Biology

  • Overview
Provides a background in the natural and physical sciences with course work geared toward transfer requirements for a Baccalaureate program in the biological sciences.

  • Note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four semesters of World Languages. Four sequential semesters of World Languages classes from GCC will fulfill any UMass-Amherst language requirement.

    Curriculum documents

    To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

  • This is just one way you might complete the Biology program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Biology program description from our official academic catalog.

    Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

    Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    MAT 107
    BIO 126
    CHE 111
    ENG Comp. I

    MAT 151
    BIO 127
    CHE 112
    ENG Comp. II

    PHY 101 or CHE 201
    200 level English course
    PCS 101 or PCS 141
    Behavioral or Social Science course
    Humanities or Fine Arts course

    PHY 102 or CHE 202
    Behavioral or Social Science course
    Behavioral or Social Science course
    History course
    Elective (1-4 credits)

    Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    MAT 107
    BIO 126

    MAT 151
    BIO 127

    CHE 111
    ENG Comp. I

    CHE 112
    ENG Comp. II

    Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

    PHY 101 or CHE 201
    200 level English course

    PHY 102 or CHE 202
    Behavioral or Social Science course

    PCS 101 or PCS 141
    Behavioral or Social Science course
    Humanities or Fine Arts course

    Behavioral or Social Science course
    History course
    Elective (1-4 credits)

What’s next

Transfer to a Baccalaureate program.

By taking classes in a Liberal Arts option, students complete courses that help develop 100 and 200 course level knowledge and skills in a particular field. If you don’t satisfy the requirements of a specific Liberal Arts option, you may still be able to fulfill the requirements of another option, or fulfill the requirements of the Liberal Arts General degree. Students are advised to work closely with their GCC advisor to select the specific courses that will help meet their career or transfer goals. Note: Students who complete a Liberal Arts option will graduate with the degree “Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts.” Your area of concentration is reflected only in your transcript, not your diploma.