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PROGRAMS / COURSE DESCRIPTION
evolution, ecology, behavior and environmental issues.
The laboratory will include a survey of the morphological
characteristics of various organisms on this planet.
other topics of local interest. Although this course has
no laboratory, some outdoor activities and shortdistance
field trips during class time may be required.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
BIOL H100 GENERAL BIOLOGY HONORS
Units: 4.0 - 48-54 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU, UC (No prerequisite)
This is an introductory course for honors students
emphasizing the scientific method, analysis of scientific
data, the use of scientific units, cellular biology, genetics
and heredity, classification and systematics, evolution,
ecology, environmental issues, and current topics in
biology. The laboratory complements the lecture topics
via direct experimentation, simulations, and video,
including a survey of Earth’s biological diversity. Specific
topics will be emphasized through the use of reading
assignments and the preparation of a short research
paper.
BIOL 104 GENERAL BOTANY
Units: 4.0 - 48-54 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU, UC. (No prerequisite)
This botany course is for non-biology majors. Topics
include plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant cell
structure, photosynthesis, cell respiration, ecology,
genetics, systematics, and plant evolution. The course
also includes brief introductions to reproduction of
flowering plants, mosses, ferns, and conifers; and
sections on field botany and plant identification.
Emphasis will be placed on use of the scientific method,
critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Up to two
field trips may be required.
BIOL 107 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN BIOLOGY
Units: 4.0 - 48-54 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU. (No prerequisite)
An introduction to biological principles with a human
perspective. Emphasis on cellular structure and
function, organ systems, the concept of homeostasis,
adaptation, cellular and population genetics, and the
interaction of the human species with the ecosystem.
BIOL 118 PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY
Units: 3.0 - 48-54 hours lecture. CSU, UC. (No
prerequisite)
A survey of Mendelian inheritance, quantitative traits,
and population genetics with special emphasis on
human inheritance and family pedigree analysis. Also
includes sections on DNA technology, immune genetics
and genetics of cancer. This course stresses
development of critical thinking and problem solving
skills.
BIOL 120 IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY OF
WILDFLOWERS
Units: 3.0 - 32-36 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU. (No prerequisite. Grade Option)
This course employs an evolutionary approach to give
students a working knowledge of plant classification, as
well as an appreciation for the diversity of the flora of
southern California. Students will learn how to use keys
to identify local plant species, learn characteristics of the
most common plant families, and will be able to
describe, identify, and understand some of the
dynamics of local plant communities. Vigorous field
activities are required.
BIOL 126 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE MOJAVE
DESERT
Units: 3.0 - 32-36 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU. (No prerequisite. Grade Option.)
This course acquaints students with the unique plants of
the Mojave Desert and their adaptations for survival.
Emphasis is on identification, life history, water
economy, and thermoregulatory mechanisms. Mojave
Desert plant communities, climate, geology, geography,
and history will also be discussed. Local conservation
issues will also be surveyed, with special consideration
of rare and endemic species.
BIOL 114 INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY
Units: 3.0 - 48-54 hours lecture. CSU, UC. (No
prerequisite)
The first half of this course covers basic ecological
principles about demography and population growth,
species interactions and food webs, introduction to
photosynthesis and metabolism, and nutrient cycling.
The remainder of the course emphasizes environmental
problems and how they relate to ecological principles.
Topics include global biodiversity and endangered
species, water and air pollution, alternate energy
sources, alternative agriculture and pesticides, and
BIOL 127 IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY OF BIRDS
OF THE MOJAVE DESERT AND ADJACENT
MOUNTAINS
Units: 3.0 - 32-36 hours lecture and 48-54 hours
laboratory. CSU. (No prerequisite. Grade Option.)
Field identification of 75 bird species of the local area.
Includes song and habitat identification, study of birds’
feathers, colors, and their uses. Adaptations of bills,
feet, wings, and bones. Course also covers the food of
birds, their ecological relationships, eggs and nests,
senses and behavior, flight and song. Course touches
briefly on bird migration.
136 2012-2013 Victor Valley College Catalog