Biology
25 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BIOL A020 Making Connections in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Corequisite
- BIOL A180.
This course complements BIOL A180 lecture and laboratory and will provide essential additional opportunities for students to develop study skills in cell and molecular biology. The curriculum is designed to improve critical thinking, content application, and science writing. Opportunities to work in a collaborative environment will also be provided in order to reinforce this aspect of scientific inquiry. Speakers from and/or field trips to visit laboratories from transfer institutions may be provided to allow students to see direct application of the skill set promoted in BIOL A180. This course will be the equivalent to the one hour study skills/discussion section that most four-year universities offer. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
BIOL A100 Principles of Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
A general study of life processes with emphasis on biological chemistry, cells, molecular biology, heredity, ecology, evolution, and the diversity of life. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major. Enrollment Limitation: BIOL A100H; students who complete BIOL A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for BIOL A100H.
BIOL A100H Principles of Biology Honors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
A general study of life processes with emphasis on biological chemistry, cells, molecular biology, heredity, ecology, evolution, and the diversity of life. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major. Enrollment Limitation: BIOL A100; students who complete BIOL A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for BIOL A100.
BIOL A114 Basic Microbiology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Microbiology as applied to disease, treatment, immunity and the environment. Introduction to history, theory, and techniques of microbiology as applied to microbial nutrition, disease, immunity, control and the environment.
BIOL A120 Anatomy Discussion
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in BIOL A220.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Student-centric discussion of topics covered within BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy): structural organization of the human body, gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems from cellular to organ system levels of organization. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). This course is primarily intended for students concurrently enrolled in BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy), as well as nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health-related majors.
BIOL A125 Human Biology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A transferable general education biology course for students not majoring in the life sciences. Emphasis on relationships of biology to human beings with emphasis on molecular genetics, heredity, major body systems, disease, and human interactions with the environment.
BIOL A172 Nature of Birds
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory course to bird identification, their life, and their habitats. Emphasis will be on the physical characteristics of birds, how birds evolved, their classification, diet, behavior, reproduction strategies, flight mechanics, migration patterns, and characteristics of their natural habitat. There will be at least four field trips.
BIOL A180 Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CHEM A130 or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: CHEM A180 or CHEM A185 or CHEM A220 or CHEM A225; CHEM A180 qualifying exam does not substitute for CHEM A130 prerequisite or CHEM A180 corequisite; Non-native speaking students must be eligible to enter ESL A031 and ESL A035.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 190
Designed for the major in the biological sciences and pre-health profession majors. Emphasizing central concepts of biology, including biochemistry, cell biology, membrane dynamics, molecular genetics, classical genetics, and biotechnology.
BIOL A182 Zoology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of a course at the level of intermediate algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
- Advisory
- BIOL A180; Any college level Biology and/or Chemistry course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 150 when BIOL A182L is also completed
Includes basic aspects of phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Emphasizes comparing the variety of mechanisms animals have evolved to solve common biological problems. Enrollment Limitation: BIOL A182H; students who complete BIOL A182 may not enroll in or receive credit for BIOL A182H.
BIOL A182H Zoology Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of a course at the level of intermediate algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
- Advisory
- BIOL A180; Any college level Biology and/or Chemistry course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Includes basic aspects of phylogeny, morphology, physiology and behavior of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Emphasizes comparing the variety of mechanisms animals have evolved to solve common biological problems. Enrollment Limitation: BIOL A182; students who complete BIOL A182H may not enroll in or receive credit for BIOL A182.
BIOL A182L Zoology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A182 or BIOL A182H, or concurrent enrollment; Successful completion of a course at the level of elementary algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A laboratory course emphasizing animal phylogeny, anatomy, and physiology using representative types.
BIOL A183 Botany
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of a course at the level of elementary algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 155 when BIOL A183L is also completed
Includes the dynamics of plants and their processes with particular emphasis on the structure and function of living plants.
BIOL A183L Botany Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A183 or concurrent enrollment; Successful completion of a course at the level of elementary algebra or Appropriate OCC math placement.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A course in the dynamics of plants and their processes with particular emphasis on the structure and function of living things. Field Trip Required.
BIOL A185 Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 140
An introduction to the evolution, ecology, physiology, anatomy, and life history of all major groups of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, animals, other eukaryotes, and viruses. Students also develop their scientific experimentation skills, including statistical data analysis and writing. Fieldtrip required.
BIOL A200 Advanced Anatomy Practicum
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A220.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced exploration and discussion of topics and concepts within Human Anatomy, which include: structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems from cellular to organ system levels of organization. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). Laboratory participation and instructor shadowing are required. This course is primarily intended for students who have successfully completed BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy) and desire to further their knowledge and understanding of Human Anatomy, while being mentored by instructors in laboratory discussion and presentation, and instructing, mentoring and tutoring current anatomy students. BIOL A200 students will be expected to assist BIOL A220 (Human Anatomy) students utilizing newly acquired educational techniques in the following: dissection; identification of specimens and structures on both the micro- and macroscopic level.
BIOL A201 Human Cadaver Prosection
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A220.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students with successful completion of BIOL A220 Human Anatomy, will continue to learn proper dissection techniques, through a supervised prosection course, with a primary focus, but not limited to the musculoskeletal system.
BIOL A210 General Microbiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Fundamentals of bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, and virology. Includes food, water and medical microbiology, factors in resistance, infection, and disease. Human normal flora and the immune response are included. Microbial ecology, genetics, and bioenergetics are covered. Recommended for biological science majors.
BIOL A220 Human Anatomy
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
- C-ID
- BIOL 110B
Structural organization of the human body: gross and microscopic structure of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, cardiovasuclar, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems from cellular to organ system levels of organization. Taught from a functional perspective, it emphasizes the relationship of structure (Anatomy) to function (Physiology). Laboratory participation is required. This course is primarily intended for nursing, allied health, kinesiology, and other health-related majors.
BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
Anatomy and physiology as a combined discipline. Designed for Career and Certificate Programs. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major.
BIOL A225 Human Physiology
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- BIOL A220 or BIOL A221; and CHEM A110, CHEM A130, or CHEM A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- BIOL 120 B
This course studies the physiological principles, function, integration and homeostasis of the human body at all levels of biological organization with an emphasis on the relationship of structure (Anatomy) and function (Physiology); Basic concepts and practical applications are stressed. Laboratory participation is required; This course meets requirements for pre-nursing, physical therapy and physical education majors
BIOL A280 Evolutionary Ecology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A180.
- Advisory
- BIOL A182 or BIOL A182H, and BIOL A183; or BIOL A185.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
For majors in the biological sciences. Evolutionary and ecological principles and their relevance at several levels of organization. Includes principles governing classification of life, principles of evolution, conditions for life, adaptations to the environment, analysis of ecological niches, population, and community/ecosystem ecology from an evolutionary viewpoint. Field trips are required for this course.
BIOL A281 Biochemistry
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A180 and CHEM A220.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the chemistry of biology. This course is designed to satisfy transfer requirements for some biology majors.
BIOL A282 Molecular Biology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A180 and CHEM A220.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to molecular biology emphasizing gene structure and function. This course is designed to satisfy transfer requirements for biology majors.
BIOL A283 Genetics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- BIOL A180 or BIOL A180H; and CHEM A180.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers the principles of Mendelian inheritance; gene transmission in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; recombination and mutation; gene regulation, replication, and expression; cell division; and biochemical genetics. Additional emphasis is placed on problem solving.
BIOL A010N Biology Laboratory and Field Experience
- Hours
- 27-108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Students must have completed a biology laboratory course at Orange Coast College and earned a C or better.
This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience in laboratory procedures and safety, laboratory equipment assessment, chemical safety and making solutions, running experiments in the field/laboratory, plastination of specimens, and other related laboratory/field concepts. Students are supervised by a biology instructor and/or biology staff qualified to train the students in their procedures and safety guidelines. Enrollment Limitation: Students must have taken a biology laboratory course and passed with a grade of C or higher at OCC prior to enrolling in this course.