Biology - Transfer - Degree

Associate of Science Transfer (AST) in Biology 

Faculty Advisers

Dr. Lisa Bartee: 503-491-7382 | Room AC2594 | Lisa.Bartee@mhcc.edu | Students with last name A-M
Catherine Creech: 503-491-7543 | AC2595 | Catherine.Creech@mhcc.edu | Students with last name N-Z

biology

Biology is the study of living things, as well as how life is possible and changes through time.  Our courses allow students to be informed members of their community and to prepare for diverse jobs. This degree aligns with the Oregon Biology Major Transfer Map (MTM) and Core Transfer Map (CTM).

Curricular Outcomes

At the completion of this curriculum, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific biological concepts
  • Demonstrate the ability to ask and answer questions using the scientific method by collecting and analyzing data during scientific investigations
  • Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to explore topics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between science and society

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
BI211 Principles of Biology I 5
CH221 General Chemistry I 5
WR121Z Composition I (Course offered online) 4
 Credits14
Second Quarter
Winter
BI212 Principles of Biology II 5
CH222 General Chemistry II 5
WR122Z
Composition II (Course offered online)
or Technical Writing (Course offered online)
4
Mathematics requirement 4-5
 Credits18-19
Third Quarter
Spring
BI213 Principles of Biology III 5
CH223 General Chemistry III 5
Mathematics requirement 4-5
 Credits14-15
Fourth Quarter
Fall
CH241 Organic Chemistry I 5
PH201
General Physics I
or General Physics with Calculus I
5
Social Science requirement 3-4
 Credits13-14
Fifth Quarter
Winter
CH242 Organic Chemistry II 5
PH202
General Physics II
or General Physics with Calculus II
5
Arts & Letters requirement 3-4
Social Science requirement 3-4
 Credits16-18
Sixth Quarter
Spring
CH243 Organic Chemistry III 5
PH203
General Physics III
or General Physics with Calculus III
5
Arts & Letters requirement 3-4
Elective, if needed to reach 90 credits 0-3
 Credits16-17
 Total Credits91-97

Transfer Schools

BI100 Survey of Body Systems (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; and MTH020; or placement above stated course levels. Recommended requisite: High-school-level cell biology and chemistry.

This course is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology to fulfill the requirements for Health professional/technical programs, and as a survey for students interested in building a foundation for higher levels of study in anatomy and physiology. Lecture includes a brief study of the structure and function of the 10 major body systems. Laboratory includes a study of the various systems.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe the major structures and functions of the body systems
  2. Discuss major health topics related to the body systems
  3. Explain the processes involved in Homeostatic Control
  4. Identify the major anatomical structures within the body systems

BI101 General Biology: Cellular Biology (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; and MTH020; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH060.

BI101 introduces the discipline of cellular biology, exploring topics including the cellular basis of life, cell structure and function and the metabolic processes that affect cells. BI101 introduces students to biology as a scientific discipline and engages students in the process of scientific discovery. BI101, BI102 and BI103 are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. Students considering majors in science or pre-professional health occupations are advised to eventually take BI211, B1212 and BI213.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  3. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  4. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  5. Discuss and apply biological theories and concepts of the cellular basis of life, including cell structure and function and the metabolic processes that affect cells.

BI102 General Biology: Molecular Biology (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090, WR090 and MTH020, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH060.

BI102 introduces the discipline of molecular biology and genetics, exploring topics including cell division, protein production, inheritance and microevolution. BI101, BI102, and BI103 are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. This course has both a lecture and a lab component. Students considering majors in science or pre-professional health occupations are advised to eventually take BI211, BI212 and BI213.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  3. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  4. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  5. Discuss and apply biological theories and concepts of the molecular biology and genetics, such as cell division, protein production, inheritance and microevolutionary processes

BI103 General Biology: Ecology and Evolution

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090, WR090 and MTH020, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH060.

BI103 uses ecology and evolution as a theme to explore biology and to develop your ability to ask and answer questions scientifically. In BI103 you will develop expertise in the scientific method, understand how evolution is an organizing theme in biology, and develop the ecological background to participate as a citizen of the world. BI101, BI102, and BI103 are non-sequential and can be taken in any order. Students considering majors in science or pre-professional health occupations are advised to eventually take BI211, BI212 and BI213.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Select, evaluate and utilize high-quality information to research a biological topic.
  3. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  4. Describe the role of evolution in shaping the natural world and apply biological theories and findings to understand the impacts of human activity on the ecology and biodiversity of Earth.

BI112 Biology for Health Professions

Credits 5Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH065. Recommended CH104.

This course is an introduction to cellular biology and genetics for students intending to take Anatomy and Physiology (BI231-233). BI112 lecture includes the principles of the scientific method, basic cell structure and function, cellular respiration, cell division, Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics, and molecular genetics. Laboratory will require group collaboration in hands-on demonstration of course concepts.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  2. Utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  3. Use evidence to develop and communicate informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  4. Apply concepts from basic chemistry to explain aspects of cell structure and function.
  5. Explain how basic units of cellular structure define the function of all living things.
  6. Describe how cellular metabolic processes are used to catalyze chemical reactions and generate energy.
  7. Compare the process and consequences of mitosis and meiosis and how they are important in the lifecycle of an animal (such as a human).
  8. Describe how protein synthesis and gene regulation determine an organism's phenotype.
  9. Describe how various types of traits are inherited through multiple generations. 

BI121 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH065. Recommended requisite: BI112 and CH104.

This course covers basic human anatomy and physiology: body organization, cell structure and function, tissues and membranes, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous (with special senses) and endocrine systems.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define anatomy and physiology and explain how they are related
  2. Define homeostasis, discuss its regulation and explain its importance to survival
  3. Describe how injury and disease affect the tissues of the body and explain how various disorders may interfere with normal functioning of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems
  4. Describe the characteristics, composition and functioning of cells, tissues and organs
  5. Discuss major health topics related to the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems
  6. Identify and describe the major structures and functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous (including senses) and endocrine systems at a cellular, tissue, organ and organ system level
  7. Utilize correct terminology to describe anatomical and physiological concepts

BI122 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online)

Credits 4Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: BI121 and completion of MTH058 or MTH065 with a grade "C" or higher.

BI122 covers the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive (with development) systems.

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe how injury and disease affect the tissues of the body and explain how various disorders may interfere with normal functioning of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems
  2. Discuss major health topics related to the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems
  3. Explain the role of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems in maintaining homeostasis
  4. Identify and describe the major structures and functions of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems at a cellular, tissue, organ and organ system level

BI132 Introduction to Animal Behavior (Course offered online)

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH060.

BI132 provides an introduction to the scientific discipline of animal behavior and engages students in the process of scientific discovery. We take a biological perspective to investigate both the proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Topics include the development of behavior and how animals solve ecological and evolutionary challenges through behavior. Students considering majors in science or pre-professional health occupations are advised to eventually take BI211, BI212 and BI213.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  3. Select, evaluate and utilize high-quality information to research a biological topic.
  4. Describe the role of evolution in shaping the natural world and apply biological theories and concepts of ecology, evolution, and organism biology to explain observation of animal behavior.

BI133 Northwest Forest Ecology

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH060.

This integrated lecture and laboratory course explores topics in forest ecology with an emphasis on interactions between species within the ecological communities of the Pacific Northwest. Course participants will engage in the process of scientific inquiry and discovery, while examining fundamentals of forest ecosystems, including factors that influence forest composition, structure, and function across space and time. This course explores ecosystem interactions and processes, species traits and adaptations, population dynamics, community ecology, forest distribution and disturbance-succession cycles, biodiversity and current issues affecting forest ecosystems. Students will engage in meaningful field work, research and communication.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  3. Discuss and apply biological theories and concepts of ecology, evolution and organismal biology, including the role of evolution in shaping the natural world
  4. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  5. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.

BI211 Principles of Biology I

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090, WR090, and MTH095 each with a "C" or better; or placement above stated levels. Recommended requisite: Co-enrollment in or prior completion of a college-level chemistry class, or instructor approval.

The Principles of Biology sequence (BI 211, 212 and 213) introduces biology as a scientific discipline for students planning to major in biology or other science disciplines. Laboratories and classroom activities introduce techniques used to study biological processes and provide opportunities for students to develop their ability to conduct research. BI211 focuses on how structure defines function in organisms and the pathways and transformation of energy in living systems.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  3. Describe the cellular metabolic processes that lead to transformations of energy and matter.
  4. Describe the processes used for cell division.
  5. Explain how basic units of cellular structure define the function of all living things.
  6. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  7. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.

BI212 Principles of Biology II

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: BI211 with a "C" or better. Co-enrollment or prior completion of a college-level chemistry class is recommended.

Principles of Biology introduces biology as a scientific discipline for students planning to major in biology and other science disciplines. Laboratories and classroom activities introduce techniques used to study biological processes and provide opportunities for students to develop their ability to conduct research. This course uses genetics as a model system to understand information flow in living organisms.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply biological theories and concepts to solve problems related to classical and molecular genetics
  2. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of and conclusions drawn from scientific studies
  4. Describe the purpose of the regulation of gene expression and the mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated
  5. Discuss the potential implications of mutations at cellular, organismal, and evolutionary levels
  6. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic
  7. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications

BI213 Principles of Biology III

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: BI212 with a "C" or better. Co-enrollment or prior completion of a college-level chemistry class is recommended.

Principles of Biology sequence introduces biology as a scientific discipline for students planning to major in biology and other science disciplines. Laboratories and classroom activities introduce techniques used to study biological processes and provide opportunities for students to develop their ability to conduct research. The course focus of BI213 is on the interactions of living systems and the ecology and evolution of biodiversity.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply the scientific method to biological questions by designing experiments and using the resulting data to form and communicate a conclusion.
  2. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the design of scientific studies and the conclusions drawn from such studies.
  3. Select, evaluate and utilize discipline-specific information and literature to research a biological topic.
  4. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary biological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications.
  5. Describe how structure and function reflect the ecological challenges faced by organisms and reveal the processes underlying evolutionary change
  6. Describe major ecological processes including the transformation of energy and nutrient cycling at the ecosystem and community levels and discuss change in ecological systems
  7. Describe patterns of biological diversity and discuss the biotic and physical processes that have led to these patterns
  8. Discuss and describe modern evolutionary theory and the observations, evidence, and conclusions used to develop the theory of evolution by natural selection
  9. Discuss the complexities of biological systems and how interactions at different ecological levels can lead to emergent properties

BI231 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: MTH058 or MTH065. Recommended requisite: Biology course with genetics (BI102, BI112, or BI212) and CH104.

This course is designed for the pre-professional student planning a career in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing (RN) or a related field of healthcare. Mastery of the body's structure and function, as well as the application of this knowledge, is emphasized. BI231 includes both a lecture and a laboratory component that covers cell structure and function, tissues and membranes, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems. A grade of "C" or better is considered passing.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define basic working vocabulary applicable to the study of anatomy and physiology, including homeostasis, regional terminology, directional terminology, body planes, and commonly used visual and audio medical diagnostic tools.
  2. Identify the fundamental tissue types in the human body, and describe their characteristics.
  3. Identify the major endocrine organs, and understand the roles that the endocrine system plays in controlling functions of other organ systems.
  4. Identify the major tissues and accessory structures of the integumentary system, and describe their physiology.
  5. Identify the names of the major bones and bony regions.
  6. Identify the names, connections, and functions of the major muscles.
  7. Summarize key concepts of cell biology and chemistry relevant to anatomy & physiology.
  8. Understand the physiology of muscle contractions, including muscle fiber types, important molecules involved in the sliding filament theory, and the physiological effects of exercise.
  9. Understand the physiology of the skeletal system, including bone development, growth and homeostasis.

BI232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: BI231 with a grade of "C" or better and completion of either MTH058 or MTH065.

This course is designed for the pre-professional student planning a career in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing (RN) or a related field of healthcare. Mastery of the body's structure and function, as well as the application of this knowledge, is emphasized. BI232 includes both a lecture and a laboratory component that covers the nervous system, special senses, lymphatic/body defenses and cardiovascular systems.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Be able to discuss applicable auscultation: normal and/or abnormal body sounds associated with specific body regions/systems
  2. Describe and identify the histology or cellular aspects of cells, tissues and organs associated with the systems noted above
  3. Describe the mechanisms for specific and non-specific resistance to disease
  4. Describe the name, location, function of, tissues and organs associated with, and regulation of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, and autonomic), the general and special sensory systems, the cardiovascular system, and the lymphatic/ immune system
  5. Explain how homeostasis of body systems noted above is disrupted by common disorders
  6. Perform lab activities that demonstrate the function and significance of systems noted above (including simulated blood typing and an ECG)

BI233 Human Anatomy and Physiology III (Course offered online)

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: BI232 with a grade of "C" or better.

This course is designed for the pre-professional student planning a career in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing (RN) or a related field of health care. Mastery of the body's structure and function, as well as the application of this knowledge, is emphasized. BI233 includes both a lecture and a laboratory component that covers the human respiratory system, urinary system, water and electrolyte balance, digestive system, nutrition and metabolism, reproductive system and human development.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define, describe and calculate respirometry lung volumes
  2. Describe and identify the histology or cellular aspects of cells, tissues and organs associated with the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems
  3. Describe the chemical and physical processes involved with digestion including their hormonal regulation
  4. Describe the events of the menstrual, uterine and ovarian cycles
  5. Describe the hormonal and physiological events associated with pregnancy
  6. Describe the name, location, function of tissues and organs associated with and regulation of the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems
  7. Describe the processes involved with internal, external and cellular respiration
  8. Describe the processes of oogenesis and spermatogenesis
  9. Explain general metabolism principles and acid-base homeostasis
  10. Explain how homeostasis of body systems noted above is disrupted by common disorders
  11. Explain the major events of embryonic development from fertilization through parturition
  12. Using clinical lab values in the form of case studies, identify abnormal symptoms or conditions, abnormal lab values, explain what might be the underlying cause for any of the abnormalities, and probable etiology (overall cause) behind the condition for electrolyte and acid-base disturbances

BI234 Microbiology

Credits 4Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; and MTH020; or placement above stated course levels.

This course provides students with basic knowledge of microbes and their role in infection/disease processes. Emphasis is placed on bacteria and viruses with some consideration of fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Bacterial structure is examined in detail followed by discussion of growth, metabolism and genetics of microorganisms. Discussion topics include: microbial diversity, growth, inhibition of growth; the role of immunity and host defense mechanisms; an introduction to major types of anti-microbial chemotherapeutics; transmissible diseases of concern to the healthcare provider with a heavy emphasis on case-study applications; and laboratory techniques for the study and identification of bacteria utilizing aseptic techniques.

Additional Course Fee: $35.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Apply knowledge through the use of case studies that emphasize significant microbial diseases of the human body systems
  2. Describe the various methods employed to control microbial growth and distinguish the differences between sterilization, disinfection, antisepsis, sanitization and pasteurization
  3. Demonstrate competency in microscopy, preparation of bacterial smears, staining techniques and the use of selective and differential media in the identification of bacteria
  4. Describe and discuss bacterial growth using a standardized growth curve
  5. Describe the structure of viruses and discuss in detail the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viral multiplication
  6. Discuss the scope of microbiology by comparing and contrasting prokaryotic to eukaryotic cell structures and size including an overview of general taxonomic principles
  7. Discuss, in detail, historically significant and emerging viral diseases (i.e. influenza, measles, infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox, noroviral enteric disease, common cold, etc.) while describing the causative virus, its host cells, avenues of transmission, incubation time, symptoms, treatments and prevention
  8. Identify historically significant individuals and delineate their contributions to the development of microbiology as a field of study
  9. Identify structures unique to bacterial cells and describe the chemical composition and function associated with each structure with an emphasis on pathogenic properties
  10. List and discuss physical and chemical methods of controlling microbial growth
  11. List and discuss the major classes of antimicrobial drugs and their actions

Online option regularly offered

Cultural Literacy course