Students in lab

Classes with labs

Subject areas:  Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Botany, Zoology, and Environmental Studies
Below are the lists of classes with a lab offered within each subject area.  Each of these classes is offered at least once a year. 

Within Area 5 of IGETC students need to complete one class from Area 5a (Physical Sciences) and one class from Area 5b (Biological Sciences).  At least one of these classes needs to have a lab and the two classes together need to total 7 - 9 semester units. BOT 122 and BOT 123 are 3-unit lab classes.  Students who take either of these botany classes will need to take a physical science class with a lab to meet their Area 5 requirements of a total of 7 - 9 semester units. 

This is not a complete listing of all the classes regularly offered by the Department as many lecture-only classes are taught.   To see the lecture only classes, follow this link.  If you want to see more choices, click here.

Biology classes with Labs

 The study of living organisms utilizing the scientific method. Biology examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living things..

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  Offered on campus, hybrid and online
BIOL 100:  Concepts of Biology provides an overview of the diverse and relevant areas of biology.  During lecture and in the laboratory, students examine living things beginning with the microscopic world of cells and single-celled organisms, working through multicellular organisms such as ourselves and finally exploring interactions at the population, community and ecosystem levels.  By the end of this course, you will see that biology is an integral part of our lives as animals and as informed human beings.  The goal is to make this experience relevant, interesting and fun. We hope that you walk away from the course with a new understanding of, and appreciation for, the world around us and  your part in it.
Lab topics are the Scientific Method, Cell Structure and Function, Membrane Transport - Osmosis and Diffusion, Cellular respiration,  Genetics and heredity,  Biotechnology - Transformation and DNA fingerprinting,  Evolution and Natural selection,  Plant Biology,  Ecology of the Chaparral,  Physical fitness,  Digestion and Nutrition, and Human Nervous System.  Sample syllabus.

By the end of this class, a successful student can:

  1. Recognize ecological relationships between organisms and their environment. Relate relevant topics in biology to the human experience and our impact on the natural world.
  2. Recognize evolution as the central paradigm of Biology, and explain how traits observed in living and extinct organisms are the result of natural selection and other evolutionary processes and serve to illustrate the ancestral relationships among all organisms.
  3. Define the relationships among DNA, genes, and the expression of traits in organisms. Describe the mechanisms by which genetic information is transmitted during reproduction.
  4. Apply the Scientific Method, specifically to the collection and analysis of data and the development and testing of hypotheses.
  5. Distinguish major groups of organisms based on cellular structure, acquisition of energy, and reproduction.


SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. UC Transfer Limit: No credit for BIOL 100 if taken after BIOL 101, 102 or 103.

 Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  On Campus.  Spring and Fall. Online:  Spring and Fall
Instructor:  Jennifer Maupin (on campus), Eric Wise (hybrid)
BIOL 101:  Plant Biology, is the first course in the Biology Majors’ sequence. It is a survey course that covers primary metabolic events including respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis; the structure of plants; the process of evolution; and ecology. Major plant and plant-like groups are studied including the Archaea, bacteria, fungi, algae, spore-producing plants, and seed-producing plants. BIOL 101 is a 4-unit course consisting of two lectures and one 3.15 hour lab per week.  You must attend lab as it is an integral part of the course.  Sample syllabus

By the end of of this class the successful student will be able to:
• 1. Explain the anatomy and morphology of plants and plant-like organisms as well as the functional characteristics of these organisms including their physiology and adaptation to the environment.
• 2. Describe the diversity of existing and fossil plants and plant-like organisms including life cycles and relationships with one another.
• 3. Discuss, from a scientific perspective, the molecular nature of living organisms including their chemical composition, replication, and growth.

SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. C-ID: BIOL 135S, BIOL 140, BIOL 155.

 Lecture + Lab.  5 units.  On Campus.  Fall and Spring.  Instructor:  Blake Barron
BIOL 102: Animal Biology, is a 5-unit course designed for students who are interested in a career in the Biological Sciences or related fields and plan to be Biology Majors. This course is the second in the three-course Biological Sciences Majors series.  Each week you must attend two 80-minute lectures and two 3-hour labs.  You must attend and pass the laboratory as well as the lecture component to pass this course.   BIOL 102 satisfies the SBCC General Education Requirement in Natural Sciences and is transferable to UCs and CSUs as a laboratory science course. However, If you are simply looking to fulfill a general education requirement as a non biology major, either BIOL 100 or ZOO 122 and ZOO 123 would be  better alternates.  Sample syllabus

Prerequisites: MATH 107 or MATH 110C or MATH 137C or SS 110C or equivalent based on SBCC's Assessment Center placement via multiple measures. Course Advisories: BIOL 101, ENG 110 or ENG 110H.

Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. C-ID: BIOL 135S, BIOL 140, BIOL 150.

By the end of the course, the successful student will be able to:
• 1. Explain the basic principles of modern Biology.
• 2. Explain the diversity and evolution of the major groups of animals.
• 3. Demonstrate critical thinking and scientific analysis of facts and ideas.
• 4. Provide evidence of skills in performing field studies and in using modern scientific laboratory equipment and techniques.
• 5. Exhibit skills in finding accurate information in the scientific literature, and in generalizing on the basis of such information.

Lecture + Lab+ Discussion.  5 units.  On Campus.  Fall and Spring.  Instructor: Jennifer Betancourt
BIOL 103: Cell & Molecular Biology studies the cell, the fundamental unit of life. On a cellular level, we will discuss typical cell processes, structures and functions. On a molecular level, we will dive deep into the structure and function of the four major macromolecules and explore the specific and collaborative roles of each in the cell. This course also includes an overview of the scientific method. This may be one of the most challenging, rigorous and demanding courses you take during your academic career. This is a 5.0 unit course designed for students majoring in a Biology discipline and are genuinely interested in a career in biological sciences.  Sample syllabus.
Course Pre-requisite(s): ENG 110 or 11OH, MATH 107 or 111, and CHEM 155 or 104

By the end of the course, the successful student will be able to:
• 1. Compare and contrast cells: List and describe the universal features of all cells; describe the mechanistic significance of water to all cells, draw and describe the basic anatomy and function of cell structures and organelles; explain the Modern Cell and Endosymbiotic Theories; differentiate between major cell types.
• 2. Discuss the significance of the four fundamental macromolecules: Draw and label monomers and polymers of each, compare and contrast different types within each category, describe the chemical reaction leading to the formation of polymers, label major chemical functional groups and explain the molecular relevance of each, list the major cell structures they compose.
• 3. Draw, label and describe functional components of enzymes, and explain their mechanism of action, how they are regulated and their role in overall cell viability.
• 4. Draw and label the major molecular components of the cell membrane (including phospholipids, glycomolecules and membrane proteins), describe their overall function for the cell and explain what the Fluid Mosaic Model is.
• 5. List, draw and discuss different mechanisms of molecular transport across the cell membrane, explain how molecular properties of cargo and specific cellular needs impact the type of transport used, and describe how proper regulation of transport is necessary for cell viability.
• 6. List, draw and describe different mechanisms for cell adhesion and communication, and explain how proper adhesion and communication is significant for cell, tissue, organ and organismal function and viability.
• 7. Draw and describe, in detailed stepwise fashion, cellular processes of cell growth (interphase), mitosis, meiosis, and cell death; explain how each is regulated and why regulation is critical for cell viability.
• 8. Describe, in detailed stepwise fashion, the cellular pathways of aerobic and anaerobic glucose metabolism in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; explain how each is regulated and why regulation is critical for cell viability.
• 9. Draw, label and describe, in detail, the major processes of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes via the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology (Replication, Transcription, Translation); discuss how regulation of each major process occurs and why it is significant to cell viability; list and describe various types of DNA mutations, their effects on gene expression and mechanisms of repair.
• 10. Draw, label and describe the general structure of a virus, compare and contrast virus life cycles in general and with specific examples of present-day viruses, and describe different applications for viruses in addressing scientific research questions.
• 11. List and describe commonly used research methods of molecular biology; discuss various laboratory scenarios in which each can be used; work collaboratively in a team to actively apply the scientific method: ask and address a research question, analyze and interpret data, communicate findings via well-maintained laboratory notebooks and formal scientific reports, and provide constructive peer evaluations.
• 12. Work collaboratively to critically analyze a topic in cell, molecular or developmental biology using scientific primary literature and review articles accessed from scientific publication databases, present a formal summary (oral and written) on findings, and provide constructive feedback and revisions for peers.
• 13. Command the scientific method in a manner that allows one to: 1) critically test competing hypotheses, 2) distinguish scientifically valid ideas from ideas produced via less evidence-based frameworks, and 3) articulate these distinctions to professional scientists and lay audiences.
• 14. Use natural selection as a guiding principle to explain the evolutionary origins of different types of cells, as well as organelles and other important cellular structures/processes.

Lecture + lab. 4 unit.  Occasionally offered on campus (fall only). Instructor: Jennifer Maupin.  Online: Spring and summer. Instructor: Larry Friesen
Natural History is a very broad field that emphasizes observation of the natural world. In this course, we study concepts of botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, geology, meteorology, and more, and apply this knowledge to examination of our local natural habitats.  For the on-campus class, weekly labs are primarily field trips to areas of interest in and around Santa Barbara.  These include walks on the beach, hikes in the hills, and sampling of streams and tide pools.  Whether you’ve lived in Santa Barbara your whole life or are new to the area, BIOL 120: Natural History is a great way to get to know your local environment. Sample syllabus (for the on campus class).  The on-campus class is only offered in fall semesters and hasn't been offered since 2019.  

BIOL: 120 is also offered online.  Students taking BIOL 120 online do not have to live in the Santa Barbara area as the laboratories for the online class are not local field trips.  The labs for the online class expound on the concepts covered in lecture and can be completed from anywhere.

SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

At completion of the course, the successful student (either online or on campus) will be able to:
• 1. Describe the natural forces and structure of Earth that influence the geology, atmosphere and hydrosphere and the characteristics of Earth's biomes.
• 2. Identify dominant organisms of a variety of communities and describe their adaptations to the physical and biological constraints characteristic of the community within which they live and that allow their success.
• 3. Describe the life histories of organisms from major phyla and explain the strategies that have assured their success through time.
• 4. Describe food webs and nutrient transfer in different ecosystems and compare and contrast homeotherm and poikilotherm, aquatic and terrestrial, and temporary and permanent trophic pyramid structures.

Lab. 1 unit.  Online: Fall. Instructor: Larry Friesen
BIOL 123: Ecology lab has a prerequisite of BIOL 122: Ecology.  You can also take BIOL 122 and 123 in the same semester.

By the end of the class, the successful student will be able to:
• 1. Describe general ecology principles and how they are quantified.
• 2. Design and complete simple population sampling experiments.
• 3. Describe correlations between principles of ecology and population size, dispersion, range and distribution.
• 4. Outline the parameters that affect population numbers under a variety of situations.

Satisfies SBCC's G.E. requirement in the Natural Sciences when combined with Biology 122. SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A Lab
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

Lecture + lab. 4 unit.  On campus: Fall only. Instructor: Michelle Paddack or Michelle Kowalewski
BIOL 124: Biological Oceanography is designed for non-majors in science but it is also valuable for biology majors interested in marine science. You will learn the connections between the physical environment of the oceans and marine organisms, focusing on biological adaptations and ecology.  This class helps you discover how the oceans influence life on Earth.  Along the way, you will better understand biology and ecology as you discover the many connections you have with the ocean and develop the ability to integrate scientific literacy and thinking into your daily life. The lab is your chance to put your learning into action, proving concepts for yourself and using tools & skills used by oceanographers worldwide to study the marine realm.    
This course satisfies the SBCC general education requirement in Natural Sciences and is transferable to both UC and CSU as a general education laboratory science course.  This course does not apply toward the Biology major at SBCC. Sample syllabus

SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. UC Transfer Limit: BIOL 124 combined with EARTH 151: maximum credit, one course.

At the end of the course, a successful student can:
• 1. Define the major physical factors in the marine environment and their effects on organisms.
• 2. Differentiate between the ecological parameters of shallow water and deep water marine communities.
• 3. Compare the ecological differences between shallow water temperate, tropical and polar communities of marine organisms.
• 4. Define marine productivity and its effect on fisheries.
• 5. Give examples of recent advances in mariculture and the role of the ocean in world food production.
From laboratory students should be able to:
• 1. Operate scientific and oceanographic equipment.
• 2. Collect and record scientific biological data at sea, on shore, and in the lab.
• 3. Use data collected as a basis for ecological conclusions.
• 4. Be familiar with the methods used by research scientists in their studies, be aware of the problems in oceanographic research, and appreciate the delicate natural balance that exists between marine organisms and their physical environment.

Lecture + lab. 4 unit.  On campus: Spring only. Instructor:  Michelle Paddack 
BIOL 125: Marine Biology  offers an introduction to the ocean as a habitat and the animals that live within it.  This course serves non-science majors, but biology majors will also gain much from the material.  You will learn the basic principles of science and apply them toward understanding how organisms live in the ocean.  Along the way, you may also discover a lifelong appreciation of biology and ecology and see how interesting the world is through the eyes of a scientist.  
This course satisfies SBCC general education requirement in Natural Sciences & is transferable to UC and CSU as a general education laboratory science course.  This course does not apply toward the SBCC Biology major.  Sample syllabus.

SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B2, CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5B, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable. UC Transfer Limit: BIOL 125 and 126 combined: maximum credit, one course.

At the end of the course, a successful student will be able to:
• 1. Define the major ecological principles operating in marine communities.
• 2. Recognize marine plankton as the base of most marine food webs.
• 3. Identify the major groups of marine organisms.
• 4. Compare the major littoral habitats (sand, rock, mud), the species of marine organisms commonly found in each one, and their adaptations to the habitat.

After completing the lab sequence,  a successful student can:
• 1. Recognize the common littoral marine organisms of the West Coast of North America and understand where they fit into the complex food web.
• 2. Specify the major marine physical and biological forces at work in littoral zones (these concepts can be applied anywhere in the world).
• 3. Identify the complex and diverse littoral organisms in the marine environment of the West Coast of North America, specify the ecological adaptations inherent in the success of marine organisms, and interpret the marine ecosystem as a major life zone of Earth.

Lab + lecture.  2 unit.  Online.  Instructor: Larry Friesen. 
Biology Laboratory (BIOL 141) is a fully online lab course., When coupled with Natural Science (BIOL 110), or Evolution and Adaptation (BIOL 112), or Principles of Biology (BIOL 140),  BIOL 141 satisfies SBCC General Education requirement in Natural Sciences. You also may complete one of these of the lecture courses and enroll in Biology Laboratory during a later term.  BIOL 141 transfers to all UC and California State University campuses.

By the end of the course, a successful student can:
• use the basic methods, instrumentation, and quantitative analytical skills used to conduct biological research.
• produce original research reports and review papers in a standard scientific format based on laboratory, field experiments, and literature searches that include critical quantitative and qualitative evaluation of data to effectively communicate results, interpretations, and concepts. Sample syllabus.

Sample Assignment: Data collected during lab and field exercises are used by students during the writing of research reports in which they present and analyze data and answer specific questions about their results.

SBCC General Education: SBCC GE Area A Lab
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area B3, IGETC Area 5C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
UC Transfer Limit: No credit for BIOL 141 unless taken after or concurrently with BIOL 112 or 140.

Biomedical Sciences classes with labs

 

Classes in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Medical Microbiology.  The lecture only BMS classes are described here.

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  Offered online and on campus.  Instructor: Patty Saito
This 4-unit course provides a non-technical introduction of the structure and function of the human body emphasizing health and disease. We will explore the most basic functional units of the body (the cell), and provide an overview of several of the major systems of the body.  BMS 100 satisfies the SBCC GE requirement in Natural Sciences as well as the Anatomy and Physiology requirements for the SBCC LVN Program.  It does not satisfy requirements for the ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) major. Sample syllabus

By the end of the semester, a successful student will be able to:
• 1. describe the human body in detail and
• 2. correlate the structure of the organ systems of the body with their function
• 3. distinguish tissues based on histological examination,
• 4. demonstrate the origin, insertion and action of major muscles of the body,
• 5. recognize the gross anatomical features of the organs of the body, and
• 6. identify anatomical features in cadaver material, in illustrations, on models or in related animal specimens.

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.   Instructors: Peter Aguilar, Patty Saito, Barry Tanowitz
BMS 107: Human Anatomy, provides a comprehensive analysis of the structures of the human body with specific emphasis on individual body systems in both lecture and laboratory settings. An analysis of the gross anatomical and histological structures of each of these systems is provided. Be aware that this is a very demanding course that requires a significant amount of time and effort on your part. There are many resources at your disposal for this course, and we recommend you use them all. Expect to study for this course 3 hours per day or more.

This 4-unit course is designed for students interested in a health science related career. Cadavers are utilized in the laboratory and are a significant part of the course. BMS 107 satisfies the SBCC General Education requirement in Natural Sciences, transfers to UC and CSU schools as a laboratory science course, and can be used as a prerequisite for entrance to health science careers (e.g. nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant).

 If you have not taken a college-level science course and/or have a limited background in the sciences, we strongly recommend you complete BMS 100: The Human Body, prior to enrolling in Human Anatomy. BMS 100 provides an introduction to both anatomy and physiology and offers an overview of many of the topics discussed in the Human Anatomy and Physiology courses.

We strongly recommend you complete BMS 107: Human Anatomy, before enrolling in BMS 108: Human Physiology. In order to understand the functions of the human body, it is essential to first explore and master the structures of the human body as they are presented in the Human Anatomy course. Completion of one semester of college Chemistry (Chem 101 or 104) and/or Bio 100 (General Biology for non-majors) will increase your likelihood of success in this course. Sample syllabus

At the end of this course, a successful student can:
•  • Explain the functional relationships of structures within each organ system.
• Integrate anatomical knowledge with modern biomedical practices.
• Explain the development and interrelationships among the human organ systems.

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.   Instructors: Peter Aguilar, Barry Tanowitz, Jim Doohan, Heather Rose
BMS 108: Human Physiology, is the study of the physiological processes of the human body. Where Human Anatomy is designed to teach you to name all the structures of the body, Human Physiology is concerned with how those structures work. Physiology is a challenging class that takes you beyond simple memorization and forces you to consider the detailed mechanisms by which the human body performs tasks such as seeing this page in front of you, feeling touch on your skin, contracting muscles to lift food to your mouth, and storing nutrients in the body. 

This course offers an in depth study into the basic functions, structures, and mechanisms of action in the human body in both lecture and laboratory settings. Physiology is a challenging class that requires analytical critical thinking skills rather than simple memorization. It is a labor-intensive course that requires significant study time. This 4-unit course is designed for students that are interested in a health science related career. It satisfies the SBCC General Education requirement in Natural Sciences, transfer to UC and CSU schools as a laboratory science course, and can be used as a prerequisite for entrance to health science careers (e.g. nursing, physical therapy, physician’s assistant).

We strongly recommend that you complete BMS 107, Human Anatomy, before enrolling in Human Physiology. In order to understand the functions of the human body, it is essential to first explore and master the structures of the human body as they are presented in the Human Anatomy course.  Completion of one semester of college Chemistry (Chem 101 or 104) and/or Bio 100 (General Biology for non-majors) will increase your likelihood of success in this course. Sample syllabus

At the end of the course, a successful student can:
• Employ the Scientific Method to collect and analyze data, then with those results develop and test hypotheses.
• Explain the structure and function of electrically excitable cells found in the nervous, muscular, and cardiovascular systems.
• Determine the physiological processes involved in the dynamics of fluids as they affect the circulatory and urinary systems and the internal chemical environment.
• Determine the various biological strategies utilized by the immune system to maintain human health and combat disease.

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  On Campus:  Fall, Spring.    Instructor: Robbie Fischer
BMS 127 is a 4-unit, college-level course designed to meet the needs and interests of students of both health-related sciences and general biology. It includes investigations of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists, with emphases on microbe–host interactions and bacterial biology. This course also investigates the principles of disease transmission and prevention, virology, genetics, and immunology. Sample syllabus.

By the end of the semester, the successful student can:
• Explain the basic structure, physiology, metabolism, and chemistry of human-associated microorganisms.
• Compare the pathogenesis of microorganisms, including virulence mechanisms and the human immune response.
• Characterize infectious diseases, including both clinical and epidemiological manifestations.
• Using the scientific method and critical thinking, analyze data generated by laboratory experiments.

Botany classes with labs

The study of plant life including physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  Online:  Fall, Spring.  Instructor: Matt Kay
BOT 100 is an introductory course covering plant structure and function, and the role of plants in the biosphere and society.  This course emphasizes a wide range of biological principles from DNA, cells & physiology to evolution, ecology & organismal diversity, all in relation to plant biology.  Concepts of Botany is intended for students with no previous science experience as well as those students with some high school science.  This course satisfies the SBCC GE requirement in Natural Sciences.  It also satisfies the SBCC IGETC transfer requirement for the Biological Sciences.  It transfers to UCs & CSUs as a GE lab science course. It does not apply toward the SBCC biology major.  Sample syllabus

At the end of the semester, a successful student can:
• Describe fundamental processes operative throughout botany and plant biology, including evolution via natural selection, sexual reproduction, photosynthesis, basic chemistry, and biochemical processes (cellular respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis)
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of plants and plant-like organisms
• Compare and contrast the major evolutionary lineages of plants and plant-like organisms, including important structural features of each lineage, ecological importance, and human uses

Lecture + Lab.  4 units.  Online.  Instructor: Bob Cummings
Plant Diversity is a general biology course emphasizing the biology of plants and related forms, their structures and life processes and the principles of evolution and ecology that determine plant diversity and distribution. Plant Diversity is a combined lecture-laboratory course that satisfies the SBCC General Education Requirement in Natural Sciences and transfers to all UC and California State University campuses where it satisfies a general education requirement for a life science laboratory course.

By the end of the course, you should be able to describe fundamental molecular, cellular, anatomical and physiological characters of plants and major evolutionary changes that have occurred from ancestral forms resulting in the distribution of plants on Earth. Sample syllabus.

BOT 121 is one of the three lab classes offered where both lecture and lab are online.  The others are BIO 122 + 123 (Ecology + Ecology Lab) and BIOL 141 (Biology Lab) taken with one of BIOL 110 (Natural Science), BIOL 112 (Evolution and Adaptation), or BIOL 140 (Principles of Biology).  

Lecture + Lab.  3 units.  On Campus:  Spring.  Instructor: Matt Kay
In this class you learn how to identify several flowering plant families by sight and how to use taxonomic keys to determine a plant’s identity.  BOT 122 is intended for students with an interest in plant identification, plant ecology, and basic natural history topics.  You should have some previous college level science so you are prepared to work independently in the laboratory.  Students in this class typically have a strong avocational interest in nature.  Sample syllabus

BOT 122 is a 3-unit lab class.  Students who take Bot 122 will need to take a 4-unit Physical Science class to get the minimum of 7 semester units required to meet IGETC Area 5.  (Within Area 5 of IGETC students need to complete one class from Area 5a (Physical Sciences) and one class from Area 5b (Biological Sciences).  One of these classes needs to have a lab and the two classes together need to total 7 - 9 semester units.) 

The objectives of this course are to:
• 1. Identify flowering plants using standard keys (e.g., The Jepson Manual)
• 2. Find and select plant materials necessary for identification
• 3. Classify flowering plants using the basic taxonomy of flowering plants,
• 4. Recite appropriate terminology when describing plant parts
• 5. Name and describe 35 flowering plant families.

Lecture + Lab.  3 units.  On Campus:  Fall.  Instructor: Matt Kay
Field Botany is a 3-unit course where you study the flora, vegetation and major ecological features of natural ecosystems of California.  There are frequent field trips some of which may be overnight. Sample syllabus

Students who take Bot 123 will need to take a 4-unit Physical Science class to get the minimum of 7 semester units required to meet IGETC Area 5. (Within Area 5 of IGETC students need to complete one class from Area 5a (Physical Sciences) and one class from Area 5b (Biological Sciences).  One of these classes needs to have a lab and the two classes together need to total 7 - 9 semester units.) 

The objectives of this course are:
• 1. Demonstrate the techniques used in the observation and interpretation of natural flora and vegetation,
• 2. Describe the basic principles operating in natural areas,
• 3. Record scientific observations of and demonstrate familiarity with the major ecological features of the area(s) visited.

Zoology classes with labs

The study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.

Lab.  1 unit.  On Campus:  Spring and Fall.  Instructor: Hisaya Fukui

In order to enroll in ZOO 123, students need to have completed, or be currently enrolled in ZOO 122.  ZOO 123 provides students with a hands-on experience examining a wide breadth of animals representing different animal phyla. By closely examining live and preserved specimens, students will gain a strong understanding and appreciation for the wide diversity in animal life cycles, body morphology and adaptations. Sample syllabus

By the end of the semester the successful student can:
• 1. describe the system by which animals are organized within the various taxa,
• 2. describe the structure and function of animal cell structures,
• 3. compare and contrast the structures and functions of animal skeletal, digestive, nervous, circulatory, reproductive, endocrine, muscular, osmoregulatory, and sensory systems among the animal phyla,
• 4. describe the life histories of animals from all major phyla,
• 5. describe the processes of organic evolution and the evolutionary relationships of major phyla,
• 6. compare and contrast the unique features among the animal phyla,
• 7. describe the embryogeny of all major phyletic lineages,
• 8. identify any common animal to phylum and class
• 9. accurately and professionally dissect animals from a wide variety of phyla,
• 10. identify significant internal and external features of animals, and
• 11. describe functions of structures from a wide variety of animal groups.

Lecture + Lab.  1.5 units.  Field:  Spring and Fall.  Instructor: Krista Fahy
This is a 1.5 unit, eight week short course.  It does not satisfy the IGETC Area 5b lab requirement. Anyone who is interested in birds and birding can benefit from this course.  

By the end of the semester the successful student will:
• Recognize the birds of the Santa Barbara region by sight and sound and behavior
• Learn and appreciate the diversity of life-history strategies pursued by these birds including habitat selection and migratory patterns

Environmental Studies lab class

Environmental Studies looks at the relationship between humans and their environment from multiple perspectives. It is an interdisciplinary field of study incorporating elements of the sciences, social sciences, humanities,  management, policy, design, and law.  

Lab.  1 unit.  On Campus:  Spring and Fall.  Instructor: Michelle Paddack and Mike Gonella
Labs and field studies to demonstrate ecological and environmental principles through observation and analysis of many  different communities and sites of environmental concern.  ENVS 110 must be taken at the same time or before ENVS 111. Sample syllabus

At the end of the semester a successful student can:
• 1. Demonstrate skills in the use of field water chemistry analysis equipment
• 2. Demonstrate techniques of visual observation and data recording for determining abundance and distribution of populations in a variety of habitats
• 3. Collect and analyze a variety of ecological data
• 4. Describe ecological relationships and the impact of the loss of species at different trophic levels
• 5. Identify ecological problems and human impacts in evidence at a site
• 6. Describe the process of waste water treatment, waste disposal, air pollution monitoring, energy development and use, and the impacts of these activities on the human population and surrounding environment.
• 7. Demonstrate an understanding of conflict resolution