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Student Learning Outcomes

Discipline: Natural Sciences: Biology
Course Name Course Number Objectives
Advanced Histotechniques HT 14
  • Students will be able to cut 7 blocks with 28 acceptable sections for H&E staining in a 1 hour period.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the operation and maintenance of general types of histological equipment and trouble-shoot equipment problems.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate and describe special staining protocols for carbohydrates, amyloid, connective tissues, muscle, and nervous tissues.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate and describe special staining protocols for cytoplasmic granules, minerals, and pigments.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate and describe decalcification, microtomy, and staining for bone.
  • Students will be able to describe and practice microtomy of frozen sections.
  • Students will be able to evaluate microtomy and staining results.
  • Students will be able to discuss standard protocols involving microwaving.
  • Students will be able to describe and demonstrate methods of cytology preparation and staining.
  • Students will be able to discuss types of microscopes used in histology and compare and contrast the functions.
  • Students will be able to prepare a resume and cover letter for employment.
Archaeology ANTH 4.
  • Students will be able to define archaeology as part of anthropology (not the study of dinosaurs).
  • Students will be able to identify and evaluate pseudoscientific interpretations of the past by comparing them with relevant information in the textbook.
  • Students will be able to illustrate the location of ancient cultures and sites on a world map.
  • Students will be able to identify cultural milestones such as ancient stone tool-making techniques and place them in chronological order.
  • Students will be able to apply the different theories about proposed routes and dates of prehistoric migrations into the New World and illustrate these on a map.
  • Students will be able to differentiate among great ancient cultures by recognizing key artifacts, written languages, and monuments.
  • Students will be able to interpret subsistence strategies and sociopolitical structures of hypothetical ancient cultures.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the ethics and legality of unauthorized excavation, collection, display or sale of artifacts, especially from Native American graves.
  • Students will be able to evaluate dating methods for specific prehistoric materials.
Beginning Histotechniques HT 12
  • Students will be able to discuss and demonstrate the ability to perform the maintenance and quality control of equipment used in a histotechnology lab, including tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes, flotation baths, and ovens
  • Students will be able to identify the purpose, principle, reagents, function, and action of histological stains for routine H&E staining and selected microorganism staining and the criteria for choosing the appropriate control tissue.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to perform hematoxylin and eosin staining and microorganism staining of routine paraffin embedded tissue sections.
  • Students will be able to perform coverslipping procedures correctly and efficiently.
  • Students will be able to analyze and troubleshoot H&E and microorganism staining procedures.
  • Students will be able to dismantle and reassemble the knife holder and specimen holder on a rotary microtome.
  • Students will be able to determine acceptable H&E tissue sections.
  • Students will be able to identify the purpose, ingredients, function, and action of histological fixatives and the criteria for choosing the appropriate fixative.
  • Students will be able to describe and perform tissue processing, including dehydration, clearing, and infiltration.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proper orientation and embedding of tissue specimens in paraffin.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to cut acceptable sections while performing routine microtomy of paraffin embedded tissue.
  • Compare and contrast various hematoxylin stains.
Biological Anthropology ANTH 1
  • Students will be able to identify the origins of evolutionary thought and the major historical figures in the field.
  • Students will be able to contrast and compare scientific and creationist views of evolution.
  • Students will be able to define and illustrate the mechanisms of evolution (such as those responsible for genetic diseases) including mutation, natural selection, gene flow, genetic drift, and non-random mating.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the various genetic theories of human behavior and modern variation.
  • Students will be able to identify living and fossil nonhuman primates in terms of skeletal attributes and observed or inferred behaviors.
  • Students will be able to compare behaviors among primate species, including claims of language and other cultural attributes.
  • Students will be able to describe the basic methods of paleoanthropology and explain the various dating techniques.
  • Students will be able to identify and differentiate among hominid fossils including the robust and other australopithecines; early genus Homo; Homo erectus; Neanderthals and other archaics; and modern Homo sapiens.
  • Students will be able to evaluate various approaches to the classification of nonhuman and hominid primates such as cladistics vs. traditional systematics and issues about lumping vs. splitting species.
  • Students will be able to evaluate theories relating to the origins of bipedalism, tool use, language, modern Homo sapiens, art and symbolism.
  • Students will be able to name one hominin species, describe it, provide an approximate date, and explain why the species can be considered transitional
  • Students will be able to locate other primates [i.e., other than Homo sapiens] on a world map.
Biological Anthropology - Honors ANTH 1H
  • Students will be able to define and illustrate the mechanisms of evolution (such as those responsible for genetic diseases) including mutation, natural selection, gene flow, genetic drift, and non-random mating.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the various genetic theories of human behavior and modern variation.
  • Students will be able to identify living and fossil nonhuman primates in terms of skeletal attributes and observed or inferred behaviors.
  • Students will be able to compare behaviors among primate species, including claims of language and other cultural attributes.
  • Students will be able to contrast and compare scientific and creationist views of evolution.
  • Students will be able to identify the origins of evolutionary thought and the major historical figures in the field.
  • Students will be able to describe the basic methods of paleoanthropology and explain the various dating techniques.
  • Students will be able to identify and differentiate among hominid fossils including the robust and other australopithecines; early genus Homo; Homo erectus; Neanderthals and other archaics; and modern Homo sapiens.
  • Students will be able to evaluate various approaches to the classification of nonhuman and hominid primates such as cladistics vs. traditional systematics and issues about lumping vs. splitting species.
  • Students will be able to evaluate theories relating to the origins of bipedalism, tool use, language, modern Homo sapiens, art and symbolism.
  • Students will be able to describe at least 5 physical and behavioral differences between monkeys and apes
Biological Anthropology Laboratory ANTH 1L
  • Students will be able to identify primates and make taxonomic assignments using cladistic analysis.
  • Students will be able to categorize primate behavior and compare behavior among species.
  • Students will be able to observe and measure primate dentition, make taxonomic and dietary inferences, observe primate skeletons and construct locomotion inferences.
  • Students will be able to identify, observe, measure, and construct phylogenetic inferences of primate fossils.
  • Students will be able to identify, observe, measure, and construct phylogenetic inferences from hominid fossils.
  • Students will be able to solve problems in Mendelian genetics.
  • Students will be able to analyze genetic data from populations; use the Hardy-Weinberg formula; calculate chi square; and establish selection coefficients and relative fitness.
  • Students will be able to construct family pedigrees tracing inherited diseases.
  • Students will be able to measure body fat, identify human traits, identify human bones, locate anthropometric measurement points, and make measurements.
  • Students will be able to determine sex, estimate age and stature, assess population affinity, and identify pathology and trauma of human skeletal remains.
Biology for Majors BIOL 4
  • Students completing this project will be able to demonstrate the ability to show the relevance of biology on their daily lives.
  • Students will have the ability to form a hypothesis, collect data, conduct statistical analysis, and interpret data.
  • Students will be able to examine the chemical organization and structure of cells, and relate these to cellular processes including transport, synthesis and cell reproduction.
  • Students will be able to apply principles of the scientific method in experimental situations and demonstrate explain the purpose and expected outcomes of laboratory experiments.
  • Students will be able to evaluate experimental results in the laboratory and explain why these may differ from expected results.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the components of the organizational hierarchy within the biosphere.
  • Students will be able to describe the structure of DNA, its mechanism of replication and the implications of this process on inheritance, evolution and biodiversity.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and explain the significance of the similarities and differences between the two processes.
  • Students will be able to integrate the principles of ecology to explain relationships within the biosphere and human impact on the planet.
Biology for Majors - Honors BIOL 4H
  • Students completing this project will be able to demonstrate the ability to show the relevance of biology on their daily lives.
  • Students will have the ability to form a hypothesis, collect data, conduct statistical analysis, and interpret data.
  • Students will be able to examine the chemical organization and structure of cells, and relate these to cellular processes including transport, synthesis and cell reproduction.
  • Students will be able to apply principles of the scientific method in experimental situations and demonstrate explain the purpose and expected outcomes of laboratory experiments.
  • Students will be able to evaluate experimental results in the laboratory and explain why these may differ from expected results.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the components of the organizational hierarchy within the biosphere.
  • Students will be able to describe the structure of DNA, its mechanism of replication and the implications of this process on inheritance, evolution and biodiversity.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and explain the significance of the similarities and differences between the two processes.
  • Students will be able to integrate the principles of ecology to explain relationships within the biosphere and human impact on the planet.
Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL 8
  • Students will be able to accurately draw a plasmid map based on the results of a restriction digest of a plasmid.
  • Students will be able to identify the function of each component of the SDS PAGE development process (primary antibody, secondary antibody, biotin, milk protein).
Conservation Biology BIOL 25
  • Differentiate between biosphere reserves, national parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, national forest lands, and national wildlife refuges in terms of management philosophies and objectives.
  • Apply principles of the design of nature reserves to the Mt. SAC Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Compare and contrast similarities and differences between laws that apply to national parks and laws that apply to multiple use public lands.
  • Apply current theories of genetics to illustrate problems with inbreeding and small population sizes.
  • Determine, from sample sets of data, the relationship between habitat island size and the degree of isolation on extinction rates.
  • Analyze the significance of biodiversity to ecological function.
  • Describe the relationship between the illegal trade in the wool of the Tibetan antelope and the illegal trade in tiger parts from India used for traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Integrate principles of ecology to explain relationships between habitat loss and extinction.
  • Participate in a group project that requires verbal presentation of a topic related to natural resource conservation.
Contemporary Health Issues BIOL 5
  • Students completing an assignment in Area E courses will demonstrate meaningful self-evaluation related to increasing their lifelong personal well-being.
  • Students will be able to identify patterns of disease and disability in the U.S.
  • Students will be able to describe the components of a behavior modification program.
  • Students will be able to examine the effects of stress on physical and mental health.
  • Students will be able to identify the benefits of prenatal care and testing.
  • Students will be able to describe risk reduction strategies for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the interaction between fitness and nutrition and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
  • Students will be able to describe the effects of psychoactive drugs on multiple body systems.
  • Students will be able to identify risk factors for intentional and unintentional injuries.
  • Students will be able to synthesize the interaction of multiple environmental hazards.
  • Students will be able to analyze problems in health care delivery in the U.S.
  • Students will be able to compare and evaluate elements of a nutritionally healthy diet.
  • Students will demonstrate meaningful self-evaluation related to increasing their lifelong personal well-being.
Cultural Anthropology ANTH 5
  • Students will be able to analyze how anthropological knowledge and insights can be applied to current societal issues, and then be extrapolated to an analytic evaluation of humanity's future.
  • Students will be able to analyze the key methodological practices of cultural anthropology, with its major focus on pursuing ethnographic research through fieldwork.
  • Students will be able to relate how the processes in any cultural system operate by analyzing the integrated, synergistic nature of all such systems.
  • Students will be able to recognize the diversity of human cultures by contrasting comparative ethnographic information from a significant variety of world societies.
  • Students will be able to critically evaluate the dynamics of culture change (both voluntary and involuntary), and apply this knowledge to understanding the complexities of culturally heterogeneous societies.
  • Students will be able to recognize the immense scope of the multi-faceted discipline of anthropology and explain the relationships between its basic areas of inquiry: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistics and archaeology.
  • Students will be able to assess the historical development of anthropology as a Western academic discipline, giving particular attention to the significant contributions and perspectives of women, minority and non-Western cultural anthropologists.
  • Students will be able to examine the basic conceptual framework which structures the anthropological study of humanity, identifying the crucial distinctions between ethnocentrism and the practice of cultural relativism.
Ecology and Field Biology BIOL 3
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to show the relevance of biology on their daily lives.
  • Students will be able to explain the concept of natural selection through ecological examples of comparative adaptations.
  • Students will be able to integrate principles of ecology to explain relationships within the biosphere and man's impact on the planet.
  • Students will be able to use dichotomous keys in identification of plant and animal species.
  • Students will be able to examine current ecological applications (i.e. sharing of neighborhoods by people and predatory species, effectiveness of the endangered species act, fragmentation of wildlife habitat, etc.).
  • Students will be able to diagram biogeochemical cycles and their relationship to environmental problems such as acid rain and global warming.
  • Students will be able to apply scientific theories and concerns (e.g. human population growth).
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast environmental topics such as ozone depletion vs. global warming, various animal mating systems, various foraging strategies, etc.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate various field techniques such as insect collection/ mounting, plant pressing, vegetation line transects, etc.
  • Students will be able to identify various local habitat types and their associated organisms, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plants.
Fundamentals of Genetics BIOL 34
  • Students will be able to solve genetics problems including those involving dominance, incomplete dominance, multiple genes, sex linkage, and epistasis.
  • Students will be able to solve genetics problems involving linkage and recombination.
  • Students will be able to describe the methods and applications of recombinant DNA technology.
  • Students will be able to identify and discuss the ethical and moral implications of genetic technology including recombinant DNA technology.
  • Students will be able to determine the mode of inheritance of a human genetic disorder from examining a pedigree of inheritance of that disorder.
  • Students will be able to describe the components of the eukaryotic genome.
  • Students will be able to relate the structures of DNA to DNA replication.
  • Students will be able to explain the process of RNA and protein synthesis and how these processes are regulated.
  • Students will be able to describe the role of gene expression in development using specific genes as examples.
  • Students will be able to describe types of mutations at the molecular level.
  • Students will be able to describe types of mutations at the chromosomal level including aneuploidies, deletions, duplications, inversions and translocations.
  • Students will be able to discuss the relationship between mutation and molecular evolution and evolution in organisms.
Fundamentals of Genetics Lab BIOL 34L
  • Students will be able to determine the mode of inheritance of a Mendelian trait from the results of a breeding experiment.
  • Students will be able to determine the mode of inheritance from a pedigree.
  • Students will be able to analyze genetics data with appropriate statistical tests such as a chi-squared test.
  • Students will be able to determine recombination frequencies and construct genetic maps from genetic crosses.
  • Students will be able to quantify DNA concentration.
  • Students will be able to measure mutation rates.
  • Students will be able to perform DNA extraction, PCR, and DNA gel electrophoresis.
  • Students will be able to solve problems in population genetics using the Hardy-Weinberg equation.
  • Students will be able to use online databases to compare DNA and protein sequence data.
General Biology - GE BIOL 1
  • An advisory prereq of READ 100 has been added to Bio 1 course outline. It is currently in the queue for review by Ed Design.
  • Students completing relevant assignments in Area B courses will evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Classify the molecules of living systems and apply basic principles of chemistry to their interaction.
  • Relate cell structure and physiology.
  • Compare and contrast the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in terms of energy transformation in cells.
  • Evaluate how life forms duplicate, maintain control, and exhibit hereditary patterns.
  • Summarize the various types of evidence used to examine evolutionary principles.
  • Assess how population and community dynamics are affected by ecological interactions.
  • Describe how the systems of the human body interact to maintain homeostasis.
  • Explain why evolution is the most all-encompassing scientific explanation for the history of life and the similarities in biochemistry and physiological processes among living things.
  • Can students answer general questions about community and population ecology and natural selection after completing a related activity in lab?
Histochemistry/Immunohistochemistry HT 16
  • Students will be able to perform and evaluate manual enzyme histochemistry.
  • Students will be able to practice various commonly used immunohistochemical staining methods, and evaluate the quality of the staining.
  • Students will be able to review the histology and pathology of muscle.
  • Students will be able to evaluate various enzyme histochemical methodologies.
  • Students will be able to identify antibodies: types, structure, their role in the immune process and how they relate to immunohistochemical staining.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast methods of immunohistochemical staining and identify the hazards involved.
  • Students will be able to practice various commonly used immunohistochemical staining methods, and evaluate the quality of the staining.
  • Students will be able to use of controls and apply the appropriate usage.
  • Students will be able to solve common problems encountered in immunohistochemical staining.
  • Students will be able to discuss in situ hybridization.
  • Students will be able to discuss flow cytometry.
Histology HT 10
  • Students will recognize the microanatomy of the basic tissue and organ system tissue types.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast different types of normal epithelium with epithelia displaying pathological conditions.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast different types of normal connective tissue (including connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, and blood) with connective tissue displaying pathological conditions.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast normal skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle types with muscle tissues displaying pathological conditions.
  • Students will be able to identify normal nervous tissue and describe pathological conditions.
  • Students will be able to identify organs within each organ system and describe the normal and pathological histology of these organs.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proper use and maintenance of the compound microscope.
  • Students will be able to describe cellular components, division and differentiation, stem cells, and levels of maturity of various cell types.
  • Students will be able to distinguish between four primary tissue types: epithelium, connective tissue, muscle, and nervous tissue.
History of Western Medicine PUBH 20
  • Students will evaluate the changing role of women in medicine throughout prehistory and history
Human Anatomy ANAT 35
  • Students will be able to master the anatomy of the Human Skeletal System including names of bones, whether a paired bone is from the left or right side of the body, and diagnostic features of bones.
  • Students will be able to recognize and describe the fundamental classes of tissues and distinguish between tissue types within each class.
  • Students will be able to describe the structure of organs at the histological level.
  • Students will be able to locate and describe the major organs of the mammalian body.
  • Students will be able to review the organization of each organ system and describe and define its components.
  • Students will be able to sequence pathways of movement and flow in such organ systems as circulatory, nervous, reproductive, digestive and respiratory systems.
  • Students will be able to identify bone markings and their normal variations on human specimens.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate accurate dissection technique and identification of important muscles, viscera, blood vessels and nerves in the cat, and structures of the sheep brain, eye and heart.
  • Students will be able to master muscle anatomy and give the name location, origin and insertion of muscles.
Human Physiology ANAT 36
  • Determine the number of ATP produced in the complete aerobic respiration of either a triglyceride, a simple sugar, or any combination thereof.
  • Collect and analyze ECG data.
Human Prosection ANAT 40A
  • Demonstrate muscles of each body region on a human cadaver specimen to other anatomy students.
  • Separate the muscles of the human body and identify their origin, insertion and principle action.
Human Prosection ANAT 40B
  • Identify and explain anatomical variations and abnormalities in internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves between human specimens.
  • Demonstrate precise prosection technique while exposing internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves of the human body at the gross level.
Human Prosection ANAT 40A
  • Demonstrate precise prosection technique while exposing superficial and deep muscles of the human body at the gross level.
  • Identify and explain anatomical variations and abnormalities in deep and superficial muscle between human specimens.
  • Demonstrate laboratory practices and procedures in place to ensure a safe laboratory environment and ethical treatment of anatomical specimen.
Human Prosection ANAT 40B
  • Identify, locate, dissect and describe the major organs of the human body while prosecting a human cadaver.
  • List the structures and describe the organization of each organ system while prosecting a human cadaver.
  • Sequence pathways of movement/flow in organ systems such as circulatory, nervous, reproductive, digestive and respiratory.
  • Demonstrate internal structures, blood vessels, and nerves of each body region on a human cadaver specimen to other anatomy students.
Human Reproduction, Development and Aging BIOL 13
  • Students completing an assignment in Area E courses will demonstrate meaningful self-evaluation related to increasing their lifelong personal well-being.
  • Students will be able to explain the major developmental theories and scientific methods used to study development.
  • Students will be able to describe male and female sexual anatomy and physiology, including sex hormones and their actions.
  • Students will be able to describe cell division, and the principles of genetics, with special emphasis on their impact on human development.
  • Students will be able to explain conception, embryological and fetal development, and the birth process, as well as problems that may arise in any of these stages.
  • Students will able to summarize the biophysical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of infants, toddlers, children, adolescents and adults, and factors that influence these developmental areas.
  • Students will be able to discuss the impact of death in our Western culture, and how we deal with dying, death, loss and bereavement.
Human Sexuality BIOL 15
  • Students will compare and evaluate opposing positions on a controversial issue in human sexuality.
  • Students demonstrate meaningful self-evaluation related to increasing their lifelong personal well-being
  • Students will know the difference between Nurture versus Nature when examine Gender.
  • Explain behavioral aspects of human sexuality, regarding gender, relationships and communication.
Human Sexuality - Honors BIOL 15H
  • Students will be able to describe how cultural values and ethics influence human sexuality.
  • Students will be able to judge the validity of sexual research.
  • Students will be able to explain behavioral aspects of human sexuality, regarding gender, relationships and communication.
  • Students will be able to describe male and female sexual anatomy, physiology and sexual response.
  • Students will be able to describe common sexual disorders and therapies, and the sexual abilities and needs of disabled people.
  • Students will be able to outline the characteristics of major sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Students will be able to explain the multi-faceted aspects of sexual orientation.
  • Students will be able to explain sexuality over the lifespan.
  • Students will be able to outline the advantages and disadvantages of various family planning methods.
  • Students will be able to describe the events of pregnancy, delivery, and how to enhance the birth of a healthy baby.
  • Students will be able to describe common variations in sexual behavior.
  • Students will be able to discuss issues of power, violence and commercialization of sexuality.
  • Students will be able to compare and evaluate opposing positions on a controversial issue in human sexuality.
  • Students demonstrate meaningful self-evaluation related to increasing their lifelong personal well-being.
  • Students will be able to analyze controversies related to current issues in sexual science, and construct reasonable solutions/compromises.
  • Students will be able to locate seminal articles related to a field of sexology and critically evaluate the subsequent progression of data and hypotheses.
  • Students will be able to synthesize data collected from a literature review, meta-analysis and/or original research in an area of interest related to human sexuality.
Humans and the Environment BIOL 6
  • Students will learn ecological principles, differentiate which ecological principles relate to specific ecological situations inspected in class and/or determine the relevance of environmental science to their daily lives
  • Appraise the complexities of the biological and environmental problems confronting humans.
  • Integrate ecological principles into everyday thought and apply them to decision- making.
  • Illustrate the basic ecological concept that everything living and non-living is interconnected.
  • Examine the differences between a frontier society and a sustainable earth society.
  • Contrast the laws of matter and thermodynamics and assess their connections to pollution.
  • Evaluate the concept of carrying capacity as it relates to the earth's resources and matter recycling systems.
  • Evaluate the "J"-shaped curves of increasing population, natural resource use and pollution with respect to their ability to disrupt the earth's life support system.
  • Evaluate the task of moving from simplistic, linear thinking to circular, cybernetic thinking that is harmonious with the ecological cycles that sustain us.
Humans and the Environment Laboratory BIOL 6L
  • Assess the potential problems of abused ecosystems and describe these problems.
  • Summarize the characteristics of California native plant communities.
  • Students will learn ecological principles, differentiate which ecological principles relate to specific ecological situations inspected in lab and determine the relevance of environmental science to their daily lives
  • Examine the process of energy production from waste resources.
  • Select appropriate ecological principles from the textbook and integrate these principles in preparing written field notebooks.
  • Illustrate a flow chart of an urban water reclamation plant.
  • Analyze the ecological principles presented in a variety of environmental articles.
  • Analyze and evaluate the pros and cons of resource recycling.
  • Examine and evaluate the biological and social values of the Mt. San Antonio College Wildlife Sanctuary and other ecological reserves.
  • Summarize and evaluate critical ecological concerns along the Southern California coast.
  • Analyze information and describe the effects of nuclear weapons on the abiotic and biotic environment.
Introduction to Epidemiology PUBH 22
  • Students will calculate probabilities and conditional probabilities of health-related events from a list off current topics
Introduction to Global Public Health PUBH 26
  • Students will identify cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting access to health care
Introduction to Histotechnology HT 1
  • Students will be informed of the courses required for the Histotechnician training program.
  • Students will set up an employment portfolio for use throughout the program
  • Students will be able to use the internet to locate histotechnology journals, newsletters, conferences, and support resources to be used in subsequent courses and future careers.
  • Students will be able to describe regulatory and accrediting agencies that set standards for histotechnology laboratories.
  • Students will be able to develop an educational plan (with assistance from counseling faculty) to complete the program and prepare a portfolio to record program progress and skills acquired.
  • Students will be able to identify the steps in tissue processing that all tissue specimens undergo from arrival in the laboratory to the completed report.
  • Students will be able to list the equipment and reagents needed to process routine tissue specimens.
  • Students will be able to identify the role of the histotechnician in tissue sample preparation in clinical, research, veterinary, and other histology laboratories.
  • Students will be able to identify program admission requirements, essential functions, course requirements, clinical work experience, program policies and procedures, and certification.
  • Students will be able to describe the essential functions necessary for admission and participation in the Histologic Technician Training Program.
Introduction to Immunology MICR 26
  • Students will be able to describe the role of antigen presenting cells in eliciting an effective immune response to bacterial and viral infection.
  • Students will be able to analyze and evaluate various immunological assays as to their utility for a particular application.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the nature and efficacy of physical and chemical barriers of the innate immune response.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast direct and indirect methods of identifying antibody bound to antigen.
  • Students will be able to interpret the results of laboratory tests utilizing the following techniques; ELISA, Western Blot, and immunoradial diffusion
  • Students will be able to formulate an hypothesis for the treatment of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus using immunotherapy based on an understanding of immune system structure and function.
  • Students will be able to describe the use of antibodies in identifying specific antigen in tissue slides.
  • Students will be able to validate the role of typing and cross-matching in solid organ transplantation.
  • Students will be able to examine the structure of the five classes of immunoglobulins and evaluate the role of the specific and nonspecific structural regions relative to immune function.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast innate and adaptive immunity.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the contributions of B and T lymphocytes in the specific immune response.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast MHC Class I and II and their respective roles in the presentation of intracellular and extracellular antigen.
Introduction to Public Health PUBH 24
  • Students will be able to describe how incidence of disease differs from disease prevalence.
  • Students will be able to discuss the role of public health in emergency preparedness.
  • Students will be able to describe how ethics influences health policy.
  • Students will be able to discuss the relationship of public health with the development of health policy.
  • Students will be able to identify a minimum of 5 contributions to improving the health of the public that are a direct result of health education and information and analyze their effectiveness.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the contributions of history in the development of our current public health system.
  • Students will be able to describe the expanding role of public health occupations in the 21st century.
  • Students will Identify, assess, and utilize credible information resources on current community health issues, such as the internet, social media, media outlets, and libraries.
Introductory Human Physiology ANAT 10B
  • Compare and contrast normal physiology and pathophysiology observed in specific disease states.
  • Explain the mechanisms of cellular, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, sensory, digestive, renal, and reproductive physiology, and the regulation of these mechanisms.
  • Demonstrate the ability to describe key interactions between organ systems including acid/base regulation, fluid balance, and metabolic regulation.
  • Acquire laboratory-generated data and perform statistical analyses within the framework of the scientific method.
  • Predict the outcome of laboratory exercises according to concepts, principles, and laws discussed in the course.
  • Evaluate case studies by applying physiological principles on a molecular, cellular, organ, and systems level.
Introductory to Human Anatomy ANAT 10A
  • Sequence functional pathways in organ systems such as circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems.
  • Describe the functional classes of tissues, and distinguish between tissue subtypes.
  • Review the organs/structures in each organ system and describe the components of each.
  • Describe the structure of the major organs of the human body at the tissue level.
  • Use anatomical regions and directional terms to describe positions and relative positions in the human body.
  • Identify body cavities and their contents.
  • Identify and locate major bone markings on all human bones and determine which side of the body a bone belongs to.
  • Identify and describe structures of the eukaryotic cell.
  • Locate and describe the major organs of the human and cat.
Marine Biology BIOL 20
  • Students completing relevant assignments in Area B courses will evaluate the impact of science on their daily live
  • Students will be able to describe two major differences between vertebrate and invertebrate marine organisms.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between the major phyla of marine organisms.
  • Students will be able to explain factors that influence winds, currents and tides.
  • Students will be able to identify dominant invertebrates and vertebrates associated with the southern California coast.
  • Students will be able to summarize ecological principles associated with marine ecosystems.
  • Students will be able to explain the process of plate tectonics and its significance in marine environments.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the biological and political factors that are associated with overfishing.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the geological, physical, and chemical aspects of the marine environment and explain how marine organisms adapt to each aspect.
  • Students will be able to analyze the limiting factors of oceanic provinces.
Marine Biology - Laboratory BIOL 21
  • Students will be able to differentiate between the major phyla of marine organisms based on anatomical differences discovered in laboratory dissections.
  • Students will be able to identify dominant invertebrates and vertebrates of the intertidal regions in a field situation by observing differences in distribution at different elevations above sea level.
  • Students will be able to summarize ecological principles associated with marine ecosystems.
  • Students will be able to analyze external and internal anatomy of marine organisms and describe differences in structure between various classes of marine organisms within a particular phylum.
  • Students will be able to relate anatomical structure to life style of various marine organisms, and analyze the significance of the structure and functions of organ systems to the mode of life in the marine environment.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the biological and physical aspects of the marine environment, and explain adaptations of marine organisms to each aspect.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize chordgrass, pickleweed, and salt grass and describe the elevational distribution of these plants in a salt marsh.
  • Students completing relevant assignments in Area B courses will evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Students will be able to identify 5 different organisms found in the intertidal zone of southern California.
Microbiology MICR 22
  • Perform aseptic transfer techniques and interpretations of laboratory results.
  • Analyze, using student’s own experimental design, effective hand washing.
  • Demonstrate how to properly use the compound light microscope, as well as know its parts, their functions, how to safely transport and clean it.
  • Explain the basic features of every group of microorganisms.
  • Describe the physiology and genetic processes of microorganisms.
  • Apply physical and chemical methods of controlling microorganisms.
  • Explain the dynamics of host-parasite interaction.
  • Diagnose specific diseases on the basis of symptoms and laboratory test results.
  • Perform basic microbiology lab procedures using appropriate PPE required for this laboratory course.
  • Demonstrate safe handling and proper hazardous waste disposal procedures for microorganisms and chemicals used.
Neurobiology and Behavior BIOL 17
  • Students will be able to evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives (area B GEO being used as course level SLO).
  • Students will be able to describe how the nervous and endocrine systems cooperate to generate and control behavior.
  • Students will be able to construct time-activity budgets for various animal species.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast proximate and ultimate causes of behavior.
  • Students will be able to design zoo exhibits that would be appropriate for a particular animal's behavioral requirements.
  • Students will be able to describe how evolution could select for particular types of behaviors.
  • Students will be able to explain the role of cultural transmission in the behavior of animals.
  • Students will be able to assess the costs and benefits of various behaviors such as eating seeds instead of insects or sleeping instead of looking for food.
  • Students will be able to describe evolutionary processes. Students will be able to correctly describe the evolutionary process and be able to explain how this process can shape the behavior of an animal.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives
  • Students will be able to correctly identify the method of training seen in an animal show and be able to apply it to determine how the behavior was trained.
  • Students will be able to more accurately identify animals after attending a field trip.
Pathophysiology ANAT 38
  • Students will evaluate the potential etiologies of disease and identify modifiable risk factors
Plant and Animal Biology BIOL 2
  • Students will be able to discuss evolutionary changes throughout the geological time scale including topics on systematics, taxonomy, and biological diversity.
  • Students will be able to analyze the current taxonomic classification schemes and discuss how taxonomy is a work in progress.
  • Students will be able to describe animal form and function emphasizing evolutionary trends throughout the animal kingdom (including structure, function, nutrition, circulation, gas exchange, immune response, internal controls, chemical signals, reproduction, development, behavior, nervous and sensory systems).
  • Students will be able to complete an analysis of plant and animal interactions in relationship to their biomes.
  • Students will be able to classify plants to Family. Students will be able to correctly analyze plant characteristics and be able to place unfamiliar plants into their correct plant families.
  • Students will be able to construct cladogram. Students will be able to correctly analyze and construct a cladogram using shared and derived characteristics placing species and their characteristics in the proper positions.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives (area B GEO being used as course level SLO)
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and describe how they are arranged in a classification hierarchy.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the different taxonomic groups (bacteria, protists, plants, animals and fungi) and discuss evolutionary changes that led to their adaptive radiation throughout geological time.
  • Students will be able to define the concept of alteration of generation, and analyze the modifications that have occurred in different organismal groups.
  • Students will be able to describe the life cycles of the important phyla in detail emphasizing evolutionary trends through geological time.
  • Students will be able to describe plant form and function emphasizing evolutionary trends throughout the plant kingdom (including structure, function, growth, transport, nutrition, control systems, reproduction and development.)
Plant Structures, Functions, and Diversity BTNY 3
  • Identify cells and tissues in stems, leaves and roots.
  • Compare and contrast the anatomical and morphological differences between stems, leaves and roots.
  • Distinguish modifications of stems, leaves and roots with respect to various environmental conditions related to water and food.
  • Evaluate various theories dealing with uptake of water and food and associated transport pathways in vascular plants.
  • Value plants, fungi, algae, and the natural world.
  • Compare and contrast the reproductive structures of bacteria, algae, fungi, bryophytes, lower vascular plants, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
  • Discuss the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
  • Examine, monitor and analyze the growth and development of plants from seed to seed and relate deficiencies in nutrients to growth changes.
  • Summarize the characteristics of plant communities and biomes.
  • Examine the major lines of evolution of plants and the phylogenetic relationships from bacteria to angiosperms, including the work of Charles Darwin and natural selection.
  • Illustrate the ecological concept that every living and non-living thing is interconnected, with emphasis on biotic as well as abiotic factors such as soil and exposure to sun/wind.
Principles of Microbiology MICR 1
  • Students will be able to describe the structures/functions of external and internal components of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Students will be able to draw standard growth curves for bacterial cultures and explain factors affecting bacterial growth.
  • Students will be able to Describe characteristics of selected pathogens, and the diseases caused by each.
  • Students will be able to describe the role of genes, chromosomes, mutations and human manipulation in heredity of prokaryotic cells.
  • Students will be able to contrast the metabolic processes of fermentation and aerobic metabolism, noting cycles involved, energy production and end products.
  • Students will be able to outline the general characteristics of viruses, prions, and viroids.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the best method to control microbes in various settings (chemical, physical or chemotherapeutic agents).
  • Students will be able to describe the course of infectious diseases, including the interactions with host defenses.
  • Students will be able to identify the fundamental concepts of immunity, immunization, immune deficiencies and immunological testing.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate aseptic technique and safe handling of microbial cultures
  • Students will evaluate the role of culture methods and selective and differential culture media in identifying microorganisms
  • Students will be able to prepare smears, perform staining procedures and record microscopic observations.
  • Students will be able to identify an unknown bacterial organism based on results of lab procedures performed and through a miniaturized multitest system; compare findings of these two methods.
  • Students will be able to evaluate physical, chemical and chemotherapeutic agents.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the level of contamination in water, milk, specific food products.
  • Students will be able to perform quantitative plating and turbidity measures to determine the number of bacteria present in a culture sample.
  • Students will be able to describe and accurately draw various microbes based on microscopic observations.
  • Students will be able to perform a molecular separation technique (gel electrophoresis) and identify a DNA source using DNA fingerprinting.
  • Students will be able to observe bacterial transformation by plasmid DNA and describe an acquired phenotypic trait of the transformed cells.
Public Health and Bioethics PUBH 28
  • Students will describe how ethics and the law have an impact on various health professions
Public Health Microbiology PUBH 29
  • Students will relate climate change and water quality to the emergence of microbial diseases
Scientific Basics for Histotechnicians HT 2
  • Students will be able to perform calculations involved in the preparation of histologic reagents.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate safe techniques in the mixing of chemicals.
  • Students will be able to explain the scientific method and apply it to histotechnology.
  • Students will be able to describe quality control and quality assurance procedures, and identify the role of agencies that set QC standards.
  • Students will be able to describe federal and state safety regulations and regulating bodies as they pertain to the handling of chemicals and biological materials.
  • Students will be able to illustrate the use of record keeping procedures in the histotechnology laboratory.
  • Students will be able to discuss the histotechnician's interaction with ancillary departments.
  • Students will be able to discuss ethical standards as they apply to a histotechnology laboratory.
  • Students will be able to define and apply scientific terms commonly encountered by a histotechnician.
Special Projects in Anatomy ANAT 99
  • Implement or complete the project, research paper, or experiment.
  • Integrate information from various sources, including initial information obtained in development of the project, in a collegiate-level research paper or project report.
  • Create a proposal for the project, research paper, or experiment in macroscopic or microscopic anatomy.
  • Evaluate information from a minimum of five sources (primary literature or other sources approved by the instructor) that relate to the project.
  • Apply ethical standards to research and/or other projects involving human subjects.
Special Projects in Anthropology ANTH 99
  • Evaluate peer-reviewed sources for their relevance to the project.
  • Apply peer-reviewed sources to the project; for example, incorporating published methods into the project.
  • Meet self-imposed interim and final deadlines.
  • Become familiar with safety precautions specific to the materials being used (if relevant to the project).
  • Plan a feasible project focused on one topic (such as a research method or region) from one of the regular anthropology courses.
  • Establish a contract with a specific plan for completing the project, including interim due dates.
  • Use the library to locate relevant peer-reviewed sources about the project.
  • Learn and follow ethics guidelines for research with human subjects (if relevant to the project).
  • Enhance proficiencies in project-related skills.
Special Projects in Biology BIOL 99A
  • Evaluate information from a minimum of five sources (primary literature or other sources approved by the instructor) that relate to the project.
  • Apply ethical standards to research and/or other projects involving animal or human subjects.
  • Implement or complete the project, research paper, or experiment.
  • Integrate information from various sources, including initial information obtained in development of the project, in a collegiate-level research paper or project report.
  • Design a project, research paper, or experiment.
  • Create a proposal for the project, research paper, or experiment.
The Native American ANTH 30
  • Students will be able to identify special problems faced today by Native Americans.
  • Students will be able to identify Native American locations on a map.
  • Students will be able to evaluate theories of origins and genetic relationships of prehistoric Native American populations with Asian populations.
  • Students will be able to describe adaptive measures related to ecological influences in each culture area.
  • Students will be able to compare unique qualities of culture areas and determine common traits.
  • Students will be able to describe Native American contributions to the world in sciences and arts.
Work Experience in Histotechnology HT 17
  • Students will be able to develop a record of the types of tissue samples prepared and the number prepared each day.
  • Students will be able to apply skills learned in the classroom under actual work conditions.
  • Students will be able to evaluate accomplishment of learning objectives and effectiveness of the work site and program through portfolio updates.
  • Students will be able to produce realistic learning objectives and work schedules.
  • Students will be able to recognize the role played by each professional in the laboratory, and work cooperatively as a team.
  • Students will be able to use available reference material with permission to verify and update information.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate correct operation of equipment.
  • Clinical Work Experience Students will rate the technical skills of their students as above average.
  • Clinical Work Experience Students will rate the work habits of their students as above average.
  • Students will be able to interview at a work site and present oneself professionally.
  • Demonstrate good work habits by being punctual and prepared to work each day.
  • Students will be able to follow good laboratory and safety protocols.