Biology FAQs

What is the difference between BIO 1511, Life Science, and BIO 1530, Principles of Biology?

BIO 1511 is primarily intended for students who are not majoring in the sciences. This course may fulfill the laboratory science requirement for non-science majors. If you are continuing on in a health science field make sure you check with your degree program to make sure that BIO 1511 will fulfill your requirements. Some programs require that you take BIO 1530. BIO 1530 is intended for those students who are continuing on in a science or health science program. It also has a laboratory component.

Course Description for BIO 1511, Life Science:
The student will study the basic concepts of biology. The course topics include the cellular and chemical basis of life, genetics, classification, evolution and ecology. This is a laboratory course primarily intended for the liberal arts (non-science major) student. Course/lab fees.

Course Description for BIO 1530, Principles of Biology:
The student will investigate biological systems through an
examination of areas such as the chemical and cellular basis of life,
metabolic principles, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology.
It is expected that students have had high school biology and
chemistry. Course/lab fees.

What is the difference between BIO 1570, Microbiology of Health and Disease, and BIO 2710, Microbiology?

BIO 1570 does not have a laboratory component. This course meets the current requirements of the OCC Nursing Program but does not meet the requirements of most other nursing programs in Michigan. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, make sure that you check the degree requirements of the programs that interest you. BIO 2710 will meet the requirements for microbiology at most other nursing schools. BIO 2710 is a comprehensive, introductory microbiology course that includes a significant laboratory component.

Course Description for BIO 1570, Microbiology of Health and Disease:
Student will study the general nature and behavior of microbes as applied to human health and disease, including the dynamics of normal flora, the infectious process, microbes as causative agents of disease, host parasite relationships and development of immunity. Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of various modes of transmission and proper management to prevent spreading of infectious disease. It is expected that students have had high school biology and chemistry. This is a non-lab course.

Course Description for BIO 2710, Microbiology:
Prerequisites: Both BIO 1530 and CHE 1000 or higher (or equivalent college transfer course/s) with a "C" or better within the last 5 years or consent of department discipline designee.

The course concepts include microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, interactions and impact of microorganisms in the environment, and microbial diversity. Laboratory incorporates basic techniques and exercises to investigate course concepts. Course/lab fees.

Do I need to take introductory biology before I take BIO 2630, Human Anatomy and Physiology I?

The OCC Catalog states that "It is expected that students have had high school biology and chemistry." Successful students typically have taken high school biology and chemistry very recently or have taken BIO 1530, Principles of Biology at OCC. Some students find that BIO 1511 is enough of a review. The instructors of BIO 2630 assume that the students are familiar with basic biological terminology. Still wondering? Contact the instructor.