Biology
A.S. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
This program is designed for those students pursuing a career in biological sciences. Students who wish to pursue a pre-med preparation should follow this program as well. It is recommended that all students who wish to enter other related fields, such as medical technology or pre-professional health science (pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, and pre-veterinary) should also follow this program and consult with an Academic Advisor for the appropriate courses and sequences for their particular field. Students may also be interested in the A.S. degree in Environmental Sciences with Biology Emphasis.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in biology that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
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 a 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 and 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.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 181 | General Biology I/GE | 4 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 or MAT 187 |
College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry or Precalculus/GE |
5+2 or 4+2 or 5 |
GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 18-20 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 182 | General Biology II/GE | 4 | Major Requirement |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | Microbiology | 4 | Major Requirement |
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| PHY 111 or BIO 201 |
College Physics I/GE or Anatomy & Physiology I/GE |
4 | Major Requirement |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 235 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 | GE-Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 112 or BIO 202 |
College Physics II or Anatomy & Physiology II |
4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 270 | Applied Statistics | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ORAL COMM | Choose one course from Oral Communication | 3-4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| 16-17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA | Biology (multiple program options) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS, BSED | Biology (multiple program options) | None |
| University of Arizona | BS, BA | Biology (multiple program options) | 2nd or 4th Semester Proficiency (depends on program) |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.