Biology

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

This program of study will provide you with a foundation in biological principles and the diversity of life. You will study life at the molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological and evolutionary levels in order to help you answer scientific questions by critically evaluating scientific information, developing and testing hypotheses using the tools and techniques of the biological sciences, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

The AS in Biology is designed to provide the foundation in Math and Science needed for subsequent transfer to a Biological Sciences program at a 4-year university, and the core courses listed below fulfill MOST of the lower division requirements for transfer. Students should note that transfer-course requirements vary among universities, and between majors in the different branches of the Biological Sciences. Students are encouraged to consult the ASSIST webpage (www.assist.org) for more information on transfer-course agreements between Chabot College and the CSU/UC Biological Sciences programs


What can I do with this major?

An associate’s degree in Biology can prepare you for transfer to bachelor’s programs in: biology, molecular, cell and developmental biology, biotechnology, ecology and conservation,, marine biology, plant or animal science, microbiology and immunology, physiology, neuroscience Biology majors often engage in career fields requiring the pursuit and application of knowledge of the natural world, including: -biotechnology -natural resource management -clinical or laboratory research -environmental science -physical therapy, pharmacy, or medicine -public health and epidemiology -genomics


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Environment

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

All students are strongly advised to consult with a Chabot STEM Counselor to develop an individualized Student Educational Plan (SEP) that is tailored to your specific degree and transfer goals. To schedule a STEM Counseling appointment, please visit, https://www.chabotcollege.edu/stem/counseling.php

Semester 1

14 units

MTH 1
Calculus I1

5 units
This course is the first in the three-course calculus sequence intended for majors in math, engineering, and physical sciences. The course covers elements of analytic geometry, derivatives, limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, and the definite integral. Application to the sciences are also covered.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

CHEM 1A
General College Chemistry I2

5 units
Introduction to atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, matter and energy, oxidation-reduction, chemical equations, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical energetics and equilibrium. Laboratory includes both quantitative and qualitative experiments.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
    2. or
  2. Prerequisite: MTH 55B
  3. Prerequisite: CHEM 31
    4. or
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

English 1- Critical Reading and Composition

4 units
GE
PE recommended

Biology majors may opt to start their Biology sequence (Bios 21A/B/C) in Semester 1. Please see a STEM Counselor for more information.

  • 1 - Starting at Math 1 is dependent upon Math placement. Complete the Math Course Selection in ClassWeb and see STEM counselor for correct starting Math level,
  • 2 - If you have taken high school Chemistry with a B or better and have an overall HS GPA of 2.o or higher, see STEM counselor for CHEM 1A placement. Otherwise, you will need to take the Chemistry assessment or complete CHEM 31 prior to taking CHEM 1A.

Semester 2

17 units

BIOS 21A
Principles of Plant Biology and Ecology

4 units
Principles of the diversity, structure and function of autotrophs including plants, protists, and bacteria. Emphasis on cell reproduction, alternation of generations, plant morphology and anatomy, homeostasis, development, phylogeny, taxonomy, and systematics. Principles of ecology including conservation biology. This course is intended for students majoring in biological sciences OR for students who will apply to professional schools, including schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. May not receive credit if BIOL 6 has been completed successfully.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
  2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring

MTH 2
Calculus II

5 units
Continuation of differential and integral calculus, including transcendental, and inverse functions. Techniques of integration, numerical integration, parametric equations, polar coordinates, sequences, power series and Taylor series. Primarily for mathematics, physical science, and engineering majors.
Terms Offered: Summer, Spring, Fall

CHEM 1B
General College Chemistry II

5 units
Continuation of Chemistry 1A. Chemical energetics and equilibria, solutions and ionic equilibria, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and the chemistry of family groups of the periodic table. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative techniques, including instrumentation, and qualitative analysis.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units
GE

Semester 3

15-16 units

BIOS 21B
Principles of Animal Biology and Evolution

4 units
Principles of the diversity, structure and function of heterotrophic organisms-animals, protists, and fungi with emphasis on homeostasis, development, phylogeny and taxonomy. Principles of evolution, evolutionary history, and population genetics. Intended for biological sciences majors. This course is intended for students majoring in biological sciences OR for students who will apply to professional schools, including schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. May not receive credit if BIOL 4 has been completed successfully.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
    2. and
  2. Prerequisite: BIOS 21A
    3. or
  3. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
  4. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

Physics or Chemistry Option 1: Consult with STEM counselor to choose one course from the list below

4-5 units
Terms Offered: Fall

PHYS 3A
College Physics A

4 units
Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes: the scientific method and social responsibility of the scientist, Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, and vibration waves.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTH 1
  2. Prerequisite: MTH 22
  3. Prerequisite: MTH 15
  • Transfers to CSU
    • Terms Offered: Fall
    or

    CHEM 12A
    Organic Chemistry I

    5 units
    Hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, and an introduction to aromatic hydrocarbons. Structure, bonding, stereochemistry, conformational analysis, nomenclature, and physical properties in relation to these particular groups of compounds. Emphasis on reactivity and reaction mechanisms. Laboratory work includes microscale, macroscale, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Chemistry 12A is the first semester in a year long course in organic chemistry designed for students majoring in chemistry and related disciplines.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1B
    Terms Offered: Fall

    General Education Course – consult with STEM counselor to determine the appropriate GE course.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course – consult with STEM counselor to determine the appropriate GE course.

    4 units
    GE

    Semester 4

    15-16 units

    BIOS 21C
    Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology

    5 units
    Principles of the structure and function of biological molecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and viruses, with emphasis on homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular and transmission genetics, control of gene expression, genetic control of pattern formation in development, and cell metabolism. This course is intended for students majoring in biological sciences OR for students who will apply to professional schools, including schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. May not receive credit if BIOL 2 has been completed successfully.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
      2. and
    2. Prerequisite: BIOS 21A
      3. or
    3. Prerequisite: BIOS 21B
    4. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU
    • Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

    Physics or Chemistry Option 2: Consult with STEM counselor and choose one course from the list below

    4-5 units
    Terms Offered: Spring

    PHYS 3B
    College Physics B

    4 units
    Introduction to the major principles of ELECTROMAGNETISM AND MODERN PHYSICS using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes Electrostatics, Electro-circuits, electromagnetic waves, optics, relativity , atomic and nuclear physics and the social responsibility of the scientist and architect .
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: MTH 16
      2. or
    2. Prerequisite: MTH 2
      3. and
    3. Prerequisite: PHYS 3A
      4. or
    4. Prerequisite: PHYS 4A
  • Transfers to CSU
    • Terms Offered: Spring
    or

    CHEM 12B
    Organic Chemistry II

    5 units
    Continuation of Chemistry 12A with an introduction to the chemistry of dienes, aromatics, amines, carbanions, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, aldehydes, ketones and biochemical topics focusing on structure, synthesis, and mechanisms of reaction. Laboratory work in basic techniques, synthetic methods, qualitative, spectroscopic, and chromatographic analysis techniques. Chemistry 12B is the second semester in a year course in Organic Chemistry designed for students majoring in Chemistry related disciplines.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: CHEM 12A
    Terms Offered: Spring

    General Education Course – consult with STEM counselor to determine the appropriate GE course.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course – consult with STEM counselor to determine the appropriate GE course.

    3 units
    GE
    Total Units: 61-63 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.