Associate in Science in Biological Sciences
Total Required Units: 18
Completion of General Education Requirements and electives as needed to reach 60 units
Total minimum required units for AS-T: 60.0
- Explore a possible semester-by-semester path from program entry to completion.
- Please see the Biological Sciences Department for more information about the program.
- View current course schedule for Biological Sciences.
- View all Biological Sciences/Biology degrees and courses.
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.
Meet the Following Requirements
- Completion of 60 degree applicable units with an overall GPA of 2.0.
- Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in the major with a grade of C (or P) or better.
- Completion of the AS Graduation Requirements, CSU GE-B or IGETC.
Please Note
Requirements here apply to the current catalog year and are subject to change. Visit DegreeWorks in My Mission Portal to view requirements based your catalog year. Not all classes are offered each semester.
Required Core Courses
BIO 001AH can be taken in lieu of BIO 001A
Select 8.0 Units From the Following Courses
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NTR 015 | Human Nutrition (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| BIO 047 | Human Anatomy (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 4.0 |
| ANT 001 | Biological 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 014H | Introductory Neuroscience - Honors (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 048 | Human Physiology (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| BIO 048H | Human Physiology - Honors (3.0 Lecture/2.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
Required Units for the Major
| Units | |
|---|---|
| Required Units for the Major | 18.0 |
| plus completion of general education requirements and electives as needed to reach 60 units. |
|
| Total required units | 60.0 |
Biological Sciences Careers
Skills Needed
- Analytical Skills
- Attention to detail
- Organization and planning
- Effective Communication skills
- Strong computer skills
- Expertise with scientific tools and lab instruments
Explore Career Paths
If you don't know what to major in, or you already have a major but don't know how it translates into a career, start here. At Mission we can help you research your major and career options so you can make informed decisions. Read more about Career paths.
Biological Sciences Major Career Options
- Registered Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Natural sciences teacher
- Wildlife Biologist
- Marine Biologist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Veterinarian
- Microbiologist
Please note that most jobs for students in the Biological Sciences require more than two years of college education. If you attend Mission College, the Transfer Center can assist you in seamlessly transitioning to a four-year college or university.