Biology Focus Area

This area of concentration provides a foundation for students interested in the life sciences. Depending upon the classes you take, you can earn an A.A. degree or an A.S. degree. Following graduation, you could be prepared to work as a laboratory technician or you can transfer for a four-year school to continue working on a bachelor's degree or even an advanced degree in the life sciences.

Preparation for IHCC

Prospective students should have a strong background in mathematics, science, writing, and reading skills. At least one year of high school biology, one year of high school chemistry, one year of high school algebra, and four years of high school English are highly recommended. Additional courses in science and mathematics, including physics, geometry, and advanced courses in biology and chemistry are also recommended.

If you're planning to transfer to a four-year institution you are strongly advised to become familiar with the requirements of the biology program at the college to which you plan to transfer and work with a counselor and the biology faculty at IHCC to plan a program that meets those requirements. You should also consider working toward the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree at IHCC, which requires 30 semester credits in mathematics and science.

Recommended courses

Course Name:	Credits
Composition I and II	6
Public Speaking or Fundamentals of Oral Communication	3
Literature course	3
Humanities/Fine Arts/Foreign Language electives	5 (AA) 6 (AS)
US History or Western Civilization course	3
Social Science electives	6
Mathematics and Science courses	8 (AA) 30 (AS)
Introduction to Computers or Computer Essentials	1-3

Recommended courses to meet the mathematics and science requirements:

Course Name:	Credits
General Biology ID, IID and IIID	10
Marine Ecology	3
Principles of Chemistry I, II and III	10
General Physics I, II and III	9
College Algebra	3
Statistics	3
Precalculus	3
Calculus I, II and III	12