Jul 12, 2025  
2013-2014 Course Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


The following are standard, approved subjects. Availability of any subject depends on the scheduling, program and student needs at the time. The receiving college or university determines the transferability of courses.

Course Types

Adjunct Adjunct courses may be temporary or experimental and may be used to fulfill elective credit in programs that lead to a degree or diploma. Adjunct courses may not be used to fulfill or substitute for required or option courses in any degree or program.

General Noncore courses identified as freshman-sophomore courses. open Occupationally specific courses corresponding to courses in certain professional programs at four-year institutions.

Voc/Tech Occupationally specific courses. Transferability is generally limited. Only 16 credits can apply to the AA/AS degree.

Core Traditional liberal arts courses in the first two years of a baccalaureate degree.

College preparatory (Coll Prep) College preparatory and skill building courses. College Preparatory courses cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements.

P/F Indicates courses taken pass/fail.

Prerequisites Successful completion of a course or other criterion necessary for a student to succeed in a higher level course.

Corequisites A course that must be taken concurrently or prior to the course.

*An instructor may deny enrollment in or drop a student from a specific course if a course
Prerequisite has not been met.

 

Business Computer Application

  
  • BCA 213 - Intermed Computer Business App

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Voc/Tech
    Develop a proficiency in decision-making using computer software applications. Emphasizes the production of final documents for real business applications such as mail merge, desktop publishing, linked spreadsheets, sorting, filtering, customized database forms and reports and enhancement of presentations.
    Prerequisite: with a grade of “C-” or better OR with a grade of “C-” or better
  
  • BCA 214 - Adv Computer Business Appl

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Voc/Tech
    Covers post-advanced applications using Microsoft Office. Working with master documents, creating index and table of contents from long reports, creating online forms, learning to use auditing and data validation tools, customizing forms and administering a database and creating complex presentations are emphasized.
    Prerequisite: with a “C-” or better
  
  • BCA 250 - Desktop Publishing

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Voc/Tech
    In a PC environment, use image enhancement software such as Adobe Photoshop to manipulate photo and graphic files. Apply principles of desktop publishing in the development of publications using software such as Microsoft Publisher. Convert files into Web-ready format.
    Prerequisite: with a “C-” or better or with a “C-” or better

Biology

  
  • BIO 100 - Opportunities in Biology

    Credits: 1
    Lecture Hours: 1
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    An exploration of careers and advanced educational opportunities in the biological sciences at the local, state and national levels.
  
  • BIO 104 - Introductory Biology w/lab

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    Introduction to basic concepts in biology. Topics include the scientific method, cell structure and function, genetic inheritance, evolution, diversity of life at the organismal level, ecology and ecosystems. Biology as an experimental science and biotechnology will be explored through laboratory experiences.
  
  • BIO 112 - General Biology I

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    First semester of Biology for majors. Topics covered include chemistry of life, cells, bioenergetics, genetics, evolution, viruses, prokaryotes and protists.
    Prerequisite: H.S. Biology & H.S. Chemistry or equivalent
  
  • BIO 113 - General Biology II

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    Second semester of biology for majors. Topics covered include fungi, plants, animals and ecology. It is recommended that be taken prior to this course.
    Prerequisite: H.S. biology and H.S. chemistry or equivalent
  
  • BIO 135 - Introduction to Botany

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    This course is an introduction to the biology of plants. The course acquaints students with plant classification, morphology, anatomy, physiology, diversity and evolutionary and ecological relationships. Includes laboratory and field exercises.
    Prerequisite: High School Biology and/or High School Chemistry recommended.
  
  • BIO 138 - Field Ecology

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    Field and laboratory studies of native plants and animals of Iowa. Emphasis is placed on ecological relationships. Selected field trips are conducted to forest, prairie, marsh and riparian habitats in the local area.
  
  • BIO 145 - Ecology of Iowa

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    Surveys the major landforms of Iowa, including the Mississippi River Valley, Northern Prairie Lakes Region, Loess Hills and Southern Hills Area. Landforms are emphasized from the standpoint of climate, soils, geology, water resources, forestry, wildlife and environmental concerns. One Saturday field trip.
  
  • BIO 146 - Genetics

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Open
    An introductory genetics course for Biology and Biotechnology majors. Topics covered include: introduction to the principles of transmission genetics in plants and animals, DNA and chromosome structure, replication and gene expression, molecular genetics found in plants, animals, bacteria and viruses. Basic quantitative and population genetics.
    Prerequisite: or
  
  • BIO 156 - Human Biology w/lab

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    A study of biology that emphasizes the human body. Topics such as basic chemistry, the cell and human organ systems are included. Labs will reinforce course content. Designed for the non-science and inadequately prepared health science major.
  
  • BIO 164 - Essentials Anatomy/Physiology

    Credits: 5
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 4
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    A classic integration of human anatomy and physiology at the cellular level and organ/system level. Includes cat dissection.
    Prerequisite: H.S. Biology and H.S. Chemistry or equivalent
  
  • BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    Anatomy & Physiology I covers the structure and function of the human body from the cellular level to organ systems. Topics at the cellular level include the fundamental basics of chemistry, cell structure and cellular metabolism, genetics and histology. The organ systems studied are the skin and integumentary system, the skeletal and muscular systems, the nervous system and the senses. Lecture and lab must be taken concurrently.
    Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in Human Biology or a “C” or better in high school Anatomy within the last five years
  
  • BIO 173 - Anatomy & Physiology II

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I. The following organ systems are covered: the endocrine system, blood and the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the urinary system, the digestive system including nutrition and the reproductive system. Other topics include the body’s balance of water; electrolytes and acids and bases and an introduction to human growth and development. Lecture and lab must be taken concurrently.
    Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in Anatomy & Physiology I
  
  • BIO 186 - Microbiology

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 3
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Core
    A general microbiology course with laboratory designed for the science major. Emphasis is placed on morphology, physiology, microbial genetics, virology and basic immunology and applications.
    Prerequisite: one semester of any college-level biology.
  
  • BIO 191 - Intro to Biotechnology w/Lab

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    An introductory course with lab focusing on the fields of biotechnology, GMO production and use, stem cell research, bioethics, cancer and basic microbiology. Topics will include an introduction to employment opportunities in the field of biotechnology, basic biology and biochemistry, lab math skills and an introduction to equipment used in biotechnology including PCR and bioinformatics.
  
  • BIO 225 - Marine Biology I

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    Students will study polar, temperate and tropical marine organisms and their environmental and ecological relationships. They will also examine the structure and function of marine flora and fauna using preserved and live specimens. The course includes hands-on laboratory activities, comparative anatomy, field observations, marine aquarium care, snorkeling, kayaking and introductory scuba.
    Prerequisite: High school or college Biology
  
  • BIO 227 - Marine Biology II

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    This course is the second in a series of two courses. The students will continue the study of polar, temperate and tropical marine organisms and their environmental and ecological relationships. They will also examine the structure and function of marine flora and fauna using preserved and live specimens. The course includes hands-on laboratory activities, comparative anatomy, field observations, marine aquarium care, snorkeling, kayaking and introductory scuba.
    Prerequisite:
  
  • BIO 243 - Topics in Biotechnology

    Credits: 1
    Lecture Hours: 1
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Open
    An exploration of recent advancements in biotechnology as well as current practices in research and development, manufacturing, quality control/ quality assurance and safety.
    Prerequisite:
  
  • BIO 249 - Biotechnology Internship

    Credits: 2-3
    Lecture Hours: 0
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 9-12
    Course Type: Open
    This internship is the final requirement for the completion of the Biotechnology A.S. degree requirements. It will be conducted in cooperation with potential employers. During this period, students will be expected to demonstrate their technical skills and practicum competencies in a professional manner, showing progressive independence, greater efficiency and confidence.
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
  
  • BIO 250 - Cell & Molec Bio-Nucleic Acids

    Credits: 5
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 6
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Open
    This course is designed to provide training in techniques related to nucleic acids and is a requirement for biotechnology majors. Topics will include DNA and RNA structure, function and regulation. Strategies and tools used in genetic engineering will also be included. The lab component of the course will include lab safety, media preparation, cell culture techniques, solution preparation and other basic lab skills. Students will get hands-on training in the isolation, characterization and manipulation of nucleic acids, as well as PCR and Southern blotting.
    Prerequisite: and
    Prerequisite OR Corequisite:
  
  • BIO 251 - Cell & Molecular Bio-Proteins

    Credits: 5
    Lecture Hours: 2
    Lab Hours: 6
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: Open
    This course is designed to provide training in techniques related to protein chemistry and is a requirement for biotechnology majors. The course will focus on processes related to synthesis, control of synthesis and trafficking of proteins within the cell. Protein structure and function will be studied with special emphasis on enzymes and immunoproteins. The study of differential protein expression and regulatory mechanisms will also be included. The lab component of the course will train the student in the purification, characterization, handling and storage of proteins, enzyme mechanisms and kinectics, immunoassays and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.
    Prerequisite: , or ,
    Prerequisite OR Corequisite:
  
  • BIO 260 - Biology of Aging

    Credits: 3
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    This course is designed for individuals planning to work with the elderly population. It covers changes that occur in body systems during the normal aging process, as well as some of the most common dysfunctions and diseases associated with aging. Furthermore, environmental factors, effects of diet and exercise in the aging process will be discussed.
  
  • BIO 295 - General Ecology and Lab

    Credits: 4
    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 2
    Practicum Hours: 0
    Work Experience: 0
    Course Type: General
    General ecology is intended for biology and related majors. Topics addressed by lecture/discussion and laboratory include historical development and scientific method, physical environment, organisms and species, communities and ecosystems and theory. Lab activities include written reports and oral presentations.
    Prerequisite: ; ; and or ; or with instructor’s permission
  
  
  
  

Building Maintenance

  
  
  
  

Bioprocess Technology

  
  
  
  
  

Business

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Computer Aided Drafting

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Diesel-Caterpillar

  
  
  
  
  
  

Civil Engineering Technology

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

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