Biology

Biology is the study of life! Students in the biological sciences will learn critical thinking and develop analytical and investigative skills. According to O-Net Online, career opportunities in the biological sciences are growing at a rate 10-14% faster than the national average. The Biology program map below includes all of your major coursework and recommended general education courses by term that is needed to fulfill your degree and transfer requirements. This pathway is geared toward students working toward transfer to CSU, but can be used for transfer to University of California (UC) System as well. Those students working toward transfer to UC should take CHE-12A and CHE-12B (Organic Chemistry I and II) instead of or in addition to PHY-2A and PHY-2B.

Biology - ADT (CSU and UC) 3-year plan

0-12 units

*For first term Math course please see MyPortal for your proper placement or see a counselor if you have AP scores of 3 or higher.

term 1 Units
English 1A/1AH 4
Math 36* 4
Chemistry 3 4
13-24 units
Term 2 Units
English 1B/1BH 4
Math 10 5
Political Science 1 3
25-39 units
Term 3 Units
Chemistry 1A 5
Communication Studies 1 or 6 or 9 3
History 15 3
Math 1A 4
40-51 units
Term 4 Units
Chemistry 1B 4
Guidance 46 1
History 1 or 2 3
Math 1B 4
52-66 units
Term 5 Units
Anthropology 2 or Sociology 1 or 2 or 12 3
Biology 60 5
Physics 2A 4
Psychology 1 3
67-82+ units
Term 6 Units
Art History 6/6H, Music 19, Dance 6/6H or Theater Arts 3 3
Biology 61 5
Physics 2B 4
Foreign Language (or two years of high school foreign language) 4-5

For alternative CSU/UC General Education options refer to the RCC Catalog, under Requirements for College Transfer.

Milestones

Milestones are courses, co-curricular activities and recommendations from your Student Success Team that will keep you on track towards completion of your degree. Check off your milestones as you complete them.
  • Complete Chemistry 1A
  • Complete English 1A (transfer-level English)
  • Complete Biology 60
  • Apply to Universities (CSU/UC application period Oct 1-Nov 30)
  • Apply for ADT degree by beginning of spring term before transfer
  • Complete RCC Graduation application (during your last term)
  • Meet with your Counselor to Complete your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (SEP)
  • Complete FAFSA (Oct 1st - Mar 2nd for priority)
  • Meet with Faculty Advisor for career/research opportunities
  • Meet with your Counselor to update SEP (every semester)
  • Meet with your Counselor for pre-graduation check
  • Research Potential Clubs on Campus
  • Participate in tutoring, student success workshops or supplemental instruction
  • Visit the Career Center for Internship opportunities
  • Research transfer institutions
  • Attend Transfer workshops and Transfer Fair
  • Participate in an internship/ job shadowing
  • Participate in a research activity (meet with Faculty Advisor)

Careers for Biology Majors

Salaries Range : $33,400 - $177,900

  • Veterinary Technician
  • Biological Technician
  • Medical/Clinical Technician
  • Biology Teacher (high school)
  • Conservation Biologist/Forester
  • Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist
  • Agriculture and Food Scientist
  • Environmental Scientist/Specialist
  • Microbiologist
  • Soil/Plant Scientist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Veterinarian
  • Biology Teacher (college/university)
  • Pharmacist 
  • Physician