Biology (BIOL)

Provides a background in the fundamental concepts of biology, microbiology, and ecosystems and their importance and relationships to a variety of civil and environmental engineering applications.

Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering majors only.

The major features and biology of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoans, fungi), including reproduction, virulence, and control both inside and outside the host. Emphasis will be placed on the interactions of microorganisms with humans, especially those microorganisms that cause disease and the host's immune response during infection.

Prerequisites: BIOL 101, BIOL 111, CHEM 110, and CHEM 111.
Health and Human Science majors only.

Basic techniques for the handling and culture of bacteria; sterile technique, sample collection, and isolation of bacteria; staining and microscopy, characterization and identification of unknown bacteria; evaluation of antimicrobial agents; diagnostic testing.

Prerequisite: BIOL 216 or concurrent enrollment.
Health and Human Science majors only.

The discussion of general biological principles with a human emphasis. Topics include: cells; heredity and reproduction; animal behavior; organ systems; drugs; disease; ecology; and evolution.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.

Introduction to the geography, climate, plant communities, and common animals of Southern California; animals will be covered in regard to behavior, taxonomy, and ecology.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.

An introduction to marine biology, including its history, different communities and the animals and plants that occur in marine ecosystems, and their economic importance.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The sacred and medicinal use of plants and fungi by traditional and modern cultures, including the biological basis for their use.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The biological aspects of human reproduction, including the basic reproductive system, genetics, fetal development, nutrition, pregnancy, birth, and neonatal development.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

The physiological, psychological, and social effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other therapeutic and recreational drugs.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

Basic Mendelian genetics and the application to individual risk assessments. Population genetics and the implications of artificial selection. Modern molecular genetics and medical applications.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics; Flag: Quantitative Literacy.

An introduction to microbiology with an emphasis on microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause disease in humans. Viral replication, pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria, transmission of parasites, the function of the immune system, and vaccination will be examined in context of diseases of historical, social, and public health importance.

Prerequisite: MATH 101or higher, or placement into MATH 106or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

An introduction to the natural evolution of plant species and the associated cultural evolution of man's relationship to plants. A multidisciplinary approach to studying the relationship between plants and people. An exploration of plants as sources of food and medicine, commercial products, and the role of plants in preserving and restoring the environment.

Prerequisite: MATH 101 or higher, or placement into MATH 106 or higher.

Characterization of conditional interspecific interactions and investigations into the variability of outcomes as mediated by seasonality, chemistry, novel habitats, and morphology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 102, BIOL 111, BIOL 112; CHEM 113; MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original laboratory and/or field research in applied ecology, to address questions in conservation, resource management, and ecological sustainability.

Permission of instructor required.

Research on the dynamic and integrated nature of urbanized landscapes. Projects may include the study of the patterns and process of urban ecosystem ranging from biodiversity and trophic dynamics to public health and environmental justice.

Permission of instructor required.

An analysis of the dynamic and integrated nature of urbanized landscapes. Using active inquiry and the original literature, the course will engage the current theories and practice of the research being conducted on the patterns and process of urban ecosystem - ranging from biodiversity and trophic dynamics, to public health and environmental justice.

Enrollment in Urban Ecology Track or permission of program director required.
Permission of instructor required.

Participation in marine biology, ecology, and conservation research. Research may include relevant field or laboratory work and current marine science methodologies.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in marine conservation research. Research may include relevant field or laboratory work and current marine science methodologies.

Permission of instructor required.

Directed senior level research in the physiology and ecology of marine organisms.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original laboratory and/or field research related to marine environmental physiology.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in research on topics in invertebrate conservation biology. Research may include ecological and/or genetic approaches and methodologies.

Permission of instructor required.

Investigation through original literature and laboratory experience of the ways in which genes direct development.

Prerequisite: BIOL 394, BIOL 494, or BIOL 594.
Permission of instructor required.

An introduction to the use of drosophila as a research tool in classical and molecular genetics.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original research on the development of the cardiac neural crest, primarily using the chicken embryo as a model organism.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original research investigating the functional aspect of morphology and development in carnivorous mammals.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original research investigating functional, evolutionary and ecological aspects of vertebrate paleontology in mammals and birds.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original laboratory and/or field research on social birds or mammals, addressing questions at the interfaces of behavior, physiology and ecology.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in laboratory and/or field research on birds, addressing questions at the interfaces of behavior, physiology, and ecology.

Permission of instructor required.

Investigation of the systems-level properties of biological pathways and networks. Research may include bioinformatics and/or functional genomics techniques.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in research investigating the role of microbes in the environment using culture based and molecular techniques.

Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory work in gene mapping and gene isolation.

Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory work in molecular and genetic analysis of plant development.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in laboratory and/or field research on the ecophysiological response of plants to environmental extremes.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in research investigating the association between microbes and plants.

Permission of instructor required.

An introduction to the mutual relationships between plants and traditional peoples with an emphasis on phyto medicines and sustainability.

Permission of instructor required.

A survey of topics relating to the conservation of animals and plants, including extinction, genetic aspects, demography, insularization, threats to biodiversity, economics and politics, religious and ethical perspectives, and practical applications.

Permission of instructor required.

Participation in original field, laboratory, and/or computational research that addresses questions at the interface between evolutionary biology and ecology.

Permission of instructor required.

Independent laboratory research examining questions pertaining to import of proteins into mitochondria utilizing current molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and genetic techniques in yeast and mammalian systems.

Permission of instructor required.

An in-depth exposure to topics in gene expression through analysis of data from primary research literature.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and BIOL 202.
Permission of instructor required.

An interdisciplinary seminar series bringing together faculty from different disciplines to present and discuss topics in biotechnology. Examples include sustainable agriculture, advances in medicine and biotechnology, legal and ethical considerations and biotechnology, the environment and biotechnology, the manipulation of biological machinery (proteins), the fusion of engineering and biotechnology (nanotechnology), the business of biotechnology.

University Core fulfilled: Flags: Oral Skills, Writing.
Permission of instructor required.

Independent laboratory research examining questions pertaining to gene expression, including ribosome biogenesis and mRNA transport/localization, utilizing techniques of molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics.

Permission of instructor required.

An exploration of current research utilizing molecular/genetic techniques to study developmental biology.

Permission of instructor required.

Investigation of the systems-level properties of biological pathways and networks. Research may include bioinformatics, biomathematics, and/or functional genomics techniques.

Permission of instructor required.

Independent research in a faculty laboratory. Results must be presented formally.

Permission of instructor required.

Senior-level capstone research in biology and the preparation and publication of the Honors Thesis.

Restricted to members of the University Honors Program.
Permission of instructor required.

Permission of instructor required.

Permission of instructor required.

Unifying principles of biology; introduction to cell structure and function, genetics, control systems, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering majors only.

An introduction to the mechanism of evolution; major patterns of biotic evolution; and the principles of ecology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010; either math placement into MATH 120 or above OR pre-req of MATH120 or concurrent enrollment
Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering majors only.

A survey of the three domains of life and exploration of the morphological, functional, and environmental factors that influence their biodiversity.

Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 or concurrent enrollment.
Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering majors only.

An experimental approach to biology with emphasis on design, execution, and analysis to answer biological questions in a semester-long research project..

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, and BIOL 1020 or concurrent enrollment.
Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering majors only.

This course provides perspectives and insight into being a successful Biology major at Loyola Marymount University, including available resources and activities such as course registration and meeting with academic advisors. Students will learn about how to identify and get involved in scientific research on campus and will hear professional seminars from campus and visiting biologists.

Corequisite: BIOL 1110.
Required for all incoming first year Biology majors.
Credit/No Credit only.

An introduction to scientific research methodology: information gathering, data analysis, laboratory research practice in a faculty laboratory.
Credit/No Credit only.
Permission of instructor required.

Independent undergraduate research in a faculty laboratory.

Credit/No Credit only.
May be repeated for credit.
Permission of instructor required.

Permission of instructor required.

Cellular and sub-cellular structures and functions including: DNA and RNA structure and function; protein synthesis and structure; enzyme function; metabolic pathways; membrane function.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, CHEM 112, or concurrent enrollment.

Independent Research with faculty

Biology Internship

Independent undergraduate research in a faculty laboratory.

May be repeated for credit.
Credit/No Credit only.
Permission of instructor required.

Instructor Approval Required

A study of Mendelian and molecular genetics.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2010.
University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Nature of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.

This course is designed to teach students how to analyze and interpret quantitative data using introductory and basic univariate and multivariate statistical methods. It demonstrates practical applications in addition to basic theory. We apply these methods to actual data from biological, ecological, and public health applications.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020; MATH 122 or MATH 131; MATH 123 or MATH 132 or MATH 204.
Permission of instructor required.

An integrative course focusing on the foundational role of plants in ecosystems and how ecological principles and theory can be applied to solving local and global conservation and resource management problems.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, and BIOL 2010.
Permission of instructor required.

Study of various ways in which plants interact with other organisms, such as herbivores, pathogens, symbiotic bacteria and fungi, and the outcomes of that interplay. Examination of the physiological, biochemical, and genetic bases of these interactions and how understanding the chemical and molecular communication that takes place has implications for improvement of agriculture and human health.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 220 or ENVS 358 .
Permission of instructor required.

The identification, distribution, evolution, and ecological relationships of the native plants of Southern California.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120; CHEM 110, CHEM 111; MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

Field techniques applied to the identification, distribution, and ecological relationships of the native plants of southern California.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and CHEM 112
Permission of instructor required.

Characteristics and distribution of the major vegetation types of the world, emphasizing environmental conditions, plant adaptations, ecosystem processes, and impact of anthropogenic disturbance.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110; CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

An exploration of the interactions between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environment across population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010; MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the ecology of coastal ecosystems, bridging the gap between terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems. Students will utilize primary literature to study biodiversity, abiotic and biotic interactions, ecological drivers present, and adaptations of organisms to thrive in their unique environments. Students will develop a deep understanding of the ecology of different coastal habitats and current conservation efforts, practice skills in science communication, and engage in discussions on relevant literature and current topics of interest to the course.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020.
Permission of instructor required.

In this course, students will engage in both lab and field activities, studying a variety of coastal environments. Students will 1) learn field and laboratory techniques to observe and quantify diversity in a variety of coastal habitats, including the use and effectiveness of conservation efforts; 2) learn to identify Southern California coastal flora and fauna; 3) develop and carry out a research project relevant to the course material; 4) learn to think critically, analyze data, and communicate science effectively in multiple formats.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required

An analysis of the dynamic and integrated nature of urbanized landscapes. Using active inquiry and the original literature, the course will engage the current theories and practice of the research being conducted on the patterns and process of urban ecosystems-ranging from biodiversity and trophic dynamics, to public health and environmental justice.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020.
University Core fulfilled: Flags: Engaged Learning
Permission of instructor required.

An inquiry-based investigation into the biophysical and human social dimensions of a local urban ecosystem, with a focus on group project development. At least one Saturday trip.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120 and BIOL 3210, or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

An introduction to field methods that can be used to study birds. We will learn how to identify & study birds, we will explore social topics related to birds & ornithology, and we will get outside and put some field methods into practice.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110 and BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Planet Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems. In this course we will tackle the practical challenge of quantifying or counting biological diversity. We will use traditional methods and emerging technologies, and explore the importance of practical considerations for survey spatial extent, duration, and effort/cost trade offs.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required.

A comparative study of the vertebrate structures and their significance in terms of their evolution and function.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120; CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Study of the evolutionary aspects of behavioral ecology including foraging strategies, social competition, communication, sexual selection, mating systems, cooperation, and social organization.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, and BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required.

Field lab using behavioral ecology techniques to apply scientific methods to the inquiry and study of animals

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, and BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required.

This class delves into the tissue and cell movements (morphogenesis), into the cellular differentiation pathways, and the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that produce form and function in chordate embryos.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

The study of embryology through development histologically, through dissection and experimental embryology. Observational skills will be improved through hand-drawn reproductions, learning to recognize embryonic features and stages and become familiar with histology and anatomical terminology in sections. Students will design, make observations and document, analyze, and write up an approved, novel experimental embryology project of their own choosing.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; BIOL 3400 or concurrent enrollment; CHEM 222, CHEM 223.
Permission of instructor required.

Introduction to the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the development of multicellular animals, with attention to genetic control. The biology of models systems is emphasized.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, and BIOL 3020.
Permission of instructor required.

Experimental analysis of developmental principles with particular emphasis on the control and patterns of gene expression. The fruit fluy, Drosophila, is used as a model system.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020, and BIOL 3430 or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

This course explores questions of sex and gender from both a biological and cultural studies perspective. It reviews the biological underpinnings of sex and sex differentiation in humans and other vertebrates and explores the social, political, and historical context in which scientific knowledge about sex and gender is produced.

Prerequisite: BIOL 1010 and 1020
Permission of instructor required.

Introduction to physiological principles and concepts with emphasis on organ systems.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 2010; CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in general physiology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, and BIOL 3510 or BIOL 3570 or concurrent enrollment.
Cannot be taken if already completed BIOL 360 or BIOL 3600.
Permission of instructor required.

Introduction to plant function, including photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, water relations, metabolism, and growth processes.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010; CHEM 220, MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in plant physiology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 3530 or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

The historical, ethnobotanical, and chemical basis of medicinal plant use, plant-based pharmaceuticals, and their physiological efficacy.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 2010; CHEM 220; MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

A detailed study of subcellular organelles, including their origin, function, and regulation within the cell.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 222, CHEM 223.
Permission of instructor required.

Environmental and evolutionary influences on functioning of animals, focusing on mechanisms and strategies utilized by animals to cope with challenges imposed by their biotic and abiotic surroundings.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 2010; CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in cell biology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010; CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in Comparative Physiology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 111, BIOL 112, and BIOL 351 or BIOL 357 or concurrent enrollment.
Cannot be taken if already completed BIOL 352.
Permission of instructor required.

The historical, ethnobotanical, and chemical basis of medicinal plant use, plant-based pharmaceuticals, and their physiological efficacy.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 2010; CHEM 220; MATH 122 or MATH 131.
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in general microbiology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 3610 or BIOL 4600 or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

Application of genomics tools, including laboratory methods and computer analyses, in a semester-long research project to understand microbial processes.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 3020.
Permission of instructor required.

Hands-on experience in maintenance and propagation of mammalian cell cultures, including use of current molecular biology tools in qualitative and quantitative analyses of cells, manipulating cells under various experimental conditions (exposure to cellular stresses), in multiple enquiry-based research projects.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 2010.
Permission of instructor required.

Interdisciplinary course at the interface between biology and computer science focusing on how biological information is encoded in the genome of a cell and represented as data in a database. Biological concepts include DNA structure and function, the central dogma of molecular biology, and regulation of gene expression. Computer science concepts and skills include command line interaction, the structure and functions of a database, and the management of data ranging from individual files to a full relational database management system. Emphasis on science and engineering best practices, such as maintaining journals and notebooks, managing files and code, and critically evaluating scientific and technical information. Course culminates with team projects to create new gene databases.

Prerequisites: BIOL 201 and MATH 123 or MATH 132 or MATH 204 or MATH 205.
University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections
Permission of instructor required.

Current bioinformatics techniques will be used to address systems-level biological questions. Techniques may include: querying biological databases, sequence alignment, construction of phylogenetic trees, comparative genomics, genome annotation, protein structure analysis and prediction, modeling pathways and networks, use of biological ontologies, or the analysis of high-throughput genomic and proteomic data.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010.
Permission of instructor required.

Biotechnology is a broad discipline in which biological processes, organisms, cells or cellular components are exploited to develop new technologies. Plant biotechnology employs a wide range of tools, including traditional breeding techniques and genetic engineering, to create plants with improved traits--more productive crops, more nutritious foods, and the production of biomaterials, medicines, and bioenergy. Principles of genetics, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, plant cell and tissue culture, and agronomy are employed to develop these novel technologies. We will discuss methodologies used to produce these plants, the genes that have been introduced to crop plants, and commercial product development. The course will also address concerns associated with plant biotechnology, including food safety, ecological risks, and resistance.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, and CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

Experimental methodology to study proteomics and protein structure and function, integrating methods of biochemistry, molecular biology, microscopy, structural biology and bioinformatics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

Course explores a variety of topics including classical forward genetic screens, enhancer/suppressor screens, lethal and conditional mutant alleles, complementation and allelism, mosaics, mitotic recombination, bipartite gene expression systems, reporter genes, reverse genetics, RNA interference, and targeted mutations.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Classical and modern molecular genetic experimental approaches are used to characterize an unknown mutation affecting growth. The fruit fly, Drosophila, is used as a model system.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Introduction to mathematical and statistical concepts closely related to research problems in biology. Biological topics may include the structure, function, and regulation of the three major types of cellular pathways: metabolic, signaling, and gene regulatory pathways. Mathematical topics include statistical analysis of biological measurements, dynamic modeling of biological systems, and fitting models to observed data. Students will critically evaluate the primary literature and carry out three major modeling projects throughout the semester.

Prerequisites: BIOL 2010; and MATH 123 or MATH 132 or MATH 204 or MATH 205 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.
Permission of instructor required

Independent Research

Instructor approval required

Independent undergraduate research in a faculty laboratory.

Credit/No Credit only.
Permission of instructor required.

Instructor approval required

Instructor approval required

Marine biology will provide students with an introduction to the physical and biological world: the oceans. This course is integrative, focusing on function, biodiversity, and ecology of marine organisms. In addition, students will learn how abiotic processes shape marine environments and the ecology and evolution of marine organisms.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, CHEM 110, CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Marine Conservation Biology focuses on conservation issues faced and potential solutions in marine environments. Examples include climate change and climate change mitigation, unsustainable overfishing and fisheries management, marine habitat loss and marine protected area planning, and other issues and their potential solutions. After taking the course students will be able to: 1 (identify human-caused environmental changes effecting marine environments, 2) understand the science behind these changes, 3) consider and discuss potential solutions to the issues, and 4) explain the public policy context behind a diversity of marine conservation issues and management solutions.

University Core fulfilled: Flags: Engaged Learning
Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, and CHEM 110
Permission of instructor required

An inquiry-based investigation into the relationship between abiotic factors and marine invertebrate physiology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 2010.
Permission of instructor required.

Biochemical, molecular, and genetic approaches to the study of pattern and tissue formation, embryogenesis, germination, flowering, photosynthesis, and plant-microbe interaction.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 220
Permission of instructor required.

Laboratory experiments in plant developmental biology.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 4370 or 3700, or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

The application of the techniques employed in molecular biology to the study of inherited diseases, genetic engineering, infectious diseases, cancer, and gene therapy.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 3020: CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.
Lab fee.

A comprehensive study of the physiological and molecular properties of individual nerve cells and the synaptic connections between them. Basic mechanisms of mammalian nervous system function through the study of human neurological diseases, and how cellular and molecular basis of these diseases is driving therapeutic development will be discussed. Topics range from neuronal structure and function, communication at the synapse, biophysics of single channel gating, and transmission across chemical and electrical synapses. Additionally, actions of drugs on brain at clinical, cellular, and molecular levels will be explored.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, and CHEM 112.
Permission of instructor required.

Study of properties, synthesis, and interactions of macromolecules; genetic engineering.

Prerequisites: BIOL 3020; CHEM 220, CHEM 222.
Permission of instructor required.

This course discusses foundational literature and recent advances in the study of the interaction between hormones and behavior. The role of hormones in regulating various animal behaviors, including reproductive, parental, and social behaviors will be major themes of this course. We will also focus on experiments and techniques for studying how hormones facilitate behavioral and physical responses in vertebrates.

Pre-requisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020.
Permission of instructor required.

The study of the human immune system, including innate and adaptive immune responses; the interaction of cells, receptors, and soluble factors during an immune response; the development of B and T cells; and the role of the immune systems in health and disease.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020, and CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

Examination of normal function and selected disease-associated dysfunctions of the body's organ systems.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1020, BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020; CHEM 220.
Permission of instructor required.

This course provides an introduction to progenitor and stem cell biology, and the role of these cell types in development, homeostasis, and potential therapeutics. These topics are explored in several model systems and in humans, with an emphasis on scientific research.

Pre-requisites: BIOL 2010, BIOL 3020.
Permission of instructor required.

Introduction to the diversity of microorganisms and their role in ecological and environmental processes in soil, water, and air; environmental services provided by microorganisms; and how microbial functions are utilized in managed and artificial systems.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010 , BIOL 2010; and CHEM 220 or ENVS 358.
Consent of instructor required.

Introduction to the principles of epidemiology, including factors governing health and disease in populations.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010 and BIOL 1020.
Permission of instructor required.

Evolution is a central and unifying theme in the life sciences. In this course, we will examine the pattern and the process of biological evolution, the history and development of evolutionary thought, microevolutionary mechanisms of change, speciation, and large-scale macroevolutionary phenomena. Readings from the literature, with a focus on experimental studies of evolution, will be discussed in class.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, and either placement into MATH 120 or above OR completion or concurrent enrollment of MATH 120.
Cannot be taken if completed BIOL 4750.
Permission of instructor required.

Evolution is a central and unifying theme in the life sciences. In this course, we will examine the pattern and the process of biological evolution, the history and development of evolutionary thought, microevolutionary mechanisms of change, speciation, and large-scale macroevolutionary phenomena. Readings from the literature, with a focus on experimental studies of evolution, will be discussed in class. The field lab will engage students in a set of inquiry-based investigations of microevolutionary and macroevolutionary forces that shape different ecosystems in Los Angeles.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, either math placement into MATH 120 or above OR pre-req of MATH120 or concurrent enrollment.
Permission of instructor required.

A set of inquiry-based investigations of microevolutionary and macroevolutionary forces that shape different ecosystems in Los Angeles.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1010, BIOL 1020, BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120.
Permission of instructor required.

Fundamentals of the central model of molecular biology as they apply to biotechnology. Advances in understanding genes, gene expression, and genomes due to The Human Genome Project and associated new high-throughput technologies. Use of systems biology perspectives and genomics and bioinformatics tools to answer biological questions in a research project. By the end of this course, students will have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to work independently on a molecular biology research project.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, and BIOL 2010
Permission of instructor required.

Analysis of the molecular mechanisms which underlie the pathology of genetic and infectious diseases. Particular attention paid to molecular mechanisms of disease treatment and experimental analysis in the field of human molecular genetics.

Prerequisites: BIOL 2010; CHEM 220
Permission of instructor required.

Guided teaching of undergraduate laboratories.

May be repeated for credit.
Credit/No Credit only.
Permission of instructor required.

Guided teaching of first year undergraduate laboratories.

May be repeated for credit for up to 4 semester hours.
Permission of instructor required.

Instructor approval required

Independent undergraduate research in a faculty laboratory.

Credit/No Credit only.
Permission of instructor required.

Instructor approval required

Instructor approval required

Senior thesis research in a faculty laboratory. Results must be presented formally.

Permission of instructor required.

Senior-level capstone research in biology and the preparation and publication of the Honors Thesis.

Restricted to members of the University Honors Program.
Permission of instructor required.

Permission of instructor required.

Permission of instructor required.