USC Schedule of Classes

Cellular and molecular biology with examples related to human biology and diseases. Fundamental life processes examined at the genetic, cellular and molecular levels.

An examination of the physical and biological laws that influence agriculture, pollution, population dynamics (including humans), climate, biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. Not available for major credit.

Structure and function of the human body, including the role of organ systems, tissues, and cells in normal function. Malfunctions resulting from disease, substance abuse and lifestyle. Not available for major credit.

In-depth survey of key topics related to advances in our knowledge of the diversity of life and evolution; origin of life; eukaryotes/prokaryotes; ecology.

Equivalent to 120Lg, but taught at a higher level for exceptionally well-prepared students. Admission to the course by departmental approval only.

The human organism; the nature of inherited and acquired diseases;the biological and societal basis for the AIDS epidemic; therapy,drug design and the future. Not available for major credit.

In-depth survey of key topics related to advances in our knowledge of cellular biology and physiology; cell composition/metabolism; gene action; organism structure and function. Recommended preparation: high school chemistry; BISC 120L or BISC 121L.

The structure and function of the mammalian brain including the role of the brain in regulating behavior, both in normal and diseased states; in relation to mind; and in comparison with machine forms of intelligence.

Structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins; molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes; genetics.

Engineering methods to understand and design molecules, cells, and living organisms. Techniques to analyze biological systems at the molecular and microscopic level. Computational analysis.

Scientific principles underlying molecular approaches to diagnosis and treatment of diseases, using specific models within a societal (business, legal, ethical) context. Not available for major credit.

Biomolecular structures, protein and nucleic acid chemistry and functions, carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, enzyme catalysis and kinetics, coenzymes, biochemical signaling, major metabolic pathways, control of gene expression, replication, transcription and translation. Prerequisite: CHEM 105b or CHEM 115b. Corequisite: CHEM 322a or CHEM 325a. Recommended preparation: BISC 220 or BISC 221.

Critical problems in the development of scientific thought, studied as vehicles for understanding the content and structure of the sciences. Specific subject matter in selected scientific disciplines will be presented. Students may not take this course on a P/NP basis.

Scientific understanding of a full range of living systems from molecules to ecosystems, prokaryotes to humans, past and present. (Satisfies GE-D, Life Sciences) Open only to Freshmen.

Scientific understanding of living systems from molecules to ecosystems; how data is generated and interpreted; how scientific discovery spurs technological growth and impacts society. Offered by a professional school.

Foundations of the human species. Examination of scientific evidence from Darwinian theory, primate behavior, fossils, and the behavior of modern people. Laboratory. Duplicates credit in former ANTH 200Lg.

To develop an understanding of Nutrition, especially as it pertains to optimal health and prevention of diseases. A study of macro and micro nutrients.

The physiological and nutritional basis of human performance. Factors that facilitate and limit athletic achievement. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours. Not available for major credit. Duplicates credit in former EXSC 205Lxg.

Evaluation of drugs, nutritional supplements, and ergogenic aids that are purported to enhance human athletic performance to promote weight and fat loss. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour. Duplicates credit in former EXSC 250.

Words as a gateway to the human mind. How words are stored, comprehended and retrieved. How words are constructed. Words and concepts. Words and social constructs. The processing and the acquisition of words in normal and atypical children and adults.

Language within cognitive science: speech physiology and acoustics, language acquisition, reading, language disorders, perception and mental representation of words, linguistic diversity and computer analysis of speech.

Introduction to psychological science, including historical and contemporary approaches. Behavior examined from biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and personality perspectives. Disorders and treatments.

An integrative systems perspective of drugs; including their historical, economic, and cultural importance, psychopharmacology, addiction, relationship to crime, and therapeutic use in treating psychological disorders.

Exploration of ancient philosophical questions concerning the origins of human knowledge through empirical studies of infants, animals, and adults from diverse cultures.