Overview.
The purpose of the associate degree in Biology is to provide a lower division science foundation for those interested in pursuing biology as a major field of study. This major prepares students to transfer to any California State University or University of California campus. Students considering careers in research, teaching, medical fields, biotechnology, or other related fields require a foundation in biological sciences. The Biology major is an ideal academic preparation for entry into these professions. Students must complete each major course and major elective course with a grade of ‘C’ or better to be awarded the degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Employ the scientific method to pose testable hypotheses and make predictions.
- Design and implement controlled experiments or observational studies to test predictions.
- Collect, quantify, summarize, interpret, and present biological data.
- Critically assess biological arguments.
- Use computers to access multimedia lessons and conduct Internet searches for information on biological phenomena.
- Write scientific papers and laboratory reports.
- Use scientific terms appropriately.
- Describe the importance of evolution as a guiding principle in biology.
- Explain and apply general biological principles to include biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology.
- Integrate the concepts and systems of homeostasis.
- Compare and contrast the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of plant and animal organisms.
- Apply general chemistry principles to biological processes and systems.
Required Courses
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 004A | General Principles and Cell Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 004B | Organismal Biology and Biodiversity | 5 |
| CHEM 001A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 001B | General Chemistry | 5 |
Major Electives
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select 8 units from the following: | 8 | |
| Human Biology | ||
| Human Heredity | ||
| Plants and Human Welfare | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Wildlife Biology | ||
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Field Biology - Coastal California | ||
| Field Biology - Death Valley National Park | ||
| Field Biology - Forest and River Ecology | ||
| Field Biology - Volcanic Northern California | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
Recommended Chemistry/Math Preparation
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Calculus I With Analytic Geometry | ||
|
or MATH 066 |
Calculus I Late Transcendentals for STEM | |
| Calculus II With Analytic Geometry | ||
|
or MATH 067 |
Calculus II Late Transcendentals for STEM | |
Total Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 20 | |
| Major Electives | 8 | |
| General Education Requirements 1 | 39 | |
| Total Units | ||
What is a Program Map?
A program map is a suggested semester-by-semester plan to help you complete the courses required for a particular degree or certificate. It is based on the major sheet for the particular degree or certificate you are interested in. It includes courses required for the major, general education and any necessary electives.
A program map is a representation of the major sheet. It includes the specific specialty courses in a major, general education courses and any necessary electives.
What is a Major Sheet?
A major sheet includes a description of the program you are interested in, what you can expect to learn once you have completed the program (Program Learning Outcomes) and the specific specialty courses you will need to complete within a major.