Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.
Course Listing Check out a comprehensive list of courses offered at RVC...
At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
Get Started! Find out how to get started at RVC! We make it easy for you to pursue your goals...
Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?
Get Engaged! Join a club, attend events, become a student leader. What's your passion?
Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.
How can we help? Our focus is on student success. We're here to ensure you reach your goals.
RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.
The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
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BIO-100
Introductory Human Biology IAI: L1904 Introductory Human Biology includes biochemistry, cell structure, tissues, bones, human metabolism, a review of the systems, human genetics, human reproduction and evolution. Credit will not be counted toward graduation if taken after any other college anatomy course. BIO 100 is a beginning biology class. (Lecture only) Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-103
Introductory Life Science IAI: L1900 Introductory Life Science is designed as an introductory life science course for liberal arts majors or other students interested in a survey of biological principles. Topics covered range from the cell and the theory of evolution to genetic engineering. Credit for BIO 103 will not be counted toward graduation if you have previous credit for BIO 162 or BIO 205. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-104
Introductory Life Science Laboratory IAI: L1 900L Introductory Life Science Laboratory is intended as a laboratory experience to complete BIO 103. Students meet two hours each week and explore basic biological concepts throught hands-on exercises and on-line laboratories. Credit for BIO 104 will not be counted toward graduation if you have previous credit for BIO 205. Prerequisite: This course is limited to students currently enrolled or who have completed BIO 103 or its equivalent. Credit: 1 Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
BIO-106
Environmental Science IAI: L1905 Environmental Science is designed as an introductory life science course for liberal arts majors or other students interested in environmental issues. Students study aspects of ecology, pollution, and other environmental issues, with emphasis on current events and possible solutions for the future. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-107
Environmental Science Laboratory IAI: L1905L Environmental Science Laboratory is intended to complement BIO 106. Students explore environmental topics through hands-on exercises, videos, field experiences, and computer activities. Prerequisite: This course is limited to students currently enrolled in BIO 106 or who have completed it or its equivalent. Credit: 1 semester hour Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
BIO-137
Tropical Marine Biology IAI: None Tropical Marine Biology is a field experience class with animal and plant identification in a tropical region. Emphasis is on marine organisms with identification by common name. There is also an orientation to the culture of the country visited. Methods of study include lectures, field trips, wading in tide pools, and snorkeling at coral reefs. Saturday orientations are held in late fall with an eight day field trip during winter intersession. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 2
BIO-140
Introduction to Evolution IAI: L1 907 Introduction to Evolution is designed to introduce the student to the major principles of evolutionary biology. The course will include a history of evolutionary thought and will work through the fundamental concepts of geological evolution and its impact on life, the origins and history of life, mechanisms of evolution, and evolutionary genetics. Although the emphasis will be on major concepts, the course will also provide some understanding of the methods used in evolutionary investigations. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-150
Microbes and Society IAI: L1 903 Microbes and Society is designed for the general student who wishes to learn more about microbes. Disease, biological weapons, the foods we eat, and environmental cleanup are just a few of the ways microbes affect our lives. Microbes have the potential to destroy us and save us. This class explores the relationship between society and these fascinating organisms. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-162
Human Heredity IAI: L1906 Human Heredity is designed for the general student who wants to learn more about the principles of human heredity, population genetics, and recent discoveries in genetics including the mapping of the human chromosome and genetic technology. The ethical issues raised due to advances in human heredity will also be examined. Credit for BIO 162 will not be counted toward graduation if students have previous credit for BIO 103. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-164
Field Ecology IAI: None Field Ecology is designed as a travel experience field course to study the effects of glaciation, soils and climate on plant communities. Indicator species, stability, and succession of communities are compared. Identification of communities, vegetation, and animals is required, with an emphasis on field study. A one-week field trip is conducted during spring interim. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 2
BIO-171
Biology of Human Disease IAI: None Biology of Human Disease is designed for the general student who wishes to learn more about diseases affecting the human body, their causes, transmission, prevention and cures. Topics covered include the causes of disease, the body213s response to disease, ways to prevent disease, and specific disorders such as viral diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and cancer. Prerequisite: None Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
BIO-185
Foundations Anatomy & Physiology IAI: Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology undertakes a systems-approach, comprehensive study of the human body. Lab emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function. The course is intended for students in prenursing, prerespiratory therapy, preradiology, physical education, or other fields requiring only one semester of Anatomy and Physiology. Credit for BIO 185 will not be counted toward graduation upon completion of BIO 281 or BIO 282. Prerequisite: CHM-105 or CHM-110; and either BIO-100 or BIO-103 with a C or better (recommended within the last 5 years) Credit: 5 semester hours Lecture: 4 Lab: 2
BIO-205
Principles of Biology Principles of Biology IAI: BIO 910 Principles of Biology is the first required course for pre-professional and life science majors. Emphasis is on broad biological and biochemical concepts including cell structure and function, biochemistry, energy requirements and genetics with special emphasis on laboratory procedures. Prerequisite: CHM 120, or CHM 110 and 210, or equivalent. This is the first of three courses essential for all biology majors (205, 211, 221). Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
BIO-210
Introductory Field Botany IAI: None Introductory Field Botany entails recognition of the major plant communities in the Northern Illinois areas and Southern Wisconsin. Lecture and lab involve ecological study of the dominant plants in these communities, plant identification, plant form and function and soil analysis. Two-thirds of the time is spent in the field. Prerequisite: None Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
BIO-211
General Botany IAI: L1901L, BIO 910 General Botany considers major topics such as the plant cells, metabolism, reproduction, evolution, ecology, anatomy, and characteristics of the major taxonomic groups. Ecological adaptations of these goups are emphasized, including their morphological, physiological, and behavioristic features. This is one of three courses essential for all biology majors (205, 211, 221). Prerequisite: None Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
BIO-221
General Zoology IAI: L1 902L, BIO 910 General Zoology is designed to introduce life science and preprofessional majors to the broad scope of animal life and zoological principles. Lectures stress evolution and relationships of animal groups, natural history, ecology, and life cycles. Laboratory sessions are devoted to taxonomy and structure of the animals. This is one of the three courses essential for all biology majors (205, 211, 221) Prerequisite: None Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
BIO-274
Microbiology IAI: None Microbiology is an introduction to the interrelationships among microorganisms and between them and their living and non-living environments. The broad principles of microbiology illustrated are applicable to a wide range of student interest and may provide a foundation for study in the various divisions of the medical and biological professions. Prerequisite: CHM 105 or CHM-110 or higher Chemistry course; and either BIO-100, BIO-103, BIO-150, BIO-201, or BIO-205 with a C or better (recommended within last 5 years) Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
BIO-281
Anatomy and Physiology I IAI: None Anatomy and Physiology I is designed for students in four-year nursing and other health fields. This course covers approximately half the body systems, including cytology, embryology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular and nervous systems. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on study through the use of prepared material, cadaver and histological preparations. Prerequisite: CHM 120 or CHM 210, and either BIO-100, BIO-103, or BIO-205 with a C or better (recommended within last 5 years) Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
BIO-282
Anatomy and Physiology II IAI: None Anatomy and Physiology II is a companion course to BIO 281-Anatomy and Physiology I. Anatomy and Physiology II covers the remaining body systems including endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, as well as fluid balance, and acid base balance. Prerequisite: BIO 281 Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
BIO-290
Applied Research in Biology IAI: None Applied Research in Biology provides elective credit for serving as an intern in a field research environment. Students will learn about research methods, use of laboratory equipment, and the role of the research team. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 0 Lab: 5-15 |