Associate Degree for Transfer in Biology

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer Degree (AS-T in Biology) introduces the concepts and principles upon which biologic knowledge is based including the biochemistry, structure and function, ecology and evolution of organisms, from the levels of cells through the biosphere. Students will develop skills for critical/analytical thinking, perceptive reading/observation and interpretation. The AS-T in Biology provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of biology.

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Be able to identify and explain fundamental biological concepts and principles on the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, ecological, environmental and evolutionary levels.
• Apply knowledge of biological concepts to formulate questions and hypotheses for research and demonstrate ability to find, read, understand, and critically evaluate scientific papers.
• Develop experimental skills and techniques used in laboratory and field research and use the scientific method to develop hypotheses, design and execute experiments. 

*Courses may also be used to fulfill general education requirements for the CSUGE for STEM or IGETC for STEM pattern, please confer with a counselor.

Associate in Science for Transfer Degree
The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer degree will be awarded upon completion of 60 California State University (CSU) transferable units including the above major requirements and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or California State University General Education (CSUGE) requirements and with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P” if taken as Pass/No Pass). 

CSUGE for STEM
Students pursuing certain Associate Degrees for Transfer may be eligible to complete CSU GE Breadth for STEM, deferring one lower division course in Subarea C and one lower division course in Subarea D until after transfer. CSU GE Breadth for STEM is applicable only to majors in which the Transfer Model Curriculum specifies GE Breadth for STEM. At Riverside City College, currently only the ADT in Biology allows CSU GE Breadth for STEM. 

"CSU GE Breadth for STEM" certification as part of an Associate Degree for Transfer in Biology would require that the student has completed:  

1. All courses in Areas A, B, E and F of the traditional GE Breadth curriculum;
   AND 
2. One course in Area C1 Arts and one course in Area C2 Humanities;  

IGETC for STEM 
Students pursuing certain Associate Degrees for Transfer may be eligible to complete IGETC for STEM, deferring two to three lower division GE courses until after transfer. IGETC for STEM is applicable only to majors in which the Transfer Model Curriculum explicitly indicates the availability of the option. At Riverside City College, currently only ADT’s in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science allow IGETC for STEM.

IGETC for STEM" certification as part of an Associate Degree for Transfer in Biology would require that students complete the following courses before transfer: 

• All courses in Areas 1, 2, and 5 of the traditional IGETC;
  AND
• One course in Area 3A; and
• One course in Area 3B; and 
• Two courses in Area 4 from two different disciplines. 

Complete the following courses after transfer: 

• One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 3;* 
• One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 4;* and 
• One course in Area 6 for UC-bound students who have not satisfied it through proficiency.

* *These deferred lower division courses must be replaced with calculus and/or science courses required by the major before transfer.