Biology, A.S. (031.3) ♦

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Allegheny, Boyce, North, South
Associate of Science

A program that prepares the student with a broad college background and skills in biology for transfer to a four-year institution.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

Describe the fundamental principles of the biological sciences.
Apply basic research methods and proper technique to ethically conduct experiments and report data.
Communicate effectively in writing using proper scientific terminology and concepts.
Use critical thinking and problem solving skills to analyze biological problems and the impacts on society.

Graduates may earn a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.

Degree Requirements

First Semester

BIO 151 - General Biology 1 Credits: 4
CHM 151 - General Chemistry 1 Credits: 4
ENG 101 - English Composition 1 Credits: 3
MAT 111 - College Algebra Credits: 3 ¹
CHOOSE CIT - Computer Info Technology Elective Credits: 3-4

Total: 17–18 Credits

Second Semester

BIO 152 - General Biology 2 Credits: 4
CHM 152 - General Chemistry 2 Credits: 4
ENG 102 - English Composition 2 Credits: 3
MAT 142 - Pre-Calculus Credits: 4 ¹

Total: 15 Credits

Third Semester

CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry 1 Credits: 4
SPH 101 - Oral Communication Credits: 3
CHOOSE HUM - Humanities Elective Credits: 3
Restricted Elective Credits: 3–4 ²
CHOOSE SOSC - Social Science Elective Credits: 3

Total: 16–17 Credits

Fourth Semester

CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry 2 Credits: 4
CHOOSE HUM - Humanities Elective Credits: 3
Restricted Elective (2) Credits: 6–8 ²
CHOOSE SOSC - Social Science Elective Credits: 3

Total: 16–18 Credits

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 64–68

¹ Required as part of TAOC (Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee). If you are not intending to transfer to an institution that is participating in the state-wide articulation agreement, students may substitute MAT 108 - Intermediate Algebra or any higher level mathematics course.

² For students who are not intending to transfer to a TAOC participating-institution, students are required to meet with a transfer counselor to select three (3) restricted Biology electives based upon the four-year institution where the Bachelor’s degree will be earned.

Restricted Electives

For students transferring to a TAOC participating institution, students are required to choose three (3) restricted Biology electives from among the following:

BIO 121 - Principles of Sustainability Credits: 3
BIO 201 - Botany Credits: 4
BIO 207 - Genetics Credits: 4
BIO 230 - Research Methodology/Quality Assurance Credits: 3

Transfer Opportunities

The keystone icon indicates that this particular CCAC program is a Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (TAOC) approved Associate Degree program. All credits earned in this program are accepted by any state system college in Pennsylvania that offers a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, including California University of Pennsylvania , Carlow University , Clarion University of Pennsylvania , Edinboro University of Pennsylvania , Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University .

Other articulation agreements are available for students to complete the Associate Degree and transfer to Point Park University , Robert Morris University and Westminster College . It is important that students consult with a counselor early in their program to develop a course plan most appropriate for the school to which they intend to transfer. See www.ccac.edu/articulation for details.

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