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Associate in Biology - DTA/MRP

Download the Biology DTA/MRP Worksheet

This pathway is applicable to students planning to prepare for upper division Bachelor’s degree majors in Biology. Many students transfer to baccalaureate institutions after completing the Associate Degree Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA); this pathway does not alter that agreement or the possibility that students may continue to follow this path. This Biology MRP streamlines and facilitates preparation for upper division course work in Biology across the state.

General Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 90 quarter hours of transferable credit.
  • A college cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required.
  • ENGL& 101 (English Composition I) is required.
  • A minimum of 25 of the last 45 credits must be earned at Pierce College.
  • A 1.5 grade (C-) or better for all requirements is required unless prerequisites state otherwise.
  • “Pass” (P) grades may be used for General Elective credits only.
  • Independent Study credits may be used only for General Elective credits.
  • Cooperative work experience/work-based learning credits may be applied to the General Elective area only.
  • Once a course has been successfully completed, credits obtained may be used only once, even if that course is listed in more than one category.

Basic Degree Requirements (15 credits)

  • Communication Skills (10 credits) Must include ENGL& 101
  • Mathematics — 5 credits of Calculus or Statistics*
    *Statistics may substitute for Calculus I at some institutions; students are encouraged to check with the transfer institution early in their decision process to confirm requirements.

Distribution Requirements (75 credits)

  • Humanities (HM) 15 credits selected from at least two disciplines with no more than 10 credits allowed from any one discipline. No more than five credits of world (foreign) language at the 100 level and no more than five credits in performance/skills courses are allowed. Credits must be GER approved as designated on the Pierce College AA degree.
  • Social Sciences (SS) 15 credits selected from at least two disciplines and no more than 10 credits allowed from any one discipline. Credits must be GER approved as designated on the Pierce College AA degree.
  • Natural Sciences (NS) Minimum of 15 credits biology sequence (majors level) and 15 credits general chemistry (majors level).

General Electives

Additional college-level courses so that total earned is at least 90 credits. May include prerequisites for major courses (e.g., pre-calculus), additional major coursework, (e.g., CHEM& 261-263) or specific general education or other university requirements, as approved by the advisor.

Course Requirements (90 Credits)

  • Communication Skills (CM): Must include ENGL& 101 AND ENGL 103 or 107.
  • Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning Skills (QS): Prerequisites required. MATH& 151 or MATH& 146*.
  • Humanities (HM) (15 credit minimum): At least two disciplines with no more than 10 credits allowed from any one discipline. No more than five credits of world (foreign) language at the 100 level and no more than five credits in performance/skills courses are allowed. See AA GER lists for appropriate classes.
  • Social Sciences (SS) (15 credit minimum): Credits selected must be from at least two disciplines and no more than 10 credits allowed from any one discipline. See AA GER lists for appropriate classes.
  • Natural Sciences (NS): BIOL& 211-213 and CHEM& 161-163
  • General Courses: Additional college-level courses so that total earned is at least 90 credits. May include prerequisites for major courses (e.g., pre-calculus), additional major coursework, or specific general education or other university requirements, as approved by the advisor.

Notes

  1. Students completing this degree will receive the same priority consideration for admission to the baccalaureate institution as they would for completing the direct transfer associate’s degree and will be given junior status by the receiving institution.
  2. Courses in Humanities/Social Science must come from the current ICRC distribution list in order to count as General Education or General University Requirements (GERs/GURs) at the receiving institution. Additional general educational requirements, cultural diversity requirements, and foreign/world language requirements, as required by the transfer institution, must be met prior to the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
  3. Students are responsible for checking specific major requirements of baccalaureate institutions in the year prior to transferring.

& Common Course Numbering

Effective Summer Quarter 2008 Pierce College implemented the statewide Common Course Numbering (CCN) system. Please check the CCN Crosswalk to assist you in identifying classes you have taken or plan to take. The CCN Crosswalk is available in the College Catalog, Class Bulletins and Pierce College Website. Consult with your faculty advisor or the advising center for questions during this transitional time.