Biology, AS

Program Code: Biology-AS

Program Description

The Associate of Science, Biology is a two-year transferable program. The curriculum includes a core of courses in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. All courses recommended will partially satisfy the bachelor of science in biology at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Biology Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Recommended courses are listed in the course sequence; however, other courses may apply. Please see an advisor or the department.

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 4
English 7 3
MATH 127 Pre-Calculus II 3
STAT 152 Introduction to Statistics 3
Diversity/Fine Arts 6 3
 Semester Total16
2nd semester
BIOL 190A
BIOL 190L
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 4
Elective 3 3
English 7 3
 Semester Total14
3rd semester
BIOL 191A
BIOL 191L
Introduction to Organismal Biology
and Intro to Organismal Biology Lab
4
CHEM 341 Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals I 3
Elective 7 5
Social Science/U.S. Nevada Constitutions 6 3
 Semester Total15
4th semester
Elective 7 5
CHEM 342 Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals II 3
Humanities 6 3
PHYS 151
General Physics I
or Physics for Scientists and Engineers I and Physics for Scientists/Engineers Lab I
4
 Semester Total15
 Total Units60
6

 See approved General Education list for the AA/AS Degree.

7

See program recommendations or requirements.

Program Requirements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA/AS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA/AS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
English3-6
Must include ENG 102 or ENG 114 1
Fine Arts3
Humanities3
Recommended:
World Religions
Mathematics3
Required:
Pre-Calculus II 3
Science[6]
Required: 2
CHEM 121
CHEM 122
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
8
Social Science3
Recommended: PSC 101, CH 203, or HIST 111
Additional College Requirements
Diversity 2[3]
Recommended:
World Religions
Science [6]
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions courses 2[3]
Recommended: PSC 101, CH 203, or HIST 111
Degree Requirements
BIOL 190A
BIOL 190L
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
BIOL 191A
BIOL 191L
Introduction to Organismal Biology
and Intro to Organismal Biology Lab
4
Chemistry: Choose from one of the following options:4-6
Introductory Organic Chemistry
OR
Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals I
AND
Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals II
PHYS 151General Physics I4
or PHYS 180
180L
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
and Physics for Scientists/Engineers Lab I
Science GE Units (from CHEM 121 & CHEM 122)[2]
STAT 152Introduction to Statistics3
Elective Requirements
Select 11-15 units of the following:11-15
General Biology for Non-Majors 5
Introduction to Neuroscience 5
Introduction to Evolution and Adaptation 5
Introduction to Animal Behavior 5
Life in the Ocean 5
General Botany
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
General Microbiology
Independent Study in Biology
Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab I
Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences Lab II
Introduction to Public Health Biology
Pre-Calculus I
Calculus I 3
Principles of Nutrition
Community and Lifecycle Nutrition
General Physics II 4
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
and Physics for Scientists/Engineers Lab II 4
Or any transferable college level units. 5
Total Units60
1

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114 the additional 3 required units will become elective units.

2

Course may also count toward additional degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

3

MATH 181 is required for B.S. in Biology at UNR.

4

PHYS 152 or PHYS 180L and PHYS 181L are required for a B.S. in Biology at UNR.

5

This course does not count toward required Biology courses for B.S. in Biology Degree at UNR.   

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Explain biological concepts as they relate to molecular structure and function, cellular processes, genetics, anatomical structural and physiological function of organisms, and evolutionary processes.

PSLO2: Apply the method of scientific inquiry by designing a controlled experiment, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and presenting findings in written and oral formats.

PSLO3: Critically evaluate the scientific merits and claims of biological information from various sources and develop arguments based on biological facts and evidence.  

PSLO4: Employ quantitative reasoning skills to data analysis and interpretation. 

PSLO5: Use standard laboratory equipment and follow safe laboratory practices.

PSLO6: Apply standard scientific format with accurate use of citations, graphs, and statistics. 

PSLO7: Analyze community and global issues from a biological perspective.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.