CCSF’s Foundations in Biological Sciences Certificate offers key biology and support courses to serve students with the intention to major in Biology. All of the courses in the certificate are part of CCSF’s AS and AS-T degrees in biology or transfer to biology programs at U.C., C.S.U. or other four-year institutions. Generally, students will require a year of chemistry and physics to earn a degree in these areas, and students should refer to the transfer institutions requirements when selecting courses. Additional courses might be required to transfer to particular institutions. The Foundations in Biological Sciences Certificate is suitable for students planning to transfer into programs in the biological sciences, including general biology, cell or molecular biology, organism biology, marine biology, botany, zoology, ecology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, physiology, or microbiology. The certificate is also designed for students planning to transfer into a premedical, pre-veterinary, predental, pharmacy, or chiropractic degree program.

Through the core units of the Foundations in Biological Sciences Certificate, students will gain the scientific knowledge necessary to investigate problems and ideas presented in upper division biology courses and to evaluate scientific information critically. The laboratory work will train students to use current laboratory technologies, equipment, and techniques to engage in the research process.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Describe biological concepts relevant to diverse biological disciplines.

🗸 Apply laboratory skills fundamental to biological investigation.

🗸 Analyze and interpret biological scientific data.

🗸 Communicate scientific hypothesis, theories, and findings.