Biology

Students in Lee College's Biology Pathway will develop a strong foundation in the scientific study of life, from microscopic cells and microorganisms to the human body, diverse organisms, and complex ecosystems. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and scientific investigations, students will explore fundamental biological principles, including cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, anatomy and physiology, and the interactions between living organisms and their environments.

Students will gain practical laboratory skills through the use of microscopes, scientific instruments, biological specimens, and experimental techniques. They will learn to apply the scientific method by developing hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, scientific communication, and teamwork. Students will also develop an understanding of laboratory safety, scientific ethics, and the role of biological sciences in addressing challenges related to human health, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and scientific discovery.

This knowledge and these skills provide a foundation for students transferring to four-year universities to pursue degrees in biology or related scientific disciplines, entering healthcare and other professional programs, or seeking selected entry-level positions in biological and laboratory sciences

An Associate of Science (AS) degree with a concentration in Biology from Lee College provides students with a foundation for pursuing careers in biological sciences, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, education, and related fields. The program prepares students for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or a related discipline. It also provides foundational coursework for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees and professional programs.

With an associate degree, graduates may qualify for selected entry-level technical or assistant positions in educational, research, environmental, industrial, and analytical laboratories. These opportunities may include laboratory assistants, biological science technicians, specimen processing assistants, environmental monitoring assistants, and other science-related support positions, depending on employer qualifications and additional training requirements.

Students who continue their education may pursue a wide range of scientific, healthcare, and professional careers, including:

· Healthcare and Medical Sciences: Medicine, physician assistant studies, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, clinical laboratory science, physical therapy, and other allied health professions.

· Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, biomedical research, and biomanufacturing.

· Environmental and Conservation Sciences: Ecology, wildlife biology, marine biology, environmental science, conservation biology, natural resource management, and environmental protection.

· Agricultural and Food Sciences: Plant biology, agricultural biotechnology, food safety, soil science, crop science, and agricultural research.

· Education and Scientific Research: Biology education, science outreach, laboratory research, academic research, and science communication.

· Forensic and Public Health Sciences: Forensic biology, epidemiology, infectious disease research, public health, and laboratory-based investigations.

The Biology Pathway also develops transferable skills in scientific reasoning, data analysis, laboratory techniques, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills are valuable across scientific, technical, healthcare, and research professions.

Many careers in biology, healthcare, and scientific research require education beyond the associate degree, professional certification, or licensure. Students are encouraged to work with an academic advisor to select courses that align with their intended transfer university, bachelor's degree, or professional program.

• BIOL 1406 — General Biology I
  4 credit hours
  Introduces cell biology, biological molecules, enzymes, metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA, and genetics. Laboratory investigations emphasize microscopy, experimentation, and data analysis. 
• BIOL 1407 — General Biology II
  4 credit hours
  Explores evolution, biodiversity, classification, organismal biology, and ecology, including the relationships among plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems

• BIOL 1308/1408 — Biology I for Non-Science Majors
  3 credits lecture-only / 4 credits with lab
  Introduces the fundamental principles of life, including cells, biological chemistry, genetics, reproduction, and biological processes. BIOL 1408 includes laboratory investigations.
• BIOL 1309/1409 — Biology II for Non-Science Majors
  3 credits lecture-only / 4 credits with lab
  Examines biodiversity, evolution, ecology, and the relationships among organisms and their environments. BIOL 1409 includes laboratory activities.

• BIOL 2401 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  4 credit hours
  Studies cells, tissues, homeostasis, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems through lectures and anatomical laboratory investigations.
• BIOL 2402 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  4 credit hours
  Explores the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, emphasizing their integrated functions.
• BIOL 2404 – The Human Body
  4 credit hours
  Provides an integrated overview of human body structures, organ systems, and physiological functions.
• BIOL 1322 – Nutrition
  3 credit hours
  Examines essential nutrients, digestion, metabolism, dietary requirements, and the relationship between nutrition, wellness, and disease prevention.

• BIOL 2420 – Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
  4 credit hours
  Introduces bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, emphasizing infectious disease, immunity, microbial growth, and laboratory techniques relevant to nursing and allied health.
• BIOL 2421 – Microbiology for Science Majors
  4 credit hours
  Investigates microbial structure, physiology, genetics, metabolism, ecology, and identification through laboratory experimentation and scientific analysis.
• BIOL 2416 – Genetics
  4 credit hours
  Examines heredity, gene expression, chromosomes, mutation, molecular genetics, and genetic variation through quantitative problem-solving and laboratory investigations.

• BIOL 1411 – General Botany
  4 credit hours
  Studies plant anatomy, physiology, classification, reproduction, growth, and ecological adaptations.
• BIOL 1413 – General Zoology
  4 credit hours
  Explores animal diversity, anatomy, physiology, evolutionary relationships, and ecological adaptations.
• BIOL 2406 – Environmental Biology
  4 credit hours
  Examines ecosystems, biodiversity, population dynamics, conservation, pollution, and human impacts on the natural environment.

The Associate of Science (AS) degree with a concentration in Biology at Lee College is a two-year, transfer-oriented academic program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biological sciences and prepare them to continue their education at a four-year college or university.

The program focuses on the scientific study of life, including cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and the structure and function of living organisms. Through classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences, students develop scientific knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory skills.

The degree is designed primarily for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology or a related field. It also provides foundational coursework for students interested in healthcare and professional programs, including nursing, physician assistant studies, clinical laboratory science, dental hygiene, and pharmacy.

An AS degree in Biology may also prepare students for selected entry-level laboratory or technical assistant positions, although many scientific and healthcare careers require additional education or professional credentials.

What does the degree include?

Lee College identifies Biology as an AS area of concentration. The degree combines general education with foundational science courses, typically including:

• Biology: BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407, with laboratory experiences.
• Chemistry: CHEM 1411 and CHEM 1412.
• Mathematics: Appropriate mathematics courses based on the transfer university.
• Additional sciences: Physics, organic chemistry, or microbiology, depending on the transfer plan.
• Core curriculum: English, government, history, communication, and other general education courses.

Lee College describes its associate degrees as generally comprising 60–66 semester credit hours. Some Biology transfer maps extend beyond the minimum AS requirements to satisfy university prerequisites.

An important distinction: The AS Biology concentration is not itself a bachelor's degree in Biology or a professional healthcare credential. It provides the lower-division academic foundation for those future pathways.

Students pursuing the Associate of Arts (AA) degree are strongly encouraged to connect with the Transfer Department early and often to ensure a smooth transition to a four-year university.

• Visit the Transfer Page to access resources and connect with advisors.
• Explore guidance on Transferring to a University, including an easy-to-follow checklist.
• Review detailed University Partner Transfer Maps to see how your Lee College courses merge seamlessly into bachelor's degree programs.

Taking advantage of these resources will help you stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.