Top Associate Degrees in Biology

This is a two-year program for students planning to complete a bachelors degree in biology or a related discipline. If you are interested in a career in biological research, science, education and wildlife management this degree is for you. You will have a unique opportunity to work in a variety of research labs to obtain real world experience.

Welcome to the Biology program at College of DuPage. Majors in the sciences include biology, botany, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary sciences, wildlife biology and zoology. College of DuPage offers a broad selection of courses in the Biological Sciences to science majors and interested students. Consult the College Catalog for descriptions of these courses. Be aware that baccalaureate-granting institutions may require a laboratory component to biology coursework, and they may not recognize particular special topics courses (designated as 1800/2800 courses) as meeting science requirements or even as satisfying elective credit. Please feel free to consult any of the professors on the faculty page for advice on course selection. For the ultimate recommendation concerning course selection, seek advice from the four-year school where you plan to eventually transfer. Consult the Illinois Articulation Initiative Majors for information on how College of DuPage courses transfer. Students intending to major in the biological sciences are strongly recommended to complete the Biology 1151-1152 sequence and take an additional 4 to 8-semester credits in the biological sciences. Professional programs at four-year schools typically expect applicants to go beyond minimum requirements to show stamina in science courses. Second-year course selection according to major is suggested below. Majors are recommended to take Math 2231 and 2232, and Chemistry 1551 and 1552. Other courses that should be considered are Physics 1201 and 1202, Chemistry 2251 and 2252, Earth Science 1101 and/or other Earth Science courses. One or two years of foreign language at the college level may... [-]

The Biology Program provides students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree in the student’s area of specialization and prepares the student for transfer to a four-year institution. Students completing the baccalaureate program or graduate school may be hired in the major or in a related field such as biochemistry, bioengineering, botany, clinical lab technology, environmental biology, forestry, oceanography, range management, wildlife/ fisheries biology, or zoology.

Program student learning outcomes

Are you ready for a fast-paced, hands-on career that will maximize your analytical skills and challenge you every day? The Laboratory Science Technology Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program blends key theoretical concepts with practical laboratory skills needed for success in a broad range of science careers, including biological, chemical, and environmental industries as well as academic research laboratories. This program has been designed not only to prepare you for immediate employment, but also to transfer smoothly to local universities, allowing you to start your science education at NWTC and continue toward a bachelor’s degree, pre-medical studies and beyond. Courses will focus on experimental design, application of scientific principles in analysis of results, accurate documentation processes, fundamentals of quality measurement, and use of industry-standard instrumentation and protocols. ... [-]

The Associate of Science (AS) Marine Biology Emphasis is designed for students who intend to transfer to the University of Oregon (UO) and complete their degree at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB), majoring in marine biology. The background offered by this major, however, is entirely appropriate for preparation for upper division emphasis in other professional fields like medical, dental, or veterinary school. This AS degree, as presented, also satisfies the requirements for an AA/OT for ease of transfer to UO. By completing general education requirements for the AA/OT, as well as the recommended science courses, students will be able transfer to UO and complete a BS in Marine Biology or a BS in Biology with Marine Biology Emphasis. Career options for marine biology graduates include jobs in state and federal government, advanced training for research and teaching in the marine sciences, and most other careers available to broadly trained biologists. The following program outline is one of many possible course configurations that would satisfy the requirements for an AS Marine Biology Emphasis and AA/OT transfer degree and also fulfill basic requirements for graduation from UO. Each student should meet with an advisor to determine appropriate sequence of courses to be taken, depending on placement scores, transfer credits, and other factors. Upon completion of an AS Marine Biology Emphasis (and AA/OT) and transfer to UO, additional courses need to be taken at the Eugene campus. These courses include organic chemistry CH331 and CH335, BI214, and physics (unless it was taken... [-]

The SCCC biology program prepares students to pursue a variety of options within the bioscience profession by providing a broad knowledge base in science, math, and communications. Students at SCCC have access to exclusive science and math computer labs, a biology lab that supports scientific investigations and computer-based simulations, a 12-acre outdoor classroom and prairie restoration lab, and access to greenhouse facilities for specific coursework.

The rigor and challenge of a science career are evident in the types of courses, course load, and time management skills required in the associate's degree program. If you enjoy science, mathematics, and discovering your world, the biology program at SCCC may be a good option for you to explore.... [-]