100. FRONTIERS IN BIOLOGY.
A new one-unit course, offered as credit/no credit only, which exposes students to new developments in different areas of biology.  The course will meet one hour a week, and will include seminars by outside speakers and department members and discussions on various current topics led by department faculty.  This course provides an opportunity for students at all levels to gain an appreciation for the diversity of research done in the field of biology and to discuss a variety of related issues such as ethical applications of research.  Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of an 100 level Biology course or permission of instructor.      

105. BIODIVERSITY.
Biodiversity, and threats to biodiversity throughout the world, but most especially in Southern California, will be explored through lecture, laboratory, and field study. Examples will be drawn from terrestrial and marine systems. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and possible Saturday field trips to be arranged. Not applicable to the Biology major.      

105. INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENE CLONING.
This course provides an introduction to the basic principles and current applications of the recombinant DNA technology, including the Human Genome Project, cloning of animals, agricultural uses of genetically modified plants and animals, vaccine development, and detection of genetic predisposition to disease. Students will learn recombinant DNA techniques in lab and discuss how these apply to current biotechnology applications.  Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Not applicable to the Biology major.      

115. GENERAL ZOOLOGY.
An introduction to the diversity, comparative anatomy and physiology of animals. Emphasis is placed on the classification of animals and the evolutionary relationships between the phyla. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week.      

120. GENERAL ECOLOGY.
Interactions between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments will be explored through lecture, laboratory, and field study. Factors affecting organisms at the population, community, and ecosystem levels will be emphasized. The patterns of occurrence of organisms in different habitats, and the processes contributing to biodiversity will be explored. Examples will be drawn from marine and terrestrial habitats. Field work will include field trips to a variety of habitats to sample and characterize fauna and flora. Fundamentals of experimental design, sampling, field techniques, and data analysis will be stressed. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and weekend field trips to be arranged.      

130. INTRODUCTION TO CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY.
A concept-driven survey course designed to provide broad introduction to the biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics include structure/function relationships of biological macromolecules; the roles of such molecules in cellular metabolism and membrane biology; molecular biology of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; the cell cycle; elementary genetics; and cellular communication. Includes one three-hour laboratory and one discussion section per week. Prerequisite: Chemistry 110 or permission of instructor.

197. INDEPENDENT STUDY.
Research in biology, for students who do not have advanced competence in biology (see Biology 397). Prerequisites: permission of instructor and approval of department. 2 units    

Staff 

221. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.
The study of DNA replication; transcription, processing and translation of gene products; molecular mapping of genes; chromosomal organization; molecular regulation mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; mutation and repair processes; recombination mechanisms; and the techniques to study these processes. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 130.      

224-524. GENETIC ANALYSIS.
Intensive, concept-driven exploration of genetic information transfer between generations. Topics include: coverage of Mendelian principles, sex-linkage, chromosomal mapping, parasexual genetics, fine structure genetic mapping, and cytoplasmic inheritance in eukaryotes. Genetic systems of bacteria and viruses, including gene regulation and special topics in prokaryotic genetics. Allelic and genetic interactions at the phenotypic level will be studied along with developmental genetics, quantitative characters, multiple alleles, population and evolutionary genetics, and modern aspects of molecular genetics. Includes one three-hour laboratory session per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisites: Chemistry 110 and Biology 130, or permission of instructor.      

G. Fisher-Adams

240-540. VERTEBRATE PHYSIOLOGY.
Physical and metabolic activities of cells and tissues; properties of the cellular environment; regulatory and homeostatic functions of organ systems. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisites: Biology 115 or consent of instructor.      

250. PLANT FORM AND FUNCTION.
All aspects of plant biology, including biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Laboratories will emphasize experimental approaches to answering questions of form and function. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 115 or 120.      

G. North

260. BIODIVERSITY AND ORGANIZATION OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Introduction to marine ecosystems and the physical and biological attributes contributing to their organization.  This course will focus on the marine environment of the Southern California Bight referencing examples from comparable ecosystems.  It will introduce basic concepts of physical and biological oceanography.  In addition the biology of the organisms in this complex ecosystem will be introduced.  Students will learn how to collect data in field and laboratory settings, conduct basic analyses and produce graphics.  This course will serve to prepare students for focused upper division courses and independent research. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 115 or 120 or permission of instructor. 

Pondella

279. EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY.
A detailed analysis of the causes and consequences of biological evolution. The focus here is on understanding basic evolutionary mechanisms, with plant and animal examples used to illustrate and clarify the fundamentals of the evolutionary process. Classical and recent contributions to our understanding of evolutionary biology are examined, including population genetics, theoretical models, geographical variation, speciation, biogeography, phylogeny reconstruction, molecular evolution, macroevolution, and the evolution of Homo sapiens. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 115 or 120.      

310-510. MUSEUM SCIENCE.
Introduction to the principles and practice of museology and the functioning of a research natural history museum. Emphasis will be on the development of the "museum conscience" and attendant curatorial skills through extensive training as a curatorial assistant in the bird and mammal collections of the Moore Laboratory of Zoology (world's largest collection of Mexican birds). Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 2 units    

J. Hafner 

320. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY.
This course studies the differentiation of selected invertebrate and vertebrate organisms with an emphasis on the molecular interactions that regulate the formulation of different types of cells and tissues. Cell membranes, inter- and intra-cellular communication and some mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression are the most important topics that are stressed throughout this course. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus 1-2 hours arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 130.      

R. Baran

322. BIOCHEMISTRY.
Survey of the basic principles that power biological processes in all living organisms. Includes introduction to biochemical techniques, enzyme structure and function, intermediary metabolism, synthesis and degradation of biological macromolecules, information transfer, and a concept-driven integration of these subjects into a biological context. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Biology 130 or permission of instructor.      

J. Schulz

323-523. HISTOLOGY.
An introduction to histology; the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs. The laboratory introduces students to preparation of tissue for paraffin, plastic and cryostat sectioning and examination by light and electron microscopy. Students work on projects of their own choice. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisites: Biology 110 and 130.     

G. Martin

325-525. MICROBIAL DIVERSITY.
A molecular biologically-based and topic-driven survey of the microbial world, including viruses, archaea, bacteria, and simple eukaryotes. Emphases will be placed on taxonomy, adaptations to unusual environments, biochemistry, genetics, microbial ecology, applied microbiology, and issues of medical relevance. Laboratory exercises will include an intensive independent project of the student’s design (in consultation with the instructor). Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 130 or permission of the instructor.      

326-526. MOLECULAR EVOLUTION.
An introduction to molecular evolutionary theory including the study of the evolution of macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins). This theoretical knowledge will be applied to the reconstruction of evolutionary histories of genes and organisms. The emphasis of the course will be on the application of molecular evolution to phylogenetics and systematics. Laboratory sessions will introduce the student to commonly used techniques for the isolation and analysis of molecular sequences and the use of computer software for phylogenetic analysis. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Biology 130 and 279.      

328-528. VIROLOGY.
Survey of the viruses including general biology of viruses, vaccines, molecular mechanisms and pathology of viral disease. Emphasis is on bacterial and animal viruses, but plant and insect viruses will also be discussed. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 130 or the equivalent of one year of general Biology course work.      

330-530. IMMUNOLOGY.
Introduction to current concepts of immunology, including immunoglobulin structure and function, cell-cell cooperation in the immune response and the role of the major histocompatibility complex. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 221 or permission of instructor.      

R. Pollock

333-533. NEUROBIOLOGY.
Emphasis on structure and function of individual nerve cells, including membrane biophysics and molecules involved in synaptic physiology. Development and plasticity of the nervous system in invertebrates and vertebrates. Overview of selected central nervous system structures and their function. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus 1-2 hours arranged. Prerequisites: Biology 115, 130, or permission of instructor. Physics 210 is strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently.      

R. Baran

340-550. PHYSIOLOGICAL ZOOLOGY.
Physiological studies of animals with special attention to organ system function and to adaptations for survival in diverse ecological settings such as deserts and mountains. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus independent laboratory projects. Prerequisites: Biology 240 or permission of instructor.      

Staff

344. INVERTEBRATE MORPHOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY.
The structure and functional organization of animal-like protists and invertebrates are examined as adaptations to life in specific habitats. The current use of these organisms in applied systems such as aquaculture and as models to study basic biological processes are discussed. The phylogenetic relationships between taxa are also debated. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week plus two hours arranged. Prerequisites: Biology 115, 120, and 130 or permission of instructor.      

356-556. THE BIOLOGY OF MARINE FISHES.
The biology of marine fishes with special emphasis placed on relating form and function to ecology, evolution, and behavior of local species. Methods of collecting, population assessment, observation and experimental design will be covered through numerous field studies and independent projects conducted in a variety of habitats. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and weekend field trips to be arranged. Prerequisites: Biology 115 and 120.      

368-568. BIOLOGICAL STATISTICS.
The application of statistical methods to the solution of biological problems. Focus will be on applied statistics (as opposed to mathematical statistics) to study variation in nature. This biometry course will survey descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, and methods of hypothesis testing (e.g., analysis of variance, regression, correlation, goodness of fit, as well as selected nonparametric procedures). Course includes independent research projects and laboratory workshop sessions to be arranged. Prerequisite: one 200-level Biology course or permission of instructor.      

369-569. BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY.
The biology of the open sea with special emphasis placed on relating parameters of the physical-chemical ocean to the distribution and abundance of marine organisms (the living ocean). Both traditional methods and modern techniques of ocean sampling will be discussed and some of these utilized during shipboard experiences conducted from the Vantuna. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and weekend field trips to be arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 120.      

375-575. FLORA OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
Identification and classification of plants found in the various vegetational communities of southern California, with emphasis on understanding their ecological and evolutionary affinities. Current methods of field sampling and systematic analysis will be employed. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and day-long field trips to be arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 120 and 250 or permission of instructor.     

G. North

377-577. CONSERVATION ECOLOGY.
Theoretical and applied aspects of the preservation of biological diversity. Emphasis on the ecological and evolutionary background to species and habitat conservation, current threats to biodiversity, and evaluation of conservation efforts. Includes one three-hour laboratory per week and several weekend field trips to be arranged. Prerequisite: Biology 120 or equivalent and 279.      

378-578. ANIMAL BEHAVIOR.
Emphasizes the evolutionary approach to the study of animal behavior, drawing broadly from the various disciplines within biology concerned with the factors that determine which organisms survive and reproduce, and how they do it. The course material will be divided into four broad categories: sensory capabilities, feeding patterns, spacing patterns, and reproduction. For each topic, theory and application will be presented. Students will conduct library research on an aspect of each topic. Labs will be focused on observational and experimental approaches to studying animal behavior in the lab and in the field. This course is designed for biology majors, although it would be appropriate for students from other majors who meet the Prerequisites: either Biology 110 and Biology 115, or Biology 120 and Biology 275, and Biology 279 is recommended. Includes one three-hour lab per week and weekend field trips TBA.      

380. PLANT PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY.
An examination of physiological processes in plants, including energy conversion, gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and water relations, and how they are affected by environmental conditions. The emphasis will be on how to quantify and predict plant physiological responses to the particular ecological pressures of Southern California. Prerequisites: Biology 250 or permission of the instructor      

395. RESEARCH.
Research for approximately five hours per week for students to study in an area not otherwise included in the departmental curriculum. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and approval of department. 2 units.

397-597. INDEPENDENT STUDY.
Directed research with individual faculty members for students with advanced competency to study in an area not otherwise included in the departmental curriculum. In addition to topics that may be studied on the Occidental campus, courses offered at the marine station of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies may be taken for credit under this course number. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and approval of department. 2, 4, or 5 units.

Staff

Staff

499. HONORS.
Prerequisite: permission of department.    

Staff

501. GRADUATE RESEARCH.
Supervised investigation by properly qualified graduate students working toward a Master's degree. Students may not register for more than two courses of Research during any semester. 5 units.

Staff

590. THESIS FOR MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE.
Preparation of the Master's thesis in consultation with the adviser and committee members. Prerequisites: at least two courses of Biology 501 and permission of the department. 5 units.

Staff