Biology
Associate in Science Biology · Yuba College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Associate of Science Degree in Biology is designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions for pre-professional studies in medical, dental and pharmacy programs. The Biology program at Yuba College offers a range of courses that fulfill general education and transfer requirements and prepares students for further study in Biology leading to BA, BS, MA, MS and/or Ph.D. degrees.
Students who complete this program should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of Biology as it relates to their degree path. These fundamental principles include: cell theory, gene theory and homeostasis. Varied courses can assess these principles at any level of biological hierarchy from molecular structure through organismal structure to complete ecosystems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of topics revolving around the interactions that organisms have with each other, other organisms and their abiotic surroundings including the flow and use of energy within their environment. Students should show knowledge of larger scale biological topics including diversity, population dynamics, and competition within ecosystems.
- Apply the scientific method to original or pre-designed biological experiments. Students should be able to create or assess a hypothesis, conduct experiments, correctly interpret results, and effectively communicate findings while relating each step of the scientific method.
- Show proficiency using biological laboratory techniques practiced within a given course curriculum. Students should show knowledge in applied techniques such as, but not limited to, microscopy, dissection, sterile technique, sample identification and chemical assays. Students will use varied instrumentation to obtain experimental results.
Required courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-1 | Principles of Biology | 5 |
| BIOL-2 | General Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL-3 | General Botany | 4 |
| CHEM-1A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM-1B | General Chemistry | 5 |
| Complete eight units from one of the following groups: | ||
| PHYS-2A | General Physics | 3 |
| PHYS-3A | General Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS-2B | General Physics | 3 |
| PHYS-3B | General Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| orPHYS-4A | Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS-4B | Electromagnetism | 4 |
| Complete one course from the following: | ||
| MATH-1A | Single Variable Calculus I -- Early Transcendentals | 4 |
| MATH-9 | Calculus for Business, Social and Life Science | 4 |
| STAT-1 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 4 |
| Total units required for degree major | 35 | |
Students earning an AA/AS degree must complete a minimum of 21 units of General Education requirements and the health graduation requirement, in addition to the program units listed here. Students must complete a total of 60 degree applicable units to earn an AA or AS. Please see your counselor for additional information.