Biology for Transfer

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

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.