Academic Catalog

STEM web banner

Biological Sciences Associate in Science

The Biological Sciences Department offers a solid academic foundation for further study in life sciences. The primary emphasis of the biological sciences major program is to prepare students for successful transfer to baccalaureate (four-year) institutions. This course package for majors is modeled on the transfer requirements of San Diego State University and will satisfy requirements of most other California State University and University of California campuses. Students should check the catalog of the transfer school being considered for its specific requirements.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Aquatic Biologist1
Biologist1
Biotechnology Lab Technician1
Cytotechnologist
Ecologist1
Environmental Engineer1
Forensic Pathologist1
Geneticist1
Hydrologist1
Laboratory Assistant
Microbiologist1
Nuclear Medical Technician2
Physical Therapist1
Sanitarian1

1

Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.

2

Bachelor Degree normally recommended.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:

  1. Explain how differences are the result of changes in characteristics due to natural selection and other forces of evolution.
  2. Compare and contrast the ways that different kinds of cells, organisms or the community take in, use, and transfer energy to meet their metabolic needs (Homeostasis).
  3. Describe how genetic information is stored, expressed, and transferred to offspring.
  4. Explain how a specific structure has a specific function based on its characteristics.
  5. Explain causes of climate change (natural and anthropogenic influences), consequences of climate change and strategies for addressing the human influence. 
  6. Demonstrate comfort and competence in interpreting and working with numerical data to weigh evidence, draw conclusions, and solve problems in biological applications. 

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

BIO-215Statistics for Life Sciences3
BIO-230Principles of Cellular, Molecular and Evolutionary Biology4
BIO-240Principles of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology5
CHEM-141General Chemistry I5
CHEM-142General Chemistry II5
Select one of the following:5
Organic Chemistry I
or
Organic Chemistry I Lecture
and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
MATH-180Analytic Geometry and Calculus I5
PHYC-130Fundamentals of Physics4
PHYC-131Fundamentals of Physics4
Total Units40

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements