Biology
Associate in Science Degree Biology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Biological Associate of Science degree is intended to instill a desire in our students to learn more about the biological sciences, encourage critical thinking about how life functions in the natural world, and help students become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions about biologically related issues.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Use the scientific method to design, carry out, summarize & 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, and nutrient flow through an ecosystem).
- Describe the variations observed in organisms and explain how populations have evolved through time.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses - Select one option from the following: | 9-12 | |
| Option 1 | ||
| BIOL A180 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | |
| BIOL A185 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology | |
| Option 2 | ||
| BIOL A180 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | |
| BIOL A182/BIOL A182H | Zoology | |
| BIOL A182L | Zoology Lab | |
| BIOL A183 | Botany | |
| BIOL A183L | Botany Lab | |
| Restricted Electives A - Select a minimum of 4 units from the following: | 4-5 | |
| BIOL A201 | Human Cadaver Prosection | |
| BIOL A210 | General Microbiology | |
| BIOL A220 | Human Anatomy | |
| BIOL A221 | Anatomy-Physiology | |
| BIOL A225 | Human Physiology | |
| BIOL A280 | Evolutionary Ecology | |
| BIOL A281 & BIOL A282 | Biochemistryand Molecular Biology | |
| BIOL A283 | Genetics | |
| Restricted Electives B - Select a minimum of five units of Chemistry and five units of Math: | 10 | |
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A | |
| CHEM A185 | General Chemistry B | |
| CHEM A220 | Organic Chemistry A | |
| CHEM A220L | Organic Chemistry A Lab | |
| CHEM A225 | Organic Chemistry B | |
| CHEM A225L | Organic Chemistry B Laboratory | |
| MATH A180/MATH A180H | Calculus 1 | |
| MATH A185/MATH A185H | Calculus 2 | |
| MATH A280/MATH A280H | Calculus 3 | |
| MATH A285/MATH A285H | Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | |
| Total Major Units | 23-27 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
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 |
|---|---|
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A 3, 4 |
| MATH A180or MATH A180H | Calculus 1 3, 5or Calculus 1 Honors |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| BIOL A180 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| Select one of the following: |
| BIOL A185or BIOL A182 and BIOL A182L |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| Select one of the following: 1 |
| BIOL A183& A183L |
| OR ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Core Course List B (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- If you chose BIOL A185 in a previous semester, you can take any degree applicable units
- VARIES REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE UNITS
- These courses meet required restricted electives for Chemistry and Mathematics (See Requirements)
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 5
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 2