Biology Curriculum - Southwestern Illinois College

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE (0002) – BIOLOGY PRE-MAJOR

Are you planning to earn an Associate in Science degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university to major in Biology? We strongly encourage you to consult with a SWIC Advisor prior to enrolling each semester.  We also advise you to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the four-year institution where you plan to transfer.

Fulfill the General Education and other institutional requirements for the Associate in Science degree listed in the printed or Online College Catalog. General Education course preferences may vary by transfer institution.

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

Most four-year colleges and universities will accept the following classes as Biology major credit:

COURSE NUMBER COURSE DESCRIPTION CREDITS
PHYS 151 College Physics I OR PHYS 204 – Mechanics 5
PHYS 152 College Physics II OR PHYS 205 – Heat, Elec & Magnetism 5
MATH 191 Introduction to Statistics 5

OPTIONAL COURSES:

COURSE NUMBER

COURSE DESCRIPTION CREDITS
BIOL 151 Fundamental Botany 4
BIOL 270 Genetics 4

*The optional courses listed above may be applicable toward a baccalaureate Biology major. Please keep in mind that most transfer institutions limit the number of credit hours taken within a student’s major field of study at the community college level. To ensure the acceptance of such courses toward your intended major, check with the four-year institution where you are transferring or a SWIC Academic Adviser regarding their applicability.

Fulfill all other Associate in Science degree requirements listed in the printed or Online College Catalog.

Apply for graduation by the date published in the College Calendar.

Earn at least 64 transferable credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 to graduate from SWIC. Many transfer institutions require a higher GPA for admission to the institution and/or specific majors.Note: Enrollment in many transfer classes is based on your score on the assessment placement test and/or your fulfillment of course prerequisites.