Biology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)

PROGRAM CODE: 1S37120
Financial Aid Eligible

The Biology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) provides lower division major and general education preparation for students interested in transferring to CSU campuses that offer a bachelor’s degree in biology. Careers related to this field include biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physician's assistant, biomedical engineering, agriculture, and forestry as well as many other related careers. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center, and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university's requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AS-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. To earn the Biology AS-T students must complete: (1) a minimum of 32 semester units or 48 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district, (2) earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, AP(Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better (3) the California State University General Education Breadth requirements* (CSU GE-Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum* (IGETC) pattern, (4) 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units, and (5) obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. *Note: Due to the high unit value of this degree, it is eligible for CSU GE for STEM or IGETC for STEM which allows students to defer completion of 6 units (3 units in Arts/Humanities and 3 units in Social Sciences) until after transfer. Students should consult with a major counselor. This degree requires a total of 32 units in the major in addition to other graduation requirements.  

Program Student Learning Outcomes

OUTCOME 1: Understand current concepts in the life sciences at the level appropriate for transfer into uppder division biology major programs at four-year universities.

OUTCOME 2: Demonstrate critical thinking skills as they relate to the life sciences as well as apply concepts from allied fields to the life sciences.

OUTCOME 3: Apply the scientific method to answer basic research questions and understand the role of life sciences in modern society.

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