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Biology A.S.-T. Degree (04100.AST)

School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

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The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree is designed to meet the lower division requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in biology at the California State University System. Students who complete an AS-T in Biology from Merced College will have completed the equivalent of the first two years as a biology major in the California State University System and will be prepared for upper division course work in Biology at a California State University.

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for seamless transfer to a university that offers a baccalaureate degree with a major in biological science or related discipline. The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree provides the student with laboratory experience and introductory knowledge of fundamental principles in biology that include cell theory, genomics, taxonomy, comparative anatomy and physiology, ecology and evolution.

This major provides a strong foundation in biology enabling them to succeed in upper division coursework in a baccalaureate degree program in biology.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A. Analyze the natural world.

B. Describe interactions with the natural world.

C. Describe mechanisms of evolution.

D. Demonstrate scientific literacy.

To complete the degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  1. 60 semester CSU-transferable units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University.

  2. the California State University General Education (CSU-GE) for STEM pattern OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for STEM pattern.

  3. a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

  4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

  5. earn a grade of C (or P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Note: Students are not required to complete any additional local graduation requirements for the AS-T (e.g., PE and Computer and Information Literacy courses).

Visit the Program Mapper for more information on when to take classes and career information.

Program Requirements:

Program Core: (34-36 Units)

Units

BIOL-04A Fundamentals of Biology: The Cell and Evolution 

4

BIOL-04B Diversity of Life: Morphology and Physiology 

5

List A: Restricted Electives

CHEM-04A General Chemistry I 

5

CHEM-04B General Chemistry II 

5

MATH-04A Calculus I 

4

Physics: Select 1 grouping:

General:
PHYS-02A General Physics I (4)
and
PHYS-02B General Physics II (4)
or
Calculus-Based:
PHYS-04A Physics I (4)
and
PHYS-04B Physics II (4)

8

List B: Electives Select 3-5 Units from the following

BIOL-16 General Human Anatomy (4)
BIOL-18 Principles of Physiology (4)
MATH-04B Calculus II (4)
MATH-10 Elementary Statistic (3)
First Semester Organic Chemistry
CHEM-13A First Semester Organic Chemistry Lecture (3)
CHEM-13AL First Semester Organic Chemistry Labs (2)
Second Semester Organic Chemistry
CHEM-13B Second Semester Organic Chemistry Lecture (3)
CHEM-13BL Second Semester Organic Chemistry Labs (2)

3-5

Total Units toward the Major: (34-36 Units)

Total Units that may be double counted: (-10 Units)

*General Education (CSU-GE for STEM or IGETC for STEM) Units: (31-33 Units)

Elective (CSU Transferable) Units: (13 Units)

Total Degree Units: (60 Units)

*IGETC or CSU-GE Breadth for STEM, allows for completion of 6 units on non-STEM GE work after transfer.

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Contact Information

Dean

Marie Bruley

Phone

(209) 384-6293

School Office

SCI-134

Counseling

(209) 381-6478

Biology Website