Biology, Associate in Science for Transfer
The Associate in Science in Biology is intended to prepare students to transfer into the CSU system with the knowledge and experience to succeed in upper-division coursework in biology to pursue a baccalaureate degree in biology or related majors. The core curriculum of BIOL 21 and BIOL 22 provides students with a strong foundation in biology, and by focusing on key concepts and themes, aims to build a framework for organizing the vast range of topics included in this course of study. In addition, the program seeks to develop an awareness of the nature of scientific inquiry, to build connections between areas within biology and with related disciplines, and to strengthen students’ academic and critical thinking skills. Lastly, recognizing that students will be making choices relating to future study and careers, the program aims to engage students in activities, discussions and experiences aimed at forming a concrete basis for these important decisions. Students must complete the Associate Degree for Transfer requirements to earn the AS-T degree.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply major biological concepts and principles when investigating life at all levels, from molecules to ecosystems.
- Learn independently and collaboratively within Biology and related disciplines.
- Employ tools and techniques commonly used in laboratory and field research.
- Apply the scientific method of inquiry to investigate and solve problems in Biology.
Associate in Science for Transfer 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 |
| List A | 22 | |
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business | ||
or MATH 20A | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | |
| Select one of the following sequences: | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics II | ||
| Science and Engineering Physics I and Science and Engineering Physics II | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 32 | |
| Additional Requirements | 28 | |
| Complete Cal-GETC pattern and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 transferable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including 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 2-Year Course Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| MATH 18 or MATH 20A | Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3B (US-1 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| Cal-GETC Area 4 (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
| Electives (MATH 20B Recommended) | 4 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking (CSU Requirement) | 3 |
| BIOL 22 | Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 5 |
| PHYS 2A or PHYS 3A | General Physics I or Science and Engineering Physics I | 4 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 21 | Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms | 5 |
| PHYS 2B or PHYS 3B | General Physics II or Science and Engineering Physics II | 4 |
| Cal-GETC Area 4 | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
MPC transfer programs are designed to enable students to complete lower-division requirements in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution.
The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to California State University (CSU) system for any community college student who earns an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), although not to a particular campus or major. Upon transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), students will be required to complete no more than 60 upper-division units to earn a bachelor’s degree in a same or similar major (unless designated as a “high-unit” major).
The following Associate Degree for Transfer requirements must be completed to earn the AA-T or AS-T degree:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units;
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework (while a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA);
- Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units as detailed in the Major Requirements;
- Completion of all courses in the major with a grade of C or better (or a “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass/No Pass” basis);
- Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss transfer pathways and specific university admission requirements. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.