Biology is the study of life from a molecular to an ecological perspective-the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, metabolism, evolution and interrelationships. Career opportunities include environmental biology, biotechnology, the health sciences, education and agriculture. Classes are much smaller than first and second year university courses and there is more opportunity for one-on-one teacher and/or tutor meetings. DVC is one of the leading transfer institutions in the country, and the biology department courses are transferable to UC and state universities. Students can check the transferability of DVC courses. There are also offer prerequisite courses for nursing, dental hygiene, dental assisting, respiratory therapy and other programs.

Students completing any program will be able to... • • Apply the scientific method of inquiry. • Illustrate and analyze chemical bonds and reactions. • Compare and contrast organismal life structures and functions. • Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms and evidence for the theory of evolution.

The associate in science degree with a major in biology is designed as a two-year program that offers a broad general education background and an introduction to the basic principles of biology as well as the supporting knowledge of chemistry needed to fully understand and appreciate biology as specified by the learning objectives of the courses. The courses included in the major are also applicable to further study in the life sciences. The DVC biology major is intended to transfer. Students wishing to transfer must consult with a counselor regarding other courses in math, chemistry and physics that may be required by the four year institution to which they intend to transfer. To earn an associate in science degree with a major in biology, students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher and complete all general education requirements as listed in the catalog. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once.