Description
Biology course offerings include classes for those interested in the study of life at all levels, from cells to ecosystems. Both introductory and in-depth courses are offered in general biology, cell biology, botany, microbiology, anatomy and physiology and the biology of specific habitats such as marine and forest ecosystems. PCC offers biology courses for both science majors and non-majors.
Work in the sciences is an important part of many college programs. Courses at PCC are organized to present basic principles and to provide a coordinated overview of the sciences as they relate to living organisms.
Degree Offered
Associate of Science Transfer Degree
Biology
Biology AST Degree
Minimum 90 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Science Transfer Degree Requirements. Students must complete General Education requirements that are outlined below. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Biology Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI 221Z | Principles of Biology: Cells 1,Z | 5 |
| BI 222Z | Principles of Biology: Organisms Z | 5 |
| BI 223Z | Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution Z | 5 |
| CH 221Z & CH 227Z | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory 1,Z | 5 |
| CH 222Z & CH 228Z | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory Z | 5 |
| CH 223Z & CH 229Z | General Chemistry III and General Chemistry III Laboratory Z | 5 |
| MTH 111Z | Precalculus I (or any higher MTH or STAT course) 1,Z | 4 |
| MTH 112Z | Precalculus II (or any higher MTH or STAT course) Z | 4 |
| PHY 201 | General Physics | 4 |
| or PHY 211 | General Physics (Calculus) | |
| PHY 202 | General Physics | 4 |
| or PHY 212 | General Physics (Calculus) | |
| PHY 203 | General Physics | 4 |
| or PHY 213 | General Physics (Calculus) | |
| WR 121Z | Composition I 1,Z | 4 |
| WR 227Z | Technical Writing Z | 4 |
| General Education - Arts and Letters: 2 courses from different subject areas *,1 | 6-8 | |
| General Education - Social Sciences: 2 courses from different subject areas *,1 | 6-8 | |
| Electives to reach 90 credits 2 | 16-20 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- *
One of these courses must carry the Cultural Literacy designation.
- 1
These courses constitute the Core Transfer Map (CTM), a required component of the degree that must total a minimum of 30 credits. If the credit total for the selected options is fewer than 30 credits, students must select an additional General Education course to complete the CTM component of the degree.
- 2
Any 100-level or 200-level credits can satisfy elective requirements for the AST. Each Oregon public university has limits on the number of transfer credits in specific categories of electives (vocational-technical, PE, etc.) that can apply to the bachelor degree; students should work with an advisor to determine their electives based on their transfer plans.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent at PCC:
- BI 211 and BI 221Z
- BI 212 and BI 222Z
- BI 213 and BI 223Z
- MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
- MTH 112 and MTH 112Z
- WR 121, WR 121H, WR 121Z, and WR 121HZ
- WR 227 and WR 227Z
The following courses fulfill equivalent requirements at PCC:
- CH 221 and CH 221Z & CH 227Z
- CH 222 and CH 222Z & CH 228Z
- CH 223 and CH 223Z & CH 229Z
Students who meet the admission requirements may transfer to any public university without completing this degree, but are not guaranteed to receive the same transfer benefits available through completing the degree.
Note that in order for a student to successfully transfer to an Oregon public university in this major, students must at a minimum:
- Earn a grade of a “C-” or better in courses in the major (biology, chemistry, math, physics for the Biology major).
- Take courses in the major for a grade— Oregon public universities do not accept “pass/no pass”
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
Minimum grades required for general transfer and for application to major requirements and prerequisites may vary by each Oregon public university and by each degree/major.
BI 101. Biology I. 4 Credits.
Introduces the properties of life, morphology and physiology of cells, cell chemistry, energy transformation, and the basic principles of ecology. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 102. Biology II. 4 Credits.
Presents protein synthesis, cell division, genetics, reproduction and development, and evolution. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. Functions as the second course of a three-course sequence. Prerequisites: BI 101, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 103. Biology III. 4 Credits.
Presents the evolutionary relationships among the kingdoms. Includes a comparison of biological systems across kingdoms. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. Prerequisites: BI 101, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 112. Cell Biology for Health Occupations. 5 Credits.
Includes the study of the scientific method, cellular chemistry, cell structure and function, principles of inheritance, and laboratory skills. Includes topics and skills required to continue to anatomy and physiology and microbiology. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or (WR 115 and RD 115), and (MTH 65 or MTH 98) or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 120. Survey of Body Systems. 5 Credits.
Surveys human body systems. Introduces structure and function of tissues, organs, organ systems and developmental changes over the lifespan. Covers basic chemistry and cell structure. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
BI 121. Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 4 Credits.
Surveys anatomical terminology, basic chemistry, cell structure and function, tissues, and the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. Involves lecture discussions complemented by physiological laboratory exercises, dissections, microscopy, and multimedia. Prerequisite: Placement into WR 121Z and (MTH 58 or MTH 60 or any math course for which either is a prerequisite). Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 122. Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology II. 4 Credits.
Surveys the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary systems with some coverage of human development, human genetics, and immunology. Involves lecture discussions complemented by physiological laboratory exercises, dissections, microscopy, and multimedia. Prerequisite: BI 121, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 141. Habitats: Life of the Forest. 4 Credits.
Examines the structure and function of forest ecosystems with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. Covers distribution and interactions of plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as physical factors such as climate, soil, and water. Emphasizes plant identification, field sampling, and environmental testing in laboratory component. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 142. Habitats: Marine Biology. 4 Credits.
Provides a survey of basic ecological principles related to marine ecosystems, with a focus on local habitats and organisms. Discusses interconnectedness of human societies and marine systems. Includes a laboratory component that explores biological and physical aspects of marine systems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 143. Habitats: Freshwater Biology. 4 Credits.
Provides a survey of basic ecological principles related to freshwater ecosystems, including streams, lakes and wetlands, with a focus on local habitats and organisms. Discusses the interconnectedness of human societies and freshwater systems. Includes a laboratory component that explores biological, chemical, and physical aspects of freshwater systems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 145. Intro. to Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Management. 4 Credits.
Introduces ecological principles and fundamental concepts of fish and wildlife conservation and management. Explores the human-wildlife relationship and the legal, economical, and ethical aspects of conservation and management. Presents field techniques for identifying and assessing wildlife and biodiversity. Includes fieldwork. Recommended: BI 101 or equivalent. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 163. Organic Gardening. 4 Credits.
Introduces the structure and function of soils including the soil food web, composting and compost tea, and the basics of biogeochemical cycling. Explores basic plant anatomy and the growing of flowers, vegetables and fruits in the Pacific Northwest. Includes discussion of organic pest control, beneficial insects, and pruning and grafting and exploration of these concepts in laboratory. Recommended: Introductory high school biology course or equivalent experience. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 164. Bird Identification and Ecology. 4 Credits.
Introduces the biology of birds of the Pacific Northwest. Emphasizes learning bird identification in the field by sight and sounds. Covers the study of avian ecology, natural history and behavior. Introduces field techniques for identifying and studying birds. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 198. Independent Study - Biology. 1-4 Credit.
Provides an opportunity for students to work independently on an individualized area of study within biology under the sponsorship and guidance of a biology faculty member. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Audit available.
BI 200B. Principles of Ecology: Field Biology. 4 Credits.
Introduces concepts of ecology and biodiversity. Covers distribution of organisms and their interactions with their environment. Explores physical factors of ecosystems such as climate, soil, and water. Introduces field sampling, environmental testing, and exploration of factors affecting biodiversity. Often involves regional or international travel. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 202. Botany: An Introduction to the Plant Kingdom. 4 Credits.
Develops knowledge about plant anatomy, physiology, how humans interact with plants, and particularly taxonomy with an evolutionary focus. Covers mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. Recommended for students interested in agriculture, horticulture, ethnobotany, and general botany. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 221Z. Principles of Biology: Cells. 5 Credits.
Explores fundamental biological concepts and theories about the cellular and molecular basis of life including cell structure and function, metabolism, genetic basis of inheritance and how information flows from DNA to proteins, with a focus on the iterative process of science. Intended for science majors. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 221Z and BI 211 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement, and MTH 95 or any math course for which MTH 95 is a prerequisite. Prerequisite/Concurrent: CH 151 or CH 221 or (CH 221Z and CH 227Z) or pass the CH 151 competency exam or instructor permission. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 222Z. Principles of Biology: Organisms. 5 Credits.
Explores fundamental biological concepts and theories about the structure and function of diverse organisms (including plants and animals), evolution and development, transformation of energy and matter, and body systems at a multicellular organismal level. Intended for science majors. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 222Z and BI 212 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement, and MTH 95 or any math course for which MTH 95 is a prerequisite. Prerequisite/Concurrent: BI 211 or BI 221Z. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 223Z. Principles of Biology: Ecology and Evolution. 5 Credits.
Explores the unity and diversity of life through evolutionary mechanisms and relationships, and adaptation to the environment. Examines population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Intended for science majors. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 223Z and BI 213 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: BI 212 or BI 222Z. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 225. Human Genetics. 3 Credits.
Presents the fundamentals of human genetics. Includes physical basis of inheritance, the mechanics of inheritance, probability, sex chromosomal abnormalities, autosomal anomalies, gene structure and function, molecular genetics, behavioral genetics, twinning and contemporary issues in human genetics. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement, AND (BI 101 and BI 102), or (BI 211 or BI 221Z and BI 212 or BI 222Z), or BI 112. Audit available.
BI 231. Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 4 Credits.
Introduces basic anatomical and physiological terminology, tissues, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems including nervous histology, physiology, spinal cord and nerves. Includes lecture discussions complemented by laboratories involving microscopy, animal dissection, physiological exercises and computer-based exercises. This is the first course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 65 or equivalent placement, and BI 112 or BI 221Z or (BI 211 and BI 212). Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 231Z. Human Anatomy and Physiology I. 4 Credits.
Examines the structure and function of the human body through a body systems approach. Explores anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems at the relevant levels of biological organization (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system). Covers neurophysiology and excitable membranes. Includes foundational aspects such as anatomical terminology and homeostasis. This course includes a laboratory component. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 231Z and BI 231 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 65 or equivalent placement, and (BI 112 or BI 221Z or (BI 211 and BI 212)). Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 232. Human Anatomy & Physiology II. 4 Credits.
Continues the study of the nervous system, including brain, cranial nerves, and autonomic nervous system. Introduces the endocrine, cardiovascular and immune systems. Includes lecture discussions complemented by laboratories involving microscopy, animal dissection, physiological exercises and computer based exercises. This is the second course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisite: BI 231. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 232Z. Human Anatomy and Physiology II. 4 Credits.
Examines the structure and function of the human body through a body systems approach. Explores anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems at the relevant levels of biological organization (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system). Covers special senses and the autonomic nervous system. This course includes a laboratory component. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 232Z and BI 232 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: BI 231 or BI 231Z. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 233. Human Anatomy & Physiology III. 4 Credits.
Introduces the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems, metabolism and fluid and electrolyte balances, embryology and genetics. Includes lecture discussions complemented by laboratories involving microscopy, animal dissection, physiological exercises and computer based exercises. Concludes a three-course sequence. Prerequisite: BI 232. Audit available.
BI 233Z. Human Anatomy and Physiology III. 4 Credits.
Examines the structure and function of the human body through a body systems approach. Explores anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, digestive, immune, lymphatic, urinary, and reproductive systems at the relevant levels of biological organization (chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system). Covers acid-base balance and human development. This course includes a laboratory component. This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. BI 233Z and BI 233 are equivalent at PCC. Prerequisites: BI 232 or BI 232Z. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI
BI 234. Microbiology. 5 Credits.
Covers the relationships of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes to human health and disease, basic immunology, microbial genetics, morphology, metabolism, and bacterial identification. Stresses, in the laboratory, aseptic technique, bacterial identification and physiology using a variety of media, culturing techniques, and staining techniques. Recommended: prior completion of BI 231. Prerequisites: BI 112 or BI 221Z or (BI 211 and BI 212). Audit available.
BI 241. Pathophysiology. 4 Credits.
Covers how alterations in homeostasis and in cellular function lead to diseases of various systems which may include immune, muscular, skeletal, integument, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisites: BI 231 and BI 232. Prerequisite/concurrent: BI 233. Audit available.
BI 280A. Cooperative Education: Biology. 1-10 Credit.
Offers relevant experience in the field or laboratory in an area of biology or environmental sciences. Provides an opportunity to make a cooperative education training agreement with an instructor, an employer/supervisor, and a cooperative education specialist. Prerequisite: BI 101 or BI 211 or BI 221Z, and instructor permission. Audit available.
BI 287. Introduction to Immunology. 4 Credits.
Introduces the principles of immunology including: development of the immune system, innate immunity, immunoglobulin structure and genetics, antigen-antibody reactions, the major histocompatibility complex reactions and antigen presentation, T cell receptors (genetics, structure, selection), T cell activation and effector functions, anergy and apoptosis, cytokines, phagocytic cell function, immune responses to infectious organisms and tumors, autoimmune diseases, autoimmunity, allergies, and immune deficiencies. Recommended for students who seek admission into the allied health programs or clinical technology programs. Prerequisites: BI 112 or (BI 211 or BI 221Z and BI 212 or BI 222Z). Audit available.
BI 298. Independent Study. 1-4 Credit.
Provides an opportunity for students to work independently on an advanced individualized area of study within biology under the sponsorship and guidance of a biology faculty member. Recommend: Prior study in biology. Prerequisites: Instructor permission. Audit available.