Biology Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Science – Biology Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related life science field.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematics, along with hands-on laboratory experience. Students develop scientific reasoning, data analysis skills, and an understanding of core biological principles such as cellular structure and function, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning and the application of biological concepts to real-world issues in health, the environment, and biotechnology.
Because mathematics preparation varies by student, multiple course sequences are available. Students should review the additional tabs and select the appropriate pathway based on their starting level in mathematics. Beginning in the appropriate math course is essential to maintaining steady progress toward graduation and transfer.
Transfer Information
The Biology concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in biology and related disciplines such as environmental science, microbiology, biotechnology, and health sciences. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure course selection supports their intended major and transfer institution.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and degree requirements.
Early planning is especially important for students considering competitive health-related or research-based programs.
Career Information
The A.S. in Science – Biology Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree (and sometimes graduate study) is typically required for professional roles in biology and related fields.
After completing a four-year degree, graduates may pursue careers in:
- Environmental science and conservation
- Biomedical research
- Biotechnology and laboratory science
- Public health
- Wildlife biology and ecology
- Pre-professional pathways such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or physical therapy
Students are encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research degree pathways and related professions.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| MATH 166 | Topics in Algebra | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| PHIL 191 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| BIOL 232 & 232L | Microbiology Lecture and Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 172 & 172L | Physics II Lecture and Physics II Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| PHIL 191 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| BIOL 232 & 232L | Microbiology Lecture and Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 172 & 172L | Physics II Lecture and Physics II Lab | 4 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 62 | |
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| PHIL 191 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| BIOL 232 & 232L | Microbiology Lecture and Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 172 & 172L | Physics II Lecture and Physics II Lab | 4 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |