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Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biological Sciences
The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Biological Sciences provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in biology-related fields and/or are preparing for application to professional graduate programs in various medical fields. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career as a biological research lab or field technician. With a graduate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to, bioinformatic scientists, molecular and cellular biologists, ecologists, wildlife conservationists and environmental scientists, marine biologists, secondary school (grades 7-12) teachers and university professors, pharmaceutical developer, food safety investigator, geneticists, physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, and optometrists and veterinarians.
Details
Field of Interest
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Degree Type
Associate in Science (AS)
Academic Plan
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biological Sciences (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8602
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Admission to graduate/professional programs is competitive. GPA in science courses (as well as cumulative GPA) is often an important selection criterion. Understanding of course content is important in preparation for exams such as MCAT, DAT, PCAT and GRE that are generally weighted in admissions rankings.
This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:
ASU (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Applied Biological Sciences (Applied Biological Sciences), BS
ASU (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Applied Biological Sciences (Preveterinary Medicine), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biological Sciences, BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Development Biology), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Microbiology, BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Microbiology (Medical Microbiology), BS
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, BS
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Biology, BS
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Biology (Pharmacology/Toxicology), BS
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Biotechnology and Bioenterprise, BS
GCU, Biological Sciences, BS
NAU, Biology, BS
U of A, Biology (Biomedical Sciences), BS
U of A, Biology (Organismal Biology), BS
Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , GCU , NAU , U of A .
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
- Explain the relationship between structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.
- Apply fundamental theories of physical and life sciences to explain the diversity of living things and modes of energy exchange.
- Apply the scientific method to investigate fundamental and novel questions regarding natural phenomena.
- Utilize technology to conduct experiments and collect, analyze and communicate data.
- Adhere to standard safety protocols when performing experiments and collecting data.
- Critically evaluate the internal and external validity of scientific studies to inform decisions.
- Effectively communicate orally, visually and in writing in an articulate, respectful and culturally responsive manner.
- Collaborate with diverse individuals to solve problems.
- Demonstrate dependability, adaptability and persistence to set and achieve goals.
- Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision making and actions.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Biological Technicians
Dentists, General
Optometrists
Pharmacists
Physician Assistants
Podiatrists
Veterinarians
There are additional career opportunities associated with this degree that do not have occupational data available for Arizona at this time. These occupations are listed below:
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- Physicians, All Other
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
| Awareness Areas |
|---|
|
Term 1
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO182 or BIO182XT |
General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II | SG or SG | 4 | ||
| (CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA |
(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II with Lab | SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 or SQ | 4 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
| L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | L | 0–3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | MA or MA | 4–5 | ||
| SB | Social-Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| Elective | General Electives | Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement. | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (CHM230 and CHM230LL) or (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA |
(Fundamental Organic Chemistry and Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory) or (General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab | SQ in combo w/ CHM230LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM230 or None or None | 4 | ||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| SB | Social-Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
| Elective | General Electives | Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement. | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
| Awareness Areas |
|---|
|
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO181 or BIO181XT |
General Biology (Majors) I or General Biology (Majors) I | Critical course Gateway course | SQ or SQ | 4 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA |
(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab | SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ | 4–5 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO182 or BIO182XT |
General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II | SG or SG | 4 | ||
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously. | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (CHM152 and CHM152LL) or CHM152AA |
(General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Chemistry II with Lab | SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 or SQ | 4 | ||
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | MA or MA | 4–5 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (CHM230 and CHM230LL) or (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA |
(Fundamental Organic Chemistry and Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory) or (General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab | SQ in combo w/ CHM230LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM230 or None or None | 4 | ||
| SB | Social-Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| SB | Social-Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| Elective | General Electives | Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement. | 3 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | L | 0–3 | |
| Elective | General Electives | Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement. | 3 |
Footnote
General Electives
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- FYC = First Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=16456145).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.