LCCC Catalog 2025-2026
Biology, AS
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 The Biology Program prepares students for careers in the dynamic and rapidly changing fields in life science, spanning disciplines from wildlife and conservation to molecular biology and human medicine. Recent advancements in molecular, cellular and computational biology have led to expanded employment opportunities for biological and life scientists. Students planning careers in biology, biochemistry, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, forestry, kinesiology, microbiology, physiology, wildlife, zoology or related fields should complete this curriculum. The successful completion of this program leads to an Associate of Science degree with anticipated transfer to a four-year program. In addition to the Biology degree, students can complete an area of emphasis depending on your future goals. We offer an emphasis in Botany, Microbiology, Physiology/Zoology, Wildlife and Natural Resources or you can complete the program without an emphasis. Through the Biology Program, students will explore a range of biological science fields and can participate in authentic scientific research. Due to the diversity of opportunities, we encourage students to contact Biology Program Faculty for more information about how this program aligns with student’s career goals.
Contact Information
Contact information is available on the Biology program website.
Map your individual academic plan of courses with your Student Success Coach.
If students choose to transition to another program within the STEM pathway, or another emphasis withing the program, they should be particularly aware of the choice points that indicate when a decision to branch off into another program or emphasis must be made to ensure credits and time are not lost.
Coursework common to all degrees within this pathway is indicated by CAC, Common Academic Coursework, in the program map.
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Competencies
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: - Apply scientific principles to solve problems.
- Evaluate primary scientific or technical literature.
- Examine the role science plays in historical or contemporary contexts.
- Communicate scientific information.
- Explain ethical scientific behavior.
Choice Points
- Students should consult with their Success Team before choosing emphasis courses.
- Emphasis in Botany, Physiology/Zoology, Wildlife & Natural Resources or no emphasis:
- Students should take MATH 1400 .
- Students who place higher than MATH 1400 should consider another math course from the emphasis course options listed in the Program Comments below.
- Emphasis in Microbiology:
Milestones
- Completion of BIOL 1010 as a prerequisite for other Biology courses.
- Completion of CHEM 1020 as a prerequisite for other Chemistry courses.
- Completion of MATH 1400 or higher as a prerequisite for other courses.
Semester Total: 14-15 Credits
Choice Points
- Students should consult with their Success Team to decide whether or not to pursue an area of emphasis.
- Emphasis in Botany, Physiology/Zoology, Wildlife & Natural Resources or no emphasis:
- Emphasis in Microbiology:
Milestones
- Completion of ENGL 1010 as a prerequisite for other courses.
- Completion of General Chemistry series.
Semester Total: 14-15 Credits
Third Semester - Summer Session
Choice Points
- Students can switch this course option with another course from the 4th semester. For example, students could instead take MATH 2200 in the 3rd semester and COMM in the 4th semester.
Semester Total: 3 Credits
Choice Points
- Emphasis in Botany or no emphasis:
- Emphasis in Microbiology:
- Emphasis in Physiology/Zoology:
- Students who place into MATH 2200 should take MATH 2200 , if they have not already. Students who already completed MATH 2200 should choose another course from the emphasis course options listed in the Program Comments below.
- The first course in either the Organic Chemistry Sequence (CHEM 2420 ) or General Physics Sequence (PHYS 1110 )
- STAT 2050 , or an additional approved Human Cultures course, or the other first course in the Organic Chemistry Sequence (CHEM 2420 ) or General Physics Sequence (PHYS 1110 ) that is not already started.
- Emphasis in Wildlife & Natural Resources:
Areas of Emphasis Course Requirements:
- Students should complete the courses in one of the areas of emphasis listed below:
Emphasis in Botany or No Emphasis
Emphasis in Physiology/Zoology
Emphasis in Wildlife & Natural Resources
Semester Total: 15-16 Credits
Choice Points
- Emphasis in Botany or no emphasis:
- Emphasis in Microbiology:
- Emphasis in Physiology/Zoology:
- Emphasis in Wildlife & Natural Resources:
Areas of Emphasis Course Requirements:
- Students should complete the courses listed in one of the areas of emphasis listed below:
Emphasis in Botany or No Emphasis
Emphasis in Physiology/Zoology
Emphasis in Wildlife & Natural Resources
Milestones
- Completion of the LCCC general education core.
- Completion of Biology, AS.
Semester Total: 14 Credits
Program Credit Hour Total: 60-63 Credits
Biology Areas of Emphasis Students will take the following courses based on their area of emphasis: - Biology, AS (61-63 total credits)
- Biology, AS with an Emphasis in Botany (61-63 total credits)
- Biology, AS with an Emphasis in Microbiology (61-63 total credits)
- Biology, AS with an Emphasis in Physiology/Zoology (60-63 total credits)
- Biology, AS with an Emphasis in Wildlife & Natural Resources (61-63 total credits)
COSC 1010 or ES 1060 will be accepted as a science elective for the AS Biology if taken during enrollment in the STEM program; however, they are not a recommended electives. Optional Courses Students may choose to take an optional course during one or more semesters. Optional courses, listed below, may provide career-based skills, resume building opportunities, or additional transferable credits. Students must statisfy all prerequisites to be eligible to take an optional course. Optional courses are not offered every semester and are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, unless the course is listed as part of the program / emphasis sequence or the course is needed to ensure the minimum program credit requirement is met. Students should work with their Student Success Coach and program faculty if they are interested in taking optional coures. Applicable to all areas of emphasis Applicable to only Wildlife & Natural Resourses and Botany areas of emphasis Applicable to only Wildlife & Natural Resourses area of emphasis Program Comments Students should enroll in the highest-level math course for which they qualify. Starting the math sequence in courses above MATH 1400 can reduce the credit hours needed to complete this degree, and may not require a summer semester (this may differ by emphasis). If you place higher than MATH 1400 then you may need additional coursework to meet a 60-credit degree requirement of LCCC, but may not need to meet total credits for this Emphasis. Students should work closely with their Success Team. The information below is intended to be a guide, and does not guarantee regional job placement, job availability, or a specific wage after completion of the program. Possible careers in or related to the Biology A.S. include Biologists, Bontanists, Ecologists, Entomologists, Forester, Geneticists, Microbiologists, Mycologists, Natural Resource Manageres, Naturalist, Rangers, Scientist, Technicians, or Zoologists (many others not listed, so consult Success Team). Additional information on careers in Biology is available through Career Coach. Transfer Information The Biology Program is well suited for transfer to a Bachelor’s level degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Kinesiology, Microbiology, Physiology, Wildlife or Zoology (as well as other related programs). LCCC courses may transfer to institutions in addition to those with formal articulation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to determine the degree requirements and transfer policy of the specific college/university and program to which they plan to transfer. Students should work closely with their Success Team to assist them with transfer alignment. |
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