Biology (BIO) College of Biological Sciences

BIO 001 — Introductory Biology: Ecology & Evolution (4 units)

Course Description: Fundamentals of ecology, evolution, and heredity. Processes that generate and maintain biological diversity, spanning genes to ecosystems.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Credit Limitation(s): No credit to students who have taken BIS 002B.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Science & Engineering (SE); Quantitative Literacy (QL); Scientific Literacy (SL); Visual Literacy (VL).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2025.

BIO 001L — Introductory Biology Lab: Ecology & Evolution (1 unit)

Course Description: Inquiry-based, hands-on field and lab experience in ecology, evolution, and heredity. Processes that generate and maintain biological diversity, spanning genes to ecosystems.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 001 (can be concurrent)

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 2.5 hour(s).
  • Credit Limitation(s): No credit to students who have taken BIS 002B.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Science & Engineering (SE).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2025.

BIO 002 — Introductory Biology: Molecules to Cells (4 units)

Course Description: Molecular basis of life, illustrating mechanistic underpinnings and evolution. Fundamentals of molecular biology, cellular biology, and metabolism.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 001 C- or better; or consent of instructor.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Credit Limitation(s): Not open for credit to students who have taken BIS 002A.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Science & Engineering (SE).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Winter Quarter 2026.

BIO 002L — Introductory Biology Lab: Molecules to Cells (1 unit)

Course Description: Inquiry-based, hands-on field and lab experience in ecology, evolution, and heredity. Processes that generate and maintain biological diversity, spanning genes to ecosystems.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 001L C- or better; BIO 002 (can be concurrent).

  • Learning Activities: Laboratory 2.5 hour(s).
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Science & Engineering (SE).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Winter Quarter 2026.

BIO 003 — Introductory Biology: Cells Through Organisms (4 units)

Course Description: How multicellular organisms solve life’s problems. Basics of cell communication, cell organization into tissues and organs, and examples of how organisms across the tree of life address challenges such as sensing and responding to the abiotic and biotic environment, acquiring resources, maintaining homeostasis, preventing disease, and reproducing.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 001 C- or better; BIO 002 C- or better.

  • Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s).
  • Credit Limitation(s): Only 3 units of credit for students who have taken BIS 002D.
  • Grade Mode: Letter.
  • General Education: Science & Engineering (SE).
  • This course version is effective from, and including: Spring Quarter 2026.