Biology
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Program Description
The Biology Associate of Science (AS) degree offers students the opportunity to study with a diverse faculty of science educators. Training is broad, covering all areas of biology from the molecular to community levels of organization, with a focus on evolutionary principles and how they unify the life sciences. The curriculum follows standards developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and includes a set of core concepts and competencies that all graduates will master. The Biology AS degree program offers students the freedom to follow their passions and achieve specific academic goals. Four emphases are offered within the Biology AS degree to provide seamless transfer to specific programs and universities in Idaho. Opportunities for internships and research are available to motivated individuals. Students are encouraged to contact their advisors and their future transfer institution for additional information regarding the appropriateness of this major for their academic or professional path.
Degree With Emphasis
In addition to the foundational and specialized courses within the Biology AS program, students will select biological science electives from the following emphasis areas: Human Biology, Natural Resources, and Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. If all the required electives from one emphasis area are completed, students will receive an AS degree with either a Human Biology, Natural Resources, or Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences Emphasis.
The Human Biology Emphasis is designed for students with a strong interest in the science that drives how the human body functions, and will prepare students to transfer into a four-year biology program or directly into a professional program, such as nursing or physical therapy assistant. The Natural Resources Emphasis is designed for students interested in transferring to four-year natural resource related programs and provides an entry point for a wide variety of career areas including ecology, environmental sciences, fish and wildlife management, forestry, environmental health, and rangeland management. The Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences Emphasis is appropriate for students with interests in microbes, cell biology, genetics, laboratory testing, and biomedical research, and will prepare students for transfer to four-year programs as an entry point to cellular, molecular, and biomedical related careers.
ADVISING NOTE: In order to receive a degree with the chosen emphasis listed, please be sure to select the appropriate major when you apply for graduation.
Degree Without Emphasis
Alternatively, students may choose to complete AS degree requirements by selecting electives from the Major Electives for General Degree list, resulting in a broad educational experience. This program of study is designed to develop a strong foundation for students transferring to a four-year college or university in various biological science related disciplines and is an entry point for a wide variety of science related careers.