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Bucks County Community College

Catalog

  Catalog  —  Course Descriptions  —  Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics  —  Biology

Biology

Biological Science I

BIOL101

This course is an introduction to processes common to all living organisms. Science and the scientific method are described. Topics include: cell structure, energy transfer in plants and animals, classical genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and evolution. This course does not meet the curriculum requirements for biology majors.

4 credits
Prerequisite: Reading Level 3 or READ110 (C or better) or permission of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Math Level 5 or higher or MATH095 (C or better); Writing Level 4 or COMP090 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Biological Science II

BIOL102

This course explores aspects of life at the macroscopic, whole-organism level. Topics are ecology, taxonomy, a survey of plant and animal life forms, and an examination of major systems for both plants and animals, with emphasis on humans. This course does not meet the curriculum requirements for biology majors.

4 credits
Prerequisite: Reading Level 3 or READ110 (C or better) or permission of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Math Level 5 or higher or MATH095 (C or better); Writing Level 4 or COMP090 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better) . BIOL1O1 is recommended but not required.
Corequisite: None

Basic Human Anatomy

BIOL115

This course is a study of human anatomy which develops a basic understanding of the structure and function of body organs and systems and their interactions. Other topics include nutrition, metabolism, and growth and development.

3 credits
Prerequisite:

Reading Level 3 or higher, or READ110 (C or better) or permission of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Math Level 5 or higher or MATH095 (C or better), and Writing Level 4 or higher or COMP090 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better)


Corequisite: None

Biological Principles I

BIOL121

This course is a comprehensive introduction to molecular and cellular biology. Structure/function relations of macromolecules and cellular organelles are studied. Other topics include transformation of energy in plants (photosynthesis) and in other types of cells (cellular respiration), cellular reproduction (mitosis and meiosis), and Mendelian genetics.

4 credits
Prerequisite: Reading Level 3 or READ110 (C or better) and CHEM101 (C or better) or CHEM121 (C or better) or High School Chemistry with the approval of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Corequisite: None

Biological Principles II

BIOL122

This course is a continuation of BIOL121 and focuses on comparative studies of plant and animal systems within an evolutionary framework. Additional topics include evolutionary theory, the tempo and mechanisms of evolution, speciation, population genetics, macro and microevolution, the evolutionary history of biological diversity and classification and ecology.

4 credits
Prerequisite: BIOL121 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL181

This course introduces the study of the human body and the basic structure of cells, tissues, and organs. Topics include the structure and function of the integumentary, muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems.

4 credits
Prerequisite: Reading Level 3 or READ110 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BIOL182

This course, a continuation of Human Anatomy and Physiology I, studies the structure and function of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, digestive, endocrine, excretory, nervous, reproductive, and respiratory systems, as well as human development and genetics.

4 credits
Prerequisite: BIOL181 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Principles of Ecology

BIOL220

This lecture and laboratory course provides an overview of ecology from the individual organism to populations, communities, and ecosystems. It examines the physical, chemical, and biological components of ecological interactions, and includes a comparative treatment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Laboratory exercises require field trips.

4 credits
Prerequisite: BIOL101 (C or better) or BIOL121 (C or better)
Corequisite: None

Microbiology

BIOL228

This course includes a study of viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi and with special emphasis, bacteria. Laboratories incorporate the preparation of cultures and use of aseptic laboratory techniques, stains and biochemical activity for identification of organisms. The relationship of microbes to health and disease are also studied.

4 credits
Prerequisite: BIOL121 (C or better) or BIOL181 (C or better).
Corequisite: None

Genetics

BIOL260
EXPERIMENTAL

Building on foundational biology and chemistry concepts, this course delves into genetics' core principles, including inheritance patterns, DNA structure and function, gene expression, and biotechnological applications. Integrating lectures and laboratory experiences, this course emphasizes critical thinking and application in genetics-related fields, preparing students for studies in advanced biological sciences.

4 credits
Prerequisite: CHEM121 (C or better) and BIOL121 (C or better)

Biology/Biotechnology/Environmental Science Internship

BIOL280

This course provides on-the-job experience and observation in a field directly related to the student's academic preparation and career objectives. Periodic meetings between instructor and student are held to review actual experience and observation in light of theory and skills learned academically.

3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Corequisite: None

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STEM

215-968-8305 stem@bucks.edu Founders Hall 110

STEM

215-968-8305 stem@bucks.edu Founders Hall 110
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