Biology, Associate in Science Degree
Financial Aid Eligible
Banner Code: 1_AS_BIOL
Control Number: 03957
The Biological Associate of Science degree is intended to instill a desire in our students to learn more about the biological sciences, encourage critical thinking about how life functions in the natural world, and help students become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions about biologically related issues.
Program Outcomes
- Use the scientific method to design, carry out, summarize & evaluate tests of biological hypotheses using modern laboratory equipment.
- Describe the biological processes that occur within or among organisms (e.g., protein synthesis, cell-to-cell communication, genetic transmission, digestion, reproduction, and nutrient flow through an ecosystem).
- Describe the variations observed in organisms and explain how populations have evolved through time.
Associate in Science Degree Requirements
- UNIT REQUIREMENT - 60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
- MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AA or AS major requirements as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog.
- MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
- GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AA GE), Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Core Courses-List A | ||
Select one option of the following: | 9-12 | |
Option 1 | ||
Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology | ||
Option 2 | ||
Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | ||
Zoology | ||
Zoology Lab | ||
Botany | ||
Botany Lab | ||
Core Courses-List B | ||
Select one of the following: | 2-5 | |
General Microbiology | ||
Human Anatomy | ||
Anatomy-Physiology | ||
Human Physiology | ||
Evolutionary Ecology | ||
Biochemistry | ||
Molecular Biology | ||
Genetics | ||
Restricted Electives | ||
Select a minimum of five units of Chemistry and four units of Math: | 9-10 | |
General Chemistry A | ||
General Chemistry B | ||
Organic Chemistry A | ||
Organic Chemistry A Lab | ||
Organic Chemistry B | ||
Organic Chemistry B Laboratory | ||
Calculus 1 | ||
Calculus 2 | ||
Calculus 3 | ||
Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | ||
Program Major Units | 20-27 | |
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 | Varies | |
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
Total Units | 60 |