Biology
A.S. Degree Biological & Environmental Sciences · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Biology is the scientific study of life through the observation of structure, function, reproduction, growth, origin, evolution, and behavior of living organisms and their relation to each other and their environment. Biologists have deepened our understanding of processes and interactions on all levels of biological organization from elucidating cellular processes to fight cancer to assessing interactions in communities that might help prevent the extinction of species. Studying biology provides a background for students to evaluate and understand new discoveries and to make informed decisions about the use of scientific knowledge to benefit all living organisms. The Associate of Science in Biology prepares student for upper division biology courses, including general biology, cell or molecular biology, organism biology, marine biology, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and agricultural sciences. Students must receive a minimum grade of “C” or better in all required core courses and the specific courses listed as program electives in order to qualify for the degree or certificate.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biology AS: Complete all of the following | 35-38 | |
| Required Courses | 10 | |
| BIOL 110 | General Molecular Cell Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 120 | General Organismal, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology | 5 |
| Program Electives | 7-10 | |
| BIOL 201 | General Human Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL 202 | General Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 203A | General Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 203B | General Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 204 | General Microbiology | 5 |
| BIOL 206 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry | 5 |
| Program Elective - Choose one | 5 | |
| CHEM 110 | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 110H | General Chemistry Honors | 5 |
| Program Elective - Choose one | 5 | |
| MATH 150 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| MATH 150H | Calculus & Analytic Geometry Honors | 5 |
| Program Electives: Complete all of the following | 8 | |
| PHYS 101 | Introductory Physics | 4 |
| PHYS 102 | Introductory Physics | 4 |
Recommended Pathway
Biology AS
Term 1 (15 units)
- ENGLC1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (4)
- Any AVC GE Area 1B (3)
- Any AVC GE Area 4 (3)
- MATH150 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry (5)
- MATH150H - Calculus & Analytic Geometry Honors (5)
Term 2 (13 units)
- BIOL120 - General Organismal, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology (5)
- CHEM110 - General Chemistry (5)
- Any AVC GE Area 6 (3)
Term 3 (5 units)
- PHYS101 - Introductory Physics (4)
- General Elective (1)
Term 4 (13 units)
- CHEM120 - General Chemistry (5)
- BIOL110 - General Molecular Cell Biology (5)
- Any AVC GE Area 3 (3)
Term 5 (14-15 units)
- PHYS102 - Introductory Physics (4)
- BIOL201 - General Human Anatomy (4)
- BIOL204 - General Microbiology (5)
- General Elective (3)
- General Elective (3)