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

Required Core
BIOL 21Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms5
BIOL 22Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution5
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I5
CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry II5
MATH 20ACalculus with Analytic Geometry I4
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS24
Additional Requirements36
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 Units60
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

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
College Composition
or College Composition: Enhanced
3
LIBR 50 Introduction to Library and Research Skills 1
MATH 13
Pre-Calculus
or College Algebra for STEM
4-5
MPC GE Area D (US-1 Course Recommended) 3
MPC GE Area E 3
 Units14-15
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
 Units16
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
 Units15-16
Spring
BIOL 21 Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms 5
CHEM 1B General Chemistry II 5
Electives (MATH 20B Recommended) 4
 Units14
 Total Units60