This Associate in Science degree in General Biology is designed to allow students to study a variety of topics in cell and molecular biology, animal and plant diversity.  The coursework prepares students to use the scientific method, critical thinking, and applied reasoning to analyze real world situations.  Upon completion, students will be ready for transfer to a four-year institution leading to a degree in biology or disciplines such as microbiology, botany, zoology and careers in teaching.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Compare different life forms that inhabit earth regarding modes of reproduction, metabolism, and adaptation.
2. Describe the various interrelationships that exist between life forms and also the interactions that occur in different ecosystems on earth.
3. Relate how the theory of evolution unifies the significant principles of biological science.
4. Perform various experiments and activities in biology lab classes, including the proper use of different types of standard biology lab equipment.
5. Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret data.
6. Explain biological concepts, theories, current research or other related topics in the form of lab reports, essays, formal written papers or oral presentations.
7. Explain how biology correlates with other sciences such as chemistry, astronomy, ecology, geology or physics.
   

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:

• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
• Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
• Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
• Completion of Cal-GETC.

Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
Select one of the following:		10-13
Option 1:
BIOL G180 & BIOL G186	Cell and Molecular Biology and Diversity of Organisms	10
Option 2:
BIOL G180 & BIOL G182 & BIOL G183	Cell and Molecular Biology and Zoology and Botany	13
List A		22
CHEM G180 & CHEM G185	General Chemistry A and General Chemistry B	10
MATH G180	Calculus 1	4
PHYS G120 & PHYS G125	Algebra Based Physics: Mechanics and Algebra Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism	8
OR
PHYS G185 & PHYS G280	Calculus Based Physics: Mechanics and Calculus Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism	8
Major Total		32-35
GE Pattern (Cal-GETC)		34
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 units)
Total Units		60