Biology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer

Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AS Associate in Science Degree Program
Biology	60 units
Biology: Pre-Nursing	60 units
AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
Nutrition and Dietetics	60 units
CS Certificate of Specialization
Biotechnology	10 - 11 units

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.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60–70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

The Biology AS Degree prepares students for transfer into bachelor's degree programs in Biology. Completion of the AS-T in Biology meets minimum eligibility for transfer to the California State University System.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses: 14 units		Units
BIOL 230	Introductory Cell Biology	4 units
BIOL 210	General Zoology	5 units
BIOL 220	General Botany	5 units

Required Selective Courses: 23 units		Units
CHEM 210	General Chemistry I	5 units
CHEM 220	General Chemistry II	5 units
MATH 251	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	5 units
PHYS 210	General Physics I	4 units
	AND
PHYS 220	General Physics II	4 units
	OR
PHYS 250	Physics with Calculus I	4 units
	AND
PHYS 260	Physics with Calculus II	4 units

Total Required Major Units: 37

General Education - certified completion of Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC/CSU) for STEM pattern

Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum 60 CSU transferable units requirement.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.