2019-2020 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Associate in Science for Transfer


The curriculum of the Biology program is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree by providing the necessary breadth of study and an introduction to research methods used in a variety of Biology disciplines. The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Biology or similar major. While an associate degree may support attempts to gain entry-level employment or promotion, a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers that can be achieved through transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes


Students who complete this program will be able to demonstrate:

  • A working knowledge of the scientific method
  • The ability to articulate (verbally and in writing) knowledge of biological concepts, biological methods, and current biological issues.
  • An awareness of the impact that biology has had on society at large
  • Scientific critical thinking skills, such as assessing the appropriateness of experimental design and interpreting data

To earn the Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

  • completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
  • completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (IGETC for STEM) pattern1

Total Units for the Major: 31-33


* Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation, see course description.

1 IGETC for STEM is only an option for students earning AS-T degrees in Biology for Transfer and/or Chemistry for Transfer. IGETC for STEM certification requires the following courses before transfer:

  • all Courses in Area 1 (except 1C for UC-bound students), 2, and 5 of the traditional IGETC;
  • two courses in Area 3 – one course in Area 3A and one course in Area 3B; and
  • two courses in Area 4 from two different disciplines.

The following deferred courses must be completed after transfer:

  • one remaining lower-division general education course in Area 3;
  • one remaining lower-division general education course in Area 4; and
  • one course in Area 6 for UC-bound students who have not satisfied the requirement through proficiency.

(The deferred lower-division courses must be replaced with calculus and/or science courses that are required to be taken before transfer to the university.)