Program Description


Program Emphasis

The biology program serves four areas of study. First, the program curriculum provides a broad background of studies for the biology major preparing for transfer to a four-year institution. Second, the Applied Biology curriculum provides preparation for entry level employment as a biotechnology technician. Third, the program offers courses in human anatomy, human physiology and general microbiology which may be used to satisfy prerequisites for nursing programs and other allied health programs. Fourth, the program provides courses in natural science to fulfill general education requirements.

Program Goals

The primary goal of the Biology Program is to communicate the current state of knowledge and technology to members of the community so that they may better understand how various aspects of the life sciences impact their lives, as well as local and global communities. Program objectives are to foster the scientific curiosity of students and to prepare students to achieve academic and professional success.


The following list is a sample of the many career options available for the biology major. A few require an associate degree; most require a baccalaureate degree and some require a graduate level degree: agricultural consultant, animal health technician, biotechnology technician, biomedical scientist, dentist, environmental consultant, field biologist, forester, horticulturist, high school or college teacher, marine biologist, microbiologist, public health technician, physician, pharmaceutical researcher, research biologist and veterinarian. In addition, a background in biology may be required for the following: registered nurse, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, dental hygienist, medical technician, physician's assistant and optometrist.

Student Learning Outcomes

All Biology students will be able to:

  • Apply core biological concept that service as the foundation for higher-level science courses. These include theories of evolution, natural selection, processes of scientific inquiry, and proper laboratory techniques, among others.
  • Evaluate the quality of scientific methodology when it is reported by the popular media.
  • Describe the relationship between the process of science, human culture and the environment.

Students in the Applied Biology track will also be able to:

  • Apply the skill sets necessary to work in the biotechnology industry.
  • Describe applications, regulations, ethical, legal and social issues related to biotechnology.
  • Demonstrate the soft skill sets necessary to acquire employment in the biotechnology field.

Student satisfying prerequisites of nursing programs and other allied health fields will also be able to:

  • Demonstrate a detailed mastery of human body structure and function, from micro- to macroscopic levels, including its homeostatic states and processes.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of microbial systems, their role in Nature and their impact on humans.