Biology is the scientific study of life through the observation of structure, function, reproduction, growth, origin, evolution, and behavior of living organisms and their relation to each other and their environment. Advances in biological knowledge are providing solutions to the most challenging problems in medicine, environmental resources, agriculture and human ecology. Employment opportunities continue to increase as knowledge grows in genetic engineering, embryonic development, learning and memory, aging, environmental studies, natural resource management and the regulation of populations. 

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree (AS-T in Biology) provides the foundational knowledge in Biology to students who want to earn a Baccalaureate Degree in Biology. This degree is in compliance with the Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act {Senate Bill 1440, codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749} and guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an “associate degree for transfer,” a variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. Upon completion of the transfer associate degree, the student is eligible for transfer with junior standing into the California State University (CSU) system. Students will be given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college area of emphasis. Visit https://adegreewithaguarantee.com/ for the latest information about these degrees. 

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or "P" in each course.
2. IGETC-CSU for STEM.  The IGETC-CSU for STEM option permits students completing the AS-T in Biology to follow the IGETC-CSU curriculum, but delay one Arts or Humanities course and one Social or Behavioral Science course until after transfer.
3. A total of 60 CSU transferable semester units.
4. Maintain a minimum cumulative CSU transferable GPA of 2.0.
5. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

1. Articulate the principles of evolutionary theory, the history of its development, and the role that evolution plays in the continuity and diversity of life.
2. Summarize and illustrate an understanding of the development of the organism, from fertilization to the adult form.
3. Explain and apply fundamental ecological principles, from populations to communities through ecosystems, and the geographical distribution of life on Earth.
4. Communicate the unifying principles governing the organization of organisms, from molecules to populations.
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 mechanisms of their integration 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, and molecular and cellular biology.
10. Produce original research reports and review papers in a standard scientific format based on laboratory, field experiments and literature searches that include critical quantitative and qualitative evaluation of data to effectively communicate results, interpretations and concepts.

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.