Biological Sciences Program Information
- Biology Program
- Associate Degree
- Biotechnology Certificate
What is Biology?
Biological Sciences covers all aspects of the scientific study of life and emphasizes both the unity and diversity of living things. The structure, function, and behavior of organisms are studied at the molecular, cellular, organismal and environmental levels. The biology program serves three areas of study: It provides broad background of studies for the biology major preparing for transfer to a four-year institution; it 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; and it provides courses in natural science to fulfill general education requirements.
The biology program serves four areas of study:
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It provides courses in natural science to fulfill general education requirements.
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It provides a broad background of studies for the biology major preparing for transfer to a four-year institution.
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It offers support courses in anatomy, physiology and microbiology which may be used to satisfy prerequisites for nursing programs and other allied-health fields.
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It offers students the best possible exposure to the immense and dynamic field of biotechnology. With as little as 24 units of core curricula, students can compete for entry-level positions at local biotech companies - right out of community college.
Biological Sciences Associate Degree Program
Units required for Major: 32
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Biological Sciences covers all aspects of the scientific study of life and emphasizes both the unity and diversity of living things. The structure, function, and behavior of organisms are studied at the molecular, cellular, organismal and environmental levels. The biology program serves three areas of: a broad background of studies for the biology major preparing for transfer to a fouryear institution; support courses in human anatomy, human physiology, and general microbiology, which may be used to satisfy rerequisites for nursing programs and other allied-health fields; and courses in natural sciences to fulfill general education requirements. The Associate in Science Degree requires the completion of 32.0 units
Courses required for the major:
8 units from the following:
| BIOSCI 106 | Organismal & Environmental Biology | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 107 or BIOSCI 107H | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4.0 |
As well as 8 units from the following:
| BIOSCI 201 | Introduction to Human Anatomy | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 202 | Introduction to Human Physiology | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 204 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 205 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 221 | Introduction to Microbiology | 5.0 |
| BIOSCI 230 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 240 | Molecular Genetics | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 215 | General Zoology | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 216 | General Botany | 4.0 |
And 16 units from the following:
| CHEM 201 | General Chemistry I | 6.0 |
| CHEM 202 | General Chemistry II | 5.0 |
| CHEM 255 | Organic Chemistry I | 5.0 |
| CHEM 256 | Organic Chemistry II | 5.0 |
| MATH 211 | Calculus I | 5.0 |
| MATH 212 | Calculus II | 5.0 |
| PHYSIC 110 | General Physics I | 4.0 |
| PHYSIC 111 | General Physics II | 4.0 |
| PHYSIC 220 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Mechanics of Solids and Fluids | 4.0 |
| PHYSIC 221 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Electricity and Magnetism | 4.0 |
Reccomended Electives
| BIOSCI 130 | Contemporary Issues in Environmental Biology | 3.0 |
| BIOSCI 132 | Concepts in Evolution | 3.0 |
| BIOSCI 140 | Principles in Human Genetics | 3.0 |
| BIOSCI 180 | Biology of Cancer | 3.0 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Biology Major requirements will be able to interpret,
analyze, and evaluate Biological knowledge using the scientific method.
Certificate of Achievement: Biotechnology
Units required for Certificate: 21
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Biotechnology represents one of the fastest emerging fields of science today. Locally there is a rapidly emerging job market for individuals with all levels of training in biotechnology. The certificate program at College of the Canyons provides students with a core curriculum that includes both a strong foundation in theory, as well as extensive hands-on training in biotechnology. Students interested in cell-molecular related fields should seek work-based training in biotechnology. Continuing education in the form of internships is available, and will help to solidify a career choice. Entry-level positions (with either an A.S.or Certificate training) are numerous and salary ranges are based on qualifications. Additional training makes candidates more competitive, and students should recognize that biotechnology involves life-long education. Many of the courses in the certificate program articulate with fouryear schools. Students are encouraged to consult with a counselor for more detailed transfer information.
Required Courses
| BIOSCI 096 | Cell Culture Techniques | 2.0 |
| BIOSCI 098 | Quality Control and Validation | 1.0 |
| BIOSCI 107 or BIOSCI 107H | Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4.0 |
| BIOSCI 190 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 2.0 |
| BIOSCI 230 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 4.0 |
| CHEM 151 | Preparatory General Chemistry | 4.0 |
| MATH 140 or MATH 140H | Introductory Statistics | 4.0 |
Recommended Electives
| BIOSCI 095 | Cleanroom Technology | 1.0 |
| BIOSCI 221 | Introduction to Microbiology | 5.0 |
| ENGL 091 | Introduction to College Reading and Writing or | 3.0 |
| ENGL 094 | Introduction to Technical Reading and Writing | 3.0 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to assess and distinguish the theory and experimentbased
skills in biotechnology necessary for research, entry-level positions,
and/or transfer.

