Course Descriptions
BIOLOGY (BI)
BI 100 First Year Science Seminar: Science, Society and the Biosphere (1)
Introductory course required for incoming first year students who are planning to major in biology or biochemistry. This course engages the “big questions” in biomedicine, biotechnology, ecology and environmental biology that drive today’s scientists and health practitioners. The course illustrates the diverse areas of professional practice in biomedical practice, research and industry for which the biology and biochemistry majors are preparative. Concurrent registration in BI 215/L is recommended.
BI 101, BI 102 General Biology (3)
Overview of basic biological principles, human concerns of overpopulation, environmental pollution, genetic engineering. Fulfills the General Education science requirement for non-science majors when taken with BI 101L or BI 102L. BI 101 is not a prerequisite for BI 102. Concurrent registration in BI 101L or BI 102L is necessary for lab science credits.
BI 101L, BI 102L General Biology Lab (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 101 and BI 102. Laboratory work and field trips related to lecture topics.
BI 103 Botany (3)
Distribution, identification, structure, use and physiology of plants with special attention to plants of Hawaii. Online & Military Base Undergraduate program only. Recommended for non-science majors. Concurrent registration in BI 103L necessary for lab science credit.
BI 103L Botany Laboratory (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 103.
BI 104 Digital Science (1)
Introduction to ‘big data’, data science, visualization and analytics in the areas of biomedicine, social sciences and the natural and built environments. Required course for Biology and Environmental Majors. May be offered Fall or Spring.
BI 110 People and Nature (3)
Addresses biological, ecological and public health questions which may have social, ethical, religious, or political implications. Fulfills the General Education science requirement for non-science majors when taken with BI 110L. Concurrent registration in BI 110L required for lab science credit.
BI 110L People and Nature Laboratory (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 110. Laboratory work such as testing for water quality, field trips to aquaculture farms, estuaries, and other field work locations. Concurrent registration in BI 115 required.
BI 115 Introduction to Marine Biology (3)
Life in various marine habitats studied with regard to its relationship to the ocean and to man. Various zones in the ocean and its inhabitants, the impact of man on the marine environment, and food sources from the sea will be discussed. Fulfills the General Education science requirement for non-science majors when taken with BI 101L or BI 115L. Concurrent registration in BI 115L necessary for lab science credit.
BI 115L Introduction to Marine Biology Laboratory (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 115. Classification, anatomy, and physiology of live and preserved marine animals. Field trips are included.
BI 131 Human Nutrition (3)
An introduction to basic concepts and current research in nutrition. The nature and roles of nutrients, nutrient requirements throughout the human life cycle, diseases resulting from over and under nutrition, food safety, and food sources. Fulfills the General Education science requirement for non-science majors when taken with BI 131L. Concurrent registration in BI 131L is required.
BI 131L Human Nutrition Laboratory (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 131. Survey of methodology and instrumentation involved in the analysis and evaluation of foods, their nutritional value, and diets. Concurrent registration in BI 131 is required.
BI 151-BI 152 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3/3)
Structure and function of the human body, to include basic biochemistry, cells, tissues, and a detailed and comprehensive study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, immune, and digestive systems, and metabolism. Organ systems will include the nervous, urinary, endocrine, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Required course for nursing majors. Non-nursing students (e.g. pre-health professions students) may take this course subject to availability of seats in a separate course section than nursing majors. Prerequisites: BI 151 for BI 152. Concurrent registration in BI 151L or 152L required. Some sections restricted to Nursing major, admission of non-nursing majors to other sections of these courses is by permission of instructor, and subject to demand.
BI 151L-BI 152L Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory (1/1)
Laboratory to accompany BI 151-152. One three-hour laboratory per week will include examination of models and slides, dissection, and physiological exercises. Required course for nursing majors. Non-nursing students (e.g. pre-health professions students) may take this course subject to availability of seats in a separate course section than nursing majors. Prerequisites: BI 151 for BI 152. Concurrent registration in BI 151 or 152 required. Some sections restricted to Nursing major, admission of non- nursing majors to other sections of these courses is by permission of instructor, and subject to demand.
BI 210L Biotechniques Laboratory – DNA/RNA Protein (1)
Introduction to Biological Techniques. Techniques used in the fields of molecular and cellular biology are covered, including DNA, RNA and protein purification and manipulation. One three hour period per week. Offered Fall and may be offered in Spring semesters. Required course for first year students in biology majors. Must be completed prior to enrollment in upper division Biology classes by Biology majors. Not required for upper division in Forensic Sciences or Biochemistry majors. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 215 Cellular and Organismal Biology I (3)
Introduction to animal and plant diversity, with emphasis on form and function, mechanisms of regulation in biological systems, and how organisms exchange materials and energy with their environment. Concurrent registration BI 100 and BI 215L required. Cross-listed with BC 215.
BI 215L Cellular and Organismal Biology I Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 215. Concurrent registration in BI 215 required. Cross-listed with BC 215L.
BI 216 Cellular and Organismal Biology II (3)
Introduction to the cell and molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, with particular reference to the relationships between structure and functions. Cell cycle and mitosis. Organization of cells, roles of cell signaling and extracellular environment in establishing structures in animals and plants. Prerequisite for Biology Majors: BI215/215L, BI 210L must be taken either prior or concurrently with BI 216. Cross-listed with BC 216.
BI 216L Cellular and Organismal Biology II Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 216. Prerequisites: BI 215L. Concurrent registration in BI 216 required. Cross-listed with BC 216L.
BI 250 Microbiology and Cell Biology for Nurses (3)
This course will include the major topics of cell biology and microbiology that are foundational for an understanding of normal and pathological cellular processes. Cell biology topics will include the study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures and functions. Microbiology topics will cover the main classes of microorganisms/infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), how they are identified, their growth requirements, the role of the immune system in controlling infections and drug strategies that combat these infections. Prerequisites: BI152/L. Restricted to students accepted in the CUH Nursing Major.
BI 250L Microbiology and Cell Biology for Nurses Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section to accompany BI 250. Prerequisites: BI152/L. Restricted to students accepted in the CUH Nursing Major.
English 102 and Communication 101 are prerequisites for all upper division courses
BI 300 Science Writing (1)
Intensive introduction to science writing. Overview of the purpose of scientific and medical publications, peer review, and criteria for inclusion in the literature. Students will focus upon the development of written arguments, discussion of data, and interpretation/analysis. Course will culminate in production and review of a grant proposal, clinical care plan, clinical trial proposal, environmental impact plan, resource management proposal, etc., in an area aligned with the student’s career aspirations. Prerequisites: BI 307/L or ENV 201/L or consent of instructor.
BI 302 Science Writing – Bioethics and Professional Conduct (1)
Continuation of BI 300. Students will focus upon contemporary ethical issues in science and medicine including funding policies, ethics and conduct of research and medicine. Course will culminate in writing of an authoritative review paper on an issue of interest selected by the student. Prerequisites: BI 216/BI 216L, BI 300, or consent of instructor.
BI 304 Clinical Nutrition (3)
Nursing required course. Study of nutrients and their respective functions, food sources, and physiological needs. Dietary guidance and nutritional requirements through the lifespan are explored. Role of nutrition in prevention of, and intervention in, chronic diseases. Restricted to students accepted in the CUH Nursing major. Prerequisites: BI 152/152L, BI 250/250L, CH 250, NUR 202, NUR 203.
BI 305 Genetics and Genomics (3)
Nursing required course. Basic concepts in genetics and genomics. Current research, new ways to diagnose genetic conditions and genetic technologies that provide understanding of the genetic component to common chronic diseases are explored. Topics include family history, risk assessment, interventions, genetic testing and counseling, ethical and social issues and use of genetics and genomics to improve clinical practice. Restricted to students accepted in the CUH Nursing major. Prerequisites: BI 152/BI 152L, BI 250/250L, CH 250, NUR 202, NUR 203.
BI 307 Molecular Biology I Genes and Genetics (3)
Life cycles and meiosis. Mendelian inheritance. Population genetics. Chromosomal and molecular basis of inheritance. Flow of genetic information. Determining structure and function of genes. Mutation and DNA repair systems. Genetic basis of disease, DNA technology, typing and population genetics. Introduction to genomics and epigenetics. Prerequisites: BI 210L, BI 216 and BI 216L (Biology majors). Cross-listed with BC 307.
BI 307L Molecular Biology I Laboratory Genes and Genetics (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 307. Concurrent registration in BI 307 required. Prerequisites: BI 210L, BI 216 and BI 216L (Biology majors). Cross-listed with BC 307L. BI 308 Molecular Biology II Genomics and Epigenomics (3) Components and architecture of genomes. Linkage, physical mapping, and DNA sequencing. Comparing genomes of different species. Role of gene expression and gene networks in differentiation and morphogenesis. Role of DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling in regulation of genes. Role of regulatory RNAs in gene expression. Prerequisites: BI 307.
BI 308 Molecular Biology II Genomics and Epigenetics (3)
Components and architecture of genomes. Linkage, physical mapping, and DNA sequencing. Comparing genomes of
different species. Role of gene expression and gene networks in differentiation and morphogenesis. Role of DNA
methylation and chromatin remodeling in regulation of genes. Role of regulatory RNAs in gene expression. Prerequisites: BI
307
BI 308L Molecular Biology II Laboratory Genomics and Epigenetics (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 308. Concurrent registration in BI 308 required. Prerequisites: BI 307L. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 311 Biostatistics (3)
Lecture course devoted to rigorous grounding biological statistics, and in the application of statistical models to global health problems. Biostatistics is a lecture and hands-on course designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop statistical reasoning skills appropriate to analyze and implement biological experiments. Exemplars and case studies will be primarily derived from the public health field. Topics include principles of experimental design, inference, sampling and variables, probability distributions, data categories and assumptions of parametric statistics, risk analysis, repeated measures, goodness of fit and contingency table analyses, and the general linear model. Prerequisites: BI 216/BI 216L.
BI 312 Epidemiology and Public Health (3)
Population based analysis of health and disease focusing on an understanding cause, risk and health determinants in populations and communities. This course covers epidemiologic concepts (including measures of association, bias, confounding, interaction and determination of risk). Epidemiological methodology, including study design and study types, will be covered. Prerequisites: BI 216 or consent of instructor.
BI 320 Developmental Biology (3)
Genetic control and patterning of organisms. Cellular and molecular processes that govern the production of an embryo and the patterning of individual tissues and organs in a manner that is consistent with their physiological functionality. The effect of exogenous stimuli on body patterning in both physiological and pathophysiological situations will be addressed. Prerequisites: BI 216/BI 216L, and BI 307/BI 307L.
BI 320L Developmental Biology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 320. Concurrent registration in BI 320 required. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 321 Advanced Human and Comparative Anatomy (3)
Advanced survey of human gross anatomy and adaptation is used to explore comparative aspects of the developmental biology and adaptations of other vertebrate species. Concurrent registration in BI 321L required. Prerequisites: BI 216/BI 216L.
BI 321L Advanced Human and Comparative Anatomy laboratory (1)
One three-hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 321. Simulated gross anatomy of the human and laboratory dissections of organisms including lamprey, dogfish, and cat. Opportunities to participate in human gross anatomical systems review at the Willed Body Program (John A. Burns’ School of Medicine human cadaver laboratory) are provided. Concurrent registration in BI 321 required. Prerequisites: BI 216/BI 216L. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 360 Biochemistry I (3)
This is the first part of a year-long course where the vast knowledge of biochemistry is filtered through a rational perspective guided by general chemical and biological principles. Following a survey and review of common classes of biologically significant metabolites such as peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, as well as equally important smaller molecules, the emphasis is shifted to biological thermodynamics and enzyme mechanisms. During the latter part of the course the broad spectrum of principles studies is utilized to cover individual metabolic pathways in detail. Prerequisites: CH 324/324L. Concurrent registration in BI 360L required. Cross-listed with BC/CH 360.
BI 360L Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
Students gain experience in the isolation, purification, identification, and quantification of biologically important molecules. Spectroscopic, chromatographic, as well as chemical modification techniques are used in identifying peptides and proteins. Enzyme kinetic studies are carried out for quantification purposes. Prerequisites: CH 324/324L. Materials intensive fee applies. Cross-listed with BC/CH 360L.
BI 370 Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
A study of the highly organized molecular and biochemical systems of the fundamental units of all organisms, with an emphasis on structure and function. Offered according to demand. Concurrent registration in BI 370L required. Prerequisites: CH 324/L.
BI 370L Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory (1)
One three hour laboratory period per week to accompany BI 370. Laboratory emphasizes experiments and exercises using molecular techniques currently in practice in cell biology. Concurrent registration in BI 370 required. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 387 Internship of Field Experience (1-3)
Professional Internship. Career development seminar course plus on-or off-campus internship placements. 45 hours internship required per credit. May be repeated for credit, up to 6 credits may be applied to major. Pre-requisites: Junior or Senior standing, BI 215/L (Biology majors) or ENV 201/L (ENV majors).
BI 410 Advanced Human Physiology I Metabolism and Nutrition (3)
Physiology of energetic and metabolic processes and endocrine control of metabolism in both healthy and disease states. Biochemistry of metabolism and the role of macro- and micronutrients in maintenance of homeostasis are examined. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L.
BI 410L Advanced Human Physiology I Laboratory Metabolism and Nutrition (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 410. Concurrent registration in BI 410 required. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 411 Advanced Human Physiology II – Neurophysiology (3)
Fundamentals of neurophysiology from the cellular to the system levels. Discussion of neuroanatomy followed by the ionic and pharmacological basis of nerve and synaptic function. Specialized neuronal geometries and synaptic circuitries associated with a variety of sensory, motor and central systems. The laboratory covers extracellular and intracellular techniques in neurophysiology as well as sectioning and immunocytochemistry. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L. Concurrent registration in BI 411L required. Recommended: BI 410/BI 410L.
BI 411L Advanced Human Physiology II Laboratory – Neurophysiology (1)
Accompanying laboratory section to BI 411. Concurrent registration in BI 411 required. Recommend: BI 410/BI 410L. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 420 Systems Biology (3)
This course will focus on the frontiers of our understanding of the multi-level networks that underlie biological systems. Lecture course reviewing the key concepts of the systems biology approach to ecological, organismal and cellular systems. Contribution of cornerstone technologies such as genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics and metabolomics will be reviewed, along with their computational foundations. Prerequisites: BC/BI 308 and BC/BI 308L. Recommended: BI 311.
BI 430 Microbiology (3)
Overview of clinically important pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, principles and practice of microbiology and the complexity of the human immune response to infection is emphasized. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L. Materials intensive fee applies. Concurrent registration in BI 430L required.
BI 430L Microbiology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section to accompany BI 430. Concurrent registration in BI 430 required. Materials intensive fee applies. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L.
BI 435 Cancer Biology (3)
This course provides students with knowledge of the fundamental principles of the molecular and cellular biology of cancer cells. Lectures and demonstrations explain the role of growth factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, angiogenesis, and signal transduction mechanisms in tumor formation. Discussion of aspects of cancer epidemiology, preventions, and principles of drug action in cancer management is a part of the course. Prerequisites: BI 307/BI 307L.
BI 450 Science Technology and Social Entrepreneurship (3)
Lecture course covering contemporary issues, the underlying sciences and career opportunities in biotechnology and scientific entrepreneurship across business and social sectors. Project based course. Offered in alternate years, spring semester. Prerequisites: BC/BI 216 or ENV 201/L or BU 313 or ENT 301, or permission of instructor.
BI 471 Ecology (3)
Environmental-biological interrelations. Concepts of populations, communities, ecosystems, and conservation of resources by man. Concurrent registration in BI 471 required. Prerequisites: BI 307/307L (Biology majors) or ENV 201/201L (ENV majors).
BI 471L Ecology Laboratory (1)
Laboratory section accompanying BI 471. Concurrent registration in BI 471 required. Pre-requisites BI 307/307L (Biology majors) or ENV 201/201L (ENV majors). Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 480 Special Topics (1 to 3)
Selected topics in biology. Lecture or seminar topic in selected area of contemporary biology. May be repeated.
BI 490 Senior Seminar (1)
Readings and discussion of special topics or procedures for planning a directed research project and presenting an oral and written report or results. Prerequisites: senior standing in biology or consent of program advisor.
BI 495 Research I (3)
Weekly seminar course accompanying research project (approximately 10 hours per week) performed in Chaminade or other research laboratory under supervision of a practicing research scientist. Prerequisites: BI 308 and BI 308L. Materials intensive fee applies.
BI 496 Topics Seminar (1)
Individualized in-depth research, readings and discussions on current topics. Includes intensive library and computer-based searches and several oral reports. Prerequisites: Biology senior standing or approval of program advisor.
BI 499 Research II: Honors Research (3)
Second semester of research project (approximately 10 hours per week) performed in Chaminade or other research laboratory under supervision of a practicing research scientist. Offered annually. Prerequisites: BI 495. Materials intensive fee applies.