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Biology, Associate of Science

Program Purpose

The proposed Associate of Science (A.S.) in Biology is a 62-credit, STEM-designated program meticulously crafted to meet this workforce need and establish a clear path to further education. This career-oriented degree provides students with the foundational theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience crucial for success.  The program's curriculum emphasizes General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and fundamental Chemistry, supplemented by essential supporting studies in math, physics, and laboratory techniques. Core coursework is designed to be fully stackable, providing seamless transfer into the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Bachelor of Science in Biology program.  Graduates will possess the fundamental competencies required to immediately contribute to the scientific workforce in fields like research support, quality control, environmental science, and healthcare assistance, or to continue their academic journey toward a bachelor's degree.

Program Competencies

Students who successfully complete the A.S. in Biology program will have a level of applicable knowledge in the following areas as appropriate to one’s field of study.  The A.S. in Biology program is designed to ensure graduates achieve the following competencies:

  1. Scientific Reasoning and Quantitative Literacy: Apply the scientific method using experimental data and basic quantitative reasoning to address structured biological questions.
  2. Foundational Biological Knowledge Across Systems: Explain and analyze core biological concepts across molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological systems.
  3. Laboratory Skills and Ethical Practice: Demonstrate proficiency with fundamental biological laboratory equipment and techniques while adhering to established safety and ethical standards.
  4. Applied Biological Problem-Solving: Apply biological principles to practical problems found in health care, biotechnology and environmental contexts.
  5. Scientific Communication: Communicate biological procedures, data and concepts effectively through written and oral formats for academic and introductory professional audiences.

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (27 credits)

Fundamentals of Economics

English Composition I

English Composition II

Public Speaking

Contemporary Global Issues

Introductory Survey of Mathematics

Introduction to Critical Thinking

Introduction to Psychology

Choose one of the following three courses:

Computer Applications

OR

Intro to Technology

OR

Integrating Excel into Business Problem Solving

Biology Core (35 credits)

Biology I (with Lab)

Biology II (with Lab)

Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)

Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab)

Microbiology (with Lab)

Genetics (with Lab)

Cell & Molecular Biology (with Lab)

Chemistry I (with Lab)

Concepts in Physics

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 202 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.