Biology

Why Study Biology?

A major in biological sciences can prepare you for

• advanced academic work
• a career in civil service, industry or teaching
• further professional training in such fields as biotechnology, public health, nutrition, laboratory, and field research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine

In addition to serving  general education requirements and biology majors, the department offers pre-requisite science courses for students going into professional programs such as nursing, dental hygiene, radiology technician, respiratory therapy and pharmacy.

Our biology courses take a comprehensive approach, encompassing all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems. 

You will find excellent teaching and student support in this department. If you want to pursue a career in biology – or just need to fulfill a general education requirement – you've come to the right place! 

Required Courses

If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college with a major in biology – or pursue a career in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or veterinary medicine – it's a good idea to complete as many  lower-division general education courses as possible before you transfer. This will increase your chances for admission to a four-year institution, and help your performance in upper-division courses.

We recommend taking the following science courses

• Biology: 6A, 6B, 6C
• Chemistry: 1A, 1B, 1C (General Chemistry)
• Chemistry: 12A, 12B, 12C (Organic Chemistry)
• Physics: 2A, 2B, 2C
• Math: 1A, 1B, 1C

Read our mission statement and more about the department.