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Associate in Science for Transfer Degree
Biology

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) Degree is intended to meet the lower division requirements for Biology majors (or similar majors) at a CSU campus that offers a Biology baccalaureate degree.  This degree provides for the completion of general lower-division preparation associated with the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, botany, ecology, forestry, zoology, microbiology, medicine, and other fields.  It provides a broad, comprehensive overview of the main areas of biological science.  The ability to critically think and use appropriate tools to solve biological questions will be emphasized.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: MATH 190 / MATH 190H (IGETC 2A)M4.0
MATH 190 - Calculus I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:MATH 180 or MATH 185 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus.

MATH 190H - Calculus I Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL C1000 and MATH 185 or MATH 180 or appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures)
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 170, MATH 190 or MATH 190H)

This course is designed for students planning to pursue programs in engineering, mathematics, computer science, and physical sciences. It is the first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable, and covers functions, limits and continuity, the techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

CHEM 120 - Introduction to Chemistry (IGETC 5A)M5.0
CHEM 120 - Introduction to Chemistry (5.0 units)

(Formerly CHEM 090)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120; no credit if taken after CHEM 130)

This one-semester course is designed for students intending to major in science or engineering. The course primarily prepares students for CHEM130; additionally, it fulfills the General Education requirement in the physical sciences. This course introduces the fundamental principles of general chemistry, with emphasis on chemical nomenclature and quantitative problems in chemistry. The lecture presents classical and modern chemistry, including atomic theory, periodic properties, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gas laws, and solutions. The laboratory introduces the techniques of experimental chemistry with examples from all areas of chemistry.

The course data is currently unavailable.0
Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
MATH 191 - Calculus IIM4.0
MATH 191 - Calculus II (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This semester-long course continues the study of calculus begun in MATH 190. The course includes techniques of integration, improper integrals, anti-derivatives, applications of the definite integral, differential equations, Taylor polynomials, series, polar equations, and parametric equations. This course is the second course of the calculus sequence required of all engineering, physics, and mathematics majors.

CHEM 130 - General Chemistry IM5.0
CHEM 130 - General Chemistry I (5.0 units)

(Formerly CHEM 001A)

Prerequisite: CHEM 120
Advisory: ENGL 101; MATH 175
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence designed for students intending to major in science and engineering. The lecture course covers classical and modern chemistry, with applications in stoichiometry and classical atomic theory of chemistry, periodic properties, gas laws, modern quantum theory of atomic and molecular structure and periodic properties, thermochemistry, liquids and solids, and solution chemistry. The laboratory introduces experimental chemistry with examples from all areas of chemistry.

Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Total Semester Units:12.0† 
3rd Semester
BIOL 200 - Principles of Biology 1 (Molecular and Cellular Biology) (IGETC 5B & 5C)M5.0
BIOL 200 - Principles of Biology 1 (Molecular and Cellular Biology) (5.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 001A)

Prerequisite:CHEM 120
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is first in a sequence of courses for undergraduate preparation for biology majors. The course covers principles and applications of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular genetics, classical/Mendelian genetics, cell metabolism including photosynthesis and respiration, and cellular communication. Additional areas of focus include evolution and ecology. The laboratory portion of the course applies the processes of scientific inquiry and experimental design to the study of biological concepts focusing on observations, experimentation, record keeping, data collection and analysis, and presentation of outcomes. The course sequence also provides excellent preparation for students who intend to pursue post-graduate studies in the medical sciences.

CHEM 140 - General Chemistry IIM5.0
CHEM 140 - General Chemistry II (5.0 units)

Prerequisite: CHEM 130
Advisory: ENGL 101; MATH 180
Transfers to:UC, CSU

CHEM 140 is a continuation of CHEM 130. Theory and techniques of elementary physical chemistry are stressed. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of chemical change using thermodynamics and reaction kinetics as the major tools. A thorough treatment of equilibrium is given, with many examples of acid/base, buffer, solubility, and complex ions. Entropy and free energy, electrochemistry, coordination compounds and a brief introduction to organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry are presented. Various analytical techniques used in modern chemistry are introduced. Descriptive chemistry of representative metallic and nonmetallic elements is included. The Laboratory introduces experimental chemistry with examples from areas of kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base and buffer preparation, differential titration, electrochemistry, and qualitative analysis. Modern instrumental methods are used in some exercises.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Total Semester Units:13.5 
4th Semester
BIOL 201 - Principles of Biology 2 (Diversity and Ecology)M5.0
BIOL 201 - Principles of Biology 2 (Diversity and Ecology) (5.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 001B)

Prerequisite:BIOL 200
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course continues the sequence of undergraduate preparation for biology majors. The course is a survey of the diversity of unicellular and multicellular life on earth, focusing on the relationships between structure and function, as well as evolutionary adaptations to their environments. Topics deal with classification, development, evolutionary relationships, and ecological functions of living organisms, inclusive of prokaryotes, fungi, protists, plants, and animals. Laboratories emphasize life forms, experimentation, and dissections. Field trips are used to examine organisms in their natural settings.

US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

Total Semester Units:11.0† 
5th Semester
Select one: PHY 150 / PHY 211 M4.0
PHY 150 - General Physics I (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 001)

Prerequisite: MATH 175
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a two-semester, trigonometry-based physics sequence and is designed for students transferring to a four-year institution and planning careers in health professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, and optometry as well as those students in engineering technology and architecture. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy, work, momentum, conservation principles, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, fluids, and thermodynamics. Students majoring in the biological sciences should consult a counselor as to whether this course satisfies the general preparation requirements for their major at their intended transfer university.

PHY 211 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - I (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 201)

Prerequisite:MATH 190 or MATH 190H
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, energy, work, momentum, and conservation principles.

Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
COMM C1000, C1000H

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (IGETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 3b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Total Semester Units:13.0† 
6th Semester
Select one: PHY 160 / PHY 213 M4.0
PHY 160 - General Physics II (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 002)

Prerequisite: PHY 150
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the second of a two-semester, trigonometry-based physics sequence and is designed for students transferring to a four-year institution with majors in health professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, and optometry as well as those students in engineering technology and architecture. Topics include electricity and magnetism, oscillations, waves, optics, and modern physics. Students majoring in the biological sciences should consult a counselor as to whether this course satisfies the general preparation requirements for their major at their intended transfer university.

PHY 213 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers - III (4.0 units)

(Formerly PHY 202)

Prerequisite: PHY 211 and MATH 191
Advisory: MATH 250
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU (*Students will receive credit for one physics series: PHY 150 and PHY 160 or PHY 211, PHY 212, and PHY 213)

This course is the first of a three-semester sequence designed for students transferring to four-year institutions with majors in the sciences and engineering. Topics covered include electric fields, electric potential, current, circuits, magnetic fields, Gauss' law, Ampere's law, Maxwell's equations, induction, and electromagnetic waves.

The course data is currently unavailable.0
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:7.0 
Total Units for Biology AS-T program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)65.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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