Biology
19 courses · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027
BIOL 1 General Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for ENGL 68
- Advisory
- READ 90
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (credit limitation)
Major principles and concepts, including cellular biology, energy relationships, biological systems, heredity, evolution and ecology for non-science majors.
BIOL 2 Plant and Animal Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 1 or BIOL 4 or BIOL 4H and eligibility for (STAT C1000 or MATH 110) or (STAT C1000H or MATH 110H) or MATH 130
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (credit limitation)
- C-ID
- BIOL 140
Organismal biology including concepts in systematics, evolution, plant and animal physiology, ecology, and biotic relationships. Field trips are required.
BIOL 3 Ecology and Field Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Advisory
- Eligibility for (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Identification and ecological relationships of common local plants and animals. Emphasizes evolutionary relationships; ecology including animal behavior, communities, ecosystems, wilderness and wildlife preservation, and population dynamics. Techniques of collecting and preserving. Many laboratory meetings conducted off campus; most trips require walking and/or hiking. Hiking, weekend and other field trips required.
BIOL 4 Biology for Majors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 71
- Prerequisite
- (CHEM 10 or CHEM 40) and Eligibility for (STAT C1000 or MATH 110) or (STAT C1000H or MATH 110H)
- Advisory
- Eligibility for (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (credit limitation)
Principles of biology required for advanced study, including cellular and molecular biology, bioenergetics, genetics, reproduction, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. General Biology for science majors. One hour discussion group per week. Field trips with extensive hiking required.
BIOL 4H Biology for Majors - Honors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 71
- Prerequisite
- Acceptance into the Honors Program, (CHEM 10 or CHEM 40) and Eligibility for (STAT C1000 or MATH 110) or (STAT C1000H or MATH 110H)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (credit limitation)
Principles of biology required for advanced study including concepts of cellular and molecular biology, bioenergetics, genetics, reproduction, evolution, biodiversity and ecology. An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 4 and BIOL 4H. Field trips with extensive hiking required.
BIOL 5 Contemporary Health Issues
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PHS 100
Contemporary health issues known to affect the quality and longevity of life. Topics include sexuality and reproduction, stress management, fitness and nutrition, substance use and abuse, and environmental quality. Emphasis on prevention of illness and injuries.
BIOL 6 Humans and the Environment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Ecological concepts to aid understanding the Earth's environmental crisis and determine courses of action to correct the problem. Emphasis will be placed on specific problems of population, pollution, preservation of wildlife and wilderness, and climate change. A historical appraisal of human attitudes toward the land and of the necessity of developing a sustainable land ethic.
BIOL 6L Humans and the Environment Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab: 108
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 6 (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Investigates major principles and problems of humans and the environment in the field and in the biological science laboratory. Most laboratory meetings will be conducted at off-campus locations. Some trips will require significant amounts of walking. Course includes one weekend and one all day field trip.
BIOL 8 Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- Prerequisite
- (BIOL 4 or BIOL 4H) and (CHEM 50 or CHEM 50H)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190
Cell and molecular biology including eukaryotic cells, eukaryotic organelles, protein structure and functions; DNA and RNA structure and functions; protein synthesis; genome organization in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes; gene cloning; protein and DNA technology and applications of genetic engineering.
BIOL 13 Human Reproduction, Development and Aging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for ENGL 68
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Human Development, from conception to death. Conception, growth, maturation and aging are studied as a natural continuum, influenced by our biophysical and psychosocial environment. Includes developmental theories and scientific methods used to study development. Field trips to several off-campus sites are required
BIOL 15 Human Sexuality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys biological, behavioral, cultural and ethical aspects of human sexuality. Contains mature and sexually explicit content.
BIOL 15H Human Sexuality - Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- Acceptance into the Honors Program
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys biological, behavioral, cultural and ethical aspects of human sexuality. Contains mature and sexually explicit content. An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 15 and BIOL 15H.
BIOL 17 Neurobiology and Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An integrated analysis of the biological, ecological and evolutionary bases of animal behavior (ethology.) Historical and evolutionary contexts are emphasized through a detailed consideration of the psychobiological, ecological, ontological and sociobiological determinants of animal behavior. Field trip required.
BIOL 20 Marine Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Marine environment including the principles of marine science, biology of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, structure and function of marine ecosystems, and human impact on the ocean. Field trip required.
BIOL 21 Marine Biology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab: 54
- Corequisite
- BIOL 20 (may have been taken previously)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Field and laboratory aspects of the marine environment. Explores the diversity of organisms living in the ocean and their structure and adaptations to their specific habitats. Local species will be identified and classified and local marine habitats will be visited. Completion or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 20 is required. Field trips are required.
BIOL 25 Conservation Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for (ENGL C1000 or ENGL 1A) or (ENGL C1000H or ENGL 1AH) or AMLA 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Concepts of conservation biology for natural resources, including biogeography, biodiversity and extinction, environmental law, public lands, and conservation organizations. Emphasis on strategies important to addressing biological conservation and sustainable management of natural and managed ecosystems. A field trip is required.
BIOL 34 Fundamentals of Genetics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture: 54
- Prerequisite
- BIOL 4 or BIOL 4H
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Theory and applications of genetics. Major topics include Mendelian and molecular genetics, mechanisms of inheritance, gene expression, linkage and chromosome mapping, mutations and evolution, population genetics, and ethical and moral implications of biotechnology.
BIOL 34L Fundamentals of Genetics Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab: 54
- Corequisite
- BIOL 34 (may have been taken previously)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Experiments and problem solving in genetics including Mendelian Genetics, linkage and recombination, cell division, mutation, molecular genetics including use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis, population genetics, and bioinformatics.
BIOL 99A Independent Studies in Biology
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- Lecture: 18-36
- Prerequisite
- Approved Independent Study Learning Contract
- Transfers to
- CSU
Offers selected students recognition for their academic interests and ability and opportunity to explore their disciplines in greater depth. The content of each course and the methods of study vary from semester to semester and depend on the particular project under consideration. Instructor authorization needed prior to enrollment. This course focuses on projects in the discipline of biology.