Biology

 

 

A banner with a variety of Biology related images. From left to right: The exterior of the AHS building, a set of model lungs, a set of model kidneys, a model skeleton, cells under a microscope, a tree, a white flower, and a closeup of a fish.

Welcome to the Biological Sciences Department. Biology is the study of life. No matter what you are going to major in, you can always find something exciting in our offerings. This includes your own body systems, DNA, genetics, living things around us, and how you can help the environment.  

Learn more about the branches of biology at: Branches in Biology

The Biology Department offers courses in Anatomy, Biotechnology (contracted only), majors and non-majors Biology, Microbiology and Physiology. These courses meet general education and lower division transfer requirements for the Biology and Allied Health Preparation tracks.

Our department also has a Biology Tutoring Lab - the hours can be found below.

Biology Tutoring Lab

Study Tips for Biology

 

Contact
Chairperson
Sara Huang
Phone
(818) 947-2877
Email
@email
Office Location
Allied Health & Sciences Building (AHS) Floor 2, room 200
Office Hours
7:45am-4:15pm

Department

Biological Sciences

Pathway

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Health and Public Service

Degrees

Biology Degrees AS and AS-T in Biology

You may earn an AS degree in Biology and AS-T degree. Click the tabs below to find out about the Biology degrees.

 

 

 

  • Biology is the scientific study of life. Biology examines the basic cellular biology, metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, and the relationship between form and function of living organisms. Biology explores the unifying principles of biology through the study of phylogeny, taxonomy, organismal structure/function, evolution, and ecology. The goal of The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Biology or similar major.

Biology AS-T

 

 

  • This degree can serve as the basis for further undergraduate education in Biology

Biology AS

 

Allied Health Preparation

This degree or certificate prepares students for careers in health care, such as nursing, respiratory therapy, and allied fields in health care. In completing this degree or certificate, students will build a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and meet many of the necessary prerequisites for continued study in the LAVC Nursing program, the LAVC Respiratory Therapy program, or transfer to similar programs at other campuses.

This degree is for students interested in careers in health care, such as nursing, respiratory therapy, and allied fields in health care. In completing this degree, students will build a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and meet many of the necessary prerequisites for continued study in the LAVC Nursing program, the LAVC Respiratory Therapy program, or transfer to similar programs at other campuses. The requirements for continued study vary by program and campus, so it is essential that students discuss their career plans with a counselor to ensure they select the best courses to meet their needs.

Allied Health Preparation AS

This certificate is for students interested in careers in health care, such as nursing, respiratory therapy, and allied fields in health care. In completing this certificate, students will build a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and meet many of the necessary prerequisites for continued study in the LAVC Nursing program, the LAVC Respiratory Therapy program, or transfer to similar programs at other campuses. The requirements for continued study vary by program and campus, so it is essential that students discuss their career plans with a counselor to ensure they select the best courses to meet their needs.

Allied Health Preparation Certificate of Achievement

Faculty

Full-time Faculty

 

Name Contact Information
Sara Huang (818) 947-2877
Office: AHS 208
@email
Suzanne L. Baldwin (818) 778-5877
Office: AHS 218
@email
Erika H. Brockmann (818) 778-5875
Office: AHS 216
@email
Pamela B. Byrd-Williams (818) 947-2880
​Office: AHS 215
@email
Dr. Becky Green-Marroquin (818) 947-2878
Office: AHS 227
@email
Estenia Haley (818) 778-5879
Office: AHS 221
@email
Youssef Harfouche (818) 778-5867
Office: AHS 204
@email
Dr. Kathy Hosseini (818) 947-2882
Office: AHS 217
@email
Dr. Patrick Lyons (818) 778-5868
Office: AHS 203
@email
Dr. Houri Manoukian (818) 947-2520
Office: AHS 223
@email
Natalie Pilikian (818) 947-2518
Office: AHS 220
@email

Antonia Rizo		 (818) 947-2881
Office: AHS 222
@email
Barbara Sanchez (818) 947-2311
Office: AHS 205
@email
Lisa Zung

(818) 778-5878
Office: AHS 219
@email

 

Adjunct Faculty

Name Contact Information
Dr. Shahram Bakhtiari (818) 947-2600 x8349
Office: AHS 209
@email
Ruma Banerjee Office: AHS 207
@email
Stephanie Benseman (818) 947-2600 x 6076
Office: AHS 207
@email
Dr. Juan Luis Cazares Office: AHS 209
@email
Dr. Joe Frantz (818) 947-2600 x2748
Office: AHS 207
@email
Dr. Larry Harris Office: AHS 202
@email
Dr. Ken Hoang (818) 947-2600 x8598
Office: AHS 209
@email
Jacob M Holmes Office: AHS 209
@email
Dr. Paul Lonquich (818) 947-2600 x8152
Office: AHS 206
@email
Dr. Lawrence T. Nakamura (818) 947-2600 x2883
Office: AHS 226
@email
Adrian Paz Office: AHS 202
@email
Meaghan Pohl Office: AHS 206
@email
Lynn Polasek Office: AHS 207
@email
Kathleen Thornber Office: AHS 202
@email
Simon Wahla (818) 947-2600 x 6068
Office: AHS 206
@email

 

Faculty Profiles

Click below to learn about the Biology faculty.

 

  • MS in Biology, Appalachian State University
  • Teaches Introduction to Human Physiology (Physiology 001), taught General Biology I (Biology 6), General Biology II (Biology 7), The Science of Biotechnology (Biology 40) and Introduction to Biology (Biology 3 non-majors)

  • Interested in human body systems and all aspects of Biology.

  • Role in department -Department Chair

  • Fun Fact – I enjoy cooking and eating cuisines from different countries, and graphite drawing.

 

 

  • MS in Biology, California State University, Northridge 
  • Teaches/Have Taught: Anatomy, Intro to Biology (Biology 3), Medical Terminology (Biology 33), General Biology II (Biology 7) 
  • Interested in all parts of Biology, especially Ecology. 

  • Role in the Department: Biology 3 Coordinator 

  • Fun Fact: I enjoy bird watching, gardening, and quilting. 

 

 

  • MS in Molecular and Experimental Pathology, University of Southern California 
  • Teaches Human Anatomy, Human Physiology regularly, and sometimes teaches Microbiology, Biotechnology (Bio40), and Biology for non-majors (Bio3). 

  • Interested in all things about the human body and neuroscience.  Fascinated by all forms of life.  

  • Role in the Department- Faculty, currently co-supervisor for the Biology Tutoring Lab 

  • Fun Fact- I train in Muay Thai & do yoga 

 

 

  • MS in Biology, Mississippi State University 
  • Teaches General Biology I (Biology 6), taught The Science of Biotechnology (Biology 40), Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1) Human Physiology (Physiology 1), Introduction to Biology (Biology 3), Medical Terminology (Biology 33), Human Anatomy & Physiology (Physiology 8 & 9) and Introduction to Biotechnology (BioTech 1) 

  • Interested in Cell & Molecular Biology, biomedical research and creating student opportunities  

  • Role in the Department- Faculty, Co-Advisor for SACNAS and Girls Who Code and MESA Director 

  • Fun Fact- I love traveling the world and eating different cuisines. 

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Mississippi State University 
  • Teaches Biology 6, Biology 7, Biology 40, and Biology 3.

  • Field Biology, Cell Biology, and Genetics are my areas of interest.

  • Role in the Department- Professor and NSF-PaCES Director

  • Fun Fact- I like to travel.

 

 

  • MS in Biology, Cal State University of Northridge 
  • Teaches General Biology II (Biology 7), Introduction to Biology (Biology 3), taught Medical Terminology (Biology 33). 

  • I am interested in evolution, behavior ecology and all aspects of biology. 

  • Role in the Department- Professor

  • Fun Fact- I enjoy being with my family, exploring nature, cooking, gardening, collecting insects, and hiking. 

 

 

  • MS in Biology, California Polytechnic University 
  • Teaches: Biology 3 and Biology 46

  • I am interested in immunology, and genetics. 

  • Role in the Department- Assistant Professor of Biology

  • Fun Fact- I enjoy baking all kinds of sweet desserts and travel.  

 

 

  • Doctor of Chiropractic, Los Angeles Chiropractic College  

  • Courses taught: Human Anatomy, Human Biology (Biology 5), Physiology and Non-Majors Biology (Biology 3) 

  • Interested in Human Anatomy, functions of the human body and to encourage lifelong learning.

  • Role in the Department - Faculty, Biology Tutoring lab Coordinator 

  • Fun Fact - I played the violin as a child.  

 

A man with hiking gear standing in front of a canyon.
  • PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Stony Brook University 

  • Teaches Introduction to Biology (Bio 3), General Biology II (Bio 7) and Marine Biology (Bio 22)

  • Interested in marine biology, coral reef ecology, evolutionary biology, and ichthyology

  • Role in the Department - none

  • Fun Fact - I enjoy all things outdoors: hiking, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, surfing, SCUBA diving, and landscape photography

 

 

  • Doctor of Chiropractic, Cleveland Chiropractic College 

  • Teaches Intro to Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1), Intro to Human Biology (Biology 5), Medical Terminology (Biology 33), taught Intro to Biology (Biology 3))

  • Areas of interest: Interested in genetics and the human immune system.

  • Role in department, Anatomy Committee member

  • Fun Fact, I enjoy going to comedy clubs, playing poker, and spending time with my 2 kids and husband. 

 

 

  • M.S. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California
  • Teaches General Microbiology (Microbiology 20), Introduction to Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1), Introduction to Biology (Biology 3)
  • Interested in the role of microorganisms in the environment and human life

  • Role in the Department- Professor

  • Fun Fact - I love animals and used to foster dogs while in graduate school. 

 

 

  • MS in Biology, CSU Fullerton

  • Teaches Microbiology 20

  • Interested in all things microbe, especially microbial genetics.

  • LAVC SACNAS Co-Advisor

  • Fun Fact - Enjoys walking and hiking

 

A woman in sunglasses holds a yellowfin tuna on a boat.
  • Masters in Biology, California State University, Northridge 

  • Courses taught/teaches: Introduction to Human Biology (Biology 5), Introduction to Biology (Biology 3), Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1), General Biology II (Biology 7), Zoology, Botany, Environmental Science, and Marine Biology.  

  •  Areas of interest: My focus are in Ecology, Biology and Marine Biology.

  •  Role in department: Biology 3 committee and Biology Museum Collection committee  

  •  Fun fact: I am a scientific diver and angler and I enjoy hiking with my dog.  

 

A woman sits next to a hiking trail.
  • M.S. in Biology, CSU Northridge
  • Teaches: Introduction to Human Anatomy (Anatomy 1), Introduction to Biology (Bio 3), General Biology I (Bio 6), and General Biology II (Bio 7)
  • Interests include ecology, evolution and plant biology

  • Role in department - Departmental Botanist and Gold Creek Representative

  • Fun fact: I love botanical gardens, weird plants, taking naps in air-conditioned rooms and sandwiches.

 

 

  • M.D. Tehran Azad University

  • Teaches Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, A&P I and II, Human Biology, General Biology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology

  • Interested in exploring human body in all microscopic and macroscopic aspects, as well human development and evolution.

  • Role in the Department - Adjunct Assistant Professor.

 

 

  • Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (UIC)

  • Anatomy 001, Bio 003 and Bio 005

  • Areas of interest: Immunology and Cell Signaling

  • Role in the Department - Adjunct Faculty

 

 

  • M.S. in Biology, California State University, Fullerton 

  • Teaches Introduction to Human Biology (Biology 005), Introduction to Biology (Biology 003), and Human Anatomy (Anatomy 001)

  • Interested in human body systems, molecular biology, population and community dynamics, and evolution

  • Fun Fact - Loves to backpack in the Sierras and SCUBA dive off the California coast

 

 

  • MA in Biological Science from UCLA and CA State License: CLS, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, from St Joseph's Hospital Santa Monica CA

  • Micro 20, Bio 3, Honors Bio 3, Medical Terminology, Human Biology, Physiology 

  • Areas of interest: Human health, the environment and all other aspects of Biology

  • Role in the Department - Adjunct Faculty

  • Fun fact - I enjoy gardening, arts & crafts and playing guitar

 

Learn About Biology

 

Biology Career Options

Have you ever had dreams of becoming a beer or wine maker? How about a bio-animation artist or forensic investigator? A career in Biology can be paired with your favorite interests and hobbies such as food, drawing and the legal system. The more popular career choices remain in the Health Care, Allied Health and Health Related fields, but you can always choose to become a Zoo Keeper, Environmental Scientist or Lobbyist in Washington, D.C.

 

Schedule, Catalog, & 2 Year Schedule

Search Program Mapper

 

Biology FAQs

No, at LAVC we offer the combination of a lab and lecture as one section.

You should go to whichever part is scheduled first. Most of labs are met in person on campus.

You will need to take your transcripts to the Counseling Department for them to clear your prerequisite after the counselor determines equivalence. 

There is a Prerequisite/Co-requisite Challenge Form you may submit to the Biology Department Chair. Fill it out the form, attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts from LAVC and/or your other college, as well as a Course Outline from the catalog year you took the course of the class you want considered as the prerequisite. Bring all materials to the Biology Department in AHS 200. For more information, call (818) 947-2514.

You may contact your professor via the email, and phone for our faculty are all listed. Or you can call Biology Department at (818) 947 -2514.