Explore the Diversity of Life with Bellevue College’s Life Sciences Biology Program
Our Life Sciences Program at Bellevue College offers an exciting exploration of the biological world offering an in-depth exploration of the living world, from the smallest cells to complex ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or research, diving into the intricacies of molecular biology, or understanding the complexities of ecosystems, our program provides the foundation you need to get started.
Why Choose Our Program?
- Hands-On Learning: Apply your knowledge with lab work and field studies that bring science to life.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from dedicated instructors who bring real-world experience and a passion for teaching.
- Diverse Course Offerings: Explore a range of subjects, including majors cellular, plant and animal biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and more.
- Pathways to Success: Prepare for transfer to four-year institutions or enter high-demand careers in STEM and healthcare.
- Career-Ready Skills: Develop skills for careers in healthcare such as nursing, diagnostic ultrasound, and radiation therapy, as well as biotechnology and beyond.
Your Future Starts Here
With a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, Bellevue College’s Life Sciences Biology Program equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving scientific landscape.
Join Us Today!
Begin your journey in biology and explore a world of possibilities!
BIOL& 100: Survey of Biology – 6 credits
An introduction to biology for the non-science student, emphasizing fundamental life processes and concepts common to all living organisms, with the human example. Emphasis is on biological applications in today’s society. Course includes a lab. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 108: Human Biology – 6 credits
Overview of human body functions, including an introduction to some anatomy and physiology, nutrition and exercise and modern medical advances. This course is intended for non-science majors. Course includes a laboratory. Fulfills laboratory science course requirement at BC. Recommended: High School Biology. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 125: Survey of Human Diseases – 5 credits
Examines the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of common and/or emerging human diseases.
BIOL 135: Introduction to Global Health – 5 credits
Introduction to the principles of global health, health determinants, health care systems, nutrition, and women’s health issues in the world. The course will discuss ways in which to improve global health and connect how global health challenges can affect local health issues.
BIOL 145: Understanding Cancer – 5 credits
This course will cover the causes, detection, treatment and prevention of the major types of cancer, including the hallmarks of cancer as well as the fundamentals of the cell and molecular events that lead to cancer. Recommended: some Biology courses taken prior to this course.
BIOL 150: Marine Biology – 6 credits
Introduction to marine life, marine biological communities, and marine ecology. Course includes lecture, labs, and field trips. Fulfills laboratory science course requirement at BC. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 159: Foundations In Biology – 1 credits
This course provides additional support for students in BIOL& 160. Course content will include critical thinking skills, exam preparation (including predicting test questions), self-assessment, cohort building and mentoring. Students will explore learning strategies and identify campus resources supporting the BIOL&160 curriculum. Mandatory participation with S/U grading. Offered quarterly.
BIOL& 160: General Biology W/Lab – 6 credits
Introduces major concepts of cell biology, including cell physiology and structure, molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Course is a prerequisite for professional health-science programs. Format includes laboratory work. Fulfills laboratory science course requirement at BC. Strongly recommended: CHEM& 121, CHEM& 140, or one year of high school chemistry. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 162: General Biology II – 6 credits
Surveys systems and processes, and diversity of living organisms and their environment. Format includes laboratory work. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 194: Special Topics in Biology – variable credits
Covers supplementary, contemporary, or focused topics related to Biology. Topics are announced in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIOL 195: Special Topics In Biology – variable credits
Covers supplementary, contemporary, or focused topics related to Biology. Topics are announced in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIOL 199: Individual Studies In Biology – variable credits
Allow students to investigate special biological phenomena and taxa. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIOL& 211: Biology Majors Cellular – 6 credits
First in a three-course sequence for science majors and pre-professional students. Topics include cell structure, metabolism and energetics, genetic control of life, biotechnology, and an introduction to evolution. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 212: Biology Majors Animal – 6 credits
Second in a three-course sequence for science majors and pre-professional students. Topics include evolution of species, embryonic development of animals, vertebrate systems, and animal taxonomy. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 213: Biology Majors Plant – 6 credits
Third in a three-course sequence for science majors and pre-professional students. Topics include plant anatomy, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology I – 6 credits
Introduces the structure and function of tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Both BIOL& 241 and BIOL& 242 are needed for a complete study of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems. Format includes laboratory work. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 242: Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 6 credits
Continues the study of tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Both BIOL& 241 and BIOL& 242 are needed for a complete study of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems. Format includes laboratory work. Fulfills a laboratory science course requirement at BC. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL& 260: Microbiology – 6 credits
Explores structure, function, and taxonomy of microbes, including bacteria and viruses, and their relationships to health and disease. Format includes substantial laboratory work and written reporting. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 275: Laboratory Methods in Genomics – 6 credits
Introduces the use of laboratory tools and techniques to sequence DNA. Topics covered include DNA structures and gene expression. Emphasis on experimental methods and design. Students learn to think critically about research methodology and scientific investigation. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 276: Advanced Laboratory Methods in Genomics – 6 credits
Provides experience in teaching and advanced laboratory techniques in genomics. Topics include genomic library maintenance and DNA sequence database maintenance. Emphasis on independent work and teaching other students, critical thinking about research methodology and scientific investigation. Fee: $62.00 200-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
BIOL 294: Special Topics In Biology – variable credits
Covers supplementary, contemporary, or focused topics related to Biology. Topics are announced in the class schedule. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIOL 299: Individual Studies in Biology – variable credits
Allows for advanced special projects, student research and independent study in Biology by an individual student. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
BIOL 312: Biology of Cancer – 5 credits
Emphasis is on the cellular, genetic, biochemical and environmental aspects of the disease including discussion of the multiple disease nature of cancer, its diagnosis and treatment. Same as RAIT 312. Either BIOL 312 or RAIT 312 may be taken for credit, not both. Prerequisite: Admission into applied baccalaureate program at HSEWI division, or permission of the Life Sciences Program Chair. Recommended: BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211.
Last Updated April 1, 2025
