St. Charles Community College Logo

St. Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Cottleville, MO 63376 | 636-922-8000
Student Information
Community Programs
General Information
Site Index

Biology Course Descriptions


BIO 095 Foundations in Science for the Health Careers ... 1
This course provides the foundations of scientific terminology and concepts useful for success in Anatomy & Physiology I (acceptable prerequisite for BIO 240/243). Topics include: scientific method, chemistry of life, cell biology, genetics, energetics, overview of human systems. Offered online only.

BIO 100 Introductory Biology ... 3
Introduction to biology, the science of life. Includes: origin and nature of life, from simplest single-celled forms to complex plants and animals and human beings. Appreciation of diversity and unity in living world by studying form and organization of the bacteria and other cells to specialization of structures in human body.

BIO 101 General Biology I ... 4
Prerequisite: College level reading required, Math 098 or Assessment 121. Basic principles of plant and animal biology, including cell biology, biochemistry, energetics, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Appreciation of scientific method in general and biological methodology. Lab component will emphasize the use of methodologies typical of biological studies. For science majors.

BIO 102 General Biology II ... 4
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of C or better. Continuation of General Biology I. Emphasis on botany, zoology, animal systems, behavior, taxonomy. Lab component will feature laboratory and field activities that complement studies in lecture. For science majors.

BIO 105 Essentials of Biology ... 3
Examines fundamental principles of biology. Includes organization of living things, scientific method, cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and relationship between biology and society. Suitable for non-science majors. Corequisite: Recommended (not required) BIO 106.

BIO 106 Essentials of Biology Laboratory ... 1
Emphasis on use of methodologies typical of biological studies. Suitable for non-science majors. Corequisite: BIO 105.

BIO 110 Human Biology ... 3
Survey of human body structure and function for non-science major. Study of all organ systems of the body along with current topics in human biology.

BIO 113 Human Biology Laboratory ... 1
Use of models, specimens, and investigative activities intended to enhance study of human organism. Corequisite: BIO 110

BIO 120 Introduction to Ecology ... 3
Explores structure and function of ecosystems. Study of general ecological principles in context of current problems in world's ecosystems. (For non-science majors.)

BIO 121 Introduction to Ecology Laboratory ... 1
Ecological investigations in field and laboratory settings and procedures similar to those used by ecologists to study the natural world. Investigations will complement topics covered in BIO 120. Corequisite: BIO 120.

BIO 122 Environmental Science ... 3
Study of biological and physical characteristics and principles of nature. Deals with diverse topics such as ecology, endangered species, pollution, meteorology, earth studies, populations, etc. Occasional guest speakers or field trips included.

BIO 125 General Botany ... 4
Prerequisite: College level reading required. Introduction to diversity of plant kingdom. Topics include plant cell structure, physiology of plant cell, study of major groups of plants and their life cycles, and study of various biomes. Includes laboratory component.

BIO 130 Human Sex and Reproduction ... 3
Human reproduction from biological point of view. Topics include human inheritance (from chromosomes to biotechnology), human reproduction (male and female anatomy and physiology), fetal development and birth, sexually transmitted diseases (emphasis on AIDS epidemic), and evolution of sexual reproduction. (For non-science majors.)

BIO 140 Nutrition Pathways ... 3
Scientific study of the essential nutrients and their function in the body. Recommended nutrient intakes, diet assessments and planning, relationships between diet and health will also be covered.

BIO 240 Anatomy and Physiology I ... 3
Prerequisite: High school biology or its equivalent within the last five years with a grade of C or better. Structure and function of human body, with particular attention to cell biology, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and endocrine system. Corequisite: BIO 243.

BIO 241 Anatomy and Physiology II ... 3
Prerequisites: BIO 240, BIO 243. Continuation of study of structure and function of human body. Topics include cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproduction. Corequisite: BIO 244.

BIO 242 Anatomy and Physiology I Supplement ... 1
Prerequisite: High school biology or its equivalent within the last five years. Supplement and reinforcement of concepts presented in BIO 240 and 243. Strongly recommended for students who have failed or received a "W" in BIO 240 or its equivalent; recommended for all students in BIO 240. Corequisites: BIO 240 and 243.

BIO 243 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I ... 1
Activities to enhance study of topics covered in the lecture section (BIO 240). Use of models, charts, and both microscopic and gross specimens to illustrate various systems. Corequisite: BIO 240.

BIO 244 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II ... 1
Prerequisites: BIO 243, BIO 240. Continuation of BIO 243. Use of laboratory activities to enhance study of human body structure and function. Corequisite: BIO 241.

BIO 245 Microbiology ... 3
Covers contemporary scene of microbiology for students interested in health-related sciences. Focus on microbes, especially bacteria, in terms of identification, genetics, cultivation, isolation, and destruction. Nature of various diseases along with chemotherapy and immunology (natural and acquired). Corequisite: BIO 247.

BIO 247 Microbiology Laboratory ... 1
Hands-on experience with techniques of identification and manipulation of microbial organisms, reinforcing material covered in lecture session. Corequisite: BIO 245.

BIO 265 Pathophysiology ... 3
Prerequisites: BIO 240, BIO 241, BIO 243, BIO 244. Study of mechanisms of disease conditions. Working from foundation of normal function, exploration of what can go wrong and how. Emphasis on conditions most commonly encountered by today's health professionals. Combination of lecture, discussion, and seminar.

BIO 270 Kinesiology ... 2
Prerequisite: BIO 240/243 with a grade of C or better, and taken within the last 5 years. Study of movement of the human body. Emphasis on elements of skeletomuscular system and how they produce movements. Examines role of nervous coordination of body movement. Corequisite: BIO 271. Fall.

BIO 271 Kinesiology Laboratory ... 1
Prerequisite: BIO 240/243 with a grade of C or better, and taken within the last 5 years. Study of movement of the human body. Emphasis on elements of skeletomuscular system and how they produce movements. Examines role of nervous coordination of body movement. Corequisite: BIO 270. Fall.

BIO 291 Natural History Field Studies ... 1-4
Prerequisite: 100 level biology course in the last five years or permission of instructor. Field course covering topics in the natural history of a specific region of the world. Supervised on-site field studies and coursework in an individual learning agreement. Lectures, directed readings, writing, and other creative projects, or online/distance coursework. Approved academic study tour, study abroad, or field experience required.

BIO 295 Topics in Biology ... 1-4
Topics in biology presented as complete course. May be repeated for credit if the same topic is not repeated. (May require permission of the instructor) Corequisite: BIO 297.

BIO 297 Topics in Biology Laboratory ... 1-2
Experimental component of Biology 295 if appropriate for the topic. Corequisite: BIO 295