Biology-Preprofessional

Provides intensive lower-division preparation for pursuing advanced studies in biological science, pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-veterinarian programs leading towards a Bachelor's degree and beyond.

Students are advised to consult catalogs of the institution to which they plan to apply to determine special or additional requirements, or see a Palomar College Counselor.

Students are further advised to consult with intended transfer institutions as to whether organic chemistry should be taken before or after transfer.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of chemistry as it relates to biological systems, including biomolecules, protein synthesis, catabolic and anabolic reactions in the cell, and reactions involving biomolecules.
2. Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concept of biological evolution. This will include both microevolution (changes in allele frequencies within a population over time) and macroevolution. Students will understand how evolution explains observed variations between individuals and populations, how selection pressures alter survival values of traits, and the evidence supporting evolution.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles behind scientific thinking. Students will understand the concept of empiricism, statistics and uncertainty, hypotheses and hypothesis testing, the concept of a scientific theory, and experimental design and analysis. Students will show competence in the design and execution of scientific experiments, and the use of common scientific apparatus (e.g. microscopes)
4. Students will demonstrate understanding of mathematics through calculus.
5. Students will understand the functioning of life at a cellular level. This includes cell and organelle structure and function, cellular reproduction, and cellular biochemistry (including respiration and photosynthesis).