Biology Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
Biology Associate in Science Degree Program
Related Degrees & Certificates
- AS Associate in Science Degree Program
- Biology: Pre-Nursing | 60 units
- AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
- Biology | 60 units
- Nutrition and Dietetics | 60 units
- CS Certificate of Specialization
- Biotechnology | 10 - 11 units
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for those who major in the Biological Sciences and obtain a Bachelor’s or advanced degree include a variety of interesting occupations related mainly to biology, agriculture or medicine. Biological professions include anatomist, aquatic biologist, bacteriologist, biologist, biotechnologist, botanist, cytogeneticist, cytologist, ecologist, embryologist, entomologist, geneticist, herpetologist, ichthyologist, mammalogist, marine biologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, morphologist, mycologist, ornithologist, paleobotanist, paleozoologist, parasitologist, pathologist, pharmacologist, photobiologist, phycologist, physiologist, protozoologist, systematist, taxonomist, toxicologist, tropical biologist, virologist, wildlife biologist, and zoologist. Many biologists are educators as well as scientists. Biologists are also employed as forensic scientists, illustrators, museum specialists, naturalists, photographers, and science writers/editors. Agricultural professions include agricultural biologist, agrigeneticist, animal scientist, apiculturist, farmer/farm manager, field crop manager, fish and game warden, food technologist, foresters/forestry technicians, horticulturist, plant and animal breeder, plant and animal physiologist, plant quarantine/ pest control inspector, range scientist, and soil scientist/conservationist. Medical professions include audiologist, chiropractor, coroner, dentist, exercise physiologist, health care administrator, medical laboratory technologist/technician, medical librarian, nurse, nutritionist, optometrist, pharmacist, physician, podiatrist, public/ environmental health specialist, sanitarian, speech pathologist, and veterinarian. Additional medical careers include specialists in sports medicine, and manual arts, music, occupational, physical, and recreational therapists.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Explain the scientific method and its applications, and use the scientific method in a laboratory setting.
- Explain the principle of evolution as a fundamental process of all biology.
- Describe how structure and function are related at all levels of life.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic lab skills and analysis.
Recommended High School Preparation
One year of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, four years of Mathematics, English
University Transfer Program
Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.
About the Program
Career opportunities for those who major in the Biological Sciences and obtain a Bachelor’s or advanced degree include a variety of interesting occupations related mainly to biology, agriculture or medicine. Biological professions include anatomist, aquatic biologist, bacteriologist, biologist, biotechnologist, botanist, cytogeneticist, cytologist, ecologist, embryologist, entomologist, geneticist, herpetologist, ichthyologist, mammalogist, marine biologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, morphologist, mycologist, ornithologist, paleobotanist, paleozoologist, parasitologist, pathologist, pharmacologist, photobiologist, phycologist, physiologist, protozoologist, systematist, taxonomist, toxicologist, tropical biologist, virologist, wildlife biologist, and zoologist.
Many biologists are educators as well as scientists. Biologists are also employed as forensic scientists, illustrators, museum specialists, naturalists, photographers, and science writers/editors. Agricultural professions include agricultural biologist, agrigeneticist, animal scientist, apiculturist, farmer/farm manager, field crop manager, fish and game warden, food technologist, foresters/forestry technicians, horticulturist, plant and animal breeder, plant and animal physiologist, plant quarantine/ pest control inspector, range scientist, and soil scientist/conservationist. Medical professions include audiologist, chiropractor, coroner, dentist, exercise physiologist, health care administrator, medical laboratory technologist/technician, medical librarian, nurse, nutritionist, optometrist, pharmacist, physician, podiatrist, public/ environmental health specialist, sanitarian, speech pathologist, and veterinarian. Additional medical careers include specialists in sports medicine, and manual arts, music, occupational, physical, and recreational therapists.
Program Overview
The Biology AS degree satisfies requirements for students to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in most Biology majors at U. C. campuses. Students should be sure to check the UC website for an explanation of IGETC for STEM.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
- Required Core Courses: 24 units
- BIOL 210 | General Zoology | 5 units
- BIOL 220 | General Botany | 5 units
- BIOL 230 | Introductory Cell Biology | 4 units
- CHEM 210 | General Chemistry I | 5 units
- CHEM 220 | General Chemistry II | 5 units
Students with little or no high school preparation should complete BIOL 110, CHEM 192, MATH 110, and PHYS 100 prior to beginning major coursework.
Total Required Major Units: 24