Biology Department

The Biology programs prepare students for careers in: Cell & Molecular Biology, Research, Ecology & Field Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Genetic Engineering, Animal & Plant Biology, Biology Education, and these Health Professions: Pre-medicine, Pre-dental, Pre-veterinary. What can I do with a Biology Degree?

Biology Degrees and Certificates

Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree

Biology A.S. Degree (PDF) - Designed to prepare students for studying the Biological Sciences at most universities. The core courses required in the AS Degree in Biology will fulfill the lower division requirements for most campuses of the UC and CSU systems. This program will enable students to develop a strong foundation in the life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. Furthermore, the theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills acquired by students in this program will also enhance their success with obtaining entry-level jobs that require two years of college-level science and math.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree

Natural Science: Biological Science Emphasis A.A. Degree (PDF) - Designed to enable students to develop a strong foundation in the life sciences. Furthermore, the theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills acquired by students in this emphasis will also enhance their success with obtaining entrylevel jobs that require two years of college-level life science and laboratory skills.

Certificates of Accomplishment

• Biology: General Certificate of Accomplishment (PDF) - Indicates that students have successfully completed a regimen of introductory science courses including chemistry (inorganic and organic), mathematics or physics, and introductory college biology. Most of these courses are transferable and constitute a part of the freshman/sophomore core courses for the bachelor’s degree in biology at fouryear institutions. Students gain knowledge and laboratory skills in molecular and cell biology, metabolic processes, microscopy, genetics, DNA technology, microbiology, systematics, plant and animal physiology, and evolution and ecology. This certificate prepares students for a wide range of technical positions in private industry (biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical supply, agricultural, environmental consulting firms, etc.) or in city, state, or federal agencies. This certificate is also ideal for students planning to pursue advanced studies in biology.
• Biology: Human Certificate of Accomplishment (PDF) - Designed to provide students with a basic foundation on which to build their understanding of human biology. This certificate program is primarily for those students who will pursue careers as allied health professionals (e.g., nursing, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy assistant programs) and fulfills the typical prerequisite requirements for entry into these programs.
• Biology: Life Sciences Survey Certificate of Accomplishment (PDF) - Demonstrates that students have received training in biological principles as they relate to evolution, human systems, and the interaction of humans with their natural world. Current techniques and issues in genetics, ecology, and disease are emphasized. This certificate provides the basics for further studies in the life sciences.
• Paleobiology / Natural History Certificate of Accomplishment (PDF) - Signifies that students have received basic knowledge in natural sciences and skills, which facilitate paraprofessional employment such as geological/biological field assistant and field naturalist. It also provides a good foundation for continued study in a broad variety of scientific fields including Biology, Geology, and Paleontology.

Additional Information

Review a sample listing of Courses in this area of study. Review academic requirements in the Catalog and in the Curriculum Guides. All students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review academic program requirements and/or have questions answered.

Related Information at Ohlone

• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Math
• Paleobiology/Natural History
• Physics

Division

Science, Technology, and Engineering Division.