Program Overview
With a Bachelor of Science in Biology, equip yourself to make your claim in the world of emerging diseases, genetic studies, physiology and biodiversity, threats to species and ecosystem functioning, and global population growth and sustainability. Career choices for BS Biology graduates are broad and fascinating. Careers include medical professions, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, ecology, animal and plant sciences, as well as academic writing, editing, and education.
If you want to make your academic education interdisciplinary, this degree enables you to integrate your studies in the life sciences with coursework in the natural and geosciences as well as applied areas such as forensics. This may interest you : There are many reasons for climate denial, but science is the solution. You may also consider the Bachelor of Science in Biology to Master of Forensic Science transition program for your future.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges and universities in the United States.
Course Details
Course Listing
Course Name
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B or Accuplacer test placement score On the same subject : President Biden nominates Dr Arati Prabhakar to head the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Includes simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the central limit theorem, hypothesis tests. Assignments can use the MiniTab software or text-based courseware. Computers are available in the university’s computer room. Calculator with statistics functions required.
Course Name
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B or Accuplacer test placement score This may interest you : Undergraduate Scholarships Working to Diversify Quantum Science.
Studies higher-degree polynomials, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, and matrix algebra needed for more specialized studies in mathematics, computer science, engineering, and other related fields. The use of computers and/or graphing calculators is strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B or Accuplacer test placement score
The first part of a comprehensive two month treatment of algebra and trigonometry in preparation for a more specialized study of mathematics. The course covers higher degree polynomials, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, transformations and function algebra, matrix algebra and basic arithmetic of complex numbers.
The second month of a comprehensive two-month course on algebra and trigonometry; This course is a continuation of MTH 216A. Topics include trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry and application, parametric equations, matrix algebra, sequences and series, and applied problems. Graphic calculator may be required.
Course Name
Requirement: MTH 215 or equivalent
General chemical subjects important for higher chemistry and science courses: thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and quantum mechanics. Successful completion of an algebra course at the college is a prerequisite for enrollment in this degree.
Second course of general chemistry with the subjects: bonds, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids/bases and thermodynamics.
Requirement: CHE 149A; Prerequisite: CHE 142
Third course of general chemistry with the subjects: electrical, nuclear, organic, bio and coordination chemistry. The chemistry of metals and non-metals is also covered.
Basic concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics. Concepts include major organic molecules, cell structure and function, metabolism and enzyme activity, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, DNA structure, meiosis and mitosis, Mendelian genetics. Intended for science courses.
Evolution, taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology. Concepts include evolutionary processes, taxonomy and phylogeny of the kingdoms of life, and ecological processes at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Intended for science courses.
Requirement: BIO 169A; Prerequisite: BIO 161; ORGANIC 162
Morphology and physiology of multicellular organisms, especially plants and animals. The concepts include plant structure and physiology and comparative animal morphology and physiology. Intended for science courses.
Requirement: MTH 215 or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
Non-computational general physics course. Intended for science majors. Study of one-dimensional and two-dimensional kinematics, dynamics, statics, work, energy, momentum, circular motion and gravitation.
Non-calculus based general physics course for science majors. Study of temperature, kinetic theory, gas laws, heat, oscillating motion and waves, and electricity.
Requirement: PHS 179A; Prerequisite: PHS 171; PHS 172
Non-calculus based general physics course for science majors. Advanced study of magnetism, electromagnetic induction and waves, optics, relativity, quantum physics, nuclear reactions and elementary particles.
Requirement: CHE 101 and CHE 101A or CHE 141 and CHE 142 and CHE 143 and CHE 149A
Introduction to the basics of organic chemistry. This course covers the properties and reactions of hydrocarbons and their functional groups, aromatic compounds, and biological molecules. A special effort is made to show the interrelationships between organic chemistry and other fields of science, especially life, health and environmental sciences.
This course is designed to introduce students to the practical aspects of organic chemistry. This course covers basic techniques for handling, analyzing and identifying organic compounds. In addition, students learn to synthesize simple and practical small organic molecules.
Prerequisite: BIO 163; Prerequisite: BIO 161; ORGANIC 162
Laboratory course in general biology for science majors. Topics include the application of the scientific method, investigation of cellular processes (e.g. respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis), Mendelian genetics, operation of basic laboratory equipment, taxonomic classification and investigations into the structure and function of prokaryotes, protists, fungi and plants and animals.
Improves students’ understanding of important concepts in chemistry through hands-on experiments. The students master advanced chemical laboratory techniques, learn how to use modern instruments, acquire the necessary skills for accurate data collection and to carry out error analysis.
Requirement: PHS 171 and PHS 172 and PHS 173 or PHS 104
General physics internship for natural science courses. Includes laboratory practice in the main concepts of general physics: one and two dimensional kinematics, work and energy, electric current, vibrations and geometric optics.
*Can be used to meet general educational needs
Course Name
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A
A study of the relationship of plants and animals to their environment and to each other. Emphasizes populations, the population-community interface, and community structure and interactions within the ecosystem.
Prerequisite: BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 143; CHE 149A
Principles of genetics and heredity. Topics include linkage and pedigree analysis, DNA replication and repair, gene expression and regulation, inheritance of traits, genetic engineering, the relationship of genetics to human health, and applying genetics to understanding the evolution of species.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A
evolutionary biology. Topics include the history of life, fossil finds, causes of microevolution (including natural selection and mutation), macroevolutionary processes (including speciation and extinction), evolutionary genetics and developmental biology (“Evo-Devo”), phylogeny construction and taxonomy.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Requirement: BIO 406A
Introduction to cell biology, including fundamentals of cell structure and function, inter- and intracellular communication through signaling and signal transduction, cell growth, and energy production through aerobic respiration and photosynthesis. Examination of cellular events and analysis of specific case studies in cell biology.
Prerequisite: BIO 406; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A
This course emphasizes techniques essential to cell biology, including cell cultivation, Western blotting, ELISA, and DNA, RNA, and protein extractions.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Requirement: BIO 407A; Prerequisite: BIO 305
An introduction to molecular biology with a focus on gene structure, organization, regulation and expression. Topics of genetic engineering and genome development are treated as well as DNA replication, recombination, transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Prerequisite: BIO 407; Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; ORGANIC 305
This course emphasizes techniques essential to molecular biology including DNA extraction, purification and quantification; polymerase chain reactions; and restriction enzyme digestion.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Requirement: BIO 414A
Comparative study of invertebrates: taxonomy, structure, physiology, reproduction, evolution and behavior.
Laboratory supplement of invertebrate zoology with sample examinations, demonstrations and experiments. Contact hours (45.0) are based on a 3:1 ratio; i.e. 3 lab hours = 1 lecture hour equivalent.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A; Requirement: BIO 416A
Studying the lives of vertebrates, incorporating anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and behavioral adaptations that enable them to survive effectively in their natural environment.
Laboratory supplement of vertebrate zoology including specimen study, anatomical study and live observation where possible.
Requirement: BIO 305 or BIO 310 or BIO 330
Dealing with current topics in biology. Emphasis on evaluation, discussion and analysis of peer-reviewed literature.
Students may select only 300, 400, or 500 levels in the College of Letters and Sciences to complete the 76.5 upper class quarter total units for the degree. Suggested advanced courses are given below.
Course Name
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A
Studying animal behavior incorporating genetic, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
Recommended preparation: BIO 203 or BIO 406 or equivalent courses.
Studying the structure and function of immune components, including the complement system, innate and adaptive responses, and immune cell signaling. Analysis of fundamental concepts such as antibodies, antigens, antigen-antibody complexes, allergic reactions, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, cancer, and autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 169A; CHE 141; CHE 142; CHE 143; CHE 149A
Plant biology, including structure, function, evolution, taxonomy, and diversity of major plant groups.
Prerequisite: BIO 161; BIO 162; BIO 163; BIO 100A or BIO 100; BIO 100A
Study of the flora, fauna and biomes of California. This course includes field trips with selected locations for each academic center within the university.
Prerequisite: BIO 161 with a minimum grade of C. The student must have completed General Biology or equivalent; BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have completed General Biology or equivalent; BIO 163 with a minimum grade of C. The student must have completed General Biology or equivalent
Global approach to the science of marine biology. Studying life in the marine environment and the structure and function of various marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and estuaries. Analysis and assessment of human impact on marine ecology.
Recommended Preparation: BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C. Student must have a grade of C or higher
survey of marine habitats to identify and quantify fish species; studying the ecology and behavior of marine mammals (dolphins and manatees); Identification of nesting sites and ecology of sea turtle species; seagrass health assessment and species identification; coral identification and health; Ecosystem health and monitoring methods. Creation of species lists, biopsy techniques and basics of biological field work. Teaches in a field lab in Turneffe Atoll, Belize; requires international travel. Check with the instructor for approval and additional requirements.
Requirement: BIO 470A; Prerequisite: BIO 161 with a minimum grade of C-. The student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 162 with a minimum grade of C-. The student must have passed the class with a C- or better; BIO 163 with a minimum grade of C-. The student must have passed the class with a C- or better
Analysis of biotechnology information using software tools to store, manipulate and extract information from protein and nucleic acid sequence data. Topics include genome annotation, gene and protein prediction, sequence alignment and analysis of aligned sequences in describing patterns of protein or species relationships and gene expression.
Techniques essential to bioinformatics. Topics include practical knowledge of databases, basic commands in Unix and R, sequence alignment and annotation, and quantification of gene expression.
Project-based study of biology under individual supervision of the faculty. Themes and websites are specially developed in collaboration with teachers and students. Units can be taken separately or cumulatively; This course can be repeated according to the needs of each student.
Introduces the students to the chemistry of carbon compounds and their properties, structures and reactions. It emphasizes the study of the properties and reactions of aliphatic, halides, alcohols, esters, thiols and sulfides, as well as aromatic compounds which, in conjunction with selected experiments, provide an understanding of the mechanisms of organic reactions.
Requirement: CHE 350 at least C
Students will learn how to use common laboratory techniques to determine the structure and chemical properties of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, alkyl halides, acids, and esters. The experiments are carried out on a small or micro scale. The contact hours for this internship (45) are based on a ratio of 3:1, i.e. 3 hours of internship = 1 hour of lectures.
Investigation of the properties and reactions of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines and amides. In addition, students are introduced to the use of modern spectroscopic techniques to analyze and predict the structures of organic molecules.
Requirement: CHE 351 At least C
Students apply the laboratory techniques learned in CHE350A to synthesize, purify, and identify organic compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics, ketones, ethers, esters, amides, and amines. The experiments are carried out on a small or micro scale. The contact hours for this internship (45) are based on a ratio of 3:1, i.e. 3 hours of internship = 1 hour of lectures.
Prerequisite: CHE 350; CHE 350A; CHE 351
Studying the structures and functions of important classes of biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids. A strong and current background in chemistry is required to successfully complete this course.
A continuation of CHE 360. This course focuses on the principles of cellular regulatory processes and the synthesis of biological molecules.
Studying the interactions between oceanographic, geological and astronomical processes on the physical and living components of the world’s oceans. Includes interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere and how these interactions affect currents, weather, and biological activity.
Requirement: MTH 215 or MTH 216A and MTH 216B and MTH 210
An introduction to mathematical modeling that uses a variety of different applications from the physical, biological, economic, social, and computer sciences. Discuss the limitations but also the possibilities of mathematics in understanding our world. Teaches problem identification, solution models and model implementation. Graphic calculator is required.
Interdisciplinary peculiarities in geographic information systems. Aspects include geography, cartography, and informatics for scientific, economic, and environmental applications. This includes teaching the student how to enter spatial data into the computer, organize the data, and perform basic spatial operations.
Prerequisite: A 4.5 quarter science course from the natural sciences.
A study in the history of science of all human cultures. Emphasizes the mutual interaction between science and society, especially in modern times.
Individual learning under the guidance of the lecturer. Requires prior approval from relevant academic department.
*Registration for this course requires instructor permission
Degree and Course Requirements
To obtain a Bachelor of Science, Biology major, students must complete a minimum of 180 quarter units as indicated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at the National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper department level , and at least 69 units of general university requirements. In the absence of credit, additional general electives may be required to meet total units for the degree. For specific information on admission and assessment, see the undergraduate program admissions requirements section. All students receiving a bachelor’s degree in Nevada are required by law to complete a course in the Nevada Constitution.
* Completion of BIO 100, 100A, 201, 201A, 202, 202A, 203, 203A is equivalent to the course sequence of BIO 161, 162, 163, 169A to fulfill the BS degree in Biology.
Program Learning Outcomes
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