Biology
Associate in Arts Biology · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Award Type: Associate in Arts
The associate degree in biology prepares students to move into a curriculum in a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in such areas as botany, zoology, conservation, and teaching. The biologist with a baccalaureate degree is prepared to enter graduate or professional programs of specialized study such as medicine, dentistry, medical technology, osteopathy, and veterinary medicine.
The graduate of the Associate in Arts in Biology will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of cell theory, including diverse cell types and functions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of homeostasis in regards to biological systems and functions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of genetics, including the central dogma and heredity.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using the scientific process to make hypotheses about natural phenomena, test those hypotheses, and analyze the results.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evolutionary principles and biodiversity.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A major of 23 units is required for the degree. | ||
| Required core courses (15 units): | 15 | |
| BIOL 150 | Cellular Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 154 | General Botany | 5 |
| BIOL 155 | General Zoology | 5 |
| Plus a minimum of 8 units selected from the following: | 8 | |
| CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5 |
| PHYS 141 | General Physics 1 | 4 |
| PHYS 142 | General Physics 2 | 4 |
| Recommended electives (optional): | 6.5 | |
| BIOL 132 | Marine Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 179 | Experimental Courses in Biology | 0.5 |
| BIOL 189 | Independent Projects in Biology | 1 |
| BIOL 199 | Special Topics in Biology | 1 |
| General Education | ||
| In addition to completing the program requirements, students are also required to complete general education courses. Students may follow the AHC GE or the Cal-GETC pathways to meet these requirements. Students intending to transfer to a four-year university should use the Cal-GETC GE pathway. To see what major courses and general education requirements you need to fulfill, visit your myHancock account and select the DegreeWorks button in the Academic Profile widget. For more information and guidance, and to receive a detailed education plan, make an appointment with an academic counselor. | ||
| Total | 23 | |