Associate in Science in Biological Sciences
The Associate in Science in Biological Sciences is designed for students interested in acquiring a solid foundation in basic biology, evolutionary theory, and the scientific method. This program is appropriate for students seeking entry-level positions in the life sciences.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will apply the scientific method to investigate biological questions by collecting and quantitatively analyzing data.
- Students will identify and apply the central concepts, hypotheses, and theories that comprise the major areas of the biological sciences, including cell and organism structure and function.
- Students will explain the genetic or evolutionary connections between biological structures and their function, and between organisms and their environment. .
To earn this degree, students must meet the following requirements:
a. Completion of 60 degree applicable units with an overall GPA of 2.0.
b. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in the major with a grade of C (or
P) or better.
c. Completion of the Associate in Science graduation requirements.
Please note not all classes are offered each semester. For sections with honors courses, select either the honors version or the non-honors version
Core Courses
Complete one of the following two course sequences
or
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 041 | Principles of Evolution and Animal Biology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 042 | Principles of Plant Biology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 043 | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 043H | Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology - Honors (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
Plus, select a minimum of 8.0 units from the following
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 001 | Physical Anthropology (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 004 | Microbiology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 010 | Introduction to Biology (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 010L | Introduction to Biology Lab (1.0 Lab) | 1.0 |
| BIO 011 | Human Biology (3.0 Lecture/1.0 Lab) | 4.0 |
| BIO 012 | Emerging Infectious Diseases (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 014 | Introductory Neuroscience (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 016 | Marine Biology (3.0 Lecture/1.0 Lab) | 4.0 |
| BIO 017 | Genetics and Society (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 017H | Genetics and Society - Honors (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 019 | Oceans: Life in the Sea (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 025 | Environmental Biology (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 030 | Tropical Ecology (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 030L | Tropical Ecology Field Studies (1.0 Lab) | 1.0 |
| BIO 032 | California Plants and Animals (3.0 Lecture/1.0 Lab) | 4.0 |
| BIO 047 | Human Anatomy (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 048 | Human Physiology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 048H | Human Physiology - Honors (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| NTR 015 | Human Nutrition (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
Required Units for the Major
| Units | |
|---|---|
| Required unts for the major | 18.0-23.0 |
| plus completion of general education requirements and electives as needed to reach 60 units. |
|
| Total required units | 60.0 |
Career/Transfer Opportunities
A solid background in the life sciences is required for many careers, including work in the allied health professions, biotechnology, horticulture, land management, and education.