Courses

Which Biological Sciences' Course Should I Enroll In?

It is always best to consult a variety of sources when making any important decision. Consider making an appointment with one of Sierra's councilors for current degree, course and transfer information. For specific course information, read the current Sierra College Catalog, Schedule of Classes, the Expanded Course Descriptions (on this site), and other college publications. Meeting directly with members of the Biological Sciences' staff is also highly recommended.

If you are a Bio. Sci. major, you will need to fulfill degree and transfer requirements as listed by the educational institutions you plan on attending. List of those requirements are available in counseling, the transfer center and from each of the schools directly. Sierra's Bio. Sci. program is especially known for its "hands-on" resources.

Special note for transfer students: although you may have various general education and prerequisite classes to take prior to tansferring, we strongly recommend all biology majors to take your lower division biology courses here, making use of our special faculty, facilities and resources. Students may want to consider taking more of our courses than strictly required to take advantage of the unique educational opportunities found only by attending Sierra's biology program.

If you are not a biology major, yet are considering taking one or more of our biology classes either to meet a general education requirement or for personal enrichment, we have a great variety of offerings to meet your needs. If you need a course but are unsure which you want, asking yourself the following questions may help narrow the choices of which course to take.

Specific classes questions and suggestions that might meet your interest(s)

Do you want a rigorous, in-depth biology class at majors level?
Consider: Bio. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A/7B

Or, do you need a less demanding yet thorough treatment of the subject that may meet your degree requirements?
Consider: Bio. 11, 14, 22, 33, 44, 55, 56/56L

Do you need a laboratory science class in addition to taking a biology class?
Consider: Bio. 1, 2, 3. 4, 5, 6, 7AB, 11, 14, 15, 22, 33, 44, 55, 56/56L

Have you already fulfilled your lab requirement and only need a biology lecture class?
Consider: Bio. 10, 56, 20-less units

Do you want a class that qualifies for Sierra's general education, yet has the minimum number of units?
Consider: Bio. 10, 44

Do you prefer learning about or working with animals?
Consider: Bio. 3, 30, 33, 35, 36

Do you prefer learning about or working with plants?
Consider: Bio. 2, 22, 23, 44

Do you want to dissect animals?
Consider: Bio. 3, 33

Do you want a lab class that does not dissect animals?
Consider: Bio. 1, 11, 14, 22, 44

Are you interested in anatomy or human biology (body parts and functions)?
Consider: Bio. 5, 7A/7B, 56/56L

Are you more interested in the human aspects of biology?
Consider: Bio. 14, 56/56L

Are you interested in microscopic life and disease causing organisms?
Consider: Bio. 4, 44

Are you interested in learning biology outdoors (in the field), perhaps even camping over-night in remote locations?
Consider: Bio. 14, 16 A-Z

Are you a nursing or health related major?
Consider: Bio. 4, 5, 6, 7A/7B, 55, 56/56L

Are you primarily interested in environmental concerns?
Consider: Bio. 14, Bio. 16A-Z, Interdisciplinary. 1

Are you working in an area that biological contamination is a concern?
Consider: Bio. 4, 44

Do you need a overall survey of biological principles and concepts?
Consider: Bio. 1, 11, 44, 56

Do you like to travel, to learn about different natural environments?
Consider: Bio. 16 A-Z

Do you want to learn more about the ocean and its life?
Consider: Bio. 15, Bio. 16H, 16J, 16M

Are you interested in aquatic biology (water ecology)?
Consider: Bio. 14, 15, Bio. 16C, 16D, 16H, 16I, 16L, 16M, 16Z

Do you want to be able to identify animals and plants in the wild and understand their relationships with their homes?
Consider: Bio. 14, Bio 16A-Z

Do you work with plants and would like to broaden your understanding of their biology?
Consider: Bio. 2, 14, 22

Are you a biology major and need a place to start?
Consider: Bio. 1