To be a biologist in the 21st Century will be an exciting and meaningful profession.  Advances in biological knowledge are providing solutions to the most challenging problems in medicine, environmental resources, agriculture and human ecology.  The Biological Sciences Department offers courses in biology, botany, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, natural history, marine biology, physical anthropology and courses for pre-professional areas such as medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, chiropractic and veterinary science.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Recommended for Transfer

These additional courses should be considered when planning a program of study for transfer as a biology major.

1. Articulate the principles of evolutionary theory, the history of the development of the theory and the role that evolution plays in the continuity and diversity of life.
2. Communicate the unifying principles governing the organization of organisms from molecules to populations.
3. Explain and apply fundamental ecological principles from populations and communities through ecosystems and the geographical distribution of life on Earth.
4. Summarize and illustrate an understanding of the development of the organism from fertilization to the adult form.
5. Compare and contrast organismal diversity and life histories including nomenclature, taxonomy and systematics.
6. Characterize fundamental metabolic pathways, describe bioenergetics and relate the interdependence of these pathways
7. Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of tissues, organs and organ systems, describing interrelationships and the mechanisms of integration of the subunits to support the whole, functioning organism and the underlying causes of dysfunction.
8. Describe and connect the role of DNA in regulating cell activity to its importance as the basis of inheritance, evolution and biotechnology.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic methods, instrumentation and quantitative analytical skills used to conduct biological research, including fundamental methods of microscopy, animal and plant dissection, molecular and cellular biology.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic methods, instrumentation and quantitative analytical skills used to conduct biological research, including fundamental methods of microscopy, animal and plant dissection, molecular and cellular biology.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.

The following sample program will satisfy department and college requirements for graduation with an AA Degree and includes additional recommended courses to meet department requirements of most four-year colleges and universities.

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Recommended for students planning to transfer.