Biology
Biology Department Mission
The mission of the biology department is to provide students with an inspiring and rigorous preparation for life science and health-related programs as well as preparation for an excellent liberal arts education. We serve students by offering (1) a range of interesting introductory biology courses (100-level classes) for the non-science major, (2) rigorous, comprehensive courses for the life-science major planning to transfer as a junior to college or university departments, and (3) quality prerequisite classes for students planning on careers in health fields. We strive to create a student-centered environment in biology with a deep commitment to student learning. We recognize and value diverse learning styles and provide students hands-on laboratory experiences using investigation methods and experimental techniques that reflect the current state of biological science.
We hope to instill in our students an understanding and passion for the biological world, a sense of the value for diverse organisms, a responsibility for life-long learning and application of that learning as a scientifically informed citizen. We value collaborative learning, critical thinking, problem solving, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. We also reinforce (in all biology classes) the four college-wide abilities: critical thinking, written and oral communication, group interaction, and quantitative skills. (Please see www.edcc.edu/cwa for more information about the college-wide abilities.)
Biology Courses at Edmonds Community College
The Edmonds CC biology department offers 12 different courses (11 biology courses and Nutrition 200). For more information about these biology courses, please go to "courses" on this web site. All of the biology courses at Edmonds CC include a laboratory section that meets once or twice a week.
The biology department offers several classes for transfer students majoring in life science or health-related fields. The Biology 201-202-203 sequence provides students with the college-level introduction to biology. This sequence is designed to prepare students for upper division biology classes at universities and 4-year colleges. Students are required to have at least one quarter of college-level Chemistry prior to Biology 201 and life-science majors are strongly encouraged to complete the first year of General Chemistry prior to Biology 201. Students planning on transferring to nutrition, nursing, dental hygiene and other allied-health programs also take Biology 201 in preparation for Microbiology (Biology 250), Nutrition (Nutrition 200), and the 2-quarter Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence (Biology 230-231).
Five biology classes will fulfill the science distribution (general education) requirements for the Associate of Arts degree at EdCC, with minimal prerequisites. These classes are intended primarily for transfer students who do not plan to major in science. These courses have two prerequisites (placement in Math 090, Intermediate Algebra, and placement in English 105, Essay Writing). Biology for Humans, Biology 101, provides an introduction to human biology, human populations, and human impact on global environmental systems. The Natural History of Washington Flora and Fauna, Biology 105, offers the opportunity to study terrestrial organismsand ecosystems common to the Puget Sound lowlands and the west slopes of the Cascade mountains. Marine Biology, Biology 106, emphasizes the sea life of intertidal Puget Sound and provides field trips to regional beaches. Biology of Behavior, Biology 130, explores the neural basis of human behavior, memory, sensation, and related topics in neurobiology. The Biology of Human Disease, Biology 150, introduces the immune system and allows students to develop an understanding of several different human diseases. Future course offerings are not limited to those listed above. The development of new courses is welcome.
Campus Resources
The physical resources include well-equipped laboratories, science computer labs, and student study areas. Science lecture rooms include computers with web access, projection systems, and other standard audio-visual equipment. In addition to models, slides, skeletons, other traditional laboratory materials, students use DNA and protein electrophoresis, PCR, and other biotechnology equipment in our laboratories. Our students also take classes in recently renovated chemistry and physics laboratories.
Our beautiful, student-friendly library includes computer stations, individual and group student study areas in addition to books, periodicals, and the like. Edmonds CC has good athletic facilities (open to staff), nearby walking paths, and a golf course adjacent to campus. A music building houses our excellent music program and there are three dining facilities on campus. For more detailed information about the college and campus please visit http://www.edcc.edu.
