Student's chin nears desk as she observes the amount of liquid in a beaker

Biological Sciences

Students gain a broad background in biology and learn to work with laboratory instruments and equipment, prepare samples, conduct tests and experiments, analyze data, and interpret results. Job shadowing and internships with the hospital, health system and physician group reinforce classwork.

Potential career paths include:

  • agricultural and food science technician
  • biochemist
  • physician
  • environmental science technician
  • epidemiologist
  • forensic science technician
  • zoologist and wildlife biologist
  • microbiologist

This transfer associate degree provides a path to a bachelor’s degree in biology, and serves as a pre-med track.

male instructor teaching class about the body
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Career Opportunities

  • Agricultural and Food Science Technician
  • Biochemist
  • Physician
  • Environmental
    Science Technician
  • Epidemiologist
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Zoologist and
    Wildlife Biologist
  • Microbiologist

A few top JWCC transfer schools

Collage of Various University Icons
Suggested Degree Plan for Biological Sciences (AS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
CHM 103 Principles of Chemistry I Details 4
Comprehensive coverage of the basic principles of chemistry including bonding, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium. Designed for pre-med, pre-pharmacy, engineering and science majors with above-average mathematical and scientific backgrounds. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: P1 902L, CHM 911.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department; Students who have taken high school chemistry will have an advantage
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
BIO 105 Human Biology Details 3
This is an introductory course emphasizing the biology of human beings, including human organization from the atomic level to the biosphere, basic anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, and human interactions with the environment. Selected topics of discussion will include how science works and its impact on the human condition, biotechnological advances and ethical considerations, human wellness and disease, and the impact humans have on the environment. IAI: L1 904
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
CHM 104 Principles of Chemistry II Details 4
Continued comprehensive coverage of the basic principles of chemistry including atomic structure, covalent bonding, molecular structure, properties of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: CHM 912.
Prerequisites: CHM 103
Various MAT 221 / MAT 109 Details 3-4
Choose MAT 221 or MAT 109.
MAT 221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Details 4
A course designed to extend the concepts of derivative and integral to transcendental functions and to introduce advanced methods of integration. Specific topics include derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions; advanced integration methods; infinite series; introduction to differential equations; polar graphs and calculus of polar curves. IAI: M1 900-2, MTH 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 220 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year or consent of department
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
BIO 111 General Botany Details 4
A study of plant structure, growth, physiology, reproduction, evolution, classification, and distribution. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 901L.
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above or consent of department
Various CHM 201 / PHY 103 Details 4-5
Choose CHM 201 or PHY 103.
CHM 201 Organic Chemistry I Details 5
Structure, nomenclature, classification, properties and reactions of organic compounds including saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons and alcohols. Determination of molecular structure using infrared, nuclear magnetic and mass spectroscopy. Designed for pre-med, pre-pharmacy, engineering, biology and chemistry majors. 3 lecture hours, 4 lab hours; IAI: CHM 913.
Prerequisites: CHM 103 and CHM 104 or equivalent
PHY 103 Fundamentals of Physics I Details 4
General survey of various aspects of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, modern physics optics, and relativity. (Will not transfer for engineering or physics major.) 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: P1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 113; MAT 114 is highly recommended and may be taken concurrently; high school physics
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
ART 115 Art Appreciation Details 3
Designed to expose/cultivate an awareness of art in our culture with some emphasis on contemporary times. IAI: F2 900
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
BIO 221 General Zoology Details 4
A comparative study of the animal kingdom focusing on the study of animal structure, growth, physiology, reproduction, classification, and distribution. This course is designed for students planning to pursue additional study in the natural sciences. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours
Prerequisites: BIO 101 with a grade of "C" or above and MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
Various CHM 202 / PHY 104 Details 4-5
Choose CHM 202 or PHY 104.
CHM 202 Organic Chemistry II Details 5
Continued coverage of the structure, nomenclature, classification, properties and reactions of organic compounds including ethers, conjugated double bonds, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and an introduction to biochemistry. 3 lecture hours, 4 lab hours; IAI: CHM 914.
Prerequisites: CHM 201
PHY 104 Fundamentals of Physics II Details 4
A continuation of Physics I. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: PHY 103
HUM 121 Sex and Gender in the Humanities Details 3
Interdisciplinary study of art, music, literature, history, and philosophy reflecting the cultural identity of sex, gender, and sexuality. IAI: HF907D
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives (1-4) Details 1-4
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.