Department of Life Sciences

Interested in learning more about living organisms and the life processes associated with these organisms? Explore the Life Sciences programs offered at Scottsdale Community College.

Programs of Study

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Visit the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife to learn more about you can be involved.

Biology Courses

Here are the biology courses we offer. Courses are not offered every semester.

This course will introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of biology, from the smallest molecules to the largest ecosystems. Students will learn about the methods of scientific inquiry that biologists use to study life. Prerequisites: None. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIO100 or BIO100CM.
4 Credits
View BIO100 Classes

Fundamentals of ecology and their relevance to human impact on natural ecosystems. Prerequisites: None. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIO105 or BIO105CM.
4 Credits
View BIO105 Classes

A global study of plants in relation to humans; as a source of food, fiber, drugs, and other products; for aesthetic value, survival, and energy. Prerequisites: None.
4 Credits
View BIO108 Classes

A survey of marine environments and their biotic communities with emphasis on the natural history of marine organisms. Prerequisites: None. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIO145 or BIO145CM.
4 Credits
View BIO145 Classes

An introductory biology course for allied health majors with an emphasis on humans. Topics include fundamental concepts of cell biology, histology, microbiology, and genetics. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIO156 or BIO156CM. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college level chemistry is strongly recommended.
4 Credits
View BIO156 Classes

Principles of scientific method. Structural organization, homeostasis and control mechanisms of the body. Specific chemistry concepts. Structure and function of the major systems of the body. Prerequisites: None.
4 Credits
View BIO160 Classes

The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.
4 Credits
View BIO181 Classes

The study and principles of structure and function of living things at cellular, organismic, and higher levels of organization. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, biology of organisms, and ecology. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.
4 Credits
View BIO182 Classes

Study of structure and function of the human body. Topics include cells, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous system. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO156, or BIO156XT, or BIO181, or BIO181XT, or one year of high school biology) and (RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101). CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required.
4 Credits
View BIO201 Classes

Continuation of structure and function of the human body. Topics include endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, pregnancy and development, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO201 or BIO201XT.
4 Credits
View BIO202 Classes

Study of microorganisms and their relationship to health, ecology, and related fields. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO156, or BIO156XT, or BIO181, or BIO181XT, or one year of high school biology) and (RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101). CHM130 or higher or one year of high school chemistry suggested but not required.
4 Credits
View BIO205 Classes

Course to introduce concepts in Ecology covering abiotic and biotic systems, population biology and ecology, community ecology, biotic communities, disturbance and succession, biogeography, fire ecology, evolution in changing environments, human population biology, and issues in ecology. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181.
3 Credits
View BIO270 Classes

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor.
1 Credits
View BIO298AA Classes

Learning Flexibility: A Biology Class for Everyone's Schedule

We offer biology classes in flexible class formats.

In Person

The class meets regularly in person, on campus, or at an off-campus location, as scheduled. This format is ideal for students who value face-to-face interaction with their instructors and classmates, as well as access to on-campus resources.

Find In-Person Biology Classes

Online

All coursework is available online, allowing you to complete assignments on your own schedule within set start and end dates—though individual assignments may have specific deadlines. Online classes may require in-person proctored assessments.

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Live Online

In this format, the instructor lectures live online via a web conferencing system. It features virtual class meetings with set dates and times. As with Online classes, Live Online classes may, at the instructor's discretion, require in-person proctored assessments.

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Hybrid In-Person

This format blends online learning with in-person class meetings on campus or at an off-campus location, according to the class schedule. The in-person sessions occur at specific times and dates listed in the class schedule.

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Hybrid Live Online

This format combines online coursework with live online class meetings. The live online sessions occur on set dates and times, providing structure while still offering flexibility. As with Online classes, in some cases, Hybrid Live Online classes may require in-person proctored assessments at the instructor's discretion.

Find Hybrid Live Online Biology Classes