120 Biological and Environmental Sciences 2020-2021 AVC College Catalog
Definition Rebecca Miller 2379
Biology is the study of life. Biological and Environmental Jason Newman 2507
Sciences covers all aspects of the study of life and emphasizes Dr. Maryam Sanei 2454
both the unity and diversity of living things. Special emphasis Joshua Shipp 2300
is placed on the relationship between structure and function, Judy Sullivan 2278
progressing through molecular, cellular, organismic and Junko Suzuki 2322
ecological levels of complexity. Evolutionary relationships are Rachel Thibault 2416
explained and illustrated.
Branches of biology such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, Program Description
zoology, botany, and ecology are concerned with the application This degree provides for the completion of general lower-
of biological principles to human affairs. division preparation associated with the requirements for a
bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, botany, ecology,
forestry, zoology, microbiology, medicine and other fields.
Staff It provides a broad, comprehensive overview of the main
To access faculty and staff, dial (661) 722-6300, then the 4-digit
extension. areas of biological science. The ability to critically think and
Dean: use appropriate tools to solve biological questions will be
Christos Valiotis ext. 6415 emphasized. The various courses within the biology program
Administrative Assistant: also satisfy general education requirements, and nursing/health
Wendy Cios ext. 6415 occupations requirements. The program also meets the needs of
Clerical Assistant III: students interested in improving their knowledge in biologically
Suzanne Olson ext. 6415 related fields such as agriculture and athletics. The biological
Department Chair: sciences program includes: anatomy, biology, microbiology, and
Dr. Zia Nisani ext. 6916 physiology.
Lab Technician:
Glenn Collins ext. 6272 Students must receive a minimum grade of “C” or better in all
Jaime Contreras ext. 6944 required core courses and the specific courses listed as program
Jenna Jacobson ext. 6059 electives in order to qualify for the degree or certificate.
Jon Paul Baustista ext. 6705
STEM: Distinctive Features
Christos Valiotis, Director ext. 6024 The biology and environmental sciences discipline stresses
Jamie Jones, Coordinator ext. 6992 both theoretical and applied aspects of the life sciences.
Faculty: Extracurricular projects and field trips are regular features of
Dr. Joseph Esdin ext. 6075 some courses. Well-equipped labs are used to provide excellent
Debra Feickert ext. 6174 training in practical biological techniques.
Dr. Barbara Fredette ext. 6921
Dr. Jedidiah Lobos ext. 6198 Career Options
Dr. Zia Nisani ext. 6916 Agricultural Biologist
Dr. Patricia Palavecino ext. 6897 Bacteriologist
Dr. Matthew Rainbow ext. 6369 Biologist
Dr. Nikki Riley ext. 6758 Biotechnologist
Dr. Bassam Salameh ext. 6920 Botanist
Dr. George Shahla ext. 6625 Clinical Lab Technologist
Adjunct Faculty: Curator
To access adjunct faculty voice mail, dial (661) 722-6300, then the
4-digit number. Dental Hygienist
V.M. Dentist
Suda Anunta 2204 Ecologist
Ashley Aparicio 2448 Environmental Scientist
Kaitlin Bessinger 2506 Fish/Game Warden
Dr. Patricia Butterworth 2232 Food/Drug Inspector
Lena Coleman 2227 Geneticist
Diana Doan 2638 Horticulturist
Dang Huynh 2097 Industrial Hygienist
Osvaldo Larios-Perez 2487 Marine Biologist
Patricia Medina 2490 Medical Technologist
Parasitologist
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Physician other and their environment. Biologists have deepened our
Physician’s Assistant understanding of processes and interactions on all levels of
Pharmaceutical Sales biological organization from elucidating cellular processes
Physical Therapist to fight cancer to assessing interactions in communities that
Physiologist might help prevent the extinction of species. Studying biology
Public Health Technician provides a background for students to evaluate and understand
Registered Nurse new discoveries and to make informed decisions about the use of
Teacher scientific knowledge to benefit all living organisms.
Veterinarian
Wildlife Biologist The AS-T in Biology is designed to prepare students for transfer
Zoologist to a baccalaureate degree program in biology, particularly at the
(Most of these careers require education beyond the two-year college California State University.
level.)
The Associate of Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T)
prepares student for upper division biology courses, including
Program Learning Outcomes general biology, cell or molecular biology, organism biology,
marine biology, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, genetics,
Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and agricultural sciences.
1. Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of the scientific
method, and the ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze To earn an Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T in
scientific data. Biology) degree a student must complete the following:
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the cell structure, function, (1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are
and chemistry at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and eligible for transfer to the California State University, including
organismal levels. both of the following:
3. Develop an understanding of the interactive role of living (A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer
organisms in ecosystems and the environment. Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University
4. Examine and evaluate the role of evolution and natural General Education – Breadth Requirements.
selection at the cellular and organismal levels. (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a
5. Demonstrate the ability to use laboratory equipment and major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community
methods safely and proficiently as an individual or as a college district.
group. (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Associate in Science in Biology ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all
1. Demonstrate a practical working knowledge of the scientific courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
method, and the ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze *This degree may only be earned by completing the
scientific data. Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the cell structure, function, for STEM or the California State University General Education
and chemistry at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and – Breadth Requirements for STEM. Please consult a counselor
organismal levels. for additional information.
3. Develop an understanding of the interactive role of living
organisms in ecosystems and the environment. Required Courses: units
4. Examine and evaluate the role of evolution and natural *BIOL 110, General Molecular Cell Biology 5
selection at the cellular and organismal levels. BIOL 120, General Organismal, Ecological and
5. Demonstrate the ability to use laboratory equipment and Evolutionary Biology 5
methods safely and proficiently as an individual or as a
Required Electives A: units
group.
Select 23 units from the following:
*CHEM 110, General Chemistry 5
Certificate Program CHEM 120, General Chemistry 5
Certificate not applicable. *MATH 150, Calculus and Analytic Geometry 5
PHYS 101, Introductory Physics and
PHYS 102, Introductory Physics
Associate Degree OR
PHYS 110, General Physics and
Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer PHYS 120, General Physics 8
Biology is the scientific study of life through the observation
of structure, function, reproduction, growth, origin, evolution, *Courses denoted with an asterisk will fulfill the completion
and behavior of living organisms and their relation to each requirements for both the major and general education.
122 Biological and Environmental Sciences 2020-2021 AVC College Catalog
Associate in Science in Biology Biological Sciences Courses
An associate in science degree with a major in Biological
Sciences is available. In addition to the GE requirements, the
student should complete 18 units of required biology course BIOL 100 ELEMENTARY HUMAN ANATOMY
work, and sufficient elective credits to total 60 units. Students AND PHYSIOLOGY
who intend to transfer are strongly encouraged to complete either 3 units
the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum 5 hours weekly
(IGETC) or the California State University General Education (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
– Breadth (CSU GE) requirements. (See Graduation/Associate This course covers the basic structure and function of the human
Degree Requirements and Transfer Information.) body. Knowledge obtained may be used by students entering
either an allied health science or non-transfer level field. (AVC)
Required Courses (10 units): units
BIOL 110, General Molecular Cell Biology 5 BIOL 101 GENERAL BIOLOGY
BIOL 120, General Organismal, Ecological and 3 units
EvolutionaryBiology 5 3 hours weekly
Elective 8 Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101L.
Total 18 A general education non-major biology course designed to
Program Electives (8 or more units): units acquaint the students with the nature of science, the unity of life
BIOL 201, General Human Anatomy 4 processes, the diversity of living things, the interdependence of
BIOL 202, General Human Physiology 4 organisms in the biosphere, the mechanisms that have shaped
BIOL 204, General Microbiology 5 life on Earth, and with humans as biological entities. This course
CHEM 110, 120, General Chemistry 10 has a corequisite and must be taken concurrently with BIOL
101L. NOTE: Biology majors should take BIOL 110 and BIOL
Specific areas of study, e.g., Environmental Science, Anatomy, 120 instead of this course. (CSU, UC, AVC)
Physiology, Microbiology, etc. should be arranged with the
assistance of the biology faculty. The faculty suggests that BIOL 101L GENERAL BIOLOGY LAB
appropriate courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics be 1 units
taken concurrently with the biology courses. 3 hours weekly
Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101.
Suggested Courses: units A general education non-major laboratory biology course
MATH 140, Precalculus 4 designed to be corequisite and taken concurrently with BIOL
PHYS 101, 102, Introductory Physics 8 101 to acquaint the students with the nature of science, the
Completion of this degree is only a partial fulfillment of the unity of life processes, the diversity of living things, the
requirements for transfer as a Biology major to an institution interdependence of organisms in the biosphere. the mechanisms
granting a baccalaureate degree. (See Graduation/Associate that have shaped life on Earth, and with humans as biological
Degree Requirements.) entities. The laboratory focuses on the kinds of living things, and
the structures and functions they share. NOTE: Biology majors
should take BIOL 110 and BIOL 120 instead of this course.
Transfer (CSU, UC, AVC)
Students planning to continue studies at a four-year college or
university after AVC should visit the Transfer Resource Center BIOL 102 *HUMAN BIOLOGY
and consult with a counselor as soon as possible. Additional 4 units
information on official transfer articulation agreements from 6 hours weekly
AVC to many CSU/UC campuses can be found at the following (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Web site: www.assist.org Advisory: Eligibility for College Level Reading, ENGL 101.
This course explores the principles of biology using the human
species as its primary tool. It is an introductory level, transfer
Prerequisite Completion course designed for non-science majors, students who want
If a course is listed as a prerequisite for another course, that to further their professional development, or to enrich their
prerequisite course must be completed with a satisfactory grade knowledge of biology in general and their bodies in particular.
in order to enroll in the next course. According to Title 5, Section Topics discussed include the scientific method, cell biology,
55200(d), a satisfactory grade is a grade of “A,” “B,” “C” or genetics, evolution, aging, major concepts of structure, function
“P”. Classes in which the Pass/No Pass option is available are and pathology of most organ systems, as well as how humans
indicated with an asterisk (*) before the course title. See “Pass/ interact with their internal and external environment. (CSU, UC,
No Pass Option” in the catalog for full explanation. AVC)
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BIOL 103 INTRODUCTION TO BOTANY BIOL 120 GENERAL ORGANISMAL,
4 units ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY
6 hours weekly BIOLOGY
(3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 5 units
This is an introduction course in the study of plants. This course 7 hours weekly
deals with the structure of plants, how plants grow and function (4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
and types of plants. Plant ecology and geography will also be Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 102.
discussed. (CSU, UC, AVC) Advisory: Completion of a general biology course and/or BIOL
110.
BIOL 104 ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY A comprehensive, in-depth course designed for biology majors
3 units to complement the cell molecular perspective presented in
3 hours weekly BIOL 110. A survey of unicellular and multicellular organisms,
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 101. emphasizing morphology, systematics, evolution, physiology,
A general education biology course dealing with current heredity, development, behavior and ecology. Laboratories
environmental issues. Topics include environmental consist of dissection and analysis of representative taxa and
sustainability, ecological principles, human population impact, student projects. Data analysis and preparation of scientific
energy, climate change, species extinction, pollution and toxic reports are taught and applied to individual research projects. (C-
wastes. (CSU, UC, AVC) ID: BIOL 140) (CSU, UC, AVC)
BIOL 110 GENERAL MOLECULAR CELL BIOL 201 GENERAL HUMAN ANATOMY
BIOLOGY 4 units
5 units 8 hours weekly
7 hours weekly (2 hours lecture, 6 hours lab)
(4 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 100 or 101 or 102 or 110 or
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 102 and CHEM 110. 120.
Advisory: Completion of a general biology course is Advisory: Eligibility for College Level Reading.
recommended, and Eligibility for College Level Reading and Introduction to the structure and function of the human body.
ENGL 101. Included are lectures and demonstrations using models,
A comprehensive and in-depth introduction for all biology isolated specimens and multimedia images of human anatomy.
majors (as well as physics, chemistry, engineering, computer Laboratory study includes demonstrations and dissections of a
science, and math majors who will concern themselves with cat and other animal and human material, including the cadaver.
biology) to the unifying principles of modern cellular biology, Completion of this class requires full participation and use of all
molecular biology and biochemistry. Topics include the lab materials. NOTE: This course is taken by students who wish
structure of the atom, quantum mechanics, the nature of the to enter the Associate Degree Nursing Program, students who
chemical bond, general principles of thermodynamics and plan to combine their education in various healthcare fields, and
equilibrium, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, lipid students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions to major in
chemistry and membrane biology, protein structure and function, biology. (C-ID: BIOL 110B) (CSU, UC, AVC)
photosynthesis and cellular respiration, nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA) and their role in protein synthesis, principles of BIOL 202 GENERAL HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
classical and molecular genetics, the control of gene expression, 4 units
cell signalling systems, molecular embryology, evolutionary 6 hours weekly
developmental biology, and biotechnology. Lab work includes (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
investigations with live bacteria, protists, flowering plants and Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 201 and CHEM 101.
fruit flies as model organisms, and includes experiments in An analysis of basic processes of the human body, emphasizing
photosynthesis, enzymology, gel electrophoresis, genetics and the coordinated physical and chemical mechanisms of cell
biotechnology. This course stresses evolutionary mechanisms. biology, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive,
(C-ID: BIOL 190) (CSU, UC, AVC) skeletal, integumentary, immune, renal, endocrine and
reproductive systems. Includes work with computerized
instrumentation and living animals. Completion of this course
requires full participation and use of all laboratory materials.
NOTE: This course is necessary for students entering many
healthcare professions including the Associate Degree Nursing
Program. It is also applicable for transfer students in the
biological sciences. (C-ID: BIOL 120B) (CSU, UC, AVC)
124 Biological and Environmental Sciences 2020-2021 AVC College Catalog
BIOL 204 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
5 units
9 hours weekly
(3 hours lecture, 6 hours lab)
Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 101 or 110 or 120, and
CHEM 101.
Advisory: Completion of BIOL 201, BIOL 202, CHEM 102,
COMM 103 and ENGL 101.
This course is designed to present an overview of the biology
of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi
and helminths. Information is directed towards students in
preprofessional programs for nursing, dental hygiene, surgical
technology, physicians assistant, food science, environmental
monitoring, animal and crop sciences as well as biological
science majors. Wherever possible, new development in
Biotechnology, Virology and Immunology are discussed to
provide students with current knowledge in this important
field of science. The laboratory introduces a broad spectrum of
microorganisms and the concepts and techniques required to
identify and classify unknown bacteria. (CSU, UC, AVC)
BIOL 205 *INTRODUCTION TO
BIOTECHNOLOGY
3 units
5 hours weekly
(2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 110 or higher, and CHEM
101 or higher.
Advisory: Completion of BIOL 204.
The course will introduce the student to theoretical and applied
concepts of Biotechnology- the use of living organisms or their
products to enhance our lives and our environment. The content
will cover the concepts of DNA structure, gene expression
and protein synthesis. The laboratory techniques used in the
Biotechnology industry will be learned and practiced by the
students, including keeping a detailed lab notebook, learning
and using calculations for solution preparation, preparing and
analyzing DNA and protein samples by enzyme digest and
gel electrophoresis, amplifying DNA by Polymerase Chain
Reaction, and isolation of protein and DNA with separation
techniques. Applications of these techniques in the Agricultural,
Medical, Pharmaceutical and Forensic fields will be discussed.
(CSU, UC, AVC)
