Biological Sciences Course Updates

BILD 4: Introductory Biology Lab (4)

Update to number of units - effective Fall 2026

Students gain hands on experience and learn the theoretical basis of lab techniques common to a variety of biological disciplines such as biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and bioinformatics. Students will work in groups, learning how to collect, analyze, and present data while using the scientific method to conduct inquiry-based laboratory experiments. Material lab fee may apply.

BIBC 100: Structural Biochemistry (4)

Update to duplicate credit - effective Summer 2026

The structure and function of biomolecules. Includes protein conformation, dynamics, and function; enzymatic catalysis, enzyme kinetics, and allosteric regulation; lipids and membranes; sugars and polysaccharides; and nucleic acids. Note: Students may receive credit for one of the following: BIBC 100, CHEM 114A, or CHEM 114AR.

Prerequisite(s)

• BENG 120 or CHEM 140A or CHEM 40A or CHEM 41A and BENG 120 or CHEM 140B or CHEM 40B or CHEM 41B.

BIBC 104: Gene Editing & Biotechnology (4)

New course - effective Spring 2025

Introduction to the fundamentals of biotechnology including the principles of CRISPR-based gene editing technology. The course will cover various applications of biotechnology, with particular emphasis on crop domestication and improvement including commercialization of edited crops. Topics include genetic modifications by CRISPR, plant transformation, genetically modified foods, and policy/regulation of biotechnology.

Prerequisite(s)

• BICD 100 or BICD 100R

BICD 142 Forces of Life: Introduction to Physical Biology (4)

New course - effective Winter 2026

Explore the frontier where biology meets physics in this introduction to the physical principles that shape life. Use simple models and concepts from physics to understand bird flocks, jiggling proteins, cell organization, stripes and spots, elephant leg mechanics, and more. Develop skills for modern biology through guided hands-on calculations and computational exercises. Designed to provide biology majors with an accessible entry point to understanding life quantitatively.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1 and PHYS 1A and PHYS 1B

BIEB 182: Biology of Global Change (4)

Update to prerequisite - effective Winter 2026

This class will focus on ecological and evolutionary responses to three major anthropogenic stressors—climate change, resource exploitation, and urbanization. Students will learn about the eco-evolutionary changes that are currently happening due to anthropogenic impacts and also predictions about future changes due to such impacts. They will also learn about the economic and societal impacts of such changes and some of the strategies for conservation and sustainability in a changing world.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 3

BIMM 100: Molecular Biology (4)

Update to duplicate credit - effective Winter 2026

Molecular mechanisms and applications of the central dogma. Genome structure and function. Transcription and translation. Regulation of gene expression. Use of DNA technology in basic and applied biology. Note: Students may receive credit for one of the following: BIMM 100, BIMM 100R or CHEM 114C.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1 and BIBC 103 or BILD 4 or BILD 70 or BIMM 101 and BENG 120 or CHEM 40A or CHEM 40AH or CHEM 41A and BENG 120 or CHEM 40B or CHEM 40BH or CHEM 41B

BIMM 100R: Molecular Biology (4)

New course - effective Fall 2025

Molecular mechanisms and applications of the central dogma. Genome structure and function. Transcription and translation. Regulation of gene expression. Use of DNA technology in basic and applied biology. Note: This course is a Distance Education course. Students may receive credit for one of the following: BIMM 100, BIMM 100R or CHEM 114C.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1 and BIBC 103 or BILD 4 or BILD 70 or BIMM 101 and BENG 120 or CHEM 40A or CHEM 40AH or CHEM 41A and BENG 120 or CHEM 40B or CHEM 40BH or CHEM 41B

BIMM 101: Recombinant DNA Techniques (4)

Update to final exam - effective Fall 2026

Theory and practice of recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques. Includes CRISPR-Cas9 editing, DNA sequencing, PCR, and basic bioinformatics. Note: No credit for BIMM 101 if taken after CHEM 109. Program or Material Fee may apply. Attendance at the first lecture/lab is required. Nonattendance may result in the student's being dropped from the course roster.

Course will have a scheduled final exam during finals week.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1
• BILD 4

BIMM 116R: Circadian Rhythms—Biological Clocks (4)

Update to duplicate credit - effective Winter 2026

This interdisciplinary course provides an overview of the fundamental properties of daily biological clocks of diverse species, from humans to microbes. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of internal time keeping in wide-ranging contexts including human performance, health, and industry. This course is a Distance Education course. Students may receive credit for one of the following: BIMM 116, BIMM 116R.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1 or COGS 107B or PSYC 106

BIPN 100: Human Physiology I (4)

Update to duplicate credit - effective Spring 2025

Course introduces the concepts of physiological regulation, controlled and integrated by the nervous and endocrine systems. Course then examines the muscular, cardiovascular, and renal systems in detail and considers their control through the interaction of nervous activity and hormones. Note: Students may receive credit for one of the following: BIPN 100, BIPN 100R or BENG 140A.

Prerequisite(s)

• BILD 1
• BILD 2

BIPN 102GS: Human Physiology II in Global Context (4)

New course - effective Spring 2026

In an applied Global Seminars setting, this course completes a survey of organ systems begun in BIPN 100 by considering the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Consideration is given to interactions of these systems in weight and temperature regulation, exercise physiology, stress, and pregnancy and reproduction.

Students must apply and be accepted to the Global Seminars Program in order to enroll. Program or material fees may apply.

Prerequisite(s)

• BIPN 100

BIPN 104GS: Physiological Inquiry in Global Context (4)

New course - effective Spring 2026

In an applied Global Seminars setting, students will interact with primary literature in physiology through reading, writing and in-class discussions. Focus on analyzing research data and developing critical thinking skills, while applying concepts in physiology to understand scientific discoveries. Topics may vary from quarter to quarter; examples include but are not limited to sports physiology, functional medicine, diet and nutrition, and the intersection of physiology and global health.

Students must apply and be accepted to the Global Seminars Program in order to enroll. Program or material fees may apply.

Prerequisite(s)

• BIPN 100

No course updates at this time.