Biology
Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) Biology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Students graduating with an Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer Degree are well positioned to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar major within the California State University system with 60 units of upper-division coursework. Students who complete the Biology AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum 2.0 is required for CSU admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult a counselor for more information.
This curriculum is designed to allow students to study a range of biological topics in cell and molecular biology, survey the diversity of organisms on our planet, and receive additional STEM preparation. The coursework prepares students to employ the scientific method, think critically and apply reasoning skills to analyze real world situations. All students receiving the AS-T degree in Biology should be fully prepared for transfer to a California State University and have the foundation needed to pursue a baccalaureate degree to prepare for careers as biologists in fields such as research, industry and education. The requirements for the degree include two semesters of biology courses, two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of physics and one semester of mathematics. It is strongly recommended that biology majors take an additional mathematics class and two semesters of organic chemistry in addition to the degree requirements, however this cannot be included as a requirement due to unit limitations.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use the scientific method to design, carry out, summarize, and evaluate tests of biological hypotheses using modern laboratory equipment.
- Describe the biological processes that occur within or among organisms (e.g., protein synthesis, cell-to-cell communication, genetic transmission, digestion, reproduction, nutrient flow through an ecosystem).
- Describe the variations observed in organisms and explain how populations have evolved through time.
- Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.
Requirements
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements
The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
- Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPA. Consult with a counselor for more information.
- Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
- Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
- A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOL A180 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| and either | ||
| BIOL A185 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology | 5 |
| Or the following group: | 8 | |
| BIOL A182/BIOL A182H | Zoology | |
| BIOL A182L | Zoology Lab | |
| BIOL A183 | Botany | |
| BIOL A183L | Botany Lab | |
| List A - Complete the following courses: | ||
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A | 5 |
| CHEM A185 | General Chemistry B | 5 |
| MATH A180/MATH A180H | Calculus 1 | 5 |
| PHYS A120 & PHYS A125 | Algebra-Based Physics 1: Mechanics with Laband Algebra-Based Physics 2: Electricity/Magnetism with Lab 1 | 8 |
| Or | ||
| PHYS A130 & PHYS A135 | University Physics 1: Mechanics with Laband University Physics 2: Electricity/Magnetism with Lab 1 | |
| Total Major Units | 32-35 | |
| Cal-GETC | 34 | |
| Major units that double count for Cal-GETC | -10 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | 1-4 | |
| Total Degree Units | 60 | |
- PHYS A185 and A280, if already completed, may be substituted as a qualifying Physics pair in List A. The required units for these courses precludes them from being considered as recommended for completion in 60 units.
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
Program Sequence - Cal-GETC
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MATH A180 | Calculus 1 |
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A - CHOOSE ONE | 3-4 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| BIOL A180 |
| CHEM A185 |
| HIST A170or HIST A170Hor HIST A175or HIST A175H |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B -CHOOSE ONE |
| Summer |
|---|
| MATH A185 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| BIOL A185 |
| PHYS A120or PHYS A130or PHYS A185 |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Transferable Elective |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| PHYS A125or PHYS A135or PHYS A280 |
| POLS C1000 (POLS A180)or POLS C1000H (POLS A180H) |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A- CHOOSE ONE |
| Cal-GETC GE AREA 6- CHOOSE ONE |
- American Institutions Requirement - IGETC GE AREA 3B and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from IGETC GE AREA 3B
- MATH A185 - Only if student decides to utilize the PHYS A185-PHYS A280 sequence substitution for the Physics requirement. This option cannot be completed within 60 units.
- American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 4