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Biology 10 - Introduction to Biology (4 units) (return to top of page)
Lecture 3 hours; lab 3 hours
Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
This is an introductory course in biology designed for the non-science major. Emphasis is on using critical thinking skills to understand and apply biological principles to the solution of everyday problems. Topics discussed include the scientific method, evolution, ecology, cell function and structure, cell energy, DNA and biotechnology, as well as how organisms interact with their internal and external environments. Laboratory work includes hands on application of concepts discussed in lectures, computer simulations and field work. A passing grade in both lecture and laboratory is required to receive credit for the course. BIOLOGY 10 IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED BIO 11 WITH A GRADE OF C OR BETTER.
Biology 11 - Human Biology (4 units) (return to top of page)
Lecture 2 hours per
week; Scheduled
lab 3 hours per week
Recommended
preparation: Math
102
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This non-majors course is
an introduction to the general ecological principles that integrate all
life on earth, with special focus on wildlife populations and their
natural
history. Energy and material flows will be covered, along with animal
biology,
behavior, population dynamics and human impact and management.
Laboratory
and field exercises emphasize investigational techniques used in
scientific
studies.
Lecture 2 hours;
lab 3 hours
Acceptable for credit:
California State University
This course is a general
education
course which introduces California plants and animals in an ecological
context. An ecosystem approach is used to explain the geographic
distribution of life forms and their community associations. In
class
activities and out-of-class projects involve learning the natural
history
of California life forms, as well as recognizing and naming them.
Anyone
who is interested in teaching, recreation or park management will learn
identification and display techniques that will be of use. This course
has been analyzed and the course decription changed to support student
and vocational needs.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 0
hours
Acceptable for credit:
California State University
This is a course in the
conservation of our natural resources with a view of conservation
problems by considering the history of human populations in the
relation to natural resources, their present predicament, and their
future outlook. Students will look at conservation as it pertains to
water, timber, wildlife, soil and air. This course is dual listed with
PKMGT 014 Conserbation of Our Natural Resources. g
Lecture 3 hours; lab 3
hours
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
A survey of the biologival
principles
of marine science. Designed to acquaint the student with the natural
history
of the local coastline, the Monterey Bay and its adjoining areas. The
use of oceanographic instruments and marine sampling devices, a
descriptive
survey of the flora and fauna as found in the laboratory study and
field
trips, and the relationship of the ocean to man are also included.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 3
hours
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
A general education course
primarily for the non-science major. This is an introduction to the
basic principles
and concepts of heredity and their application to plants and animals,
with
emphasis on the hereditary process, pedigrees, mutation, medical
genetics, recombinant DNA, biotechnology genetics and population
genetics.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 0
hours
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
A survey This introductory
biology course explores infectious diseases, parasites, and human
immunity. The course begins with a survey of infectious disease agents,
including emergent pathogens, agents of bioterrorism, and newer
complications seen in ancient diseases. The course continues by
examining how the human immune system responds to these infections and
helps students interpret epidemological patterns of diseases in human
populations.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 0
hours (also
offered as an online
course)
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This course is designed
for
students of all disciplines to introduce a wide range of contemporary
biological
issues that will affect their lives: environmentally related issues,
issues
related to human physiology, and issues related to inheritance. Basic
biological,
chemical and physical principles are presented as appropriate for
meaningful
discussions of these issues and to understand articles, essays and
lectures.
Lecture 3 hours, lab 3
hours.
Acceptable for credit:
California State University
This introductory level
course
is designed for students of all disciplines who are interested in
learning
about tropical ecology first hand by studying at field stations in
Costa
Rica. Principles of ecology, biodiversity, and conservation will be
examined
and applied in both terrestrial and marine environments. This intensive
field course will emphasize two main tropical ecosystems: the rain
forest
and the rocky intertidal region. Costa Rican culture, economy, and
public
policy and their relationship to resource conservation will also be
examined.
Students will participate in naturalist led hikes and group research
projects
in the field. They will also design and carry out independent
ecological
studies.
This class will be held at biological field stations in Costa Rica, with other required class meetings at West Valley College. Students will be responsible for their own trip costs and for the purchase of items required for the trip. Pass/No Pass Option.
Biology 35 - Biology of Birds (3 units) (return to top of page)Lecture 2 hours, lab 2 hours.
Acceptable for credit: California State University
This course introduces the natural history and biology of birds. The anatomy, ecology, diversity, behavior, and identification of birds will be explored through lectures, laboratories, slide presentations, and field trips. The biology of birds in Santa Clara County will be emphasized. The course is directed towards biology students, science educators (K-12), natural history museum and environmental docents, environmental educators, as well as bird enthusiasts. Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel.
Biology 36 - Animal Behavior (3 units) (return to top of page)Lecture 3 hours; lab 0 hours.
Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.
This course will explore different aspects of animal behavior ranging from the hardships of growing up, capturing food, escaping, migrating, navigating, communicating, making homes, competing for mates, courting, sex, taking care of offspring to the complex social behavior found in many animals. Pass/No Pass Option.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 6
hours
Prerequisite: Completion
of a College biology course or High school biology and MATH 106/106R,
Intermediate Algebra, or equivalent.
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This course introduces the
principles
and concepts of animal biology. The main focus of the class is on the
diversity, ecology, natural history, morphology, physiology, and
development of animals with an evolutionary emphasis. The class is
designed for biology majors.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 6
hours
Prerequisite: Completion
of a College biology course or High school biology and MATH 106/106R,
Intermediate Algebra, or equivalent.
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This course for biology
majors surveys basic principles of the plant sciences by examing all
levels of biological organization. It provides an overview of plant
diversity, ecology, evolution, morphology, anatomy, physiology, and
biochemistry. In addition to plants, fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria
are also examined. Laboratory activities include microscopic work,
experimental physiology, and studies of biodiversity, natural history
and ecology. Field trips to several ecosystems in the Bay Area provide
numerous opportunities to study local flora.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 6
hours
Prerequisite: Completion
of a College biology course or High school biology and MATH 106/106R,
Intermediate Algebra, or equivalent.
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This course is a
comprehensive study of the
unifying principles of cell biology, including the principles of cell
chemistry and metabolism, structure and function of procaryotic and
eucaryotic cells and viruses, bacterial and protistan taxonomy,
meiosis, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and hypotheses of the
origin of life. Laboratory exercises demonstrate lecture concepts, and
give students practical experience in performing standard laboratory
methods used in cell biology. This course is designed to complete the
preparation of the biology and pre-professional major for specialized
upper division courses.
Lecture 3 hours; lab 6
hours
Prerequisite: Completion
of a College biology course and any college chemistry course.
Recommended preparation:
Math 103/103R
Acceptable for credit:
University of California, California State University
This course is designed
for
nursing and other majors in life science. An introduction to
microorganisms
and the laboratory techniques employed in their study. The
characteristics,
particularly of bacteria, but including viruses, rickettsiae, algae,
fungi,
yeasts and protozoa will be studied with emphasis on their relationship
to human life. Laboratory work will include morphological, cultural,
nutritional
and biochemical characteristics of microorganisms. The student will
gain
experience with the basic laboratory skills of the microbiologist.
Biology 56 - Ecology of Sierra Nevada (3 units) (return to top of page)Lecture 2 hours; lab 3 hours.
Acceptable for credit: California State University.
This course explores the natural history and ecology of the Sierra Nevada. This general education course includes an overview of the climate, evolutionary history, biogeography, community structure, natural history, and ecology of the plants, mammals, birds and insects of the Sierra Nevada range. Students also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of basic field techniques. This class is held in the field with required preliminary class meetings at West Valley College. Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel, camping equipment, and related expenses. Pass/No Pass Option.
Biology 57 - Ecology of Alaska (3 units) (return to top of page)Lecture 2 hours; lab 3 hours.
Acceptable for credit: California State University.
This course introduces students to the natural history and ecology of Alaska. This general education course includes an overview of the climate, evolutionary history, biogeography, community structure, natural history, and ecology of the plants, mammals, birds and insects of Alaska. Students also have the opportunity to learn basic field techniques. These topics are explored through lecture and field settings. Students must successfully complete class preparatory requirements in order to participate in the field trip. This class is held in the field with required preliminary class meetings at West Valley College. Students are responsible for transportation and costs associated with travel, meals, camping equipment, and related expenses. Pass/No Pass Option.
Go to the College Catalog for a complete list of classes offered at West Valley College.
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| Page created
by: Peter
Svensson Updated: August 27, 2009 |
