The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in the order in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in a semester, you should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below. Some courses have been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take classes in the summer and/or winter intersessions, the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed schedule of the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate Degree”. If you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only required to take the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer) require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This field of study can lead to many biological science careers. Medical laboratory technicians work in a clinical laboratory and perform routine tests to obtain data used by physicians and other medical staff in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness. Bioscience technicians conduct tests and analyze data for use in research and production. Some additional careers include genetic counselors, environmental health specialists, medical illustrators, microbiologists, toxicologists, wildlife biologists, and teachers.
This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into the study of Biology and incorporates the UC transfer pathway.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Lower division major preparation for transfer into Biology
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
NOTE: This is a general transfer map that outlines courses required by most institutions. It is highly recommended that you meet with an academic counselor for educational planning, as major requirements vary by institution. Additionally, this transfer program may be completed using CSU General Education (instead of IGETC). You should meet with a counselor to discuss which general education pattern is most appropriate based on your goal(s).
Semester 1
16 Units
Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
An intensive preparation for calculus. This course is intended for computer science, engineering, mathematics and natural science majors. Topics include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their inverses and identities, conic sections, sequences, series, the binomial theorem and mathematical induction.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 32
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
16 Units
This course is the first semester of a two-semester, standard first year college chemistry course (Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12). It introduces the fields of physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Topics to be discussed include atomic structure, chemical bonding, common types of reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and the properties of gases, liquids, and solids.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 and
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This first course in calculus is intended primarily for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives and integrals of algebraic and trigonometric functions, with mathematical and physical applications.
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
IGETC Area 3A Course 3 units
Semester 3
14 Units
This course is a continuation of Chem 11. Topics covered include kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, precipitation reactions, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 11 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This second course in calculus is intended primarily for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors. Topics include derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions with mathematical and physical applications, indeterminate forms and improper integrals, infinite sequences and series, and curves, including conic sections, described by parametric equations and polar coordinates.
- Prerequisite: MATH 7
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This is the first course of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for Biology majors, including Biology 21, 22, and 23. It describes how scientists approach the scientific method to generate scientific knowledge; studies the history, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution; identifies the chemistry of four classes of macromolecules; elucidates the cell principle including cell structure, function, and physiology; describes general energy metabolism; and illustrates the processes of growth and reproduction through mitosis, meiosis, development, and life cycles. Students are required to perform at least two experiments that require data collection, computer-based data management and graphing, and scientific analysis and interpretation of data. The course is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to upper division biology study.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 11
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
Semester 4
15 Units
This course is a systematic introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. It encompasses theory and reactions of hydrocarbons and functional group derivatives. Included are bonding and structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, synthesis, mechanism, and spectroscopic analysis. The laboratory work focuses on techniques of synthesis, isolation, purification, and analysis.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 12
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This is the second course of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for Biology Majors, Biology 21, 22 and 23. It focuses on the structure, function and transmission of genes from the perspectives of genetics and molecular biology. A strong foundation in genetics and its relationship to molecular biology is developed through problem solving. Students perform experiments that require data analysis and demonstrate interpretations in laboratory reports. Application of Internet databases for bioinformatics is used to show relationships between DNA and protein sequences. The course is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to upper division biology study.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 21
- Prerequisite: CHEM 11
- Skills Advisory: ENGL 21B
- Skills Advisory: It is strongly recommended that students also enroll in Chemistry 21 which is required for transfer.
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
IGETC Area 4 Course 3 units
IGETC Area 3B Course 3 units
Semester 5
15 Units
This course is the second semester of organic chemistry laboratory. The laboratory work involves microscale and miniscale synthesis, structure determination, investigation of reaction mechanism, and qualitative analysis. The lectures will discuss the theory and techniques that relate to the experiments that are performed, including NMR, IR, organic qualitative analysis, and various methods of analysis, separation, and purification of mixtures. Maximum UC credit for Chemistry 22 and Chemistry 24 combined is 5 units.
- Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 22
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course is a continuation of Chem 21, with emphasis on the remaining functional groups and types of reactions. Also included is an introduction to the organic chemistry of biochemical compounds. Chem 22 includes lecture and discussion. The second semester of organic chemistry laboratory is a separate course, Chem 24. Chem 21 and 22 constitute two semesters of organic chemistry with one semester of organic chemistry laboratory. Chem 21, 22, and 24 constitute two semesters of organic chemistry with two semesters of laboratory.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 21
- 5A: Physical Science
- B1 - Physical Science
- Area I: Natural Science
This is the third of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for biology majors. Organisms at and above the cellular level of organization are examined, with plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates receiving equal attention. Topics emphasized include morphology, physiology, systematics, ecology, evolution, and behavior. Additionally, each student must complete a term project which includes lab or fieldwork and library research. Transfer credit is limited if students enroll in other overlapping Biology courses or Zoology 5. *No UC credit for Biology 3, 4, Botany 1 or Zoology 5 if taken after Biology 21, 22 or 23.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 22
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of solids and liquids, elastic properties of matter, heat, and wave motion.
- Prerequisite: MATH 7
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
Semester 6
16 Units
This course is a calculus-based study of electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, special relativity, and quantum physics.
- Prerequisite: PHYSCS 8
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
IGETC Area 4 Course 3 units
IGETC Area 7 Course 3 units
required for CSU; elective for UC
See the full list: IGETC Area 1C Course