Cell Biology and Microbiology
Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology
5 units • Offered spring and fall • Instructor: Jennifer Betancourt
Course Description:
BIOL 103 is a very challenging, rigorous and demanding course. It is a 5.0 unit course
designed for students who intend to major in a Biology discipline and who are genuinely
interested in a career in biological sciences. The cell, the fundamental unit of life,
is the focus of this course. On a cellular level, you become familiar with typical
cell processes, structures and functions. On a molecular level, you learn the structure
and function of the four major macromolecules and explore the specific and collaborative
roles of each in the cell. Sample syllabus.
Course Prerequisites: CHEM 155 or CHEM 104, MATH 107 or MATH 110C or MATH 137C or SS 110C or equivalent based on SBCC's Assessment Center placement via multiple measures. Course
Advisories: ENG 110 or ENG 110H. It is strongly recommend that you previously completed BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 with
a grade of C or better.
BIOL 103 satisfies SBCC General Education requirement in Communication and Analytical
Thinking.
SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A, SBCC GE Area D2
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C,
CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. UC Transfer Limit: BIOL 103 maximum credit, 5 units. C-ID: BIOL 135S, BIOL 190.
Student Learning Outcomes:
BIOL 103 SLO1 - Describe various cell processes and molecular pathways, including:
glucose metabolism (aerobic and anaerobic), molecular transport, cell communication,
cell growth, mitosis, meiosis and cell death.
BIOL 103 SLO 2 - Accurately describe the processes of the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, how gene expression is regulated and how mutations affect the products of gene expression.
BIOL 103 SLO 3 - Explain the mechanisms of various molecular biology lab techniques and how it enables scientists to manipulate gene expression, traits and function in model organisms.
BIOL 103 SLO 4 - Produce cogent laboratory reports and literature reviews based on the scientific method and previously published scientific works sourced from online databases (pubmed).
4 units • Offered spring and fall • Instructors: Robbie Fischer
Course Description:
BMS 127 is a 4-unit, college-level course designed to meet the needs and interests
of students of both health-related sciences and general biology. It includes investigations
of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists, with emphases on microbe–host interactions
and bacterial biology. This course also investigates the principles of disease transmission
and prevention, virology, genetics, and immunology. Sample syllabus.
Prerequisites: CHEM 101 or one year of high school chemistry or CHEM 104 or CHEM 155.
Course Advisories: BMS 108, BIOL 100. Skills Advisories: Eligibility for ENG 110 or 110H.
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C,
CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
- Describe the ubiquity and diversity of microbial life forms.
- Compare and contrast the regulation of metabolic pathways in Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells.
- Characterize in detail mechanisms of pathogenesis and immunological response.
- Translate complex scientific information into lay person’s terms.
- Identify gaps in our knowledge of microorganisms; design experiments whose results will address those gaps.
- Utilize data to identify microorganisms and/or predict morphological and metabolic features of those microorganisms.
- Demonstrate correct use of aseptic techniques and relevant laboratory procedures.
- Evaluate the strength, validity, and applicability of scientific data; differentiate between unsupported claims and actual scientific findings.
- Explain a diversity of microbe-host interactions that contribute to human health.
4 units • offered infrequently • Instructor: Robbie Fischer
Course Description:
Surveys the biology and ecology of various microbiological taxa: bacteria, archaea,
viruses, fungi, protists, and microscopic animals. Emphasis placed on their symbiotic
roles in nature, as well as on their evolution, taxonomy, metabolism, and genetics.
Associated biotechnological techniques and industrial applications are explored.
Prerequisites: CHEM 101 or one year of high school chemistry with a minimum grade of C or CHEM 104 or CHEM 155.
Course Advisories: BIOL 100, BMS 108. Skills Advisories: Eligibility for ENG 110 or 110H. SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
Course Objectives:- Describe the ubiquity and diversity of microbial life forms.
- Compare and contrast the regulation of metabolic pathways in Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells.
- Characterize in detail examples of beneficial and detrimental symbiotic relationships between microorganisms and their human and non-human hosts.
- Translate complex scientific information into lay person’s terms.
- Identify gaps in our knowledge of microorganisms; design experiments whose results will address those gaps.
- Utilize data to identify microorganisms and/or predict morphological and metabolic features of those microorganisms.
- Demonstrate correct use of aseptic techniques and relevant laboratory procedures.
- Evaluate the strength, validity, and applicability of scientific data; successfully differentiate between unsupported claims and actual scientific findings.
- Discuss the range of ecological niches inhabited by microorganisms.
Student Learning Outcomes:
BMS 157 SLO 1 - Demonstrate knowledge of the chemistry, structure, and diversity of microorganisms.
BMS 157 SLO 2 - Characterize the ecological, mutualistic, and parasitic niches inhabited by microorganisms.
BMS 157 SLO 3 - Explain ways in which microorganisms can be useful in the fields of genetics and biotechnology.
BMS 157 SLO 4 - Apply the scientific method and critical thinking to the analysis of laboratory experiments and their resulting data.