Biology
Biologists engage in meeting the challenges of the future, helping to improve the quality of human life and preserving our world’s biodiversity. The biology courses at Highline provide students with the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to more fully understand the living world. Areas of study range from the microscopic world of cellular biology, to the complexities of a multicellular organisms, to the networks of living things in ecosystems around the world.
Highline College’s Life, Ocean, and General Sciences Department offers a wide range of lecture-based and hands-on laboratory courses for majors and non-majors alike, whether for transfer, vocational training, or general interest. These classes provide a variety of skills including science communication, experimental design, and laboratory techniques necessary for success in a career in the biological sciences. The Associate of Arts (AA) in biology is great for students who place into Math 91 or Math 98, or for Running Start students. The Associate of Science (AS) in biology is great for students who have placed into college level math (Math 141 or Math 151) and are ready to begin General Chemistry 161 during their first quarter. Students who place into Math 91 or Math 98 can complete the AS over 8-9 quarters, either by completing courses during summer quarters, or over a three-year plan.
Career
Associate degrees in biology can be applied to a variety of career and degree paths moving forward. This degree will transfer directly into further studies in general biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, evolution and ecology, environmental science, oceanography, and other life-sciences. The skills obtained can also be immediately applicable to employment as a laboratory technician in such areas as medical research, manufacturing, or environmental testing and conservation biology.
Associate Degrees
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree in biology shows prospective employers that you have necessary science-based communication skills and laboratory techniques for a wide variety of applications. Additionally, this degree is directly transferrable to further study at the bachelor or graduate level in science or medical fields.
PDF Program Map
Department/Program URL:
N/A
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0
Number of Credits:
90
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
-
N/A
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Western Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Students must complete CHEM& 161 (General Chemistry with Lab I) before starting the majors biology BIOL& 211/212/213 series. Students are advised to start the CHEM& 161/162/163 in fall of their first year, and to complete the BIOL& 211/212/213 and CHEM& 261/262/263 (Organic Chemistry with Lab) during their second year.
Some courses are offered only in the spring and summer terms, such as CHEM& 163 (General Chemistry with Lab III) and BIOL& 213 (Majors Plant) – to stay on track to begin the biology series in the second year, students who do not start at college-level math AND/OR who do not have high school chemistry with grades of B or better will need to take summer courses or consider a three-year plan.
Note: Students are required to take CHEM& 121 OR CHEM& 139 before enrolling in CHEM&161; however, students who passed half a year of high school chemistry with a B in the last two years and have placement into Math 141+ can request a permission code for access to CHEM& 161. In lieu of this or the prerequisite courses, students can also take a chemistry placement test and place into Math 141+ to gain access to CHEM& 161.
Key Advisors
Chris Gan
Sam Shabb
Woody Moses
Colleen Sheridan
Lydia Garas
An Associate of Science (AS) degree in biology shows prospective employers that you have necessary science-based communication skills and laboratory techniques for a wide variety of applications. Additionally, this degree is directly transferrable to further study at the bachelor or graduate level in science or medical fields.
PDF Program Map
Department/Program URL:
N/A
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level GPA
Number of Credits:
Minimum 90 college-level credits (100 level or above)
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate competence in standard laboratory techniques and use of technology and equipment.
- Research and communicate (visually, orally and in writing) credible scientific information from a variety of sources.
- Explain (classify, correlate and predict cause and effect) the core concepts of biology and chemistry: evolution, genetics, systematics, quantum mechanics, etc.
- Collect, analyze and interpret data using the scientific method.
- Differentiate between science and pseudoscience.
- Calculate, analyze, solve, interpret and graph quantitative data.
- Relate science to personal, social and global impact and its interconnectedness.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Washington – Tacoma
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Students must complete CHEM& 161 (General Chemistry with Lab I) before starting the majors biology BIOL& 211/212/213 series. Students are advised to start the CHEM& 161/162/163 in fall of their first year, and to complete the BIOL& 211/212/213 and CHEM& 261/262/263 (Organic Chemistry with Lab) during their second year.
Some courses are offered only in the spring and summer, such as CHEM& 163 (General Chemistry with Lab III) and BIOL& 213 (Majors Plant) – to stay on track to begin the Biology and Organic chemistry series (CHEM& 261/262/263) in the second year, students who do not start at college-level math AND/OR who do not have high school chemistry with grades of B or better will need to take summer courses or consider a three-year plan.
Key Advisors
Chris Gan
Sam Shabb
Woody Moses
Colleen Sheridan
Lydia Garas