Mar 23, 2018  
College Catalog & Student Handbook 2017-18 
College Catalog & Student Handbook 2017-18

Biology > More Info

Biology, A.S.



This area of concentration provides a foundation for students interested in the life sciences. It is suitable for students interested in the Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and employment in a biology field in a position such as laboratory technician. It also applies to students interested in transferring to a four-year institution in order to pursue a baccalaureate degree or advanced degrees in the life sciences. The curriculum establishes the necessary foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Students who take the courses recommended in the biology focus area will be able to:

  1. use and understand the facts, concepts, theories, and vocabulary of biology.
  2. use the techniques and tools of biology in the laboratory and in the field.
  3. use the scientific process and describe the development of scientific ideas.
  4. employ analytic and problem-solving skills.
  5. draw inferences from observations and synthesize and integrate information and ideas.
  6. use higher-order thinking skills in applying learned principles to new problems and real-world situations.
  7. recognize that humans are one component of the natural world.
  8. be successful in upper-level biology courses.

Career Possibilities:

The biology focus area graduate has three major options:

  1. Employment can be found after receiving the A.A. or A.S. degree as biological laboratory technician, hospital laboratory technician (non-certified), laboratory matter sampler, or animal care technician.
  2. Transfer to a four-year institution and complete a baccalaureate degree in a biological science and find employment in a wide variety of fields, including forestry, biochemistry, pollution control, horticulture, environmental science, wildlife management, or agriculture.
  3. Transfer to a four-year institution in a pre-professional program and develop a career in bioengineering, chiropractic, clinical laboratory technology, dentistry, education, medicine, occupational or physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, plant pathology, or veterinary medicine.

Preparation for IHCC:

Prospective students should have a strong background in mathematics, science, writing, and reading skills. At least one year of high school biology, one year of high school chemistry, one year of high school algebra, and four years of high school English are highly recommended. Additional courses in science and mathematics, including physics, geometry, and advanced courses in biology and chemistry are also recommended.

Recommended Courses:

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the biology program at the college to which they plan to transfer and work with a counselor and the biology faculty at IHCC to plan a program that meets those requirements. Students should also consider working toward the Associate of Science degree at IHCC which requires 30 semester credits in mathematics and science.  Note that college biology is a one-year course and it is improtant to take all three majors-level biology courses (BIO120, BIO121, and BIO122).  If a student takes only one or two or the three courses, they may not transfer easily to a four-year college.

Required Courses:

Recommended courses to meet the mathematics and science requirements:
