# Biology (Associate in Science for Transfer)

San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Biology

Source: https://catalog.sjcc.edu/degrees-certificates/biology/biology-associate-science-transfer/

### Description

Are you considering majoring in biology? Are you interested in a career in research, healthcare, medicine, biotechnology, and/or teaching?  Would you like guaranteed admission to a CSU?

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) Degree provides students with a solid foundation in the life sciences, in preparation for a potential transfer to a 4-year institution.  Successful completion of the AS-T satisfies lower division requirements and _guarantees_ _admission_ to the California State University (CSU) system (_though not to a particular campus or major_). The AS-T degree in Biology is designed to prepare those students interested in majoring in biology, and/or those considering careers in the life sciences, including research, teaching, medicine and healthcare, biotechnology, and other related disciplines.

**To be awarded the Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree, students must:**

(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:

(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

_While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA.  Please consult with a counselor for more information._

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.  A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a “pass/no pass” basis.

### Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

-   Formulate and test hypotheses by employing the scientific method, including collecting, interpreting and presenting data.
-   Properly use scientific terms and concepts, especially in the context of critically assessing scientific arguments.
-   Classify organisms into taxonomic groups and compare and contrast their living functions and organization.
-   Apply chemical, physical, and biological principles to explain the significance of fundamental processes and phenomena in biology (including but not limited to photosynthesis, metabolism, DNA replication, and current uses of biotechnology).
-   Apply ecological principles to explain the natural histories of organisms, their interconnectedness with the environment, and the importance of conservation.

### Requirements

#### Major Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Core:** | | 10 |
| BIOL 004A | General Principles and Cell Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 004B | Biodiversity and Organismal Biology | 5 |
| **List A:** | | 23-25 |
| CHEM 001A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 001B | General Chemistry | 5 |
| MATH 071 | Calculus I With Analytic Geometry | 5 |
| ↳ PHYS 002A | Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics I |  |
| **and** | |  |
| ↳ PHYS 002B | Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics II |  |
| **OR** | |  |
| ↳ PHYS 004A | General Physics |  |
| **and** | |  |
| ↳ PHYS 004B | General Physics |  |
| **Total Units** | | 33-35 |

#### AS-T Degree Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Major Requirements** | | 33-35 |
| **Cal-GETC Requirements** | | 34 |
| **Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60)** | | 1-3 |
| **Total Units** | | 60 |