# Biology for Transfer (Associate in Science Degree)

MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Biology

Source: https://catalog.miracosta.edu/disciplines/biology/

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a biology degree, an emphasis or option within a biology degree, or a degree considered similar to biology at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a biology major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

##### Graduation Requirements

-   Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
-   Complete all courses in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
-   Complete the Cal-GETC general education pattern.
-   Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable grade point average of 2.0.
-   Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at MiraCosta College.

##### Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students are able to do the following:

-   Apply their understanding of the interconnections and interactions of molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of biological organization to the evaluation of biological phenomena.
-   Demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between molecular, cellular, and organism-level structure and the relevant cellular, organismal, and ecological contexts in which they arose through adaptation.
-   Apply the process of science and appropriate quantitative skills to the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of biological phenomena at various levels of biological organization.

**Course Requirements**

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required courses:** | |  |
| BIO 202 | Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIO 204 | Foundations of Biology: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| **List A:** | | 23-25 |
| CHEM 150 | General Chemistry I: For Science Majors |  |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry II: For Science Majors |  |
| MATH C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals |  |
| or MATH C2210E | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals - Embedded Support |  |
| or MATH C2210H | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals - Honors |  |
| **Choose one sequence below:** | |  |
| ↳ PHYS 111 & PHYS 112 | Introductory Physics Iand Introductory Physics II |  |
| ↳ PHYS 151 & PHYS 152 | Principles of Physics Iand Principles of Physics II |  |
| **Total Units** | | **31-33** |

**NOTE**: Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.