Biology Courses
A study of fundamental biological concepts, with emphasis on human biology. Topics include: the cell, the chemistry of life, the structure and function of human organ systems, genetics, ecology, and evolution.
Survey of the major animal taxa, with focused examination on the morphology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of animals. Laboratory experience with a diversity of animal specimens supplements lecture.
This general education course is designed to introduce the concepts, questions, facts, and methods of ecology, the scientific study of how organisms interact with their nonliving environment and with other organisms. The course will emphasize organismal biology and its relations within biological sciences. The course is designed as a lecture and lab course. The lab portion will reinforce concepts learned in lecture and provide opportunities to observe ecology at work in local environments.
An introductory course involving fundamental biological principles of both plant and animal life. This course is designed to be used as a general education course and is not open to students with credit in botany or zoology or students planning to take an additional course in the biological sciences. The laboratory portion of this course will reinforce topics covered in the General Biology lecture. In lab, the emphasis is placed on the scientific method, data collection and reporting, problem-solving and critical thinking.
This course is the first of the two-course sequence for Biology majors that introduces the principles and concepts of biology. In lecture, the emphasis is placed on the scientific method, taxonomy, basic chemistry, chemistry of organic molecules, cytology, membrane transport, metabolism and thermodynamics, enzyme kinetics, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell division, Mendelian genetics, and molecular genetics. The laboratory portion of this course will reinforce topics covered in the Principles of Biology I lecture. In lab, the emphasis is placed on the scientific method, data collection and reporting, problem-solving and critical thinking.
This course is the second course in a two-course sequence intended for biology majors and that continues the study of biological concepts and principles. In lecture, the focus is on classification, anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecology of mainly eukaryotes including protists, fungi, plants, and animals. The laboratory portion of this course will reinforce topics covered in the Principles of Biology II lecture and the emphasis is on the scientific method, data collection and reporting, problem-solving and critical thinking.
A survey of the structure and function of the human body. The micro and macroscopic structure and the function of each system will be reviewed. The course is intended for students enrolled in an allied health program. The integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive system will be studied. The laboratory session will support the lecture activity.
An introduction to microorganisms and their importance in disease. Course topics include microbial morphology, cell anatomy and physiology, energy transformation reactions, genetics, and classification. Diseases of specific body systems and the human innate and adaptive immune response will be discussed. Laboratory topics will support the lecture, with the addition of culturing and staining techniques, disinfection, microbial identification, and diagnostic microbiology tests commonly performed in allied health fields.
This course is part of a two-semester sequence of courses where gross micro- and macroscopic anatomy and the function of the respective structures are studied. Major topics covered include biological chemistry, cell biology, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Laboratory work includes dissection, microscopy, models, and experimental demonstration of concepts covered in class. Dissection of preserved animal specimens is required. This course is primarily for students majoring in allied health fields.
This is part two of a two-semester sequence of courses where gross micro- and macroscopic anatomy and the function of the respective structures are studied. Major topics covered include special senses, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and reproductive system. Laboratory work includes dissection, microscopy, models, and experimental demonstration of concepts covered in class. Dissection of preserved animal specimens is required. This course is designed primarily for students in allied health fields.
An introduction to microorganisms, their morphology, physiology, classification, and importance. Course topics include prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell anatomy and physiology; energetic reactions including respiration and fermentation; microbial genetics; microbiology culturing techniques; innate and adaptive immune responses; and an introduction to medically relevant microbial pathogens. Laboratory exercises include learning aseptic transfer and culturing techniques, simple, Gram, and Acid-Fast staining; and isolation and identification of organisms using selective and differential media.
A specialized program of study directly related to the department's area of expertise. The course is arranged between a faculty member and student and takes into consideration the needs, interests and background of the student.
Courses are offered to accommodate special interests of students and/or faculty. Typically, the course will cover new material not currently contained in the curriculum at ECC.
Biology practicum provides two types of learning experiences: (1) assisting students in laboratory sessions of life science courses, or (2) participating in a weekly biology topics seminar. May be repeated.