Associate of Science - Biological Sciences

Biology is the study of living organisms and their processes. Organisms studied by biologists include bacteria, protists, plants, fungi, and animals. In addition to biological processes, biology also covers molecular and cellular structures, organismal behavior, the relationship between structure and function, and anatomy and physiology. Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in biology commonly include pharmaceutical sales, biomedical research, biomedical engineering, fish and wildlife biology, animal handler/trainer, zoo/aquarium biologist, forestry and national parks service, environmentalist, and biology education.

Careers in biology that require graduate-level degrees include medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, optometry and dentistry, bioinformatics (biology with computer science), and medical and biological research. Even students who do not major in biology find that coursework in the field can improve their skills in critical thinking, complex problem solving, writing, research and analysis. Additionally, biology coursework gives them the opportunity to explore current scientific, medical, and environmental topics, as well as their own health.

College of the Desert’s biology curriculum includes course offerings in general biology, for non-science majors, human anatomy and physiology as well as microbiology for students preparing for careers in health care, and introductory biology coursework for science majors in molecular and cell biology and organismal biology.

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer, also called the Biology AS-T Degree, is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status to a CSU campus in a program or major in Biology for completion of a baccalaureate degree. Upon successful completion of courses leading to the Biology AS-T Degree the student will be able to know and understand Biology concepts, skills and applications to attain upper division status in Biology at any CSU institutions.