Biology Courses

BIOL& 100   5 credits
Survey of Biology
Covers the basic biological principles and processes for the nonscience major. Includes a basic survey of cell biology, inheritance, reproduction, genetics, classification, evolution, ecology and principles of living systems. Includes laboratory.

BIOL 125   5 credits
Environmental Science
An introductory, ecologically oriented biological science laboratory course studying, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the environmental problems confronting humanity. An understanding of the nature of the ecological crises and their global implications will be emphasized. Includes laboratory.

BIOL 126   5 credits
Life Continuity
Investigation into the continuity of life, including Mendelian genetics, reproduction, population genetics, evolutionary processes, and environmental influences on individuals and populations. Emphasis is on human congenital conditions, reproduction and evolution.

BIOL 127   5 credits
Northwest Environments
Field-oriented course exploring the animal life and vegetation of the Pacific Northwest. Local forests, rivers, lakes, and deserts examined with emphasis on ecology and plant and animal identification. Includes extensive field work. Prerequisites: Interest in our local flora and fauna.

BIOL& 211   5 credits
Majors Cellular
Covers the structure and function of cells, metabolism, energetics, cell reproduction, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Recommended for science majors, pre-professional students and allied health majors. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: Recent college-level chemistry class CHEM&121 with a C grade or better or equivalent or instructor permission.

BIOL& 212   5 credits
Majors Plants
Covers the structure and function of plants: plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant morphology, plant systematics and plant ecology. Plant evolution and diversity integrated throughout. Recommended for science majors and pre-professional students. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL& 211.

BIOL& 213   5 credits
Majors Animal
Covers the structure and function of animals. Evolution and ecology of animals introduced in the beginning, then integrated throughout in a survey of the major animal systems. Animal anatomy, physiology, ecology and evolution emphasized. Recommended for science majors, especially biology and pre-professional majors. Prerequisites: BIOL& 211 with C grade or better or equivalent. Recent college-level chemistry class (CHEM& 121) with a C grade or better or equivalent strongly recommended.

BIOL 216   5 credits
Plant Classification
Identification, classification and natural history of native plants in our regional ecosystems. Principles of plant classification and nomenclature will be introduced while studying the local native flora of the area. Includes laboratory and field study. Prerequisites: recent college-level biology course or instructor’s signature.

BIOL 217   5 credits
Introduction to Ornithology
Study of birds: flight, classification, behavior (migration, breeding, communication), habitats and distribution, and populations and conservation. Lab emphasizes observation and identification skills. Includes laboratory and field work. Prerequisite: an interest in birds.

BIOL 218   5 credits
Insect Classification
Identification, classification and biology of adult insects represented in our local fauna. Includes basic insect biology, external anatomy, keying, sight identification, and collecting and preserving skills. Includes lecture, lab and field work. Prerequisites: recent college-level biology course or instructor’s signature.

BIOL& 221   5 credits
Majors Ecology
Major topics include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, human influences on ecosystems, and the integration and scaling of ecological processes through systems ecology. Prerequisites: one majors biology course such as BIOL& 211, 212 or 213.

BIOL& 221L   1 credit
Majors Ecology Lab
Ecology lab to accompany Majors Ecology for those needing the lab component to Ecology. Hands-on, field-based ecology exercises, including terrestrial and aquatic insect sampling, restoration ecology work, bird capturing and marking, forestry hike, edge-effect exercise, and exercises in the WVC-constructed aquatic lab. Prerequisites: one majors biology course such as BIOL 211, 212, or 213.

BIOL 225   5 credits
Environmental Science I
Comprehensive study of environmental science with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest ecosystems. A rigorous, field-based examination of the scientific method, data collection and analysis, ecosystem analysis, biogeography, biodiversity, succession, restoration, and human populations. Prerequisites: recent college-level biology course or instructor’s signature.

BIOL 226   5 credits
Environmental Science II
Comprehensive study of environmental science with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest ecosystems. A rigorous, field-based study of sustainability in agriculture and natural resources, soils, forestry, wildlife management, fisheries, water and wetland resources, climate, and global warming. Prerequisites: recent college-level biology course or instructor’s signature.

BIOL 227   5 credits
Environmental Science III
Comprehensive study of environmental science with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest ecosystems. A rigorous, field-based examination of energy production and use, alternative energy, water pollution, air pollution, ozone depletion, waste management, environmental economics, and environmental planning. Prerequisites: recent college-level biology course or instructor’s signature.

BIOL 230   5 credits
Ethnobotany
Survey of native plants of the Okanogan and their cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance to the First People and ecosystems of the Plateau Region.

BIOL& 241   5 credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology 1
Includes study of cells, tissues, and the skeletal, muscular, integumentary and nervous systems. Designed primarily for allied health majors. Prerequisites: BIOL& 211 with C grade or better or equivalent. Recent college-level chemistry class (CHEM& 121) with a C grade or better or equivalent strongly recommended.

BIOL& 242   5 credits
Human Anatomy & Physiology 2
Continuation of BIOL 241. Systematic treatment of special senses and endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Includes laboratory. Designed primarily for allied health majors. Prerequisites: BIOL& 241 with a C grade or better or equivalent.

BIOL& 260   5 credits
Microbiology
Introduction to the biology of microorganisms. Emphasis on the relationship of microbes to disease, including prevention, immunology and treatment. Designed primarily for allied health majors. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL& 211 with C grade or better or equivalent. Recent college-level chemistry class (CHEM& 121) with a C grade or better or equivalent strongly recommended.