Take your curiosity and passion for science to new levels of understanding.

With SCC's Biology Transfer Degree Program, you'll build solid fundamentals while exploring the diverse opportunities as you prepare to earn a 4-year biology degree.

Program location

  

Why Biology at SCC?

Spend time in our modern labs: Get a hands-on education in our spacious new science labs and classrooms.

Learn from amazing professors: Our faculty love to teach and it shows. Enjoy small classes with plenty of time to interact and learn from them.

Make learning local: Venture outside the classroom for field trips to nature areas, museums, and an observatory.

Save money: You'll take the same classes and learn the same concepts and skills at a fraction of the cost.

Explore versatile career paths: Biology is a diverse field. Get exposure to a variety of different disciplines as you narrow in on the one that's right for you.

What you'll learn

Critical Thinking: Analyzing data, evaluating evidence, and making logical conclusions based on biological principles.

Scientific Method: Understanding and applying the steps of the scientific method, including hypothesis formation, experimental design, data collection, and interpretation.

Laboratory Techniques: Gaining proficiency in various laboratory techniques such as microscopy, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry.

Communication: Effectively communicating scientific concepts through written reports, presentations, and discussions.

Problem-Solving: Identifying and solving problems related to biological concepts and applications.

Teamwork: Collaborating with peers in laboratory settings, group projects, and research activities.

Where this degree can take you

• Biological Technician
• Environmental Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Microbiologist
• Conservation Scientist

Common transfer colleges & universities

• Iowa State University
• University of Iowa
• University of Northern Iowa

TRANSFER INSTITUTIONS

Did you know

Students who earn their associate degree before transferring to earn a bachelor's degree are proven to get better grades and to graduate on time than students who go straight to the 4-year institution.

Dr. Edward Stone, former head of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and longtime NASA scientist is an alum of SCC.

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

The Biology Transfer Major will prepare the student to transfer to a four year university and successfully complete a bachelor's degree in Biology.

The following courses are required for the Biology Transfer Major: BIO-112, BIO-113, MAT-210, CHM-165, CHM-175, CHM-263, CHM-273, SDV-108, ENG-105, and ENG-106. The other courses are suggested and may be substituted; please consult with a Student Success Advocate.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
ENG-105	Composition I	3
CHM-165	General Chemistry I	4
SDV-108	The College Experience	1
ZZZ-SOC	Social Science Course	3
Take courses totaling 3-5 credits
ZZZ-ELE	Elective Course	3-5
	TOTAL CREDITS	14 - 16

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
ENG-106	Composition II	3
CHM-175	General Chemistry II	4
SPC-112	Public Speaking	3
ZZZ-SOC	Social Science Course	3
Take courses totaling 3-5 credits
ZZZ-ELE	Elective Course	3-5
	TOTAL CREDITS	16 - 18

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
MAT-210	Calculus I	4
ZZZ-HUM	Humanities Course	3
BIO-112	General Biology I	4
CHM-263	Organic Chemistry I	5
	TOTAL CREDITS	16

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
ZZZ-HUM	Humanities Course	3
CHM-273	Organic Chemistry II	5
BIO-113	General Biology II	4
ZZZ-CUL	Cultural Awareness Course	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

CHM-165 - General Chemistry I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

The first semester of a traditional two-semester sequence. General Chemistry I provides an in-depth and integrated study of chemical principles, including terminology, measurements, unit conversions, atoms, elements, molecules, compounds, moles, stoichiometry, gases and gas laws, energy, electron configurations, periodicity and chemical bonding. Prerequisites: Must complete high school algebra or equivalent (math placement test scores or MAT-062). Take CHM-122.  Please speak to a Student Success Advocate if you have completed 1 year of high school chemistry, as that would also meet the prerequisite.

SDV-108 - The College Experience

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course is designed to empower new students to successfully transition to college. Students will learn academic success skills, strategies for personal development and exploration, college culture and expectations, and how to access college resources and services.

ZZZ-SOC - Social Science Course

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Courses fulfilling the Social Science requirement address the behavior of humans as individuals and groups. These courses cover the academic disciplines of economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Social Science courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

ZZZ-ELE - Elective Course

Lecture: 2-4

Lab: 0-2

Credit: 3-5

Any course of 100-level or higher from Arts and Sciences or Career Technical Education can be used to fulfill an Elective. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

ENG-106 - Composition II

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A continuation of study of the principles of writing begun in ENG-105. Emphasis is placed on persuasive writing, critical analysis and the MLA research paper. Time will also be spent exploring print and electronic research sources and learning effective research strategies. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: ENG-105, with a minimum grade of C-.

CHM-175 - General Chemistry II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

The second semester of the traditional two semester sequence. General Chemistry II covers basic principles of intermolecular forces, colligative properties, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, precipitation reactions, spontaneity and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM-165.

SPC-112 - Public Speaking

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery and audience analysis.

ZZZ-SOC - Social Science Course

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Courses fulfilling the Social Science requirement address the behavior of humans as individuals and groups. These courses cover the academic disciplines of economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Social Science courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

ZZZ-ELE - Elective Course

Lecture: 2-4

Lab: 0-2

Credit: 3-5

Any course of 100-level or higher from Arts and Sciences or Career Technical Education can be used to fulfill an Elective. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

MAT-210 - Calculus I

Lecture: 4

Credit: 4

This course includes the study of limits and continuity, derivatives and differentiation, differentials, maximum and minimum function values and techniques of graphing, applications and an introduction to integration. Prerequisites: MAT-120 AND MAT-134 with a minimum grade of C- or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

ZZZ-HUM - Humanities Course

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Courses fulfilling the Humanities requirement address human history, languages, literature, philosophy, and the arts. These courses span a wide range of academic disciplines. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Humanities courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

BIO-112 - General Biology I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

First semester of Biology for majors. Intensive cellular and molecular approach to the study of biological principles with emphasis on biomolecules, cellular biology, genetics and evolution. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHM-165.

CHM-263 - Organic Chemistry I

Lecture: 4

Lab: 2

Credit: 5

Fundamental principles of organic chemistry for premedical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, biochemistry, medical technology, forestry and home economics students, as well as liberal arts students who have a special interest in the sciences. These general principles are illustrated by preparation and study of typical representatives of the aliphatic and aromatic series including all common functional groups. Prerequisite: CHM-175 successful completion.

ZZZ-HUM - Humanities Course

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Courses fulfilling the Humanities requirement address human history, languages, literature, philosophy, and the arts. These courses span a wide range of academic disciplines. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require Humanities courses from at least two different disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

CHM-273 - Organic Chemistry II

Lecture: 4

Lab: 2

Credit: 5

Continuation of Organic Chemistry I, with advanced synthesis, instrumental analysis and emphasis on biochemistry. Prerequisite: CHM-263 successful completion.

BIO-113 - General Biology II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Second semester of biology for majors. Topics covered include: taxonomy and a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, fungi and plants. Prerequisites: Must complete the following classes with a minimum grade of C: BIO-112 and CHM-165.

ZZZ-CUL - Cultural Awareness Course

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Courses fulfilling the Cultural Awareness requirement address the diversity of culture within the United States and across the world. These courses span a wide range of academic disciplines. Please see your Student Success Advocate to help choose the best option for you.

Christopher Bassler - Assistant Professor - Biology

Email: cbassler@scciowa.edu
BA, Simpson College
DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic

,

Forest Morrisett - Professor - Biology

Email: fmorrisett@scciowa.edu
BA, Arizona State University
MS, Arizona State University
PhD, University of Arizona

Ugo Perego - Instructor - Biology

Email: uperego@scciowa.edu
BS, Brigham Young University
MS, Brigham Young University
PhD, University of Pavia, Pavia (ITALY)

,

Summer Bird - Instructor - Biology

Email: sbird@scciowa.edu
BS, Western Illinois University
MS, Northern Illinois University
Additional study: University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh