Biology, A.S.-T

An A.S.-T in Biology for Transfer will fulfill the requirements for students to transfer to a CSU institution as a Biology major. The courses in the A.S.-T in Biology for Transfer provide students with an intensive modern biology study designed to prepare students for upper-division science courses. Topics include the biochemistry, genetics, biodiversity, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of cells and organisms in an evolutionary context. Students will apply their understanding of biology concepts in the laboratory to develop an understanding of the methods of scientific inquiry, experimental design, and analysis of results.

AST.BIOL.CG

Design Your Future!

Begin by exploring MSJC program maps to find career or transfer opportunities.  Program maps show the recommended course sequence that leads to graduation or transfer. The maps were developed by program experts to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Transfer degrees require a minimum of 60 semester CSU or UC transferable units with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA. Additionally, transfer degrees also require the completion of Cal-GETC general education. Please note that some courses are only transferable to a CSU, and this is noted in the program map. To transfer to a UC, students must complete at least 60 UC transferable units.

  • Starting in Spring? Choose Fall Semester 1 courses.   
  • Are you a part-time student?  Start Fall Semester 1 courses and follow the course sequence.

Cal-GETC

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Semester 1Units
ENGL-C1000 Academic Reading and Writing 3
MATH-211 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I 4
BIOL-150 General Biology I 4
COMM-C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
ART-100 Art Appreciation 3
 Units17
Spring Semester 1
CHEM-101 General Chemistry I 1 5
BIOL-151 General Biology II 4
MATH-212 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
ENGL-C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing 3
 Units16
Summer 1
CHEM-102 General Chemistry II 5
POLS-C1000 American Government and Politics 3
 Units8
Fall Semester 2
PHY-201
Mechanics and Wave Motion
or Basic Physics: Energy and Motion
4
PS/ETHS-103
Ethnic Politics in America
or Black History in the American Context
or American Indian Literature (formerly ENGL-240)
or Latinx/Chicanx Literature
or Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280)
or Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies
3
HIST-107
The History of East Asia Before 1600
or History of India
or History of Mexico
or Introduction to Philosophy I
3
Optional: 2 0-5
Environmental Science
or Organic Chemistry I
 Units10-15
Spring Semester 2
PHY-202
Electricity and Magnetism
or Basic Electricity and Modern Physics
4
SPAN-101
Elementary Spanish I
or Elementary French I
or American Sign Language I
4
HIST-111
U.S. History to 1877
or U.S. History Since 1865
3
Optional: 2 0-5
Optics and Modern Physics
or Organic Chemistry II
 Units11-16
 Total Units62-72
1

Registration in this course requires completion of CHEM-100 or one year of high school chemistry with a C or better. If you completed one year of high school chemistry, submit your transcripts to officialtranscripts@msjc.edu, and see a Counselor for options and prerequisite clearance. 

2

This course is optional and not required for the degree, but it may be necessary for transfer depending on your intended university and major. We’ve included it here for your consideration. Be sure to meet with a counselor to determine what’s needed for your specific transfer goals. 

Language Other Than English (LOTE):
This is a graduation requirement for UC campuses but not for admission. You can fulfill LOTE by completing two years of the same foreign language in high school with a grade of C or better in the final semester; by completing one semester of a foreign language at a college, or by demonstrating proficiency with a grade of C or better in ASL-100, FREN-101, or SPAN-101. Languages other than English for Native Speakers are also acceptable for this requirement. Review individual campus information and requirements here: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/uc-graduation-requirements/ 
Some CSU campuses may also require language proficiency for graduation, and more than one semester may be necessary. 
At MSJC, LOTE courses count as electives. For personalized guidance, please consult your MSJC Counselor.

CSU - U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals:
This is a graduation requirement for CSU campuses but not for admission. Although not a Cal-GETC requirement, MSJC may certify completion of the CSU graduation requirement in U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals with POLS-1000/1000H and HIST-111/111H or HIST-112/112H. Courses used to meet this requirement may also be used to satisfy Cal-GETC Subject Area 4 requirements.

High School Students:
Students are encouraged to take courses during the summer before the Fall semester begins, specifically for students majoring in STEM. 

Work Based Learning:
Sign up for a special project or internship opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn credits. For more information, email AWBL@msjc.edu or call 951-639-5352.

Course Title Credits
Required Core Courses
BIOL-150General Biology I4
or BIOL-150H Honors General Biology I
BIOL-151General Biology II4
or BIOL-151H Honors General Biology II
List A
CHEM-101General Chemistry I5
or CHEM-101H Honors General Chemistry I
CHEM-102General Chemistry II5
MATH-211Analytic Geometry and Calculus I4
or MATH-211H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Complete one of the following physics sequences:8
Mechanics and Wave Motion
and Electricity and Magnetism
Honors Electricity and Magnetism
Basic Physics: Energy and Motion
and Basic Electricity and Modern Physics 1
List B: Optional courses that may be required for major prep at transfer institutions 20-5
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Microbiology
Honors Microbiology
Plant Biology
Chemistry of Life
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Honors Organic Chemistry II
Physical Geography
Calculus for Social Science and Business
Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Statistics - Honors
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Total Units30-35
Course Title Credits
Units for Major30-35
Cal-GETC Pattern34
Possible double counting: 10
Transferable Electives (as need to reach 60 transferable units)

Total Units for A.S.-T Degree: 60 units

1

Most transfer schools require Biology majors to take the calculus based physics series, PHY-201 and PHY-202. Please speak with an MSJC counselor to make sure that PHY-101 and PHY-102 will satisfy the requirements for the Biology transfer programs you are considering. 

2

Please speak with an MSJC counselor regarding major requirements at specific CSUs.

Discover information about careers that interest you!

  1. Take a Career Quiz to learn about yourself and receive career suggestions based on your interests. 
  2. Search available in-demand jobs in your career areas of interest and find up-to-date salaries and education requirements. 
  3. Find the MSJC Program that connects your interests to a career.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer.