Biological and Environmental Sciences - BIOL
AVC Biology helps students study life from the molecular and cellular level to whole organisms, ecosystems, human health, and emerging biological technologies.
The department offers transfer-focused degrees, specialized certificates, and research-oriented coursework that build scientific reasoning, laboratory skills, data analysis, and a strong foundation for continued study in biology, health, and related fields.
Credit Programs
Biology A.S.
60 units
A broad biology degree that prepares students for upper-division study in areas such as cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, microbiology, and related sciences.
Biology AS-T
60 units
A transfer-focused biology pathway designed to support seamless transfer to CSU campuses with strong preparation in biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics.
Human Biology and Wellness A.S.
60 units
An interdisciplinary degree focused on human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychology, and wellness for students interested in healthcare, wellness, and allied fields.
Computational Biology Certificate
23 units
A specialized certificate that combines biology, programming, statistics, chemistry, and bioinformatics to prepare students for data-driven biological and biomedical analysis.
Noncredit Program
Research Fundamentals Skills Certificate
108-216 hours
A noncredit research skills pathway focused on literature review, scientific method, data collection, analysis, communication, and supervised practicum experience.
Courses You May Take
Credit Courses
- BIOL 100 - Elementary Human Anatomy and Physiology
- BIOL 102 - Human Biology
- BIOL 103 - Introduction to Botany
- BIOL 104 - Environmental Biology
- BIOL 104H - Environmental Biology Honors
- BIOL 110 - General Molecular Cell Biology
- BIOL 120 - General Organismal, Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
- BIOL 199 - Work Experience Education
- BIOL 201 - General Human Anatomy
- BIOL 202 - General Human Physiology
- BIOL 203A - General Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 203B - General Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 204 - General Microbiology
- BIOL 205 - Introduction to Biotechnology
- BIOL 206 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
- BIOL 304 - A Survey of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases
- BIOL C1001 - Introduction to Biology
- BIOL C1001L - Introduction to Biology Lab
Noncredit Courses
- BIOL 990 - Research Practicum
- BIOL 991 - Methods in Biological Sciences
- BIOL 992 - Communication and Storytelling in Biology
What You Will Learn
Students in Biology develop an understanding of cell structure and function, molecular and organismal biology, ecology, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and the scientific method. Depending on their pathway, students may also study chemistry, statistics, physics, programming, and bioinformatics.
Biology coursework strengthens critical thinking, laboratory technique, data analysis, scientific communication, and research skills that support transfer, healthcare pathways, biotechnology-related fields, and broader scientific study.
Plan Your Path
AVC Biology includes several pathways, including transfer-focused biology degrees, a human biology and wellness option, a computational biology certificate, and noncredit research-skills training.
Students are encouraged to review program requirements carefully and meet with a counselor to choose the course sequence that best fits their academic, transfer, or career goals.
Contact
Math, Science and Engineering Division
(661) 722-6300, ext. 6415