Biological Sciences

Interested in exploring the living world around and within you? Biologists ask, and answer, a wide range of fascinating questions about life across all levels of organization. Through hands-on engagement with the Scientific Method, you will develop the fundamental and applied skills to prepare for further academic study or a career in biology, health sciences, or related fields.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

The Biology Program is committed to provide students with a wide range of courses reflecting the diverse areas of study and related careers in the biological sciences. Our courses cover topics including cellular, molecular and organismal biology, ecology and evolution, health sciences, biotechnology, and environmental studies. These courses allow students to explore their interests in biology, engage with the scientific method through laboratory and field-based activities, and learn of the many potential career paths in the field. Students who complete an area of study in biology may satisfy prerequisites for health-related programs such as nursing, meet graduation requirements at prospective transfer institutions, or complete the Associate in Science degree with a major in biology, health sciences, or environmental studies.

In addition to the core courses for the major or health-related fields, an introduction to other sciences is usually recommended and necessary for more advanced study. The biology faculty therefore suggests that students complete appropriate courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics concurrently with biology core courses. Students should refer to the requirements of prospective 4-year institutions or seek advice from a member of the biology faculty or a counselor before choosing electives.

Program Length

Four semesters.

Transfer Options

We offer two different biology majors course sequences that articulate to most of our transfer institutions. Additionally, nearly all of our courses articulate successfully fulfilling the Life Sciences requirement. Our students transfer to UCI, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA, UCR, UCSB, UCSD, Berkeley, Cal State Long Beach and many other 4 year institutions.

Program Specific Support

Tutors for Life Sciences course are available through the Student Success Center. Many of our courses include the use of lab space and the support of lab technicians for an immersive learning experience.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

Biology

AS CSU Transfer UC Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 3A*	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	2A & Major	5
CHEM 1A	General Chemistry I	5A/5C & Major	5

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
BIO 80	Integrated Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems	5B/5C & Major	4
CHEM 1B	General Chemistry II	5A/5C & Major	5
MATH 3B	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II	2A & Major	5

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
Physics 4A**	General Physics	1B	4

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 2	College Writing Critical Thinking	1B	4
CHEM 12A	Organic Chemistry	5A/5C & Major	5
BIO 81	Integrated Biology: From DNA to Organisms	5B/5C & Major	4

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
CHEM 12B	Organic Chemistry	5A/5C & Major	5
Physics 4B**	General Physics	5A/5C & Major	4
Physics 4C and/or Math 10*	General Physics and/or Statistics	Various	3-7
Arts or Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences	Arts or Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences GE Course	3A or 3B or 4	3

This sample academic plan assumes that student is eligible for Math 3A in the first semester.
Some UCs may require or recommend two or three physics courses for transfer as a biology major.
Some UCs may require or recommend a statistics course for transfer as a biology major.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
MATH 3A*	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	B4 & Major	5
CHEM 1A	General Chemistry I	B1/B3 & Major	5
BIO 80**	Integrated Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems	B2/B3 & Major	4

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2	4
CHEM 1B	General Chemistry II	B1/B3 & Major	5
BIO 16	Cellular Biology	Major	4
Lifelong Learning and Self-Development	Lifelong Learning and Self-Development GE Course	E	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1	3
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking GE Course	A3	3-4

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
PHYS 2A or 4A***	Physics Course	B1/B3 & Major	4
CHEM 12A	Organic Chemistry	B1/B3	5
Arts	Arts GE Course	C1	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	D	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
PHYS 2B or 4B***	Physics Course	B1/B3 & Major	4
CHEM 12B	Organic Chemistry	B1/B3	5
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	C2	3
PS 1	American Government	D	3

This sample academic plan assumes that student is eligible for Math 3A in the first semester.
Students can take BIO 80 (or) BIO 2 and BIO 5 to meet the requirements fo an AS-T in Biology.
Some CSU campuses may require or recommend different physics courses for transfer as a biology major.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 2* or MATH 3*	Pre-Calculus or Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	IC	5
CHEM 1A	General Chemistry I	2 & Major	5

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
Communication/Thinking	Communication/Analytical Thinking GE Course	1B	3-4
CHEM 1B	General Chemistry II	2 & Major	5
BIO 80	Integrated Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems	2 & Major	4
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		1

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
BIO 81	Integrated Biology: From DNA to Organisms	2 & Major	4

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
CHEM 12A	Organic Chemistry	2 & Major	5
BIO 82	Genetics	2 & Major	4
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	4	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
CHEM 12B	Organic Chemistry	2 & Major	5
BIO 83	Biochemistry and Molecular Biology	2 & Major	4
Social Sciences	Social Sciences GE Course	3	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		2

This sample academic plan assumes that student is eligible for Math 2 or Math 3A in the first semester.

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

Biochemistry

UC Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
Physics 4A**	General Physics	5A/5C & Major	4

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 2	College Writing Critical Thinking	1B	4
CHEM 1B	General Chemistry II	5A/5C & Major	5
MATH 3B	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II	2A & Major	5

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
CHEM 12A	Organic Chemistry	5A/5C & Major	5
BIO 80	Integrated Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems	5B/5C & Major	4
Physics 4B and/or 4C**	General Physics	5A/5C & Major	4-8

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
CHEM 12B	Organic Chemistry	5A/5C & Major	5
BIO 81	Integrated Biology: From DNA to Organisms	5B/5C & Major	4
Major Prep	Major Preparation Course	Various & Major	3-5
Arts or Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences	Arts or Humanities or Social and Behavioral Sciences GE Course	3A or 3B or 4	3

This sample academic plan assumes that student is eligible for Math 3A in the first semester.
Some UCs may require or recommend two or three physics courses for transfer as a biochemistry major.

Environmental Science

CSU Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 3A	Calculus I	B4	5
ENV 1	Introduction to Enviromental Studies	D	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	3A	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1C	3
WR 2	College Writing 2 - Critical Thinking	1B	4
CHEM 1A*	General Chemistry I	B1/B3 & Major	5
Social Science	Social Science GE Course	4	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
GEOG 1	Physical Geography	B1 & Major	3
GEOG 1 Lab	Physical Geography Lab	B3 & Major	1

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
BIO 80**	Integrated Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems	B2/B3 & Major	4
Physics 2A or 4A**	Introduction to Physics or General Physics	1B	4
Social Science	Social Science GE Course	4	3
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	3A or 3B	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC Area/Major	Units
BIO 81**	Integrated Biology: From DNA to Organisms	B2/B3 & Major	4
Physics 2B or 4B**	Introduction to Physics or General Physics	5A/5C & Major	4
Statistics	Various Statistics Courses	B4 & Major	3
Transfer Elective	Transfer Elective Course (Courses 1-199)		1-3

Some CSUs may require or recommend a second semester of chemistry for admissions to their CSU campus.
Students can take Bio 80 & 81 or BIO 2, 5 & 16 as a set to meet the requirements for the Environmental Science AS-T degree. Please see a counselor to see what is your best option.

Explore Careers

Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

Core Tasks

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
Prepare project proposals.
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
Conduct own research in field of expertise.
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Biostatisticians

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
13%

Master's Degree
58%

Doctoral or More
29%

View Career

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

New workers start around $54,961. Normal pay is $96,118 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $151,683.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
13%

Master's Degree
58%

Doctoral or More
29%

Core Tasks

Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.
Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.
Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.
Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
Design or maintain databases of biological data.
Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.
Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.
Design surveys to assess health issues.
Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Animal Scientists

Median Salary

$54,738

Job Growth

+11%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
26%

Doctoral or More
59%

View Career

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

New workers start around $46,330. Normal pay is $54,738 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $79,228.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
26%

Doctoral or More
59%

Core Tasks

Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.

Median Salary

$54,738

Job Growth

+11%

Soil and Plant Scientists

Median Salary

$61,345

Job Growth

-1%

Education

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
29%

Master's Degree
38%

Doctoral or More
24%

View Career

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

New workers start around $38,167. Normal pay is $61,345 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $146,692.

Education

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
29%

Master's Degree
38%

Doctoral or More
24%

Core Tasks

Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.
Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.

Median Salary

$61,345

Job Growth

-1%

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Median Salary

$85,858

Job Growth

+24%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
25%

Master's Degree
10%

Doctoral or More
65%

View Career

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

New workers start around $39,539. Normal pay is $85,858 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $151,269.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
25%

Master's Degree
10%

Doctoral or More
65%

Core Tasks

Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.

Median Salary

$85,858

Job Growth

+24%

Microbiologists

Median Salary

$93,099

Job Growth

+19%

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
65%

Master's Degree
17%

Doctoral or More
13%

View Career

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

New workers start around $52,304. Normal pay is $93,099 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $131,450.

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
65%

Master's Degree
17%

Doctoral or More
13%

Core Tasks

Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.
Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
Investigate the relationship between organisms and disease, including the control of epidemics and the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.
Prepare technical reports and recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Observe action of microorganisms upon living tissues of plants, higher animals, and other microorganisms, and on dead organic matter.

Median Salary

$93,099

Job Growth

+19%

Not sure if Biological Sciences is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Biological Sciences while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

Contact Counseling

Need help now?

Call 949-451-5100

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Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support