Programs and Courses
Biology
- General Information
- Biotechnology and Molecular Biosciences - Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Course Descriptions
General Information
For Information: Stephen Williams
Phone: 623.845.3621
Email: stephen.williams@gcmail.maricopa.edu
Student Goals: Career-related, General Education, Transfer
The primary focus of biology is the study of life. This includes all living organisms from the smallest bacterium to the largest and most complex plants and animals. The technological impact of the biological sciences on society and the increasing responsibility of the scientist to our society require that a basic knowledge of biology should become a part of everyone's education. Students take biology courses to:
- Provide the Needed Background for careers in fields such as nursing, medicine, health, human services, nutrition, physical education, agriculture, or forestry. Nursing students, pursuing either the AAS degree or the transfer program to ASU or ASU west campus, must complete several prerequisite biology courses before applying for admission to the nursing program.
- Prepare for a Biology Major at a four-year institution. Those individuals intending to transfer as biology majors should complete BIO181 and 182 at GCC. Other recommended courses include at least two semesters of CHM, two semesters of PHY, and at least one semester of Calculus. The particular courses selected will depend on the student’s background and the degree requirements of the transfer institution. It is recommended that those students planning to transfer to a public university in Arizona complete a minimum of the AGEC to facilitate transfer. Students should consult with an advisor and / or the catalog of the transfer institution to determine which AGEC (and / or Associates degree) best meets their needs.
- Prepares students for careers in the biotechnology industry and for transfer to bachelor’s programs in the field of molecular biology.
- Meet the General Education requirement in Natural Science. Most BIO courses meet this requirement for the AGEC and for the college’s associate degrees. BIO101, 102, 105, 108, 109/110, 145, and 160 are especially recommended for students not majoring in biology.
Transfer students should consult the catalog of the transfer institution for their general education requirements.
Note: Students should consult with a department advisor in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.
Biotechnology and Molecular Biosciences
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) / 63-65 credits
Program Description: This program will specifically train technicians to work in research and development, biomanufacturing, and the drug discovery and testing field of Biotechnology. The exposure to an academic environment that simulates the contemporary biotechnological workplace, inclusive of analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will form a strong technical foundation sought by employers. The successful completion of the program will also provide the educational background for those wishing to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical laboratory medicine, forensics or environmental testing laboratories.
Required Courses: (42 credits)
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for each course listed in the Required Courses category. (+) indicates course prerequisites.
BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I
+ BIO205 Microbiology
BIO211AA Biotechnology Seminar: Biomedical Applications
+ BIO211AB Biotechnology Seminar: Laboratory Protocol
+ BIO211AC Biotechnology Seminar: Current Topics in Agriculture
+ BIO211AE Biotechnology Seminar:
Business and Regulatory Issues
+ BIO212AA Biotechnology I
+ BIO212AB Biotechnology II (5) or
+ BIO212BA Cell Biotechnology
+ BIO215 Biotechnology Internship (3)
Note: BIO215 should be taken twice for a total of six (6) credits.+ CHM130 Fundamental Chemistry (3) and
+ CHM130LL Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory (1) or
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) and
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
+ CHM230 Fundamental Organic Chemistry (3) and
+ CHM230LL Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
+ CHM260 Fundamental Biochemistry
CSC180 Computing for Scientists, Engineers
and Medical/Health Specialists (3) or
+ CSC283 Bioinformatics and Scientific Computing (3) 34 credits
4
1
1
1
1
5
5
6
4
4
3
3
General Education Requirements: (21-23 credits)
Core: (15-17 credits)
First-Year Composition:
+ ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) and
+ ENG11 Technical Writing (3) or
+ ENG102 First-Year Composition (3)
Oral Communication:
COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) or
+ COM225 Public Speaking (3) or
+ COM230 Small Group Communication (3)
Critical Reading:
+ CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading I (3) or
Exemption by testing
Mathematics:
+ MAT120 Intermediate Algebra (5) or
+ MAT122 Intermediate Algebra (3) or
Equivalent or
Higher level Mathematics courseDistribution: (6 credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts:
PHI213 Medical and Bio-Ethics
Social and Behavioral Sciences:
Any approved course, see here.
Natural Sciences:
Met by BIO181, CHM130 OR CHM151, and CHM230 in Required Courses area.Credits
6
3
3
3
3-5
3
3
0
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally, (+) indicates course prerequisities
Biology (BIO)
BIO079
Preparation for Biology / 1 credit 2 periods
Combines a computerized review of the basic concepts of college biology courses with development of effective study and laboratory techniques. Prerequisites: None. Corequisites: Any BIO course numbered 100 or above, and permission of instructor. (F,S)
BIO092
Basic Laboratory Techniques
for Biotechnology / .5 credit 1 period
Developmental course designed to review basic math and laboratory techniques for students with limited experience in research. Prerequisites: None.
BIO101
General Biology (Non-Majors):
Selected Topics / 4 credits 6 periods
Selected biological topics, including methods used by biologists to make discoveries and evaluate scientific data. Field trips may be required at students’ expense. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
BIO102
General Biology (Non-Majors):
Additional Topics / 4 credits 6 periods
Biological topics not covered in BIO 101. Reviews methods used by biologists to make discoveries and evaluate scientific data. Field trips may be required at students’ expense. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,2,D,E)
BIO105
Environmental Biology / 4 credits 6 periods
Fundamentals of ecology and their relevance to human impact on natural ecosystems. Field trips may be required at students’ expense. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
BIO108
Plants and Society / 4 credits 6 periods
A global study of plants in relation to humans; as a source of food, fiber, drugs, and other products; for aesthetic value, survival, and energy. Prerequisites: None. (O)
BIO109
Natural History
of the Southwest / 3 credits 3 periods
Study of the common plants and animals of the Southwest including their distribution, adaptation, behavior, and ecology. Prerequisites: None. (S,E)
BIO110
Laboratory for Natural History
of the Southwest / 1 credit 3 periods
Introduction to basic field and laboratory techniques used in the study of natural history. Specific field problems presented dealing with plant and animal analysis and ecological interrelationships. Weekend field trips required at students' expense. Prerequisites or Corequisites: BIO109 or permission of instructor. (S,E)
BIO145
Marine Biology / 4 credits 6 periods
A survey of marine environments and their biotic communities with emphasis on the natural history of marine organisms. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,Su1,D,E)
BIO148
Coral Reef Ecology / 1 credit 1 period
Introduction to ecology of coral reefs. Emphasis on reef environments, corals, reef fishes, and human impacts on reefs. Prerequisites: None. (F,D)
BIO149AK
Field Biology: Ecological
and Environmental
Field Experience /
1 credits 7 periods
Field expeditions in which ecological and environmental principles and concepts are observed and studied. May be repeated for a total of four (4) credit hours. Prerequisites: None. (O)
BIO149AL
Field Biology: Ecological
and Environmental
Field Experience /
2 credits 14 periods
Field expeditions in which ecological and environmental principles and concepts are observed and studied. May be repeated for a total of four (4) credit hours. Prerequisites: None. (S,Su1)
BIO156
Introductory Biology
for Allied Health / 4 credits 6 periods
An introductory biology course for allied health majors with an emphasis on humans. Topics include fundamental concepts of cell biology, histology, microbiology, and genetics. Prerequisites: None. One year of high school chemistry or one semester of college level chemistry recommended. (F,S,D,E,Su)
BIO160
Introduction to Human
Anatomy and Physiology 4 credits 6 periods
Principles of scientific method. Structural organization, homeostasis and control mechanisms of the body. Specific chemistry concepts. Structure and function of the major systems of the body. Prerequisites: None. (Su2,E)
BIO162AC
Microbiology Concepts
for Allied Health / 2 credits 3 periods
Types of microorganisms, specific pathogens, and associated diseases. Principles of growth and reproduction for specific types of microorganisms. Chain of disease transmission and defense mechanisms. Use of compound microscope. Safe handling, culturing, and identification of specific microbes. Methods of sterilization and use of disinfectants. Prerequisites: None. (F,S,D)
BIO181
General Biology (Majors) I / 4 credits 6 periods
Principles of structure and function of living things at molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of organization. Field trips may be required at students’ expense. Prerequisites: None. One year of high school chemistry or one semester of college-level chemistry is strongly recommended. (F,S,Su1,D,E)
BIO182
General Biology (Majors) II / 4 credits 6 periods
Additional principles of structure and function of living things at molecular, cellular, and organismic and higher levels of organization. Field trips may be required at students' expense. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO181. (F,S,D,E)
BIO201
Human Anatomy
and Physiology I / 4 credits 6 periods
Study of structure and function of the human body. Topics include cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO156, or BIO181. (F,S,D,E,Su1,D)
BIO202
Human Anatomy
and Physiology II / 4 credits 6 periods
Continuation of structure and function of the human body. Topics include endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; and fluid and electrolyte balance. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO201. (F,S,D,E,Su2,D)
BIO205
Microbiology / 4 credits 6 periods
Study of microorganisms and their relationship to health, ecology, and related fields. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in BIO156, or BIO181. (F,S,D,E,Su1,2,)
BIO211AA
Biotechnology Seminar:
Biomedical Applications / 1 credit 1 period
Special topics in biotechnology with an emphasis on current issues not covered in other life science courses. Prerequisites: None. (O)
BIO211AB
Biotechnology Seminar:
Laboratory Protocol / 1 credit 1 period
Special topics in biotechnology with an emphasis on current issues not covered in other life science courses. Prerequisites: BIO211AA or permission of instructor. (O)
BIO211AC
Biotechnology Seminar:
Current Topics in Agriculture / 1 credit 1 period
Special topics in biotechnology with an emphasis on current issues not covered in other life science courses. Prerequisites: BIO211AB or permission of instructor. (O)
BIO211AE
Biotechnology Seminar:
Business and Regulatory Issues / 1 credit 1 period
Selected topics in biotechnology with an emphasis on current issues not covered in other life science courses. Prerequisites: None.
BIO212AA
Biotechnology I / 5 credits 9 periods
Intensive introduction to biotechnology, including media and solution preparation, routine manipulations of DNA, structural properties of DNA, and regulation of gene expression. Prerequisites or Corequisites: BIO181, or (BIO245 and BIO246), or permission of instructor. (O)
BIO212AB
Biotechnology II / 5 credits 9 periods
Intensive introduction to biotechnology, including protein biochemistry, techniques for handling and purifying proteins, recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), sequencing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), testing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments for promoter activity and analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for open reading frames, promoters, and homology. Prerequisites: BIO212AA . (O)
BIO212BA
Cell Biotechnology / 5 credits 9 periods
Introduction to industrial laboratory biotechnology with intensive focus on the recovery of heterologous proteins from cultivated cells and the subsequent purification and characterization of these proteins. Prerequisites: ENG101 and ((BIO092 and BIO181) or BIO212AA).
BIO213
BioSafety / 1 credit 1 period
General laboratory safety, hazardous chemical use and disposal, biohazardous material use and disposal, biosafety procedures, and radiation safety. Prerequisites: None. (O)
BIO214
Biotechnology Internship / 4 credits 4 periods
Internship experience in a biotechnology laboratory. Requires 320 clock hours in the laboratory setting. Setting, achieving, and evaluating goals for hands-on learning experience in a biotechnology laboratory. Development of skills and knowledge needed to work in a biotechnology laboratory. Prerequisites: Permission of program director. Corequisites: BIO212AC. (O)
BIO215
Biotechnology Internship / 3 credits 3 periods
Internship experience in a biotechnology laboratory. Requires 240 clock hours in the laboratory setting. Setting, achieving, and evaluating goals for hands-on learning experience in a biotechnology laboratory. Development of skills and knowledge needed to work in a biotechnology laboratory. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director and (BIO212AA or BIO212BA).
Course Note: May be taken repeated for a total of six (6) credits.
BIO294
Scientific Diving / 3 credits 4 periods
Theory and practice of underwater research using snorkel and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Advanced diving skills, data acquisition and processing, and planning an underwater study. Prerequisites: PED102SU or equivalent (any certification card from a nationally recognized agency.) BIO145 or BIO181 recommended, but not required.
BIO297AA
Volunteerism for Biology: A Service
Learning Experience / 1 credit 1 period
Service learning field experience within private/public agencies and citizen volunteer groups. May be repeated for a total of six (6) BIO297 credit hours; may not repeat specific assignment for more than three (3) credit hours. Standard grading available according to procedures outlined in catalog. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. (F,S,D)
BIO298
Special Projects / 1-3 credits
Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or instructor. (O)


