Biology, A.S.

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Associate of Science Degree in Biology

Offered at Ottumwa and Centerville Campuses

Students who intend to complete an Associate of Science Degree in Biology and transfer to a four-year institution should consult with an Indian Hills Academic Advisor and the four-year institution to determine any additional requirements at the four-year institution.

The Biology Transfer Major provides a foundation for students interested in the life sciences. Graduates of the Biology Transfer Major will receive an Associate of Science Degree in Biology. This degree is suitable for students interested in 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Describe the process of science and explain its relevance to society.
Explain the connection between biological structures and their functions.
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and describe the structural differences between the cells of bacteria, archaea, protists, plants, fungi and animals.
Explain how the structures of living organisms are coded for by DNA and how that information is processed to produce proteins.
Predict phenotypic ratios resulting from genetic crosses using Mendelian laws of inheritance.
Explain the evolutionary mechanisms which result in both the unity and diversity of life.
Describe the interactions within and among the systems of multicellular eukaryotic organisms.
Explain how organisms interact with and affect their environments.
Use the techniques and tools of biology in the laboratory and in the field.

Career Possibilities

The Associate of Science Degree in Biology Transfer Major graduate has three major options:

Employment can be found after receiving the Associate of Science Degree in Biology as biological laboratory technician, hospital laboratory technician (non-certified), laboratory matter sampler, or animal care technician.
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.
Transfer to a four-year institution in a pre-professional program and develop a career in bio-engineering, 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. Note that college biology is a one-year course and it is important to take all three majors-level biology courses (BIO120, BIO121, and BIO122). If a student takes only one or two of the three courses, they may not transfer easily to a four-year college.