Dept. Publications

Bios

Biosphere


Contact


Department of Biology

18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8303

Phone: (818) 677-3356
Fax: (818) 677-2034

Email:biology.dept@csun.edu

Office Location:
Chaparral Hall 5101

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm

Map

Courses in Cellular / Molecular / Physiology


Bachelor of Science The B.S. degree is appropriate for students seeking in-depth training in a particular biological field as preparation for a specific career. It is designed to prepare students for 1) employment in commercial, industrial or governmental operations or labs, 2) traineeships required for certification or licensure in designated areas of applied biology and microbiology, or 3) specialized graduate programs.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Option (Option I) of the B.S. degree prepares students for work in private or government labs where modern cellular and molecular techniques are used. This option also prepares the student for advanced graduate study.

Bachelor of Arts The B.A. degree is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in biology as part of a liberal education in the arts and sciences. Provided that careful attention is paid to the requirements for advanced (postbaccalaureate) and professional programs, the B.A. degree is appropriate for those students 1) intending to enter a graduate program, 2) seeking a teaching credential (see above), or 3) preparing for dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine. The B.A. degree is also suitable for careers in such areas as pharmaceutical sales and medical illustration.

Master of Science The Graduate Program provides students an opportunity for advanced study in specialized areas of Biology and to develop the skills required to do independent research.

B.S. and M.S. students can enroll in 400 and 500 level courses. Only M.S. students can enroll in 600 level courses (not listed here, see catalogue).

  • Human Physiology and Lab (BIOL 281/282) Survey of the physiology of nerve and muscle, the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems.
  • Principles of Microbiology and Lab (BIOL 315/L) Introduction to the biology of microorganisms with emphasis on the bacteria. General course designed for Biology majors and students who wish to pursue further study in microbiology or bacteriology.
  • Plant Biology and Lab (BIOL 316/L) Survey course covering those aspects of cytology, physiology, systematics, anatomy, morphology, and ecology unique to plants.
  • Cell Biology Lab (BIOL 381) Basic lab techniques in cell biology, including calorimetry and spectrophotometry, centrifugation, enzymological assays, respirometry, cell counting and molecular methods.
  • Animal Histology and Lab (BIOL 411/L) Microscopical and histochemical analysis of mammalian cells as organized into tissue and organ systems.
  • Embryology and Lab (BIOL 441/L) Cellular, physiological,and anatomical aspects of embryonic development with emphasis on vertebrates. Mechanisms of morphogenesis and differentiation.
  • Biotechnology (BIOL 470) Application of organisms, biological systems, and processes to manufacturing and service industries. Role of microorganisms in industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical processes, biologically produced sources of energy, single cell protein, waste management, mining, and other areas. Impact of genetic engineering; enzyme biotechnology; recent advances in the genetics and physiology of industrial microorganisms for strain improvement.
  • Plant Physiology and Lab (BIOL 481/L) Plant functions: photosynthesis, respiration, cell mechanics, growth and water relationships.
  • Animal Physiology and Lab (BIOL 482/L) Examination of the processes and mechanisms by which organisms maintain themselves and interact with their environment. Adaptive significance of physiologic mechanisms is treated under certain topics.
  • Immunology with Serology Lab (BIOL 485/L) Study of the immune response examining humoral and cellular immunity, the nature, structure and reactions of antigens and antibodies, mediators of immunity, hypersensitivity and immunohematology. The Lab: emphasizes the principles and uses of serological methods for evaluation of the immune response.
  • Hematology and Lab (BIOL 487) Histological, biochemical, and clinical diagnostic study of blood: blood cell formation, iron metabolism, blood pathology, and practical lab technology.
  • Independent Study (BIOL 499) Maximum of 3 units of Independent Study may be applied to satisfy unit requirements of Elective Areas for the baccalaureate degree in Biology.
  • Biology of Viruses (BIOL 544) Comparative survey of the structure, gene expression and replication of viruses.
  • Cytogenetics (BIOL 563) Correlated study of genetics and cytology in which the genetic results of chromosomal changes are investigated.
  • Clinical Cytogenetics and Cancer Genetics (BIOL 568) Examination of the cytogenetics of human cancers and of hereditary predisposition to cancer, including rare and common familial cancer syndromes, risk assessment and surveillance, epidemiology and current research, ethics and genetic counseling ingenetic risk assessment for cancer.
  • Molecular Diagnostics (BIOL 571) Survey of current techniques, applications and goals of molecular genetics research, including cloning strategies and techniques, genetic engineering techniques, progress in the Human Genome Project and related work, gene therapy, and ethical ramifications.
  • Recombinant DNA Techniques and Lab (BIOL 572/L) Handling and processing of recombinant DNA, including DNA isolation, use of restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, ligation, cloning,blots, hybridization and associated microbiological techniques.
  • Cell and Tissue Culture and Lab (BIOL 577/L) Theoretical and practical studies of animal and plant cell cultures. Techniques for primary and continuous cultures and the production of hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies are covered. Other topics include cell culture storage, karyotyping, somatic embryogenesis, cytodifferentiation, and application of cell cultures in solving biological problems. Lectures and labs are highly integrated.
  • Cellular Physiology and Lab (BIOL 580/L) In depth consideration of cellular physicochemistry, including organellar structure, composition and function, macromolecular biosynthesis, metabolism, membrane transport and bioelectric phenomena.
  • Endocrinology (BIOL 581) A comprehensive study of the organization and function of the major endocrine organs. Lectures will focus on the hormonal control mechanisms that regulate metabolism, reproduction, development, and growth.
  • Principles of Neurophysiology and Lab (BIOL 582/L) Examination of the structure, function and physiological principles of the nervous system. Surveys neuroanatomy, molecular neuro-biology, sensory reception and relevant human neurological disorders.
  • Cellular Immunology (BIOL 589) Advanced studies on the cellular interactions and mechanisms of the immune response, including clinical aspects of cell-mediated reactions and immunologic disorders.
  • Independent Study (BIOL 699)