Biology is a natural science that focuses on living organisms, including their structure, function, growth and development, and evolution and adaptation to the environment. The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer Degree (AS-T) can be a stand-alone degree or serve as preparation for a curriculum in a four-year institution, leading to a baccalaureate degree in areas such as microbiology, organismal biology, cell and molecular biology.
Students who complete this degree will be guaranteed admission with junior status to the California State University system, and will be given priority admission to our local CSU campus.
A.S.-Transfer Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Biology A.S.-Transfer Degree will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of biological concepts.
- Acquire scientific information from multiple sources including textbooks, the Internet, personal communication with professionals in the field, and educational computer software.
- Estimate and/or calculate the characteristics of biological systems and demonstrate an understanding of these calculations in order to better understand the natural processes that produce these characteristics.
- Formulate scientific hypotheses in order to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific questions and methods.
- Develop an understanding of relevant biological processes as well as processes from related sciences (e.g. physics, geology, chemistry) and apply these processes to predict the properties of biological systems.
- Examine how human activity has contributed to positive and negative changes in the environment to better understand and discuss past, current, and future environmental issues.
Students receiving this transfer degree must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" (or "P") or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| BIOL 124 | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 125 | Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity | 5 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| PHYS 201 | Physics A: Mechanics | 4-5 |
| or PHYS 111 | College Physics A | |
| PHYS 202 | Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 4-5 |
| or PHYS 112 | College Physics B | |
| MATH 190 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry l 1 | 5 |
| Total Units | 33-35 | |
- 1
MATH 190 is degree applicable with or without MATH 090. If taken with MATH 090, only the units for MATH 190 will be counted towards the degree.
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| MATH 190 | Calculus I: Late Transcendentals | 5 |
| CHEM 110 | Beginning General Chemistry | 5 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or History of Women in the United States or History of Women in the United States - Honors | 3 |
| Units | 17-18 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| BIOL 125 | Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity | 5 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Units | 17-18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| BIOL 124 | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 5 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| *Students looking to transfer to the University of California System should take a one year sequence of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 210 and CHEM 211L or CHEM 220 and CHEM 221L) for admissions. | ||
| PHYS 111 | College Physics A or College Physics A - Honors or Physics A: Mechanics or Physics A: Mechanics - Honors | 4-5 |
| *Students looking at the University of California System for transfer should take PHYS 201 | ||
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Units | 17-18 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| PHYS 112 or PHYS 202 | College Physics B or Physics B: Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism | 4-5 |
| *Students looking at the University of California System for transfer should take PHYS 202 | ||
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3B: Humanities | 3-5 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| Units | 13-16 | |
| Total Units | 64-70 | |
Please see a counselor to select elective courses. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) are designed for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system. Additional coursework may be needed for students planning to transfer to the University of California (UC), independent or private institutions, or out-of-state colleges or universities.
*Additional Math Courses may be needed to transfer to a UC, Independent or private institution.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.