- Biology AS–T
- Biological Science
- Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biotech Lab Technician Certificate
Associate in Science Degree for Transfer Degree in Biology
The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree (AS-T in Biology) is a 60-unit program which provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to a CSU institution for the major in Biology.
Students who complete the AS-T in Biology will be able to communicate core biological principles both orally and in writing. These principles include but ar e not limited to the following
- the procedures of the scientific method, the results of experiments, and their analysis of biological problems;
- the setup of experiments implementing the scientific method, collection and analysis of data, identification of sources of errors, and interpretation of results;
- use of critical thinking and observational skills when applying knowledge of biological principles and concepts to novel problems, demonstration of knowledge of the relationship between structure and function in biological systems;
- understanding of how principles of evolution by natural selection impact living systems, how information stored in DNA is transmitted and expressed in biological systems, and how conversion of matter and energy are fundamental in living systems.
Students must complete the following requirements:
- A minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU transferable units
- the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.
- a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.
- obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Students are not required to complete the information competency requirements, PE requirements or cultural diversity requirements found in other degrees at the College.
See ADT RequirementsFall, Year 1 (9 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 40 | Organismal Biology | 4 units |
MATH 3A | Calculus and Analytic Geometry | 5 units |
Spring, Year 1 (5 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 units |
Fall, Year 2 (10 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 1B | General Chemistry | 5 units |
PHYS 2A | General Physics - Mechanics | 5 units |
Spring, Year 2 (10 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 43 | Principles of Cell Biology | 5 units |
PHYS 2B | General Physics - Electricity and Magnetism | 5 units |
Required Major Total: 34 units
Associate of Science Degree in Biological Science
The Associate of Science in Biological Sciences program supports students wishing to transfer whose academic pathways include a variety of biological based degrees, ranging from health sciences to zoology, or students who wish to grow in their critical thinking and analytical abilities that are present in the Biological Sciences or other disciplines. Upon completion of the program students should demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method; use critical thinking and/or utilize observational skills to apply biological knowledge to a novel problem; exhibit proper use of laboratory and/or field equipment, techniques and/or technology. Students should demonstrate understanding of basic principles of biology such as, cell theory, genetics, evolution by natural selection, patterns of forms and function, conversion of matter and energy in biological systems, and understand the background of current issues related to health and the environment so they may make informed decisions. The Biological Sciences support a wide array of transfer majors. Students should consult counselors at both West Valley College and their transfer institutions to determine the Biological Sciences A.S. course pathway most suitable for the degree they seek.
After completing an Associate of Science degree in Biology, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate proper use of laboratory equipment, techniques and/or technology commonly employed in the field of Biology
- Demonstrate critical thinking and observational skills by applying knowledge of biological principles and concepts to a novel problem
- Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method by applying to a laboratory problem
Required Core Classes (15 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 41 | Principles of Animal Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 42 | Principles of Plant Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 43 | Principles of Cells | 5 units |
BIOL 45 | Microbiology | 5 units |
BIOL 47 | Human Anatomy | 5 units |
BIOL 48 | Human Physiology | 5 units |
Electives List A (2 Courses Different from Above)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 2 | Environmental Biology | 3 units |
AND | ||
BIOL 2L | Environmental Biology Laboratory | 1 unit |
BIOL 10 | Introduction to Biology | 3 units |
AND | ||
BIOL 10L | Introduction to Biology Lab | 1 unit |
BIOL 11 | Human Biology | 4 units |
BIOL 12 | Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife | 4 units |
BIOL 13 | Natural History of California | 3 units |
BIOL 14 | California Plants and Animals | 4 units |
BIOL 18 | Marine Biology | 4 units |
BIOL 22 | Genetics | 4 units |
BIOL 23 | Introduction to Infectious Diseases | 3 units |
BIOL 24 | Bio in the News | 3 units |
BIOL 25 | Lab Technician Methods | 2 units |
BIOL 27 | Scientific Literacy and Technical Writing | 1 unit |
BIOL 35 | Biology of Birds | 4 units |
BIOL 36 | Animal Behavior | 3 units |
BIOL 37 | Evolution - Life on Earth | 3 units |
BIOL 38 | Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation | 3 units |
BIOL 40 | Organismal Biology | 4 units |
BIOL 41 | Principles of Animal Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 42 | Principles of Plant Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 43 | Principles of Cell Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 45 | Microbiology | units |
BIOL 47 | Human Anatomy | 5 units |
BIOL 48 | Human Physiology | 5 units |
BIOL 50 | Human Cadaver Dissection | 1 unit |
BIOL 55 | Biology of Sex | 3 units |
BIOL 56 | Ecology of the Sierra Nevada | 3 units |
BIOL 58 | Field Ecology | 3 units |
BIOL 59 | Climate Change | 3 units |
Electives List B (Minimum 1 Course)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 units |
CHEM 30A | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 units |
Total Major Units: 21–30 units
To be awarded an A.S. Degree in the above, a student must:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements
- Complete additional units to meet the college graduation requirements
Students should choose those general education requirements which may apply both toward graduation requirements of the college and toward the bachelor’s degree requirement at the four-year institution to which he/she plans to transfer.
Fall, Year 1 (5-10 units)
List A Course, List B Course
Spring, Year 1 (6-10 units)
List A Course, Core Course
Fall, Year 2 (5 units)
Core Course
Spring, Year 2 (5 units)
Core Course
Required Core: 15 units
Electives Total: 6-15 units
Required Major Total: 21-30 units
Associate of Science Degree in Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation
The goals of the Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation transfer degree are to educate students in diverse areas of ecological and environmental science in order to understand conservation of the biodiversity found in the natural world. Students will receive a broad overview of topics such as ecological patterns, biodiversity, extinction, conservation, and evolution. The degree may exceed 60 units if students select higher unit courses.
Through this transfer degree, the student will develop the ability to think logically, analyze data, apply critical thinking and scientific methodology, and develop problem-solving skills necessary for success in any field of study. The Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation major is transferable to four-year universities where students have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Evolution and Ecology, Integrative Biology, Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Conservation and Resource Studies.
- Agricultural Biologist
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Botanist
- Entomologist
- Environmental Specialist
- Fish and Game Technical Aide
- Fish and Game Warden
- Forester
- Horticulturist
- Habitat Restoration
- Ecologist
- Laboratory Technician
- Marine Biologist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Park Naturalist/Ranger
- Research Assistant
- Conservation Biologist
- Researcher
- Scientific Illustrator
- Educator
- Technical/Science Writer
- Naturalist
- Park Management
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Specialist
- Zoo Curator
- Zoologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Green Technology
- Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method by applying to a laboratory problem.
- Apply proper use of laboratory equipment, techniques and/or technology commonly employed in the field of biology.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and/ or observational skills by applying knowledge of biological principles and concepts to a novel problem.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the structure of a biological component (such as an organism or ecological system) and its function.
- Analyze and illustrate how evolution by natural selection can be seen at every level in the hierarchy of life.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how biological systems depend on obtaining, converting and releasing energy and matter
- Evaluate and demonstrate ability to make informed decisions pertaining to the environment.
Required Core Courses (14-20 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 2 | Environmental Biology | 3 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 37 | Evolution – Life on Earth | 3 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 38 | Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis, and Conservation | 3 units |
BIOL 12 | Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife | 4 units |
BIOL 13 | Natural History of California | 3 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 14 | California Plants and Animals | 4 units |
BIOL 41 | Principles of Animal Biology | 5 units |
AND | ||
BIOL 42 | Principles of Plant Biology | 5 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 40 | Organismal Biology | 4 units |
List A (2 Courses Different from Above)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 2 | Environmental Biology | 3 units |
BIOL 13 | Natural History of California | 3 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 14 | California Plants and Animals | 4 units |
BIOL 18 | Marine Biology | 4 units |
BIOL 22 | Genetics | 4 units |
BIOL 24 | Contemporary Biology | 3 units |
BIOL 35 | Biology of Birds | 4 units |
BIOL 36 | Animal Behavior | 3 units |
BIOL 37 | Evolution - Life on Earth | 3 units |
BIOL 38 | Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation | 3 units |
BIOL 43 | Principles of Cell Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 55 | Biology of Sex | 3 units |
BIOL 56 | Ecology of the Sierra Nevada | 3 units |
OR | ||
BIOL 58 | Field Ecology | 3 units |
BIOL 59 | Climate Change | 3 units |
List B (Minimum 2 Courses – one may come from List A)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 1 | Introduction to Physical Anthropology | 3 units |
ANTH 3 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 units |
ARCH 60 | Green Building and Sustainable Design | 3 units |
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 units |
CHEM 1B | General Chemistry | 5 units |
CHEM 12A | Organic Chemistry | 5 units |
CHEM 12B | Organic Chemistry | 5 units |
CHEM 30A | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 units |
CHEM 30B | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 3 units |
COMM 8 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 units |
GEOG 1 | Intro Physical Geography | 3 units |
GEOL 1A | Physical Geology | 4 units |
GEOL 15 | Geology of California | 3 units |
GEOL 20 | Field Geology | 2 units |
HIST 14 | History of the Native North Americans | 3 units |
MATH 3A | Calculus and Analytical Geometry | 5 units |
MATH 10 | Elementary Statistics | 4 units |
OCEA 10 | Introduction to Oceanography | 4 units |
PMGT 15B | Natural and Cultural Resource Interpretation | 3 units |
PMGT 16A | Introduction to Geospatial Technology | 3 units |
PMGT 16B | Mobile GIS | 3 units |
PHYS 4A | Engineering Physics - Mechanics | 5 units |
PHYS 4B | Engineering Physics - Electricity and Magnetism | 5 units |
PHYS 4C | Engineering Physics-Light, Heat and Waves | 5 units |
PHIL 3 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 units |
PHIL 17 | Logic and Critical Reasoning | 3 units |
PSYC 1 | General Psychology | 3 units |
PSYC 17 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 units |
SOCI 1 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 units |
SOCI 2 | Social Problems | 3 units |
Total Major Units: 25-40 units
Fall, Year 1 (3 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 2 | Environmental Biology | 3 units |
BIOL 37 | Evolution - Life on Earth | 3 units |
BIOL 38 | Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation | 3 units |
Spring, Year 1 (3-4 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 12 | Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife | 4 units |
Spring, Year 1 (4-5 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 13 | Natural History of California | 3 units |
BIOL 14 | California Plants and Animals | 4 units |
Fall, Year 2 (9 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 41 | Principles of Animal Biology | 5 units |
BIOL 40 | Organismal Biology | 5 units |
Spring, Year 2 (4-5 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 42 | units | |
BIOL 40 | units |
Elective Courses: 4 Courses
Choose two courses from list A (different from your core choices)
Choose two or more courses from list B (one may come from list A)
Multiple options; see your counselor.
Required Major Total: 14-21 units
Electives Total: 25-40 units
Biotech Lab Technician Certificate of Achievement
This program is designed to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge to obtain a certificate in pursuit of a career in the field of biotechnology. This certificate is designed to provide the education and technical experience necessary for employment in pharmaceutical companies, genetics companies, medical technology companies, and biotechnical companies, all of which require employees to have a background in biology, chemistry, and math.
Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proper use of laboratory equipment, techniques and/or technology commonly employed in the field of biology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method by applying to a laboratory problem.
Students who successfully complete the certificate will be prepared for employment as a lab technician, lab assistant, or quality control officer in biotech companies and similar industries in the Bay Area and elsewhere.
Required Courses (4 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 10 | Introduction to Biology | 3 units |
AND | ||
BIOL 10L | Introduction to Biology Lab | 1 unit |
OR | ||
BIOL 011 | Human Biology | 4 units |
Complete the following courses (13 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 30A | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 units |
BIOL 45 | Microbiology | 5 units |
BIOL 27 | Scientific Literacy and Technical Writing | 1 unit |
BIOL 26 | Certified Quality Improvement | 1 unit |
BIOL 25 | Lab Technician Methods | 2 units |
Total Certificate Units: 17 units
Fall, Year 1 (8 units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 10 | Introduction to Biology | 3 units |
AND | ||
BIOL 10L | Introduction to Biology Lab | 1 unit |
CHEM 30A | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 units |
Spring, Year 1 (9 Units)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 25 | Lab Technician Methods | 2 units |
BIOL 26 | Certified Quality Improvement | 1 unit |
BIOL 27 | Scientific Literacy and Technical Writing | 1 unit |
BIOL 45 | Microbiology | 5 units |