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 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.

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).

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.

Biology is the scientific study of life through the observation of structure, function, reproduction, growth, origin, evolution, and behavior of living organisms and their relation to each other and their environment. Advances in biological knowledge are providing solutions to the most challenging problems in medicine, environmental resources, agriculture and human ecology. Employment opportunities continue to increase as knowledge grows in genetic engineering, embryonic development, learning and memory, aging, environmental studies, natural resource management and the regulation of populations.

The Associate of Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) prepares the student for upper-division biology courses, including general biology, cell or molecular biology, organism biology, marine biology, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and agricultural sciences.

The Associate in Science degree in biology prepares students for careers such as a medical assistant, pharmaceutical and medical sales professional, agricultural and food science technician, biological technician, forest and conservation technician, plant science technician, or research assistant. It can also be used as a starting point from which to add on a Bachelor of Science in Biology after completion of the associate degree.

The Associate of Science in Biology (ASBIO) requires successful completion of 60 semester credit-hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, including at least 15 credits in the program as approved by the department.

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.

Students receiving an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Biology will be prepared to transfer into upper-division courses to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

The Associate of Science Degree in Biology prepares students who are intending to transfer to a four-year institution in the biological sciences. This degree provides for the completion of general lower-division coursework associated with the requirements for a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, botany, ecology, forestry, zoology, microbiology, medicine, etc. The degree is specifically designed for students intending to transfer to a CSU or UC campus. Students completing the degree will take specific courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics in addition to a general education preparation such as the CSU general education plan or IGETC.

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 major consists of courses appropriate for the Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree, which provides a foundational understanding of the discipline, a breadth of coursework in the discipline, and preparation for transfer to any CSU that accepts the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC). The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Biology (or an approved similar major) at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 (semester) units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) degree is designed to prepare a transfer pathway for students who plan to complete a baccalaureate degree in biology or a similar major at a California State University (CSU).

The Associate in Science Degree in Biology will provide the student with a strong, basic foundation in the sciences. The curriculum is generally required of lower-division life science majors and pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary students.