Biological Science

The College of Letters and Science Seven-Course Breadth requirement and American Cultures Breadth requirement are the foundation of the college's liberal arts program. It can only be fulfilled with college coursework; AP exams and other high school work do not count toward this requirement.

An introduction to the diversity of live on all scales (e.g., molecular genetics, structural biochemistry, ecosystems, and evolution). Courses that satisfy the Biological Sciences requirement use a combination of observation, hypothesis-driven data analysis and experimentation.

* - Courses that also fulfill the American Cultures Breadth requirement

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Anthropology 1—Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4 units)

Department Abbreviation: XANTHRO 1

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Either the Biological Science or Social and Behavioral Sciences breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade

Course Description: An introductory course providing a comprehensive introduction to the field of Biological Anthropology. It is a study of the processes and products of human evolution. Topics we will cover include evolutionary history and theory, systematics, genetics, primate behavior and ecology, comparative primate anatomy, the primate fossil record with emphasis on the human lineage, human variation and adaptation, the origins of culture, and human biocultural evolution.

Schedule of Classes

Environmental Science Policy and Management 15—Introduction to Environmental Sciences (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XESPM 15

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Either the Biological Sciences or Physical Sciences breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade

Course Description: Introduction to the science underlying biological and physical environmental problems, including water and air quality, global change, energy, ecosystem services, introduced and endangered species, water supply, solid waste, human population, and interaction of technical, social, and political approaches to environmental management.

Schedule of Classes

Integrative Biology 31—The Ecology and Evolution of Animal Behavior (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XINTEGB 31

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Biological Science breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade.

Course Description: Learn about the principles of evolution biology as they relate to animal behavior and behavioral ecology with a broad coverage of animal groups. This course is designed for those not specializing in biology. Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Schedule of Classes

Integrative Biology 33—The Age of Dinosaurs (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XINTEGB 33

Prerequisite: None

Satisfies: Biological Science breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade.

Course Description: In this lecture course, focus on dinosaurs from their appearance to extinction. Learn about the dinosaur skeleton, reconstructing dinosaurs, basic principles of evolution, classification and adaptation, and a survey of dinosaur types. You consider dinosaur reproduction, the question of dinosaur endothermy and the origin of birds. You also survey the other animals that coexisted with the dinosaurs to build a picture of the Mesozoic world. Lectures are often illustrated with slides.

Schedule of Classes

Molecular and Cell Biology 32—Introduction to Human Physiology (3 units)

Department Abbreviation: XMCELLB 32

Prerequisite: One year of high school or college chemistry

Satisfies: Biological Science breadth category if completed with a C- or better or a Passed grade.

Course Description: You gain a comprehensive introduction to human cell biology by concentrating on basic mechanisms underlying human life processes, including cells and membranes; nerve and muscle function; cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal physiology; and metabolism, endocrinology and reproduction.

Schedule of Classes