Academic Catalogs

Biology, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_BIOL

Control Number: 03957

Financial Aid Eligible


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

  1. Use the scientific method to design, carry out, summarize & evaluate tests of biological hypotheses using modern laboratory equipment.
  2. 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).
  3. Describe the variations observed in organisms and explain how populations have evolved through time.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

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
Total Units20-27
Requirement Units
Program Major Units 20-27
AS General education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
CHEM A180 General Chemistry A 3 5
MATH A180
Calculus 1 3
or Calculus 1 Honors
4
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15
Semester 2
BIOL A180 Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology 4
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 5
 Units15
Year 2
Semester 1
Select one of the following: 4-5
Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology
or Zoology and Zoology Lab
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 9-10
 Units13-15
Semester 2
Select one of the following: 1 4
Botany
and Botany Lab
OR ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE)
Core Course List B (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE 2-5
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 11
 Units17-20
 Total Units60-65
1
If you chose BIOL A185 in a previous semester, you can take any degree applicable units
2

VARIES REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE UNITS

3

These courses meet required restricted electives for Chemistry and Mathematics (See Requirements)