A.S. in Biology for Transfer

About the Program

The associate in science in biology for transfer degree is designed as a two-year program that offers an introduction to the basic principles of biology as well as the supporting knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The associate in science in biology for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a 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. In order to earn the degree, students must: β€’ Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. β€’ Complete the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSUGE-Breadth); or the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern for STEM (CSU GE-Breadth for STEM); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication; or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum for STEM (IGETC for STEM) pattern, including the Area 1 C requirement for Oral Communication. β€’ Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. β€’ Earn a grade of β€œC” (or "P") or higher in all courses required for the major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 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, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a β€œC” grade or higher. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSUGE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60-unit requirement for an associate degree. Students are advised that for this major, they may use the CSUGE for STEM or IGETC for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) patterns. The CSU GE for STEM pattern allows students to complete all courses in Area A, B, and E, one course in Area C1, one course in Area C2, one course in Area D, and one course in Area F. The IGETC for STEM pattern allows students to complete all courses in Area 1, Area 2A, Area 5, and Area 7; and one course in Area 3A, one course in Area 3B, one courses in Area 4, and Area 6 for UC-bound students. Students may need to complete the excluded GE Area courses after transfer. Some variations in major requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.

Learning Outcomes

    AST.BIOSC.D
  • apply the scientific method of inquiry using appropriate and effective tools in obtaining, analyzing (including use of statistical procedures and standard techniques in data gathering), and interpreting information including peer-reviewed articles.
  • illustrate and analyze chemical bonds and reactions starting on the level of subatomic particles to the level of large organic molecules.
  • compare and contrast organismal life structures and functions including microorganisms.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms and evidence for the theory of evolution.
  • demonstrate the concept of limits and apply limits to real-world problems.
  • solve problems involving rates of change and derivatives, including real-world problems.
  • explain the core concepts in mechanics; forces, motion, momentum and energy.
  • solve simple circuit problems involving electric potential, capacitance and resistance.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 35.0

Biology for Transfer (Total 35)

Complete all of the following

    major requirements: (Total 20)

    Complete all of the following

    • BIOSC130 - Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology
    • BIOSC131 - Principles of Organismal Biology, Evolution, and Ecology
    • CHEM120 - General College Chemistry I
    • CHEM121 - General College Chemistry II

    plus at least 4 units from: (Total 4)

    Complete the following number of credits: 4

    • MATH182 - Calculus for Management, Life Science and Social Science I
    • MATH192 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus I

    plus at least 8 units from: (Total 8)

    Complete the following number of credits: 8

    • PHYS120 - General College Physics I
    • PHYS121 - General College Physics II
    • or
    • PHYS130 - Physics for Engineers and Scientists A: Mechanics and Wave Motion
    • PHYS230 - Physics for Engineers and Scientists B: Heat and Electro-Magnetism

    plus at least 3 units from: (Total 3)

    Complete the following number of credits: 3

    • BIOSC119 - Fundamentals of Microbiology
    • BIOSC146 - Principles of Microbiology
    • CHEM226 - Organic Chemistry I
    • MATH142 - Elementary Statistics with Probability
    • PSYCH101 - Introduction to Psychology

Recommended Sequence

Biology for Transfer (4 TERMS)

Term 1
  • major requirements:: CHEM120 - General College Chemistry I
  • plus at least 4 units from: MATH182 MATH192
Term 2
  • major requirements:: CHEM121 - General College Chemistry II
  • plus at least 8 units from: PHYS120 PHYS121 or PHYS130 PHYS230
Term 3
  • major requirements:: BIOSC130 - Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • plus at least 8 units from: PHYS120 PHYS121 or PHYS130 PHYS230
Term 4
  • major requirements:: BIOSC131 - Principles of Organismal Biology, Evolution, and Ecology
  • plus at least 3 units from: BIOSC119 BIOSC146 CHEM226 MATH142 PSYCH101