bay, 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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 112. Marine Birds and Mammals (4 units)
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 units)
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 124. Marine Invertebrate Zoology I (4 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 173T. Topics in Marine Biology (1-4 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 180. Independent Study (1-4; max total 6 units)
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.)

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

The California State University began op-eration of the Moss Landing Marine Laborator-ies, Moss Landing, California, in the fall semester 1966. This facility functions as a seaside extension of the campuses of seven cooperating state universities (East Bay, Fresno, Monterey Bay, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, and Stanislaus). It offers full-time course-work 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 course-work. See Earth and Environmental Science Department for on-campus course--work 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.

The Biology Department will accept only the following Moss Landing Marine Laboratories courses for major credit: MSCI 103, 104, 112, 113, 122, 124, 125, 131, 144.

Marine Science (MSCI)

MSCI 201. Library Research Methods in Marine Science (1 unit)
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 units)
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 206. Molecular Biological Techniques (4 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units; max total 8 units 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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 262. Satellite Oceanography (4 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)
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 units)*
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.

 

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* For 299C courses, see Graduate Studies.

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