Biology Pre-Major - Southwestern Illinois College

Study biology at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem level, all the while developing your abilities as a creative problem-solver.

WANT TO EARN A DEGREE IN BIOLOGY?

Start working toward a bachelor’s degree in Biology as a pre-major at SWIC. This means you earn your general education requirements for an Associate in Science Degree with an emphasis on Biology before transferring to a university to major in Biology.

After earning an associate degree you can transfer to a four-year institution to work toward a degree in organismal biology such as botany, microbiology or zoology; an environmental science such as ecology, forestry or wildlife biology; a professional field such as pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine or pre-veterinary; or an education degree such as elementary, secondary or college science teaching.

EARNING AN ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE

You must complete a minimum of 64 semester credits to earn an associate degree. Courses will include a blend of general educational requirements as well as pre-major specific courses. SWIC offers more than a dozen Biology courses ranging from General Ecology to Microbiology.

Biology Core Courses

Total Credits: 33
Course Number Course Description Credits
BIOL 101 Principles of Biology I 4
BIOL 102 Principles of Biology II 4
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II 5
CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II 5
MATH 203 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I 5

Optional Courses:

Course Number Course Description Credits
BIOL 151 Fundamental Botany 4
BIOL 270 Genetics 4

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Many public and private four-year universities offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Biology. Confer with a SWIC Academic Advisor prior to enrolling each semester and familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the four-year institution where you plan to transfer.

SWIC and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have 2+2 Agreements for the following majors:

  • Ecology, Evolution and Environment
  • Genetics and Cellular Biology
  • Integrated Biology
  • Medical Science

BIOLOGY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Aquatic Biologist
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Ecologist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Geneticist
  • Infection Control Specialist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Marine Biologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Mortician
  • Physiologist
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Teacher
  • Veterinarian
  • Wildlife Biologist

GET STARTED

For more information, please fill out the contact form.