The CCS Biology List of Recommended Courses

This list is intended to supplement, and not replace, advice from your faculty advisors.  I asked, in particular, for recommended upper division courses suitable for Freshmen but there are some additional recommendations here, of breadth courses and others.

Comments have been edited for minor grammar changes and factual information only (eg course names, numbers and instructors). Send additional comments or recommendations to John Latto. This list is only as valuable as you make it.

After the shortcuts below, there is a table with the classes sorted by division and by quarter. At the end is sone general advice.

I have not listed Freshmen Seminars. These tend to be a little more variable in their offering than regular classes - you are strongly advised to check out their website to see what is on offer.

Short cuts

Lower Division
Upper Division
CCS Classes
Geology Classes
EEMB Classes
Environmental Studies Classes
MCDB Classes

Classes Recommended below sorted by quarter 

This information may change. Please check with the individual departments and the quarterly schedule of classes
Fall Winter Spring Summer
Lower division Anth 5, Astro 1, Geol 2, Geol 4, MCDB 23, Phys 6A, Phys 6C Astro 1, Geog 8, Geol 2, Geol 4, MCDB 27, Phys 6A, Phys 6B, Theater 65 Astro 1, ES 3, Geol 2, Geol 4, Phys 6B, 6C Anth 5, Astro 1, ES 3, MCDB 23, Phys 6a, Phys 6B, Phys 6C
Upper division CS 101(expts), EEMB 112, EEMB113, EEMB120, EEMB 168, EEMB 188RE, ES100, MCDB 101A, MCDB 139, MCDB 151, MCDB 152 CS 101 (expts), EEMB136, EEMB138, EEMB152, EEMB159, EEMB 188RE, MCDB 101A CS101 (flowers), Geol 149, EEMB 102, EEMB 148, EEMB 188RE EEMB120, MCDB101A

LOWER DIVISION (especially the less obvious ones)

Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Anth 5 (4 units)          Steven Gaulin          Fall
Course summary
Human evolution: evolutionary theory, basic genetical concepts, primate evolution and behavior, fossil man, evolution of human behavior and mind.
What CCS students say
Physical Anthropology 5 was my favorite class, which came as a complete shock to me. The biological bits are mostly about evolution (natural selection, genetic variation, mating strategies) and animal behavior (mainly primates), but one of the most interesting sections in the class was on evolutionary psychology, which is about the selection process that behaviors undergo. It is a huge Campbell Hall class, but Professor Gaulin likes to walk through the aisles as he lectures and tries to spark interest whenever possible. He is very approachable, but I ended up talking to my TA instead, who was very open to talking and helpful. The workload isn't bad at all. It is a four unit class that each week has a chapter to read and a problem set to do (those are usually only a few questions long) along with a discussion group. I realized near the end of the quarter that the reading was not nearly as important as the lecture, and that Professor Gaulin would add in interesting facts into his lecture that were not found in the book, so going to lecture was a must. Just a great class overall, and I hope to take more like it in the future.

Basic Astronomy
Astro 1(4 units)          Various          Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer
Course Summary
A survey of the development of astronomy with an emphasis on understanding the observable properties of the solar system, the sun and other stars, our own and other galaxies, and the entire universe. Topics of current interest will be discussed as time permits.
What CCS students say
The course covers everything from star charts to planets to black holes. Typically Professor Antonucci teaches the course, though I took it when Professor Zee taught it. Both make the class entertining. It's not really related to biology but it is a fun science course to take. The class is big though and uses i-clickers

Introduction to the Social and Cultural Environment 
ES 3 (4 units)          Gregory Graves          Spring
Course summary
An introduction to the relationship of societies and the environment from prehistorical times to the present. The course is global in perspective, and includes history, literature, philosophy, economics, science, and culture as evidence for examining the human social environment
What CCS students say
This course outlines why Europeans came to be the dominating world force starting with the very beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent. To sum up a major theme in the class, European success came about not because they are culturally or genetically superior - it's due to the favorable geography and ecology of the European continent. The required reading, which includes Jared Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel, is nothing short of fascinating and many of the topics presented in the reading are discussed openly in the discussion section (which often felt like a CCS discussion course). The course is pretty light and Professor Graves, despite his name, is congenial and loves talking with students. By the end of the course, you will intimately know the progression of humanity from the beginnings of agriculture to modern times, how the environment played a large role in this process, and how man's perception of the environment and its limited resources have changed over time. The honors section is irrelevant to the lecture material. I'd only recommend it if you'd like to know Graves better.

Living with Clobal Warming
Geography 8 (4 units)           Catherine Gautier          Winter
Course summary
Overview of global  warming and climate change processes. Description of complex relationships between scientific, technological, economic, social, and historical facets of global warming and climate change. Introduction to the concept and practice of climate modelling
What CCS students say
One non-bio class that I would recommend for freshman that is bio-related is the global warming class taught in the geography department. It is very imformative and I think its important to understand how global warming could become a huge part of our biological and ecological systems in the future. Also, it is pretty inline with what the recycling group in CCS promotes.

Principles of Physical Geology
Geol 2 (4 units)          Various          Fall, Winter Spring
Course summary
Introduction to the science of the earth; properties and processes of its surface and interior, including plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, glaciation, mountain building, formation of rocks, minerals, and the structural basis of landforms.
What CCS students say
Geologic processes often coincide with biological systems so an overview of physical geology is very helpful, especially in the field. I had the opportunity to have Art Sylvester as a professor for the course, he was phenomenal, but the staff member who teaches the course changes. Nonetheles the geology department is full of greatprofessor all who know their stuff and I'd be willing to bet that the course is just as enlightening.

Introduction to Oceanography
Geol 4 (4 units)          Various          Fall, Winter, Spring
Course summary
An introduction to oceanography covering the major physical, chemical, and geological features of the oceans, their role in earth history, and potential use as a natural resource.
Geology 4S is similar to Geology 4, but designed for students with an interest in science desiring a small, more intensive class format. Topics include a survey of ocean basins, plate tectonics, seawater, the atmosphere, ocean climate and circulation, oceanic productivity and biota.
What CCS students say
I would recommend earth science courses, like Geol 4 Oceanography, so as to better understand biotic systems. 

Biology of Cancer
MCDB 23 (3 units)         David Kohl          Fall
Course Summary
An introduction to developments regarding the etiology and treatment of various cancers. Lectures compare normal cells and tissues with those which have become malignant. Discussion of causes, treatment, and prevention of specific cancers.
What CCS Students say
I would recommend the Biology of Cancer class, I'm sure an incoming CCS freshman could handle it.

Memory: Bridging the Humanities and Neuroscience 
MCDB 27 or French 40X or Comparative Literature 27 (3 units)          Kenneth Kosik and Dominique Jullian           Winter
Course summary
Neurosciences now ask some of the same profound questions posed by writers, artists and philosophers for centuries, thus opening
surprising perspectives on memory and morality, dreams and perception, identity and agency. This course explores this emerging concordance.
What CCS students say
The teachers, Kosik and Julien, are wonderful and worked hard to put together a curriculum bridging science and literature. The class is a great lighter addition to a schedule but there is a significant amount of non-scientific reading involved. The class requires little prior knowledge of biology and if taken through the French or Comparative Literature Departments can serve as a breadth course

Introductory Physics

Physics 6A,B,C (3 units each)          Robert Geller (6A and 6B)          Fall, Winter and Spring
Course summary
A. Mechanics. B. Heat, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. C. Electromagnetic waves, optics, modern physics. 
What CCS Students say
I took Physics 6 series my first year and I would recommend that because even though its not Bio or Chem, there are definitely areas that overlap and Geller is a good teacher and fair grader. Its not too tough and I think its a good idea to have a year of college physics under your belt.

In suggesting the Phys6 series, please be sure that students know the difference between this series and the Phys1 series. At the time, I was unaware of the difference, and I may have chosen differently had I known that phys one is more preparatory--it's taken more seriously. This of course, depends on the student's goals and preferences. 

Public Speaking
Theater 65 (4 units)          Jody Enders          Winter
Course summary
Practical and historical introduction to the art of public speaking in a variety of contexts (legal, political, corporate, artistic, dramatic, educational, etc.). Main lecture focuses on critical and historical analysis of actual speeches; lab offers practical training in performing them.
What CCS students say
While not a biology course, it is great practice for becoming a confident presentation giver--a must if working in a lab...

UPPER DIVISION

DRAWING & PAINTING, also known as the CCS flowers class.
ART CS 101          Hank Pitcher and Bruce Tiffney          Spring

Course Summary

Art and science both require careful observation and an understanding of what is being observed in order to yield good results. In this class, a trained artist and a botanist will help you examine one of the natural objects that humans most commonly bring into their lives - flowers. We will have field trips, demonstrations and brief lectures focused upon the biological and artistic aspects of flowers. This is a painting class for Art majors and other interested students. We will study the structures and diversity of a variety of native and cultivated flowers, recording what we observe in a variety of media. At the end of the quarter, each student will contribute to a class project that will be a prodromos to a guide to campus flowers.
What CCS Students say
The course covers botanical illustrations as an art, though a fair bit about the biology of plants is covered. If you ever wanted to take an art class this is a good one. Professors Bruce Tiffney and Hank Putcher give you helpful advise as you try to capture the essence a given plant in painting form, and are also very enthusiastic and great to talk with. No prior art skills are required, but as the class is very popular, you should make sure you have the dedication for it (drawing every detail of a flower can be very painstaking).

Bruce Tiffney and Hank Pitcher teach an awesome botanical illustration class, CS 101 Flowers  (and the Sedgewick Ranch Painting class) which would be a lot of fun for people interested in plants--no background is required and by the end you'll have a good idea of what parts to look for when trying to ID something.

Models and Experiments
CS 101        Claudia Tyler          Fall and Winter
Course summary
Students will carry out individual research projects designed at the end of fall quarter with supervision of the instructor. In addition, we will meet as a group several times during the quarter to census class experiments and to discuss the progress of independent projects. A final written report, PowerPoint presentation, or poster on research findings will be required for all students taking the course for credit.
What CCS students say
I took the models and experiments class for three quarters, it was my best academic college experience so far. I ended up participating in the undergrad research symposium at the end of the year, presenting with my group. I ended up putting a lot of work into the class, but you only get out of it how much you're willing to put in.

I took CS 101 Models and Experiments as a freshman, and it's definitely a great way to get a jump on research.

The History of Mammals
Geology  149 (4 units)         Andy Wyss          Spring
Course summary
Introduction to the diversity of fossil and living mamammals from phylogenetic, statigraphic, and paleobiogeographic data.
What CCS students say
I also took History of Mammals  my first year, and while it is technically a geology course, it focuses entirely on mammalian evolution in respect to osteology, and is a good supplement to EEMB 113/L, and EEMB 108 (I would not recommend 108 to freshmen though)

Macroevolution
EEMB 102 (4 units)         Todd Oakley          Spring
Course summary
An introduction to the scientific methods used to study the tempo and mode of evolution above the species level and important topics in macroevolution such as the Cambrian explosion, the origin of novelties, the evolution of development, and phylogenetics.
What CCS students say
The course isn't difficult conceptually but does require a fair amount of memorization. Should be taken spring quarter of freshman year. Oakley is a great prof. always prepared and interesting. Although it is an EEMB class, it is useful for both MCDB and EEMB students. It is a good intro to upper division classes.

 Lower Invertebrate Zoology

EEMB 112  (5 units)          Armand Kuris and Todd Oakley          Fall
Course summary
An introduction to the classification, structure, life histories and habits of the major phyla of invertebrate animals (excluding annelids and arthropods), with an emphasis on the marine fauna of the Santa Barbara area
What CCS students say
Of the invertebrate/parasitology trio (EEMB 112, 111, and 116) EEMB 112 seems to introduce the concepts which the other two courses use, and I highly recommend all three be eventually taken. EEMB 112's lab is very, very fun and interesting, and also not quite as demanding as 111's lab. Overall, a well taught, fun, hands-on course. For EEMB 112, my main caveat is that it is a fairly challenging class, and the exams (especially the lab practicals) are difficult and take up a lot of study time. If a freshman is looking for an easy A, this is probably not the course to turn to.

Evolution and Ecology of Terrestrial Vertebrates
EEMB 113 (2 units) + (2 units for lab)         Steve Rothstein         Fall
Course summary
Evolutionary and ecological principles as demonstrated by amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; competition and other species interactions; diversity and systematics with special emphasis on speciation theory.
What CCS students say
113 is a lot of fun but the lab is time consuming.

Introduction to Ecology
EEMB120 (4 units)          Jonathon Levine and Sally Holbrook          Fall
Course summary
Major concepts in population and evolutionary ecology. Theoretical, experimental, and field studies pertaining to population growth and regulation, competition, predation, diversity, adaptation and life history strategies.
What CCS students say
EEMB 120 is a good overview of ecological concepts that occur throughout all of ecology, and the course requires little or no background to take (in my opinon). The class is not too difficult, and no freshman should have a problem getting an A in the course. I have one major caveat for EEMB 120. Although the material is extremely useful, there is no lab of any sort to engage students, and I could see how the coursework combined with lack of participation might make the class dull for some students.

Principles of Paleontology
EEMB 136 or Geology 111 (4 units) + Lab (2 units)          Bruce Tiffney          Winter
Course summary
The ecological structure and evolution of the biosphere as illustrated by the fossil record.
Lab: Exercises and projects in the identification and interpretation of fossil taxa and fossil communities.
What CCS students say
I would recomend taking it as a sophomore, though if you know it's strongly related to what you want to do take it as a freshman. I am personally very glad I took it, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. The course covers a lot of material and since veryone else is upper division [with experience] status, there's a lot of expectation [term paper, final, midterm and the occasional homework assignment]. However the faculty that teach the course professor, Susannah Porter and professor Bruce Tiffney, are exceptional and very willing to help when you need it. There's an additional lab, which I took concurrently, which although it explains and helps you understand things better, is not required. Take the lab if you have the time for it, it's 3 hrs long, twice a week.

Ethology and Behavioral Ecology
EEMB 138         Steve Rothstein and Bob Warner         Winter
Course summary
Animal behavior and social organization viewed from evolutionary and whole animal perspectives. Specific topics stress environmental influences and natural selection and include: classical ethology, development and learning, communication, foraging, aggression, territoriality, mating systems, parental care, altruism, and sociobiology.
What CCS students say
138 is a lot of fun but the lab is time consuming.

Stream Ecology
EEMB148 (4 units)          Tom Even          Spring
Course summary
Review of literature on the physics, chemistry, and biology of running water ecosystems.
What CCS students say
I would recommend taking Stream Ecology (EEMB 148) by Tom Even. He's a very good professor and the material he covers is interesting and accessible to students who have not taken an introduction to ecology class. In Stream Ecology, there are assigned readings for discussions sections for analysis. His exams are straight forward and he tells the students exactly what the tests are like. There may be difficulty getting into the class if they don't sign up during pass 1 because he is a very popular professor.
I would recommend taking any of Prof. Even?s classes that he teaches, and I know many people take his classes for that reason alone. His enthusiastic teaching style is extremely engaging making it very difficult to ever dose off in the class. The content is very interesting; he studied stream ecology so he brings in some of his own work. All of Even's classes are presented in a very straight forward manner. The course objectives are clear and his exams are extremely fair and comprehensive.

Applied Marine Ecology
EEMB152 (5 units)          Russ Schmidt and Andy Brooks        Winter  
Course summary
Introduction to the application of ecological principles and methods to environmental problems in marine habitats. Focus on problems that are local, regional, and global in scale. Concepts illustrated with case studies.
What CCS students say
For students who are interested in marine subjects because it is an interesting class and really gets students into thinking critically about a subject that they choose for a presentation at the end of the quarter. However, the work load is higher just because the class grade is based on your preparation for a presentation and the presentation itself which is in front of the class in an auditorium.

Tropical Ecology
EEMB159 (4 units)          Tom Even          Winter
Course summary
Examination of ecological processes in terrestrial and aquatic tropical environments.
What CCS students say
I would recommend taking Tropical Ecology by Tom Even. He's a very good professor and the material he covers is interesting and accessible to students who have not taken an introduction to ecology class. The work required in Tropical Ecology is in the discussion sections where there are three (I think) different scenarios to analyze statistically in pairs and produce reports, but it is straight forward.

Fairly straightforward course which covers a wide variety of basic ecological concepts in the context of the tropics. Professor Even is without a doubt one of the best teachers on campus - you'll laugh almost as much as you learn. The discussion section is challenging but rewarding and involves the application of concepts learned in class. Relatively little prior knowledge of ecological concepts is required - this is an excellent course for EEMB-oriented freshman or individuals on the MCDB side of the fence who wish to get their feet wet in ecology. To do well in the class, you essentially have to memorize the slides. Every one of them. The reading material is interesting and can help in getting certain concepts across that aren't understood in class, but otherwise can be ignored. Be as detailed as possible on the exam and keep a careful watch of the time - you'll be writing frantically for the entire period.

Conservation Ecology
EEMB 168 (4 units)        John Latto          Fall
Course summary
An introduction to the practical application of biological principles to conserving biodiversity. Covers tools and theory derived from both ecology and evolutionary biology such as metapopulation theory and population viability analysis as applied to real world examples.
What CCS students say
Conservation Ecology is a great class.

Restoration Ecology Seminar
EEMB 188RE (1 unit)          Lisa Stratton & Jennifer Thorsch          Winter, Fall and Spring
Course summary
Seminar explores current topics in restoration ecology including model projects, techniques, structured research, performance criteria, political and philosophical issues and may include site visits.
What CCS students say
Restoration Ecology 188 is a seminar class taught by Professors Stratton and Thorsch. It was a good class to take because I learned a variation of things under the broader topic of the class, invasive species, and I didn't need any previous knowledge. The workload is small, and I only had to write two mini papers and take one quiz (then again, it is a one unit class so maybe that is the expected workload?). I ended up being much more interested in the content of the class than I thought that I would be.

Environmental Geology
ES 100 (4 units)          Josh Schimel          Fall
Course summary
A study of principles of ecology and their implications for analyzing environmental problems. Focus on understanding the processes controlling the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems. Specific examples emphasize the application of these concepts to the management of natural resources.
What CCS students say
It's an in depth look, though simplistic in a way, at ecology. The class introduces population models, nutrient cycles and other topics that are covered in EEMB 120 Intro to Ecology, but is not as calculation heavy. Professor Josh Schimel is very approachable and cares more about how much the students are learning than covering every chapter in the book (which is also pretty good). I would highly recomend the course to those looking to go into ecology, but have not dealt with theory or models before, that way the material in EEMB 120 may not seem so overwhelming.

Molecular Genetics I: Prokaryotes
MCDB 101A (4 units)         Peggy Cotter          Fall, Winter and Summer
Course summary
From the double helix and genetic code to the latest breakthroughs. Structure, function, evolution and manipulation of DNA, RNA. Replication, expression, recombination, complementation and their regulation in prokaryotes (bacteria, plasmids, viruses). Recombinant DNA technology in medicine, research, agriculture, and industry.
What CCS students say
Very important course if planning to do MCDB research. The course taught many techniques that I use in lab all the time. I think that fall of sophomore year is a good time to take it, but if you are ambitious you can manage it spring of freshman year.

Medical Microbiology
MCDB 139 (4 units)          Diane Eardley          Fall
Course summary
Study of the characteristics of bacteria and viruses, both pathogenic and adventitious, as they are associated with diseases of humans.
What CCS students say
Great for those who feel like they already have a good mcdb intro bio background. I took it with Diane Eardley (this was her last quarter teaching), but Sang Wei (I spelled that wrong) is a good teacher and has a good sense of humor (though I've heard her tests are infernally long.

I would recommend Medical Microbiology, had Dr. Eardley been teaching. I think that the class will be more challenging in the future with a new professor.

Neurobiology I: Cellular Organization and Biophysics of the Nervous System
MCDB 151 (4 units)          Steve Fisher          Fall
Course summary
Properties of the nervous system ranging from single cells to the whole organism, using examples from vertebrates and invertebrates studied in terms of morphology, physiology, and behavior.
What CCS students say
While it is very interesting, don't take it freshman year, and do not take it as your first upper division. It requires a lot of attention to detail.

Neurobiology II: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology
MCDB 152 (4 units)          Kenneth Kosik and Steve Fisher          Winter
Course summary
This second course of a three quarter neurobiology course sequence (151/152/153) covers both top down systems level approaches and bottom up molecular approaches to major topics in neurobiology. These topics include mechanisms of sensory transduction in at least two selected sensory systems, processing of sensory information within the brain, mechanisms of muscle control, cell signaling, neuronal plasticity, neuronal polarity, and the mapping of neural information to the brain.
What CCS students say
The first quarter of Neurobiology (MCDB 152) was pretty straightforward, but the professor was taking over temporarily.

Group Studies for Advanced Students:  Cell Biology
Group Studies for Advanced Students:  Regenerative Medicine
MCDB 194X and MCDB 194 ? (2 units)         Kathy Foltz          
Course summary
What CCS students say
Definitely take a MCDB 194X with Kathy Foltz--Regenerative Medicine and Cell Organelles were both great

General Advice