The Associate in Science in Biological Sciences (AS in Biological Sciences) supports students wishing to transfer into academic pathways that include a variety of biological based degrees, ranging from health sciences and physiology to cell biology, zoology and field biology. This program is designed for students interested in acquiring a solid foundation in basic biology, evolutionary theory, and the scientific method. The Biological Sciences Program is transfer-oriented and prepares students to enter four-year baccalaureate majors at the university level. Students will have the opportunity to develop an 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 current issues related to health and the environment. Those who major in biological sciences can transfer to a four-year university where students have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a variety of biology specific disciplines, such as Botany, Kinesiology, Molecular Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Neurobiology, General Biology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. 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. Career options for Associate in Science in Biological Sciences degree (AS in Biological Sciences) include but are not limited to: Medical assistant, Pharmaceutical and medical sales, Agricultural and food science technician, Biological technician, Forest and conservation technician, Research assistant, Plant science technician, Docent. Career options in Bachelors in Science degrees in Biological Sciences include but are not limited to: Optometrist, Dentist, Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Physician Assistant, Doctor, Biological Technician, Podiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Wildlife Biologist/Conservationist, Bioinformatic Scientist, Cell and Molecular Biologist, Marine Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Geneticist/Genetic Counselor, Pharmaceutical Developer, Educator, Forensic Scientist.
Major Core Requirements (15 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Majors BIOL041 BIOL042 BIOL043 | Principles of Animal Biology Principles of Plant Biology Principles of Cell Biology | 5 units 5 units 5 units |
| Health Science Majors BIOL045 BIOL047 BIOL048 | Microbiology Human Anatomy Human Physiology | 5 units 5 units 5 units |
Major Electives List A (2 courses different from above) (2-10 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 002 and BIOL 002L are linked. BIOL002 BIOL002L | Environmental Biology Environmental Biology Laboratory | 3 units 1 unit |
| BIOL 010 and BIOL 010L must be taken together. BIOL010 BIOL010L | Introduction to Biology Introduction to Biology Lab | 3 units 1 unit |
| BIOL011 | Human Biology | 4 units |
| BIOL012 | Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife | 4 units |
| BIOL013 | Natural History of California | 3 units |
| BIOL014 | California Plants and Animals | 4 units |
| BIOL018 | Marine Biology | 4 units |
| BIOL022 | Genetics | 4 units |
| BIOL023 | Introduction to Infectious Diseases | 3 units |
| BIOL024 | Bio in the News | 3 units |
| BIOL025 | Lab Technician Methods | 2 units |
| BIOL027 | Scientific Literacy and Technical Writing | 1 unit |
| BIOL035 | Biology of Birds | 4 units |
| BIOL036 | Animal Behavior | 3 units |
| BIOL037 | Evolution - Life on Earth | 3 units |
| BIOL038 | Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation | 3 units |
| BIOL040 | Organismal Biology | 4 units |
| BIOL041 | Principles of Animal Biology | 5 units |
| BIOL042 | Principles of Plant Biology | 5 units |
| BIOL043 | Principles of Cell Biology | 5 units |
| BIOL045 | Microbiology | 5 units |
| BIOL047 | Human Anatomy | 5 units |
| BIOL048 | Human Physiology | 5 units |
| BIOL050 | Human Cadaver Dissection | 1 unit |
| BIOL055 | Biology of Sex | 3 units |
| BIOL056 | Ecology of the Sierra Nevada | 3 units |
| BIOL058 | Field Ecology | 3 units |
| BIOL059 | Climate Change | 3 units |
Major Electives List B (4-5 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Majors CHEM001A | General Chemistry | 5 units |
| Health Science Majors CHEM030A | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 units |
Total Major Units: 21-30 units
To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
- Completion of WVC, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
- Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.