Biology

Classes

BIOL 100: Human Biology

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB
Introduction to structure and functions of cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Topics related to physical fitness, nutrition, health, and disease. Not intended for science majors. Students who have received credit for or are currently enrolled in ZOOL 101 may not receive credit for BIOL 100.
Course Outcomes
  • Use scientific reasoning to answer a question about phenomena in our natural universe or to determine the validity of a scientific claim.
  • Distinguish between living things and inanimate objects.
  • Relate cell structure and function to the architecture and functioning of the human body.
  • Use information about the form (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body to make effective decisions about human health.
  • Describe the interrelationships between humans and their environments.

BIOL 100L: Human Biology Laboratory

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

Laboratory to accompany BIOL100 (Human Biology). Emphasizes the application of the scientific method, basic laboratory methods and procedures in biology, and facts and principles of human anatomy and physiology.

Prerequisites

Credit for or registration in BIOL 100 or equivalent preparation or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Use the scientific method of inquiry to investigate biological phenomena.
  • Apply the concepts learned in BIOL 100 to an experimental and hands-on observational setting.
  • Collect, reduce, and interpret biological data.
  • Prepare written objective reports describing and interpreting experimental and observational results.
  • Demonstrate the use of some of the standard tools of the biological scientist, such as microscopes, scales, spectrophotometers, computers, and other analytical tools.
  • Apply the standard analytical procedures needed to study human biology, such as dissection, separation of biological compounds, microscopic examination of cells and tissues, membrane transport mechanisms, energy metabolism, genetics, digestion and nutrition, excretion, skeletal muscle physiology, cardiovascular function, nervous system function, respiration, and blood analyses.
  • Recognize and identify basic human tissue types and their distinguishing characteristics.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of the fetal pig (using preserved specimens) and human body (using models and figures).

BIOL 101: Biology and Society

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB

BIOL 101 introduces students to the process of science through the biological sciences including the historical development of scientific concepts and the interaction of society with science. BIOL 101 is primarily designed to serve non-science majors and presents a broad survey of biology with special emphasis on its relevance in our everyday lives.

Course Outcomes
  • Distinguish science as a way of knowing from other epistemological systems.
  • Describe the historical development of the discipline of biology into what it is today, relating the contributions made by significant individuals and concepts of the past to modern biology.
  • Explain the major integrating principles of biology, including, but not limited to the chemical basis for life, energy acquisition and utilization, cell theory, evolution, and inheritance.
  • Describe the origin, history and organization of the diversity of life on Earth.
  • Describe how living systems function as emergent properties of the organizational levels within the hierarchy of life from atoms to the biosphere.
  • Present informed, rational and objective opinions on biologically-related issues important to human society.

BIOL 101L: Biology and Society Lab

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

BIOL 101L is a laboratory to accompany BIOL 101 Biology and Society. The course includes laboratory and computer exercises, field trips and research projects to explore questions in biology.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Credit for or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101.

Course Outcomes
  • Apply scientific methods and research procedures to investigate questions related to biology.
  • Employ proper techniques and procedures for biological investigations
  • Research, evaluate and present scientific information as relevant to issues in biology and society.
  • Solve problems in genetics and inheritance.
  • Identify the major systematic groups to which living things belong.

BIOL 124: Environment and Ecology

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB
A study of human ecology through the analysis of the interrelationships between science and technology, the means these provide for manipulation of environment and the effects of this manipulation on the environment and on human populations. Lecture/field trip course designed for non-science majors.
Course Outcomes
  • Explain the process and philosophical basis of scientific inquiry.
  • Describe the basic principles of ecology, including population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem function.
  • Describe the characteristics of the major biomes and ecosystems of the Earth.
  • Describe the interrelationships between land, sea, the atmosphere and the living things that occupy these environments.
  • Discuss the role that humans play in affecting the characteristics of the environment.
  • Evaluate current environmental issues and problems including the solutions and management practices that have been used or offered to address these issues and problems.

BIOL 124L: Environment and Ecology Lab

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

Companion laboratory class to BIOL 124, Environment and Ecology. This class, providing hands-on experience in the laboratory and in the field, enhances the student’s understanding of basic environmental science and ecological concepts presented in BIOL 124.

Prerequisites

Credit for or registration in BIOL 124 or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Use the scientific method of inquiry to investigate environmental phenomena.
  • Apply the concepts learned in BIOL 124 to an experimental and hands-on observational setting.
  • Collect, reduce, and interpret biological data.
  • Prepare written objective reports describing and interpreting experimental and observational results.
  • Demonstrate the use of some of the standard tools of the environmental scientist, such as microscopes, scales, spectrophotometers, various environmental meters, and basic statistical procedures.
  • Apply the standard analytical procedures needed to study the environment, such as soil analyses, water quality determinations, stream bioassessments, and quantitative resource inventories.
  • Conduct experiments that evaluate how environmental factors affect living organisms.

BIOL 131: CSI Hawaii: An Introduction to the Scientific Process Using Forensic Science

Discipline
Credits 3 Lab Hours 3 Lecture Hours 2
Designation
DB
DY

This is an interdisciplinary science course that uses forensic science to teach students about the scientific process. It draws chiefly upon biology but also incorporates elements of chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Topics covered include the biology of mammals (including humans), anatomy and physiology of select body systems, types of forensic evidence, latent fingerprints, blood typing, and blood spatter analysis, osteology, hair and fiber analysis, fluorescence of bodily fluids, and ballistics. This is a non-majors class intended for students who have an interest in forensic science and wish to satisfy DB and DY requirements for the AA degree. It is not intended for forensic science majors. (Cross-listed as IS 130)

Course Outcomes
  • Explain the anatomy and function of select body systems (e.g., integumentary, skeletal, and cardiovascular)
  • Describe the various types of physical and biological evidence used in forensic science and discuss their uses and limitations.
  • Use the scientific method to analyze and interpret forensic data, identify a suspect, and describe the modus operandi.

BIOL 171: Introduction to Biology I

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB

BIOL 171 is the introductory biology course appropriate for all life science majors. Topics covered include: cell structure, chemistry, growth and reproduction; DNA replication, transcription and translation; gene regulation, genetics, evolution, viruses, and bacteria.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites

Credit for or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 161.

Course Outcomes
  • Describe the fundamental biology of the cell, including cell anatomy, biochemical composition, cellular metabolism, respiration and photosynthesis, communication, growth and reproduction.
  • Describe the fundamentals of Mendelian genetics, the chromosomal and molecular basis of heredity and apply these concepts to the mechanisms of evolution.
  • Describe the process of DNA replication and DNA transcription and translation from gene to protein, including gene regulation and apply these processes to the reproduction and metabolism of the cell.
  • Describe the principles of evolution through natural selection, the principles of descent with modification, and the mechanisms involved in the evolution of populations and the origin of species.
  • Describe the history of life on Earth and the evolutionary relatedness of life on Earth through morphological and molecular phylogenies.
  • Describe the fundamental structure and function of viruses and bacteria.

BIOL 171L: Introduction to Biology I Laboratory

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

BIOL 171L accompanies the BIOL 171 lecture course. Topics covered may include: scientific method, biological molecules, enzyme kinetics, proper technique of compound and stereo microscopes, respirometry, photosynthesis, molecular biology and biotechnology, meiosis and mitosis in plant and animal cells, population genetics, evolution.

Prerequisites

Credit for or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 171

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate proper use of common lab equipment such as compound and stereo microscopes, respirometer, micropipettes, centrifuges, laboratory glassware, spectrophotometer.
  • Apply the scientific method to design and conduct experiments, generate, test and analyze hypotheses, and construct formal lab reports.
  • Properly construct, analyze and interpret data tables, graphs and scientific illustrations.
  • Demonstrate proper laboratory safety procedures and execute proper lab protocol.

BIOL 172: Introduction to Biology II

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB

BIOL 172 is the continuation of BIOL 171, an introductory biology course appropriate for all life science majors. Topics covered include: Anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, systematics of plants and animals, ecology of populations and communities, and ecosystem function.

Prerequisites

Credit for BIOL 171

Course Outcomes
  • Describe the fundamental anatomy and physiology of protists, fungi and plants.
  • Describe the fundamental anatomy and physiology of animals, and the evolutionary history of animal form and function.
  • Describe the evolutionary history of plant form and function.
  • Describe ecology, population biology, community ecology, and ecosystems ecology.

BIOL 172L: Introduction to Biology II Laboratory

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

BIOL 172L accompanies the BIOL 172 lecture course. Topics covered include: Protist and Fungus form and function; plant anatomy, reproduction and form and function; diversity of animal form and function and vertebrate anatomy, and ecology.

Prerequisites

Credit or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 172.

Corequisites

BIOL 172.

Course Outcomes
  • Demonstrate proper use of common lab equipment such as compound and stereo microscopes, and dissection techniques.
  • Apply the scientific method to design and conduct experiments, generate, test and analyze hypotheses, and construct formal lab reports.
  • Properly construct, analyze and interpret data tables, graphs and scientific illustrations.
  • Demonstrate proper laboratory safety procedures and execute proper lab protocol.
  • Demonstrate proper use of field equipment and sampling methods including transect tapes, quadrats, water quality and environmental monitoring devices, and other field gear.

BIOL 200: Coral Reefs

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB

BIOL 200 provides an overview of the biology and ecology of stony corals and their role as foundation species for coral reef ecosystems, with specific emphasis on species found in and around the Hawaiian Islands, and their relevance to Hawaiian culture. The biology and ecological roles of algae, invertebrates and fishes found in coral reef ecosystems will be surveyed. Connectivity with associated tropical nearshore habitats, reef restoration efforts, conservation, and human impacts including climate change will also be highlighted, with emphasis on local efforts and impacts.

Course Outcomes
  • Apply the process of science to understand current research on coral reef ecosystems.
  • Evaluate the significance of coral reefs through Western and Hawaiian ways of knowing about the natural world.
  • Describe the biology, morphology, growth, reproduction, and ecology of stony corals.
  • Describe the ecological relationships among the living components of coral reef ecosystems.
  • Identify different types of reef formations, the processes that create and shape them and the physical and chemical parameters that define their distribution patterns around the world.
  • Describe coral reef ecosystem resources, human impacts and conservation efforts, with emphasis on Hawai‘i and Pacific Island Nations.

 

BIOL 200L: Coral Reef Laboratory and Field Studies

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

Laboratory and field studies of the biology, ecology, and geology of stony corals and the reef structures they build; companion course to BIOL 200.

Prerequisites

Credit for or registration in BIOL 200 or consent of instructor

Course Outcomes
  • Use the scientific method of inquiry to investigate biological phenomena.
  • Apply the concepts learned in BIOL 200 to an experimental and hands-on observational setting.
  • Collect, reduce, and interpret biological data.
  • Prepare written objective reports describing and interpreting experimental and observational results.
  • Demonstrate the use of some of the standard tools of the biological scientist, such as microscopes, scales, spectrophotometers, computers, and other analytical tools.
  • Demonstrate the use of specialized tools and methods frequently used in the study of corals and coral reefs.

BIOL 217: Introduction to Histological Microtechnique

Discipline
Credits 3 Lab Hours 2 Lecture Hours 2
Designation
DB
DY

This class covers the preparation of tissues for histological examination. Topics covered include recording specimen data, tissue collection, fixation, decalcification, dehydration, infiltration, embedding, sectioning, and microscopic examination. Secondary topics include staining, interpretation of sections, and quality control procedures.

Prerequisites

Credit for BIOL 100 or BIOL 172/172L, BOT 101 or above, or PHYL 141 or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Properly dissect and preserve specimens for histological analysis and record pertinent specimen info.
  • Dehydrate, infiltrate, and embed specimens.
  • Produce sections of suitable thickness and quality for diagnostic use.
  • Properly stain and coverslip specimens.
  • Identify tissue types and histological artifacts in order to improve quality of sections.

BIOL 265: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB
Principles of ecology and evolution for life science majors stressing integrated approach and recent advance.
Prerequisites

Credit for BIOL 171/171L and 172/172L; or one year of introductory college biology plus labs; or equivalent preparation; or consent of the instructor

Corequisites

BIOL 265L; or consent of instructor

Course Outcomes
  • Apply the appropriate terminology when describing, explaining, and applying ecological theory.
  • Summarize abiotic environmental features including climate, soil and geographical structure.
  • Identify the biological and physical structures of ecosystems, major biogeochemical cycles, and energy flow.
  • Examine the basic principles of population dynamics including birth and mortality rates, population growth models, life history strategies, competition and carrying capacity.
  • Define the interactions within communities including interspecific competition, predation, and mutualism.
  • Describe the evolutionary adaptations of organisms to their environment.
  • Give examples of evolutionary principles that produced unique island communities.
  • Evaluate the impact of habitat alteration and destruction, loss of biodiversity, and effects of alien species.
  • Interpret and produce tabular and graphical representations of information, including tables, graphs, and maps.
  • Locate and critique the value of printed and online resources.
  • Evaluate the consequences of population growth, increased resource use and pollution on global ecosystems.

BIOL 265L: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Lab

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

Laboratory to accompany BIOL 265.

Corequisites

BIOL 265; or consent of the instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Use the scientific method of inquiry to investigate ecological and evolutionary phenomena.
  • Apply the concepts learned in BIOL 265 to an experimental and hands-on observational setting.
  • Apply standard analytical procedures for the study of evolution and ecology. These include the following areas of study: experimental design and set-up; descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing; age structure of a natural population; sampling and describing population attributes; sampling, describing, and quantifying the flora, fauna, and relevant abiotic characteristics of a terrestrial habitat; plant competition; optimal foraging theory; sampling and describing community characteristics and functions; primary productivity; natural selection; colonization and adaptive radiation of Hawaiian flora and fauna; taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenetics.
  • Collect, reduce, and interpret ecological and evolutionary data.
  • Prepare written objective reports describing and interpreting experimental and observational results.

BIOL 275: Cell and Molecular Biology

Discipline
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DB
Integrated cell and molecular biology for life science majors. Modern advances in recombinant DNA technology.
Prerequisites

“C” or better in BIOL171/171L and CHEM 272/272L or consent of instructor

Corequisites

BIOL275L or consent of instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Describe the principles of cytology including cell organization, structures and functions.
  • Describe cell biochemistry including macromolecules of the cells, enzymes, membrane transport, cell signaling, and energy flow in cells during respiration and photosynthesis.
  • Describe the principles of genetics including DNA replication, protein synthesis, mitosis, meiosis, genetic recombination and gene expression.

BIOL 275L: Cell and Molecular Biology Lab

Discipline
Credits 1 Lab Hours 3
Designation
DY

Laboratory for cell and molecular biology.

Corequisites

BIOL 275; or consent of the instructor.

Course Outcomes
  • Operate equipment used in cell and molecular biology laboratory.
  • Conduct experiments including DNA/RNA/protein extraction and electrophoresis, enzyme kinetics, ELISA, RFLP, PCR, gene expression.
  • Produce lab reports using the standard scientific format.