Biology - Non-Majors Courses
See the current class schedule for current classes and course descriptions
BI 101E - General Biology-Ocean Life Foundations
Students learn basic processes of organisms at the cellular and organism level. Emphasis on how marine organisms demonstrate processes and systems that involve photosynthesis, cell division, genetics, and cell structure. Includes physical ocean properties and their influence on ocean life.
BI 101F - General Biology-Survey of Biology
A survey course providing an overview of the molecular and cellular basis of life.
BI 101I - General Biology-Botanical Beginnings
Students learn cellular and organism biology of plants. Topics: characteristics that distinguish plants from other organisms, plant anatomy, cell structures, chemistry, photosynthesis, respiration, cell division, roles plants play in our lives. Skills: microscopy, extensive lab observations and drawing plant anatomy.
BI 101J - General Biology-Unseen Life on Earth
An introduction to the cellular biology of the smallest organisms on earth. Microbes are crucial to human health, food supplies and the survival of all life forms. Students explore the diversity and contributions of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Online course with lab activities conducted at home. This is an online course.
BI 101K - General Biology-Introduction to Genetics
This course introduces students to the rapidly evolving and increasingly relevant world of genetics. Topics: cell structure and division, DNA structure, protein synthesis, modern genetic technologies and societal applications and implications. Labs include microscope work, problem solving. This is an online course.
BI 102C - General Biology-Marine Biology
Students learn classification, anatomy, physiology, homeostasis and diversity of marine organisms from plankton to sharks. Experiments and field trips explore how various marine organisms use body system adaptations to survive in oceanic habitats along the Oregon coast. Weekend field trips.
BI 102D - General Biology-Survey of Biology
An overview of whole organisms examining structure and function of tissues, organs, and organ systems.
BI 102E - General Biology-Animal Biology
Students learn the physiology and function of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals. Topics: evolution of unique adaptations, comparative anatomy. Activities: lab, lecture, discussion, computer/Web use. Relevant issues: endangered species, habitat loss, pollution, conservation.
BI 102G - General Biology-Genetics and Society
The relationship between inheritance, genetic conditions and human body systems they affect. Current issues in genetics and their impact on ethics and values are integrated into the study of human genetic variations and disorders.
BI 102H - General Biology-Forest Biology
The structure and function of local Northwest forest plants and animals through laboratory and in-class investigations and activities.
BI 102I - General Biology-Human Biology (online course)
Explores the human body, including the following human organ systems: circulatory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, nervous, muscular, skeletal, lymphatic, digestive, and endocrine.
BI 102J - General Biology-Ethnobotany
Students learn structures and functions of both plants and human organ systems and interactions between the two with emphasis on how Northwest Indians use plants, now and in the past. Considers American Indian world views, influence of European-origin settlers, and sustainable plant use. Required field trips.
BI 103A - General Biology-Birds of Oregon
Students learn classification, evolution, ecology, and adaptations with emphasis on Oregon birds and their behaviors. Bird identification is practiced on field trips. Current issues: endangered species, climate change and effects of humans on bird populations.
BI 103B - General Biology-Field Biology
Students learn the interaction of organisms in various ecosystems. Topics: evolution, ecology, plant-animal relationships, natural history. Current issues: endangered species, climate change, and conservation. Activities: field trips, labs, lecture, discussion, computer/Web use.
BI 103D - General Biology-Seabirds & Mammals
Students learn unique anatomical and physiological adaptations of marine birds and mammals to understand evolutionary processes and ecological interactions. Students identify and classify marine birds and mammals, and examine human's role in the sustainability of these magnificent creatures. Includes field trips.
BI 103E - General Biology-Survey of Biology
Survey course providing an overview of animal and plant diversity, evolution, and ecology. Activities: field trips, lab, lecture, discussion, and group projects. Includes current issues such as human impacts on the natural world.
BI 103F - General Biology-Wildflowers of Oregon
Students investigate plant diversity, ecological and evolutionary processes, and conservation efforts with emphasis on learning flower characteristics for plant identification. Students practice describing habitats and identifying plants on local field trips to different ecosystems.
BI 103G - General Biology-Global Ecology
Students in this course visit several ecological regions found in Oregon and learn to identify many of the organisms living in them. They explore how the activities and values of Native Americans relate to these natural environments.
BI 103H - General Biology-Mushrooms
Through field, classroom, and laboratory work this course helps students identify and develop an understanding of mushroom evolution, structure, function and place in the ecology of the areas we study.
BI 103J - General Biology-Forest Biology
Students learn ecological and evolutionary processes and interrelationships in our local forest ecosystems. Students practice identification of major trees, shrubs and wildlife through extensive field work. Explores importance of forests to humans. Required field trips.
BI 103K - General Biology-Animal Behavior
Students learn evolution and ecology through study of animal behavior with emphasis on the development, evolution, physiology and ecology of behaviors like foraging, migration, communication, mating strategies, parental care, and sociality. Activities: discussions, labs and field trips.
BI 103L - General Biology: Evolution & Diversity
The layout of the course will use a backward chronology of the history of the Earth, that begins with a study of humans and modern mammals and ends with investigations into the origins of life. This framework will explore the diversity of life by using examples from the different Kingdoms of Life to explain more complex biological topics, such as methods of speciation, molecular genetics/inheritance, adaptive radiation, plate tectonics, and ecological concepts. This is an online course.
BI 103M - General Biology-Biodiversity & Sustainability
Students use biological principles of evolution, taxonomy and ecology to learn the principles of sustainability, with reference to social and economic issues. This course is unique in placing humans within the taxonomic realm of living organisms affected by environmental issues.
BI 112 - Cell Biology for Health Occupations
Corequisite: CH 112 This course introduces the Health Occupations student to the generalized human cell including its structure, function, basic genetics and reproduction.
GS 101 - Nature of the Northwest
Introduction to the geology, plants and animals in Central Oregon and along the Pacific coast. Students identify rocks, flora and fauna and look at the biodiversity between habitats on required field trips. Includes environmental issues and a scientific inquiry project.