Biology Associate in Science Transfer Degree, AS-T

Program Description

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a Bachelor's degree in Biology, or a similar major at a CSU campus. It serves the diverse needs of students who wish to obtain a broad and an in-depth understanding of the field. The Biology Department offers comprehensive and integrative studies in each of the introductory courses of Biology. Courses in Biology prepare students interested in careers in cell biology, genetics, physiology, developmental biology, biotechnology, zoology, botany, microbiology, evolution, ecology, behavior, environmental studies, and the health sciences. The objective of this degree is to delineate a successful career path for our community college students entering the Biology program and to provide opportunities that explore the Biology major. Upon successful completion of the AS-T in Biology, students may be able to enter majors for any of these Biology subfields. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether this degree is the best option for their transfer goals.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

To earn a Biology AS-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:
 

  • completion of the following major requirements with grades of C or better;
  • completion of 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0; and
  • certified completion of the CSU General Education-Breadth (CSUGE) for STEM or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC-CSU) for STEM which requires a minimum of 31-33 units.

It is highly recommended that students complete courses that satisfy the U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement as part of CSUGE or IGETC before transferring to a CSU.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Biology should consult with a STEM counselor or general counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements. Completion of CSU GE-Breadth for STEM or (IGETC-CSU) for STEM is required in addition to the major requirements.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Science

Department

Biology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Science, Engineering, Math

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. In writing, evaluate a claim or research to determine whether it has a basis in non-science, pseudoscience, or science.

  2. In a written scientific report for a metabolic experiment, introduce the testable hypothesis, articulate the procedures applied, report the appropriate statistical analyses, interpret the results, and discuss uncontrolled variables.

  3. From a primary scientific article identify a research question, and write a 2-4 page proposal in scientific format introducing research question, background information, and methodologies that test the study question.

  4. In writing, demonstrate knowledge of organismal biology by relating key evolutionary characteristics of an organism (prokaryote, protist, animal or plant) to the environmental selection pressures encountered at the time of their evolution.

  5. Demonstrate knowledge of organismal biodiversity by identifying a group of organisms (from lab or field collections) using a combination of taxonomic keys and anatomical observations and organizing them into an appropriate taxonomic classification scheme and reporting the results in a written report.

  6. In writing, demonstrate knowledge of evolutionary theory by evaluating and justifying whether a claim or statement is biologically valid under the principles of evolution.

  7. Design and execute an experimental or observational field project. Prepare a scientific written report that includes a working hypothesis, clear description of methodology, narrative of the statistical analyses, and interpretation of the results in relationship to the working hypothesis including a discussion of uncontrolled variables.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

15 units

2nd Semester

15 units

3rd Semester

15-16 units

4th Semester

14-16 units

5th Semester

7 units