Biological Sciences, Associate in Science
The Associate in Science in Biological Sciences is designed for students intending to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around biology. The curriculum includes a core of courses in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. This major area is appropriate also for Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Contact an MPC counselor for major preparation at specific institutions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply principles of mathematics and physical sciences to laboratory practices and biological processes.
- Explain concepts and theories of molecular and cellular biology, and genetics.
- Compare the structure and physiological functions of organisms, their ecological relationships, and evolution.
- Use the scientific method to investigate phenomena in the natural world and use concepts, experiments, and/or theory to explain them.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Core | ||
BIOL 21 | Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms | 5 |
BIOL 22 | Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 5 |
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
MATH 20A | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 24 | |
Additional Requirements | 36 | |
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. 1 | ||
Total Units | 60 |
- 1
Contact an MPC counselor for major preparation at specific institutions.
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Units | |
ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AE | College Composition or College Composition: Enhanced | 3 |
LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
MATH 13 or MATH 13A | Pre-Calculus or College Algebra for STEM | 4-5 |
MPC GE Area D (US-1 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
MPC GE Area E | 3 | |
Units | 14-15 | |
Spring | ||
MATH 13B | Trigonometry (or Recommended electives, SPCH 1 or SPCH 2, if MATH 13 was selected) | 3 |
MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
MPC GE Area F (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
Electives (ENGL 2 Recommended) | 3 | |
Electives (BIOL 10, BIOL 13, or CHEM 2 Recommended) | 4 | |
Units | 16 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
MATH 20A | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
BIOL 22 | Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 5 |
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
Electives | 1-2 | |
Units | 15-16 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 21 | Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms | 5 |
CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
Electives (MATH 20B Recommended) | 4 | |
Units | 14 | |
Total Units | 60 |