You are in the official 2009-2010 General Catalog for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Biology
COURSES
- Biology (BIOL)
- Biology (BIOL) --- Graduate Courses
- Marine Science (MSCI) --- Graduate Courses
- Biology (BIOL) --- In-Service Courses
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 1A. Introductory Biology (4)
Course one of two-semester sequence required of all biology majors.
Thematic introduction to the unifying concepts of life science: chemical
basis of life; cellular processes; energy metabolism; genetics; evolution.
G.E. Breadth B2. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly BIOSC 1A)
BIOL 1B. Introductory Biology (5)
Course two of a two-semester sequence required of all biology majors. Continuation
of thematic introduction to the unifying concepts of life science: classification
and diversity of life; survey of the living organisms; physiology; ecology
and environmental biology. (3 lecture, 6 lab hours)* (Formerly BIOSC 1B)
BIOL 10. Life Science (3)
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)
BIOL 11. Plant Biology (3)
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 1B. Structure, function, and development
of plants. G.E. Breadth B2. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) (Formerly BOT 10)
BIOL 12. Animal Biology (3)
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) (Formerly ZOOL 10)
BIOL 20. Introductory Microbiology (4)
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) (Formerly MICRO 20)
BIOL 33. Human Anatomy and Physiology (5)
Three units allowed for students with prior credit in human anatomy; 2 units
allowed for students with prior credit in human physiology. An integrated
study of the structure and function of the human body. (4 lecture, 3 lab
hours) (Course fee, $25) (Formerly PHYAN 33)
BIOL 64. Functional Human Anatomy (3)
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)
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)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B; PSYCH 42 or MATH 101. MATH 70 or equivalent
recommended. Required of all biology majors. The structure, function, organization,
and regulation of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The role of
evolution in environmental relationships. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)*
(Formerly BIOSC 130)
BIOL 102. Genetics (3)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A, 1B and CHEM 8 or 128A. Required of all biol-ogy
majors. Fundamentals of inheritance, including an in-troduction to the underlying
molecular mechanisms. (3 lecture hours) (Formerly BIOSC 140A)
BIOL 103. Cellular Biology (3)
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)
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)
(Formerly BIOSC 140B lab component, BIOSC 140L)
BIOL 105. Evolution (3)
Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor; BIOL 101, 102,
and 103. Required of all biology majors. Evolutionary processes and patterns.
Satisfies the senior major requirement for the B.S. in Biology. (Formerly
BIOSC 180)
BIOL 110. Human Ecology (3)
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)
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) (Formerly MICRO 140)
BIOL 121. Medical Microbiology (3)
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 BIOL 189T, MICRO 183)
BIOL 122. Nonvascular Plants (3)
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) (Formerly BOT 132)
BIOL 123. Phycology (4)
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)* (Formerly BOT 142)
BIOL 124. Vascular Plants (4)
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)
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)
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)* (Formerly ZOOL 141)
BIOL 131. Parasitology (4)
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*) (Formerly ZOOL 148)
BIOL 132. General Entomology (3)
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)
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)
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)
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)* (Formerly ZOOL 174)
BIOL 136. Mammalogy (3)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Prerequisites: BIOL 1A and 1B. Comparative structure of vertebrate organ
systems; laboratory study of representative vertebrates. (2 lecture, 6 lab
hours) (Formerly ZOOL 132)
BIOL 144. Neuroanatomy (4)
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)
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)
Prerequisites: BIOL 102 and 103; CHEM 150 or 155. Recommended prerequisite
or corequisite: BIOL 150. Priority enrollment given to MCD option majors.
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) (Formerly GENET 142 lab component, GENET
143)
BIOL 152. Experimental Molecular Genetics (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. The nature of genetic information, its mutation,
transfer, and recombination in cells. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Formerly
GENET 171)
BIOL 153. Microbial Genetics (4)
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)
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) (Formerly GENET 172)
BIOL 156. Plant Growth and Development (3)
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) (Formerly BOT 137)
BIOL 157. Immunology (3)
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. (Formerly PHYAN
160)
BIOL 157L. Immunology Laboratory (2)
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)
(Formerly PHYAN 160L)
BIOL 160. Microbial Physiology (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 120. Structure, function, energy metabolism, growth,
and regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours) (Formerly
MICRO 161)
BIOL 161. Plant Physiology (4)
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) (Formerly BOT 130)
BIOL 162. Comparative Animal Physiology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 102 and 103. Evolution of physiological systems; functional
adaptations to different environments; physiological principles as applied
to animals. (3 lecture) (Formerly PHYAN 151)
BIOL 162L. Comparative Animal Physiology Lab (1)
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)
(Formerly PHYAN 151 lab component)
BIOL 163. Advanced Human Physiology (3)
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. (Formerly PHYAN 163)
BIOL 164. Hematology (3)
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)
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)
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 167. Pathophysiology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 65 or equivalent or BIOL 163. An application of anatomic
and physiologic principles in the study of those disturbances that underlie
the etiology and pathogenesis of human diseases. (Formerly PHYAN 172)
BIOL 171. Terrestrial Ecology (4)
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)* (Formerly ECOL
151)
BIOL 172. Aquatic Ecology (4)
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. (3 lecture, 3 lab
or field hours)* (Formerly ECOL 152)
BIOL 173. Marine Biology (3)
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)
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)
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 BIOL
189T, ECOL 140)
BIOL 176. Field Methodsin Ecology (3)
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) (Formerly BIOL 189T, ECOL 141)
BIOL 178. Systematic Biology (3)
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)
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) (Formerly GENET 170)
BIOL 189T. Topics in Biology (1-4; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of selected areas
in the field of biology. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
BIOL 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
(See Catalog Numbering System.
BIOL 208. Biological Field Studies (1-6;
max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Integrated studies or specialized
topics, including botanical, environmental, microbiological, or zoological
field studies.* Approved for RP grading.
BIOL 225. Molecular Evolution (3)
Patterns and processes by which biological molecules evolve. Lecture topics
include rates and modes of DNA sequence evolution, molecular phylogenetics,
gene duplication, concerted evolution, genome organization, and application
of computers to comparative molecular analysis. (3 lecture hours)
BIOL 230. Foundations of Ecology (2)
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. (Formerly BIOL 260T)
BIOL 240. Systems Ecology (3)
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)
(See CHEM 241A-B.)
BIOL 242. Techniques in Protein Purification
and Analysis (3)
(Same as CHEM 242.) Prerequisite: CHEM 151 or 156 or permission of instructor.
Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM 241A. Deals with the technologies relevant to protein
isolation, purification, analysis, immobilization, and modification in micro
and macro quantities. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)
BIOL 243. Nucleic Acid Technology Lab (3)
(See CHEM 243.)
BIOL 244. Cell Culture Techniques (3)
(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)
BIOL 245. Industrial Biotechnology (3)
(Same as CHEM 245) PPrerequisites: 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) (Formerly
BIOL 189T)
BIOL 248. Seminar in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (1-2; max total
4)
(See CHEM 248.) Prerequisite: admission
to the biology or chemistry graduate program. Preference will be given to
students enrolled in the 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)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Techniques of scientific photography
and writing, illustrating emphasized. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
BIOL 255T. Topics in Botany (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 260T. Topics in Biology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 265T. Topics in Physiology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 270T. Topics in Zoology (1-3; max total 8 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Investigation of new fields, areas
not in current courses, or advanced studies in a given area. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
BIOL 274. Biometry (3)
Prerequisite: one statistics class, preferably MATH 101. Application of
statistical techniques to biological problems with emphasis on sampling,
analysis of variance, experimental design, and regression techniques. Emphasis
on analysis of real biological data and interpretation of results.
BIOL 275. Biogeography (3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Seminar in descriptive and ecological
geography of animal and plant groups.
BIOL 281. Seminar in Biological Science (1-2; max total 3)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Reviews and reports on current literature in the various phases of biology.
BIOL 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
BIOL 295. Research (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent research by the graduate
student.
BIOL 299. Thesis (2-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Biology (BIOL)
BIOL 302T. Topics in Biology (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Relation of
man to his surroundings; review of concepts, cell, physics and chemistry
of life, energetics, inheritance, evolution.
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
The California State University began 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
Sciences Department for on -campus coursework in general oceanography
and geology courses related to marine science.
Space reservation is required for attending Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
Forms for this purpose are available from the Biology Department or Moss
Landing Marine Laboratories, P.O. Box 223, Moss Landing, CA 95039. Priority
is determined based upon the date the space reservation form is received
at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. Since enrollment is limited, interested
students should make early application.
COURSES
Note: The following courses are offered at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories.
MSCI 103 and 104 are usually recommended for first semesters of full-time
students.
The Biology Department will accept only the following Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories courses for major credit as indicated. Botany: MSCI 131, 144.
Zoology: MSCI 112, 113, 122, 124, 125. Biology elective: MSCI 103, 104.
Marine Science (MSCI)
MSCI 103. Marine Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: ecology and statistics (or concurrent registration in MSCI
104) or permission of instructor. A field-oriented introduction to the interrelationships
between marine and estuarine organisms and their environment with emphasis
on quantitative data collection and analysis. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 104. Quantitative Marine Science (4)
Prerequisite: college mathematics. The mathematical methods for analysis
of biological, chemical, and physical data from the marine environment;
experimental design, parametric and nonparametric statistics. (3 lecture,
3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 105. Marine Science Diving (3)
Prerequisites: upper-division science major; thorough physical examination;
ability to pass swimming test. Skin and SCUBA diving course; pool-training
culminates in 10 ocean dives. Topics include diving physics, physiology,
diving environments, night diving, and research diving. Successful completion
gives NAUI and MLML certification. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 112. Marine Birds and Mammals (4)
Prerequisite: upper-division vertebrate zoology; MSCI 103 recommended. Systematics,
morphology, ecology, and general biology of marine birds and mammals. (2
lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 113. Marine Ichthyology (4)
Prerequisite: college zoology or equivalent. Taxonomy, morphology, and ecology
of marine fishes. Both field and laboratory work concentrate on the structure,
function, and habits of marine fishes and the ecological interactions of
these fishes with their biotic and abiotic surroundings. (2 lecture, 6 lab
or field hours)
MSCI 124. Marine Invertebrate Zoology I (4)
Prerequisite: college zoology or permission of instructor; MSCI 103 recommended.
A field-oriented introduction to the structure, systematics, evolution,
and life histories of the major phyla. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 125. Marine Invertebrate Zoology II (3)
Prerequisite: college zoology or permission of instructor; MSCI 103 and
MSCI 124 recommended. A field-oriented introduction to the structure, systematics,
evolution, and life histories of the minor phyla. (1 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 131. Marine Botany (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 103 recommended. Introduction to the plants of the sea,
marshes, and dunes, with emphasis on the morphology, taxonomy, and natural
history of seaweeds and vascular plants. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 135. Physiology of Marine Algae (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103, 131, 144. Develops physiological basis for understanding
the adaptation of marine algae (seaweeds and microalgae) to their environment.
Students will learn modern methods in physiological research, covering areas
such as photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activity, and biochemical composition.
(2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 141. Geological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 142 or 143 or concurrently. Structures, physiography,
and sediments of the sea bottom and shoreline. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field
hours)
MSCI 142. Physical Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: college algebra; college physics recommended. An introduction
to the nature and causes of various oceanic motions including currents,
waves, tides and mixing, and the physical properties of seawater including
transmission of sound and light; does not require calculus. (3 lecture,
3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 143. Chemical Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry. An introduction to the theoretical
and practical aspects of the chemistry of the oceans, including major salts,
dissolved gases, nutrient ions, carbonate system, transient tracers, and
shipboard sampling techniques. (2 lecture, 6 lab and field hours)
MSCI 144. Biological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: general biology and general chemistry. The ocean as an ecological
system. Emphasis is on the complexity of organismal-environmental interaction
of the plankton, the transfer of organic matter between trophic levels and
nutrient cycles. Laboratory includes methods in sampling, ship board techniques,
identification of plankton, and current analytical techniques. (2 lecture,
6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 173T. Topics in Marine Biology (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of a selected area in
marine biology (morphology, physiology, ecology, etc.). Subjects will vary
depending on student demand and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or
laboratory)
MSCI 174T. Topics in Oceanography (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of selected areas in oceanography;
subject varies depending on student demand and availability of instructors.
(Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 175T. Topics in Marine Science (1-4)
The study of a selected area in the marine sciences. The subjects vary depending
on student demand and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 180. Independent Study (1-4; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Faculty directed study of selected
problems; open to under graduate students with adequate preparation. Approved
for RP grading.
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Marine Science (MSCI)
MSCI 201. Library Research Methods in Marine Science (1)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Provides
framework for using and evaluating information sources in marine science.
Strong emphasis will be placed on developing critical skills. Interweaving
bibliographic tools in to the history of marine science will reinforce knowledge
of the appropriate resource for each question.
MSCI 202. Oceanographic Instrumentation (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 141, 142 and permission of instructor. Principles of
instruments used in oceanographic research, introduction to electronics,
and applications of instrument measurements. Emphasis will vary from CTD
profilers, current meters, radiometry, and chemical measurements. Offered
alternate spring semesters. (2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 206. Molecular Biological Techniques (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing; college level genetics, molecular biology,
or permission of instructor. Laboratory-based overview of concepts and techniques
for the isolation, characterization, and analysis of DNA and RNA. Covers
standard methods (amplification, cloning, and sequencing) and selected specialized
techniques (analysis of gene expression) emphasizing marine science applications.
MSCI 208. Scientific Methods (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Information
and skills for graduate students beginning their research careers. Includes
the philosophy of science, scientific writing, design of experiments and
sampling programs, and using library and other resources
MSCI 211. Ecology of Marine Birds and Mammals (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103, 104, 112. Community approach to the ecology of
marine birds and mammals using experimental and sampling methodology. Examines
the distribution, abundance, trophic ecology, and behavior of birds and
mammals in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 212T. Advanced Topics
in Marine Vertebrates (1-4; max total 8 if no topic is repeated)
Prerequisites: MSCI 112 or 113 and permission of instructor. Advanced considerations
of the ecology, physiology, and phylogeny of fishes, birds, reptiles, or
mammals, emphasizing current literature and research. Topics and emphasis
will vary with term and instructor. May be repeated once for credit if no
topic is repeated. Likely to be offered alternate fall semesters. (Lecture
and/or laboratory)
MSCI 221T. Advanced Topics in Marine Invertebrates (1-4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 124 and permission of instructor. Advanced considerations
of the ecology, physiology, and phylogeny of the various invertebrate phyla
emphasizing current literature and research. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 233T. Advanced Topics in Marine Ecology (1-4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103 and permission of instructor. Selected topics and
current issues in marine ecology; subjects vary depending on student demand
and availability of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 234. Advanced Biological Oceanography (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 144 or permission of instructor. Experimental techniques
in biological oceanography with emphasis on problems important in plankton
ecology. Lectures, labs, and discussions of current research problems. An
individual research project involving analytical tools will be required.
(2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 246. Geology of the Monterey Bay Region (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Geology,
tectonic, and active naturally occurring processes in the Monterey Bay region
and in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The geologic and tectonic
history of central California, plate tectonic processes, and representative
stratigraphy and geomorphology of the Monterey Bay region.
MSCI 248. Marine Benthic Habitat Techniquest (4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Collection
and interpretation of geophysical data used to characterize marine benthic
habitats. Principles of basic geophysics. Application of techniques to identify
and characterize marine benthic habitats, including echosounders, multibeam
bathymetry and backscatter, sidescan sonar, seismic profiling, and GIS.
MSCI 262. Satellite Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: MSCI 142, 144, or permission of instructor; MSCI 263 strongly
recommended. Physical principles of remote sensing with applications to
the ocean, including satellite image processing methods. Labs involve use
of PC and Unix workstation. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
MSCI 263. Applications of Computers in Oceanography (4)
Prerequisites: college math, permission of instructor. Lecture, discussion,
and technical programming with MATLAB for computation and visualization
with applications in marine sciences. Use of existing program libraries
for data I/O and analysis. Offered fall semesters. (2 lecture, 6 lab hours)
MSCI 271. Population Biology (3)
Prerequisites: MSCI 103 and 104 or permission of instructor. Principles
of the interaction among marine organisms which result in the alternation
of population structures, techniques for assessment, and management of animal
populations. (2 lecture, 3 lab or field hours)
MSCI 272. Subtidal Ecology (4)
Prerequisites: MLML diver certification and marine ecology; knowledge of
marine algae, invertebrates, and statistics recommended. The ecology of
nearshore rocky subtidal populations and communities with emphasis on kelp
forests; lectures and discussions of original literature; fieldwork with
SCUBA including group projects on underwater research techniques and community
analysis, and individual research on ecological questions chosen by student.
(2 lecture, 6 lab or field hours)
MSCI 273. Marine Environmental Studyings of the Gulf of California
(4)
Prerequisites: graduate standing and permission of instructor. An Analysis
of Gulf of California marine environments. Lectures, readings, intensive
field work, and writing a scientific paper based on original research. Topics
vary. Taught with Mexican faculty and students from La Paz, Mexico. Students
must be able to participate in two weeks of field work in June. Offered
spring semesters.
MSCI 274T. Advanced Topics in Oceanography (1-4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The study of a selected area in
oceanography. Subjects vary depending on student demand and availability
of instructors. (Lecture and/or laboratory)
MSCI 280W. Scientific Writing (3)
Prerequisites: graduate standing, permission of instructor. Techniques and
strategies of scientific writing used for proposals, journal submissions,
and abstracts of meetings. Students will develop their writing skills by
preparing, editing, and rewriting manuscripts.
MSCI 285T. Seminar in Marine Biology (2; max total 4)
Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Seminar will
be held on topics that change each semester; each student will be required
to give at least one seminar. May be repeated for credit. Offered spring
and fall semesters.
MSCI 295. Research in the Marine Sciences (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent investigations of an
advanced character for the graduate student with adequate preparation. (3
conference, lab, and field hours per unit)
MSCI 299. Thesis (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.
_______________
*Late afternoon, Saturday and/or overnight field trips may be required.
Biology
Degrees