Biology

Associate in Science for Transfer
2022-2023

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About the Program

The Biology Program provides a diverse array of educational opportunities to meet the needs of our community. Academic pathways are available for students seeking transfer to four-year institutions, an AA degree in Biology, an AA degree in Biology: Allied Health, pre-nursing and pre-dental hygiene program preparation, or pre-professional coursework (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, radiology, optometry, paramedic, and veterinary). Additionally, the program offers courses required for various AA/AS degrees and certificates (e.g., Horticulture, Kinesiology, Psychology, Viticulture/Enology), and to meet general education requirements.

The coursework required for the AS-T Biology degree prepares students for seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in biology or similar major.

About the Degree

The Las Positas College Biology program offers courses that lead to an Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree. 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. The major requirements for this degree align with the Intersegmental Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Biology. Students will have guaranteed admission to a California State University (CSU) campus upon successful completion of the program requirements. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether or not this degree is the best option for their transfer goals. General education requirements should be selected carefully based on the intended transfer institution. The course work required for the AS-T in Biology provides foundational knowledge and hands-on experiences across all levels of biology, from the molecular to the ecological.

Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for STEM.
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Career Opportunities

Various areas of specialization are available to biologists in academia, industry, manufacturing, education, health care, natural resource management, public policy, consulting, administration, and organizations such as zoos, aquaria, museums, and parks. Some of the many possibilities for careers include veterinarian, doctor, physical therapist, research scientist, biotechnologist, plant pathologist, surgeon, environmental consultant, genetic counselor, lab technician, physician assistant, and wildlife biologist. Preparation for entry level jobs in these and other areas generally require a bachelor's degree in biology.

Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of an AS-T in Biology, students are able to explain and apply basic principles and processes of biology at
  different levels, from the biochemical to the ecological.
• Upon completion of an AS-T in Biology, students are able to design, conduct, analyze, and/or report results of investigations
  and experiments in the laboratory and/or field.
• Upon completion of an AS-T in Biology, students are proficient in standard biology lab techniques and lab safety procedures.

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Required Core: (15 Units) Units

Course	Units
BIO 1A General Botany	5
BIO 1B General Zoology	5
BIO 1C Cell and Molecular Biology	5

List A: (23 Units)

Course	Units
CHEM 1A General College Chemistry I	5
CHEM 1B General College Chemistry II	5
PHYS 2A Introduction to Physics I	4
PHYS 2B Introduction to Physics II	4
MATH 1 Calculus I	5

Units

Units Category	Units
Total Units in the Major	38
Additional General Education and Elective Units*	22
Total Units	60

*IGETC for CSU only. Please see a counselor for questions.

See the Las Positas College Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) for STEM pattern for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

Updated: July 2022