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Biology A.S. Degree - CalGETC

What do Ebola, hemophilia, DNA fingerprinting, sequoias, cuttlefish, intertidal zones, and global climate change have in common?  These are a few examples of the diverse topics explored in Biology, which is the scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, evolution, and interactions with other organisms and the environment.

Total Units:
67-69

First Year

Semester 1

15-16 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
CHEM 400
General Chemistry I
5
Intermediate Algebra or equivalent AND CHEM 300 or CHEM 305 or CHEM 309
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 5A & 5C
MATH 400
Calculus I or
5
MATH 370 or MATH 372 AND Math 373
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 2
MATH 355
Calculus for Biology and Medicine I
4
MATH 373, OR MATH 384
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 2
CalGETC Area 1A-English Composition
3
Recommend meeting with a counselor
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 1A
CalGETC Area 3A-Arts
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 3A

Semester 2

17-18 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
BIOL 400
Principles of Biology
5
CHEM 400 or 305 and MATH 120; Advisory: Eligibility for ENGWR 300
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 5B & 5C
MATH 401
Calculus II or
5
MATH 400
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 2
MATH 356
Calculus for Biology and Medicine II
4
MATH 355
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 2
CHEM 401
General Chemistry II
5
CHEM 400
Cal-GETC Area 5A & 5C
CalGETIC Area 1B-Critical Thinking & Composition
3
Cal-GETC Area 1B

Year 2

Semester 3

16 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
BIOL 410
Principles of Botany
5
BIOL 400; Advisory: Eligibility for ENGWR 300
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 5B & 5C
CHEM 420
Organic Chemistry I
5
CHEM 401
F, S
Cal-GETC Area 5A & 5C
CalGETC Area 3B-Humanities
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 3B
CalGETC Area 4-Social & Behavioral Science
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 4

Semester 4

19 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered* GE Area
BIOL 420
Principles of Zoology
5
BIOL 400; Advisory: Eligibility for ENGWR 300
F, S
CRC Area L5
CHEM 421
Organic Chemistry II
5
CHEM 420
F, S
CRC Area L5
CalGETC Area 1C-Oral Communication
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 1C
CalGETC Area 4-Social & Behavioral Sciences
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 4
CalGETC Area 6-Ethnic Studies
3
F, S, Su
Cal-GETC Area 6

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a ā€œCā€ or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available (P) = partially online

Career Options/Outlook:

Biologists research or study the basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.  Tasks may include collecting and analyzing biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment; prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.  Career opportunities require more than an associate degree.

A sample of reported job titles:

Aquatic Biologist, Aquatic Scientist, Biological Scientist, Biologist, Botanist, Horticulturist, Marine Biologist, Research Biologist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Projected job openings nationally (2020-2030):

1,640

Projected growth nationally (2020-2030):

21% growth

Median Salary in California with advanced degree (2021):

$97,260/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC or Cal-GETC Area without pre- or co-requisites can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published May 16, 2025

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