Biology

Completion of the Associate in Science Degree in Biology for transfer (AS-T) provides lower division major and general education preparation for students interested in transferring to CSU campuses that offer a bachelor?s degree in biology. Careers related to this field include biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physician's assistant, biomedical engineering, agriculture, and forestry as well as many other related careers. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center, and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university's requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AS-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. To earn an AS-T in Biology students must complete: (1) a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district, (2) earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, (3) California General Education Transfer Breadth requirements (Cal-GETC), (4) 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units, and (5) obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Students should consult with a major counselor.