Purpose

The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Biology is a 62-credit, STEM-designated program thoughtfully crafted to meet workforce needs and establish a clear path to further education. This career-oriented degree provides students with the foundational theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience crucial for success.

The program's curriculum emphasizes General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Chemistry, supplemented by essential supporting studies in math, physics and laboratory techniques. Core coursework is designed to be fully stackable, providing seamless transfer into the Wilmington University Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology program.

Offered through flexible online, face-to-face and hybrid modalities, graduates will possess the fundamental competencies required to immediately contribute to the scientific workforce in fields like research support, quality control, environmental science and health care assistance or to continue their academic journey toward a bachelor's degree.

Program Competencies

The A.S. in Biology program is designed to ensure graduates achieve the following competencies:

  • Scientific Reasoning and Quantitative Literacy: Apply the scientific method using experimental data and basic quantitative reasoning to address structured biological questions.
  • Foundational Biological Knowledge Across Systems: Explain and analyze core biological concepts across molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological systems.
  • Laboratory Skills and Ethical Practice: Demonstrate proficiency with fundamental biological laboratory equipment and techniques while adhering to established safety and ethical standards.
  • Applied Biological Problem-Solving: Apply biological principles to practical problems found in health care, biotechnology and environmental contexts.
  • Scientific Communication: Communicate biological procedures, data and concepts effectively through written and oral formats for academic and introductory professional audiences.

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (27 credits)

Computer Requirement: CTA206, CTA210 or CTA326

ECO 105 Economics

ENG 121 English Composition I

ENG 122 English Composition II

Communication Requirement: ENG 131 Public Speaking

PHI 100 Introduction to Critical Thinking

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

HIS 381 Contemporary Global Issues

MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics

Core Requirements (35 credits)

BIO 251 Biology I

BIO 252 Biology II

CHE 261 Chemistry I

BIO 253 Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)

BIO 254 Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)

BIO 352 Cell and Molecular Biology (with lab)

BIO 336 Microbiology (with lab)

BIO 337 Genetics (with lab)

SCI 240 Concepts in Physics