Biology
Program Description
An Associate in Science (AS) in Biology will prepare students to transfer to a university and pursue a major in biological science, pre-med, medical technology, or pre-professional health sciences (which include dental, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary). Students should work closely with their academic advisor as they consider which sequence of courses are appropriate for their field of choice. Students may also be interested in the AS in Environmental Sciences with Biology Emphasis degree program that is also offered at Arizona Western College.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Apply the principles of scientific inquiry, methodology, research, and experimentation
- Demonstrate competence in standard laboratory safety, instrumentation, technology, and techniques when used in biological sciences
- Use the scientific method to define a problem, propose solutions through research, investigate the problem through experimentation, collect and analyze quantitative data, and present these findings
- Apply fundamental concepts of biology including organization, chemistry of life, cellular functions, genetics, evolution, biological diversity, animal systems, plant systems, and ecology
- Apply fundamental concepts of microbiology including diversity, cell structure, cell metabolism, viral interactions, pathogenicity, and the role of microorganisms in industry, agriculture, and medicine.
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology including terminology, organization, homeostatic regulation, interactions among body systems, and its application to human health
- Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, scientific terminology, and communication (written and oral) in the biological sciences
- Discuss the role of biology in greater economic, social, political, and historical context
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Biology - A.S. Transfer Degree |
This icon indicates a degree that can lead to a locally obtained Bachelor’s Degree.
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Duties/Tasks
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$79,630
$79,630
Entry Level Salary
$48,990
$48,990
Mid Level Salary
$63,670
$63,670
Expert Level Salary
$123,630
$123,630
Average Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Entry Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Duties/Tasks
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
- Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
- Plan and administer biological research programs for government, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
- Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as radioactivity or pollution.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$91,240
$91,240
Entry Level Salary
$46,190
$46,190
Mid Level Salary
$79,530
$79,530
Expert Level Salary
$140,740
$140,740
Average Hourly Wage
$43.87
$43.87
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.21
$22.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$38.00
$38.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$67.67
$67.67
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Duties/Tasks
- Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
- Design, make, or fit prosthodontic appliances, such as space maintainers, bridges, or dentures, or write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for denturists or dental technicians.
- Fill pulp chamber and canal with endodontic materials.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$175,030
$175,030
Entry Level Salary
$78,850
$78,850
Mid Level Salary
$164,060
$164,060
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$84.15
$84.15
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$37.91
$37.91
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$78.00
$78.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
Duties/Tasks
- Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
- Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary.
- Coordinate work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other health care providers.
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs or standards in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$224,220
$224,220
Entry Level Salary
$62,360
$62,360
Mid Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$107.80
$107.80
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.98
$29.98
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
Duties/Tasks
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Treat internal disorders, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or problems of the lung, brain, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Manage and treat common health problems, such as infections, influenza or pneumonia, as well as serious, chronic, and complex illnesses, in adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
- Provide and manage long-term, comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases, for adult patients in an office or hospital.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Make diagnoses when different illnesses occur together or in situations where the diagnosis may be obscure.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$283,030
$283,030
Entry Level Salary
$129,390
$129,390
Mid Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$136.07
$136.07
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$62.21
$62.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Post Doctoral Training
Description
Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Duties/Tasks
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
- Study the structure and function of human, animal, and plant tissues, cells, pathogens, and toxins.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$66,600
$66,600
Entry Level Salary
$39,000
$39,000
Mid Level Salary
$51,620
$51,620
Expert Level Salary
$100,620
$100,620
Average Hourly Wage
$32.02
$32.02
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.75
$18.75
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$24.00
$24.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$48.38
$48.38
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Duties/Tasks
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and data.
- Design molecular or cellular laboratory experiments, oversee their execution, and interpret results.
- Write grant applications to obtain funding.
- Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
- Conduct research on cell organization and function, including mechanisms of gene expression, cellular bioinformatics, cell signaling, or cell differentiation.
- Prepare or review reports, manuscripts, or meeting presentations.
- Instruct undergraduate and graduate students within the areas of cellular or molecular biology.
- Direct, coordinate, organize, or prioritize biological laboratory activities.
- Compile and analyze molecular or cellular experimental data and adjust experimental designs as necessary.
- Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$91,240
$91,240
Entry Level Salary
$46,190
$46,190
Mid Level Salary
$79,530
$79,530
Expert Level Salary
$140,740
$140,740
Average Hourly Wage
$43.87
$43.87
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.21
$22.21
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$38.00
$38.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$67.67
$67.67
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
Duties/Tasks
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.
- Treat diseases of female organs.
- Care for and treat women during prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods.
- Prescribe or administer therapy, medication, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Perform cesarean sections or other surgical procedures as needed to preserve patients' health and deliver babies safely.
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$324,280
$324,280
Entry Level Salary
$166,580
$166,580
Mid Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$155.90
$155.90
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$80.09
$80.09
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.
Duties/Tasks
- Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$119,860
$119,860
Entry Level Salary
$59,580
$59,580
Mid Level Salary
$128,690
$128,690
Expert Level Salary
$167,710
$167,710
Average Hourly Wage
$57.62
$57.62
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$28.65
$28.65
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$61.00
$61.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$80.63
$80.63
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
Duties/Tasks
- Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children.
- Examine children regularly to assess their growth and development.
- Treat children who have minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns.
- Examine patients or order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests to obtain information on medical condition and determine diagnosis.
- Advise patients, parents or guardians, and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients and parents or guardians.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
- Plan and execute medical care programs to aid in the mental and physical growth and development of children and adolescents.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$200,350
$200,350
Entry Level Salary
$62,770
$62,770
Mid Level Salary
$203,460
$203,460
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$96.32
$96.32
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$30.18
$30.18
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$97.00
$97.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Post Doctoral Training
Description
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Duties/Tasks
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$121,490
$121,490
Entry Level Salary
$80,290
$80,290
Mid Level Salary
$124,870
$124,870
Expert Level Salary
$163,440
$163,440
Average Hourly Wage
$58.41
$58.41
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$38.60
$38.60
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$60.00
$60.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$78.58
$78.58
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Duties/Tasks
- Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
- Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
- Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
- Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
- Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.
- Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.
- Counsel clients about the deaths of their pets or about euthanasia decisions for their pets.
- Advise animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, general care, medical conditions, or treatment options.
- Specialize in a particular type of treatment, such as dentistry, pathology, nutrition, surgery, microbiology, or internal medicine.
- Direct the overall operations of animal hospitals, clinics, or mobile services to farms.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$114,460
$114,460
Entry Level Salary
$75,330
$75,330
Mid Level Salary
$100,450
$100,450
Expert Level Salary
$164,050
$164,050
Average Hourly Wage
$55.03
$55.03
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$36.22
$36.22
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$48.00
$48.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$78.87
$78.87
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Duties/Tasks
- Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
- Organize and conduct experimental studies with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings.
- Analyze characteristics of animals to identify and classify them.
- Coordinate preventive programs to control the outbreak of wildlife diseases.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$63,390
$63,390
Entry Level Salary
$39,430
$39,430
Mid Level Salary
$62,000
$62,000
Expert Level Salary
$95,560
$95,560
Average Hourly Wage
$30.48
$30.48
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.96
$18.96
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$45.94
$45.94
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawn Clavell | Professor of Biology | (928) 317-6474 | Shawn.Clavell@azwestern.edu |
| Alison Bockoven | Professor of Biology (Anatomy & Physiology) | (928) 344-7548 | Alison.Bockoven@azwestern.edu |
| Colton Kempton | Professor of Biology | (928) 317-6426 | Colton.Kempton@azwestern.edu |
| Marlie Meza | Professor of Biology | (928) 344-7653 | marlie.meza@azwestern.edu |
| Matthew Smith | Professor of Biology | (928) 317-7105 | matthew.smith@azwestern.edu |
| Jayme Post | Professor of Biology (Anatomy & Physiology) | (928) 317-6344 | Jayme.Post@azwestern.edu |