Biology
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.