Environmental Sciences - Biology Emphasis
A.S. - Transfer Degree
Intended for students pursuing a career in fields such as environmental consulting, natural resource management, science education, or graduate school in the sciences. Two emphases are available: Applied Geology and Biology. Students may complete the BS degree with a Biology Emphasis entirely at NAU in Yuma. The Applied Geology Emphasis requires transfer to NAU in Flagstaff or elsewhere for the BS degree.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in environmental sciences that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the interdependence of all species and the importance of biological diversity in the functioning of the biosphere.
- Explain why microbes are vital to life on earth.
- Be familiar with the various technical tools used by environmental scientists including GIS, GPS, remote sensing and other mapping tools and describe how these various tools work together to assist environmental biologists.
- Describe the nature of scientific inquiry and be able to identify when research, monitoring, or taxonomy is appropriate to apply to environmental issues.
- Discuss the role of biological diversity in the functioning of ecosystems
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 | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 187 |
Precalculus/GE (recommended) |
5 |
GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Composition |
| 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 |
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 | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 14 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 230 | Foundations of Enviromental Science | 4 | Major Requirement |
| BIO 205 | Microbiology | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 | Prerequisite for ENV 280 |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 280 | Physical and Chemical Processes in the Environment | 4 | Major Requirement |
| GPH 213 | Introduction to Climate Science | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 270 | Applied Statistics | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ORAL COMM | Choose one course from Oral Communication | 3-4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 18-19 |
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 | Biology (Environmental Science) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS | Biological & Natural Resource Sciences | None |
| University of Arizona | BS | Environmental Science: The Biosphere Emphasis: | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
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.