Natural Science
A.S. Biology · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Associate in Science Degree in Natural Science is an interdisciplinary degree program that focuses on the scientific study of the natural world with an emphasis in either life science or physical science. The program comprises core courses in chemistry and biology or chemistry and physics, a college-level mathematics requirement, and additional elective courses in biology or physical sciences. To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required courses and work with a counselor to determine the appropriate pattern of general education courses based on the student’s individual educational goals.
Career Opportunities
This degree prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions in science, technology, and health care fields. It also provides essential courses that are prerequisites for more advanced study in biology, chemistry, and other natural science fields as well as pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary preparation.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Communicate chemical and physical processes at the molecular level and how they relate to the macroscopic environment. (Life Science and Physical Sciences emphasis).
- Demonstrate a proficiency of knowledge in molecular biology and genetics. (Life Science emphasis).
- Solve quantitative problems while demonstrating a thorough understanding of physical laws. (Physical Sciences emphasis).
Degree Requirements
Option 1: Life Science Emphasis
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (14-16 units) | ||
| Chemistry- one course in general chemistry for science majors | ||
| CHEM-120 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
| Biology- one course in general biology for science majors | ||
| BIOL-120 | General Biology | 4 |
| Mathematics- one course in calculus or two courses in pre-calculus | ||
| MATH-C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals | 5-7 |
| orMATH-106 & MATH-108 | College Algebraand Trigonometry | |
| Required Electives (4-5 units) | ||
| Complete 4 units minimum of the following elective courses for a minimum of 18 units for the degree: | 4-5 | |
| BIOL-218 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIOL-219 | Human Physiology | |
| BIOL-220 | General Microbiology | |
| BIOL-240 | General Zoology | |
| BIOL-241 | General Botany | |
| CHEM-121 | General Chemistry 2 | |
| PHYS-120 | General Physics 1 | |
| PHYS-140 | Physics for Scientists & Engineers 1 | |
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
OPTION 2: PHYSICAL SCIENCES EMPHASIS
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (14-16 units) | ||
| Chemistry- one course in general chemistry for science majors | ||
| CHEM-120 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
| Physics- one course in general physics or physics for science majors | ||
| PHYS-120 | General Physics 1 | 4 |
| orPHYS-140 | Physics for Scientists & Engineers 1 | |
| Mathematics- one course in calculus or two courses in pre-calculus | ||
| MATH-C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals | 5-7 |
| orMATH-106 & MATH-108 | College Algebraand Trigonometry | |
| Required Electives (4-5 units) | ||
| Complete 4 units minimum of the following elective courses for a minimum of 18 units for the degree: | 4-5 | |
| BIOL-110 | Introduction to Biology with Lab | |
| BIOL-120 | General Biology | |
| CHEM-121 | General Chemistry 2 | |
| CHEM-240 | Organic Chemistry 1 | |
| CHEM-241 | Organic Chemistry 2 | |
| GEOL-110 & GEOL-111 | Physical Geologyand Physical Geology Laboratory | |
| PHYS-121 | General Physics 2 | |
| PHYS-240 | Physics for Scientists & Engineers 2 | |
| PHYS-241 | Physics for Scientists & Engineers 3 | |
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern and the Health, Wellness and Self Development graduation requirement to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.