# Biology (Associate of Science)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Chemistry

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/19747

### Summary

Biology is a natural science that focuses on physical and chemical processes of living organisms. This discipline explores how organisms acquire and use energy to maintain homeostasis, how they reproduce, and how they interact with each other and their environment. Scientific processes are emphasized as a means of answering these biological questions. Biologists rely heavily on a chemistry foundation since living organisms are chemical systems.

The Biology program serves three areas of study. Biology provides a broad background of studies for the biology major preparing for transfer to a four-year institution. The biology program offers support courses in human anatomy, human physiology, and general microbiology which may be used to satisfy prerequisites for nursing programs and other allied health fields. The biology program provides courses in natural science to fulfill general education requirements.

The three associate degrees in biology require completion of the courses listed below. Additional general education and graduation requirements for the associate degree are listed in the catalog. The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 units.

**Award Description**
This degree is for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. Students who plan to transfer to CSU should see a counselor to explore the most appropriate degree option.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Biology Program will be able to:**

1.  Demonstrate the ability to report and/or explain scientific information appropriately
2.  Think critically, developing the skills to ask vital questions and solve biological problems by applying the Scientific Method.
3.  Investigate biological questions using appropriate tools and techniques.
4.  Demonstrate environmental awareness by recognizing the importance of interconnections among living organisms, including people, and their environments.
5.  Come prepared for class and complete assigned work thoughtfully.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 23-24 |
| BIOL 210A | Introduction to the Biological Sciences I | 4 |
| BIOL 210B | Introduction to the Biological Sciences II | 4 |
| CHEM 200 | General Chemistry I - Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 200L | General Chemistry I - Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 201 | General Chemistry II - Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 201L | General Chemistry II - Laboratory | 2 |
| MATH 121 | Basic Techniques of Applied Calculus I | 3 |
| MATH 122 | Basic Techniques of Calculus II | 3 |
| or MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |