Associate in Science (AS) – Biology

Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of all living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution. GTCC offers the first two years of biology courses for students who want to major or minor in biology for a baccalaureate program, core science option for students seeking an Associate in Science (A.S.), or equivalent degrees in such areas as health care.

Credentialing Options

Associate in Science, AS - College Transfer - General Studies - CIP Code: 24.0101

A 10 40 0

Contact:(336) 334-4822, ext. 50136

The Associate in Science (AS) degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in areas of study or professional programs that require strong mathematics and science backgrounds. Upon transfer, students who earn the Associate in Science degree generally major in fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics.

Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates will be able to:

  • Use strategies to acquire new information in a variety of academic disciplines.
  • Analyze relevant issues presented in a variety of academic disciplines.
  • ​Apply critical thinking in a variety of academic disciplines.

Course Requirements for Associate in Science (60-61 Credits)

General Education (45 Credits)

The general education common course pathway includes study in the areas of English, communication; humanities and fine arts; social and behavioral sciences; natural sciences and mathematics.

Universal General Education Transfer Courses (34 Credits)

All Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) courses will transfer for equivalency credit.

Credit Hour Requirements* | Courses Fulfilling Requirements

All courses below are considered UGETC courses

English Composition (6 credits)

The following two English composition courses are required:

Communication/Humanities/Fine Arts (6 credits)

Select two courses from the following from at least two different disciplines:

Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

Select two courses from the following from at least two different disciplines:

Mathematics (8 credits)

Select two courses from the following:

Natural Sciences (8 credits)

Select eight credits from the following courses:

Additional General Education Hours (11 Credits)

An additional 11 credits should be should be selected from courses classified as general education within the CAA. Students should select these courses based on their intended major and transfer university. General education courses are listed below.

General Education Electives:

Other Required Hours (15 Credits)

An additional 14 credits of courses should be selected from courses classified as pre-major, elective, or general education courses within the CAA. Students should select these courses based on their intended major and transfer university. Pre-major/elective courses are listed below.

Academic Transition (1 credit)

The following course is required:

Pre-Major/Electives:

Note:

* Individual program may provide specific course requirements

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 14

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 17

Fall Semester II

  • General Education Credits: 3
  • General Education Credits: 3
  • General Education Credits: 3
  • Pre-major Elective, or General Education Credits: 3-4 
  • Natural Science Requirement Credits: 4

Total Credits: 16-17

Spring Semester II

  • General Education Credits: 3
  • Pre-major, Elective, or General Education Credits: 3
  • Pre-major, Elective, or General Education Credits: 3
  • Pre-major, Elective, or General Education Credits: 4

Total Credits: 13

Total credit hours required for degree: 60-61

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Associate in Science to Bachelor of Science/Art in Biology Pathway

A 10 40 0 B1

Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of all living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.   Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) offers the first two years of biology courses and courses in other disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics and physics for students who want to major or minor in biology for a baccalaureate program.

The two-year program listed below is designed to meet the requirements of Associate of Science to be completed and prepare students for Bachelor of Science/Art in Biology from regional public and private institutions.  Students interested in transferring to four-year college or university after GTCC should consult with the Transfer Guide, the transfer office at the institution they will be attending, their faculty advisor, and/or GTCC Student Success Center to ensure transfer of the appropriate courses for that institution for both General Education or pre-major electives.

Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates will be able to:

  • Employ modern instrumentation and techniques.
  • Communicate scientific concepts and relevant issues effectively.
  • Apply scientific reasoning to design, conduct, and interpret experiments.
  • Work in a collaborative and ethical manner.

First Semester

Total Credits: 15

Second Semester

Total Credits: 17

Third Semester

Total Credits: 15

Fourth Semester

  • Pre-major Elective Credits: 3 
  • General Education Elective Credits: 3 
  • BIO 112 General Biology II

    BIO 112 General Biology II

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  • Pre-major/General Education Elective Credits: 4 

Total Credits: 14

Total credits required for this pathway: 61

Notes:

Humanities/Fine Arts UGETC

Take 

COM 120
 or 
COM 231
 and one course from the following list:

Social/Behavioral Science UGETC

Choose 2 courses from two different disciplines from the following list:

Additional General Education Hours

Other Required Hours

Any course from the Associate of Science Other Required Hours List

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Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC.  During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.

Jennifer Boalick
Associate Professor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50137
jmboalick@gtcc.edu

Jeremy Creech
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50120
jdcreech@gtcc.edu

Heather Cutler
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50686
hecutler@gtcc.edu

William "Joey" Hannon
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 55076
wjhannon@gtcc.edu

Kristen Johnson
Associate Professor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50138
kljohnson1@gtcc.edu

Jameson McCann, Ph.D.
Professor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50357
jamccann@gtcc.edu

Justin Rawley
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50095
jbrawley@gtcc.edu

Cara Ray
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50306
clray1@gtcc.edu

Valerie Thomas
Assistant Professor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50340
vathomas1@gtcc.edu

Jason Whiteside
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50350
jrwhiteside@gtcc.edu

Ana Winterich-DiMaria
Instructor
(336) 334-4822, ext. 50559
adimaria@gtcc.edu

Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822. Select option 3.

If you meet the admission requirements for GTCC, you also qualify for admission into the biology program.

A biology degree can lead to career paths in medicine, research, agricultural science, forensic science, biotechnology, environmental science, and teaching.

A degree in biology is excellent preparation for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers, which include some of the fastest growing and highest paying occupations.

You should take available high school courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

You need to enroll in BIO 111 your first semester.

All biology courses will transfer to four-year institutions within North Carolina according to the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA).

GTCC has smaller class sizes, which will allow you to receive more one-on-one instruction from faculty. Course offerings at GTCC are also more economical than at four-year schools.

You must have an 80 or better in DRE 098 (Developmental Reading and English), or you have placed/scored out of DRE 098.