Do you have an innate curiosity about the world around you and want to learn more about DNA, genetics, and evolution? If you'd like to have a career that is both stimulating and rewarding, then biology may be the field for you!
Allan Hancock College’s biology program offers students the chance to learn more about themselves and the living world around them. Within the biology discipline, students learn about molecular and chemical interactions, physiological mechanisms, anatomical structures, and explore the origins of life and evolution.
While pursuing a biology degree, students will master the art of working collaboratively and independently in lecture and lab settings and will learn how to analyze and interpret data and present their findings in papers and presentations. These useful skills will help transferring students achieve success at a university of their choice and will also be beneficial for students seeking immediate employment.
Students who earn a biology degree can pursue employment within industries that are focused on ecology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular research, education, and medical and health advancements.
This program will help you to:
- compare the major types of cells
- apply the scientific method to biological investigations
- describe evolution in a scientific context
- understand DNA technology, solve problems, and investigate hereditary patterns related to genetics
- discuss the metabolic pathways of photosynthesis and respiration
- demonstrate appropriate lab technique and lab safety protocols
- learn the functional anatomy of human organ systems
- compare and contrast physiological cell functions and regulatory processes
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This program map assumes that the student has completed the prerequisites for CHEM 150 and MATH 141.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
Preparation for calculus: the study of polynomial, absolute value, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, analytic geometry, and polar coordinates. The study of trigonometric functions, their inverses and their graphs, identities and proofs related to trigonometric expressions, trigonometric equations, solving right triangles, solving triangles using the Law of Cosines and the Law of Sines, and introduction to vectors. This is an accelerated one semester alternative to the two semesters of trigonometry (Math 121) and College Algebra (Math 131).
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 107
- English 150, 151, 152, 153
- Ethnic Studies 101, 105, 107, 120, 121, 122, 150, 151, 152, 153
- Fashion 105
- Film 122
- History 120, 121
ALL courses in this category also fulfill the AHC Graduation Requirement: Multicultural and Gender Studies
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the nature of life, emphasizing its molecular and cellular aspects of life, particularly cellular reactions as governs organismic metabolism, biological and chemical evolution, and Mendelian genetics. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Total Units:
14
Summer (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Ethnic Studies 121
- History 107, 108, 118, 119, 121
- Political Science 101, 103
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
6-7
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 150
Intended for the biology major, an exploration and survey of the animal phyla and non-photosynthetic, single-celled, eukaryotic taxa. Comparative structure, function, and life cycles of animals, as well as principles of evolution, taxonomy, and systematics are covered. Topics include development, morphology and physiology, phylogeny, and behavior of animals, as well as principles of evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and speciation. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab 6 hours weekly.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 101, 110 (when taken in conjunction with 101)
- Astronomy 100
- Biology 100, 120, 124, 132
- Chemistry 110, 120
- Environmental Technology 101
- Food Science and Nutrition 110
- Geography 101, 115
- Geology 100, 111, 114, 115, 131, 141
- Physical Science 111, 112
- Physics 100
- Viticulture and Enology 102
Students will learn and synthesize information concerning the impact of the social determinants of health, including education, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, disability and gender. Students are provided with a broad foundation of knowledge dealing with such social determinants in mental health, stress management, fitness, diet and weight control, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, drugs and alcohol, first aid, cancer prevention and control, and the scope of, and access to community health services.
Select one course from the list below.
- American Sign Language 138
- Art 101, 103, 104, 105, 109, 170
- Communication Studies 108
- Dance 101, 110, 120, 130, 147
- Drama 103, 110, 111
- Early Childhood Studies 116, 123
- English 102, 106, 117, 118, 119, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 138,139, 140, 144, 145, 146, 148, 180
- Ethnic Studies 105, 120, 122
- Fashion 104, 105
- Film 101, 102, 103, 104, 108, 109, 110, 122
- French 101, 102
- Graphics 127
- History 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 120, 138
- Humanities 101, 102, 103, 104, 105
- Library 180
- Multimedia Arts and Communication 101, 102
- Music 100, 101, 102, 104, 106
- Philosophy 101, 102, 105, 121, 122
- Photo 110
- Spanish 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A survey of the plant kingdom, including structure and functions, heredity, evolution and ecology, economic uses, taxonomic classification, the role of plants in the ecosystem, and important problems common to all plants. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab 6 hours weekly.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Communication Studies 100, 101, 102, 106
- English 103, 104
- Philosophy 112, 114
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Administration of Justice 101, 103, 115
- Anthropology 102, 103, 105, 107
- Business 121, 141
- Communications Studies 100, 110
- Early Childhood Studies 100, 101
- Economics 101, 102, 121, 141
- English 105, 150, 151,152, 153
- Ethnic Studies 101, 107, 150, 151,152, 153
- Geography 102, 103, 105
- Global Studies 141
- Graphics 127
- LGBT 101, 102
- Physical Education 128
- Political Science 101, 104, 105, 110
- Psychology 101, 112, 113, 117, 118, 119, 121
- Sociology 101, 102, 104, 120, 122, 155, 160
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
11.5-13
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 23 units is required for the degree. Required core courses (15 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 150 | Cellular Biology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 154 | General Botany | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 155 | General Zoology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
Plus a minimum of 8 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
PHYS 141 | General Physics 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PHYS 142 | General Physics 2 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
Recommended electives:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 132 | Marine Biology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 179 | Experimental Courses in Biology | 0.500 - 3.000 |
BIOL 189 | Independent Projects in Biology | 1.000 - 3.000 |
BIOL 199 | Special Topics in Biology | 1.000 - 3.000 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181 and CHEM 150.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the nature of life, emphasizing its molecular and cellular aspects of life, particularly cellular reactions as governs organismic metabolism, biological and chemical evolution, and Mendelian genetics. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Total Units:
14
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 150
Intended for the biology major, an exploration and survey of the animal phyla and non-photosynthetic, single-celled, eukaryotic taxa. Comparative structure, function, and life cycles of animals, as well as principles of evolution, taxonomy, and systematics are covered. Topics include development, morphology and physiology, phylogeny, and behavior of animals, as well as principles of evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and speciation. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 121 MATH 141 or
The initial semester of a two-semester introduction to trigonometry-based physics. Emphasizes the origin, nature, and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most life-science and engineering-technology majors. Discusses motion, mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems, vibrations, wave motion, and sound.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking,
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication,
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A survey of the plant kingdom, including structure and functions, heredity, evolution and ecology, economic uses, taxonomic classification, the role of plants in the ecosystem, and important problems common to all plants. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: PHYS 141
A continuation of PHYS 141. Discusses heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, geometric and physical optics, atomic and nuclear physics.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 37 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 150 | Cellular Biology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 154 | General Botany | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 155 | General Zoology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PHYS 141 | General Physics 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
and | ||
PHYS 142 | General Physics 2 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
or | ||
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
and | ||
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181 and CHEM 150.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 120
A study of the nature of life, emphasizing its molecular and cellular aspects of life, particularly cellular reactions as governs organismic metabolism, biological and chemical evolution, and Mendelian genetics. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ASL 120: American Sign Language 1
- ASL 121: American Sign Language 2
- ASL 124:
- FRCH 101: Elementary French I
- FRCH 102: Elementary French II
- SPAN 101: Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 103: Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 104: Intermediate Spanish II
- SPAN 105: Advanced Composition and Grammar
- SPAN 112: Advanced Spanish Conversation
Total Units:
19
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 150
Intended for the biology major, an exploration and survey of the animal phyla and non-photosynthetic, single-celled, eukaryotic taxa. Comparative structure, function, and life cycles of animals, as well as principles of evolution, taxonomy, and systematics are covered. Topics include development, morphology and physiology, phylogeny, and behavior of animals, as well as principles of evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change, and speciation. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 121 MATH 141 or
The initial semester of a two-semester introduction to trigonometry-based physics. Emphasizes the origin, nature, and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most life-science and engineering-technology majors. Discusses motion, mechanics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems, vibrations, wave motion, and sound.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Select one course from this list.
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 37 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 150 | Cellular Biology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 154 | General Botany | 5.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 155 | General Zoology | 5.000 - 0.000 |
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PHYS 141 | General Physics 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
and | ||
PHYS 142 | General Physics 2 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
or | ||
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
and | ||
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Wendy Hadley
805-922-6966 ext. 3841
wendy.hadley@hancockcollege.edu
Administrative Assistant
Christina McMillan
805-922-6966 ext. 3202
cmcmillan@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Sean Abel
805-922-6966 ext. 3537
sean.abel@hancockcollege.edu
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus
Bldg. M
Map of Building M Locations
805-922-6966 ext. 3202