49 Biological and Life Sciences Associate of Applied Science Programs

The Nursery Management Specialist Associate in Science degree program provides advanced training for working in the wholesale and retail nursery industry. Students will learn growing and maintenance practices for a wide variety of plant species, advanced propagation techniques, watering systems, basic soil and fertilizer chemistry, pest and disease control, and nursery business operations.

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T in Biology) provides a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Biology. Through intensive training in organismal, molecular, and environmental biology, students will develop the ability to think critically and abstractly, as well as acquire the problem-solving and laboratory skills necessary for success in any field of biological science. Students completing this program will have a solid foundation in basic biology, evolutionary theory, and the scientific method, as well as strong preparation in the supporting fields of mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

The Human Biology Associate in Science degree provides a solid foundation in the biological sciences for students who are seeking entry to nursing and related health occupations. Completion of this degree meets all Biology and Chemistry prerequisites for admission to the LVN and LVN-RN programs and fulfills many of the lower-division requirements for a variety of baccalaureate degrees in Health Sciences. This degree is not intended for pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-pharmacy students (see A.S. or AS-T in Biological Sciences instead).

The Associate of Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) in Biology is designed for students who plan to transfer to CSU as biology majors. In this program, they gain exposure to the five main topics of biology (cell, molecular, organismal biology, evolution, and ecology).

Courses in the Biological and Physical Sciences and Mathematics examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena.

The purpose of the Biological Sciences A.S. degree is to provide a lower-division science foundation for those interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology or Biological Sciences. This major prepares students for transfer to any University of California or California State University campus. A major in Biological Sciences prepares students for advanced academic work and for careers in civil service, industry or teaching. It also provides a background for professional training in such fields as biotechnology, public health, nutrition, laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Biological Sciences covers all aspects of the scientific study of life and emphasizes both the unity and diversity of living things. The structure, function, and behavior of organisms are studied at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and environmental levels.

Biology has been called the science of life. From the most basic cellular processes to the internal workings of the most complex organisms, biology teaches us about ourselves and other plant and animal species, and how we all coexist on earth.

This Associate in Science Degree Program is designed to meet students' needs to continue studies at a four-year university or professional college in the biological, physical, health-related sciences, and mathematics.

The Natural History major is designed to provide a broad survey of the diversity of Earth’s life forms and their evolutionary and environmental relationships. By carefully choosing electives, a student may emphasize specialized areas for transfer, including aquatic biology, zoology, botany, ecology, and environmental biology.

Students completing this program will be well-informed of physical, chemical, and biological principles and processes of plants and soils. Mastering these principles allow the selection of effective programs of plant development, irrigation, fertility, pest management, and soil management. Completion of the program prepares students for careers in management of tree, vine, vegetable, and field crops.

The Biological Associate of Science degree is crafted to foster a deep curiosity in students for exploring the intricacies of the biological sciences. Designed to cultivate critical thinking skills, the program aims to provoke insightful reflections on the workings of life in the natural world. By nurturing a foundation of scientific literacy, the curriculum empowers students to engage as informed citizens, capable of making reasoned decisions concerning biological matters.

The Biology option prepares students to enter various biology and biology-related programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in four-year colleges and universities. Students take a year of General Biology and two additional upper-level courses in Biology plus a foundation of supporting Mathematics, Science, and General Education courses. Students also acquire laboratory skills that are necessary for upper-division studies in the biological sciences.

This curriculum is a guide for students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in biological science. Students should work closely with their advisors in the Natural Science Department to be certain that the correct courses are taken for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school.

The Associate in Science degree in Biological and Physical Science is suggested for students who plan to continue their studies in the sciences at a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s or higher degree in the sciences or a medical-related field.