Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field of study that integrates knowledge of engineering principles with the biomedical sciences. It is a very diverse field with biomedical engineers working in areas ranging from medical imaging to regenerative medicine. Some major contributions of Biomedical Engineering include the left ventricular assist device (LVAD), artificial joints, hemodialysis, bioengineered skin, coronary stents, computed tomography (CT), and flexible endoscopes.

Students who choose biomedical engineering are interested in contributing to human health and quality of life, but do not routinely interact directly with patients, as do physicians. Due to the need to complete additional coursework beyond BME degree requirements, this major is not a primary route for pre-medical studies.

Biological Systems Engineering is an engineering major that uses life sciences as its main scientific base. With rapid advances in biology and biotechnology, engineers are needed to work side by side with life scientists to bring laboratory developments into commercial production or field application. Industries in food and fiber production, bioenergy, bioprocessing, biotechnology, food processing, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, plant and animal production, natural resource management, and waste reduction all need engineers with strong training in biology. In the first two years, the Biological Systems Engineering major requires sequences of courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering science, and humanities, similar to all accredited engineering programs. In addition to these courses, the major also includes courses in the life sciences and the application to engineering. 

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Apply life sciences in engineering at the biochemical, cellular, organism, and macro levels.

✔ Solve biological systems engineering problems while employed in the private or public sector.

✔ Consider the environmental, economic, and social consequences of their engineering activities.

✔ Communicate effectively with professional colleagues and public constituencies.

✔ Act in an ethical manner.

✔ Continue their education to adapt and thrive in a changing professional world.

The Biological Sciences major is broad in concept, spanning the numerous core disciplines of biology. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program includes preparatory work in mathematics, general and organic chemistry, physics, and introductory level biology, as well as upper division core classes emphasizing the breadth of biological sciences. Students in the B.S. degree program complete additional upper division biology coursework, for which they can choose classes from a variety of different areas such as molecular biology and genetics, animal behavior, plant growth and development, bioinformatics, marine biology, forensics, and microbiology research and internships are encouraged.

Career Alternatives

The degree program prepares students for admission to graduate schools or professional schools, leading to either a variety of professional health careers or further study in basic and applied areas of biology. They provide suitable preparation for careers in teaching, biological and biotechnological research with various governmental agencies or private companies, government regulatory agencies, environmental consulting, biological illustration and writing, pharmaceutical sales, biological/environmental law, and biomedical engineering.

This program is designed to provide students with a basic science background, preparing them to move into a curriculum at a four-year institution leading to a degree in such fields as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, or health sciences. This program is a path for immediate entry into science-based technology careers.

The Associate in Arts Degree can be obtained by completing a minimum of 18 units in the major, general education requirements, and electives as needed to complete a minimum of 60 units. All courses for this major must be completed with a minimum grade of C or a P if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

🗸 Learn how to write a laboratory report or give an oral presentation.

🗸 Demonstrate analytical and/or conceptual problem-solving skills.

🗸 Learn to carry out experiments and critically assess their data. Students will learn the role of hypotheses, measurement, and analysis in the development of scientific theory as evidenced by laboratory reports.

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major introduces students to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques that are used to probe the structures and functions of biologically important molecules. Students who enjoy both chemistry and biology and who are comfortable with quantitative approaches to problem solving will find this major a rewarding field of study.

Career Alternatives

The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching, or service career in the life sciences. Positions are open to biochemists in bio-medical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, agricultural research, and some chemical industries. Also, university-affiliated research laboratories, hospital laboratories, and government-sponsored research facilities provide employment opportunities. The major provides excellent preparation for advanced study in graduate or professional schools.

The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team and works under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. Students who desire to earn an Associate in Science in Vocational Nursing must complete the college graduation requirements. Classroom theory consists of 10 to 12 hours per week. Approximately 18 hours per week are spent in clinical experiences and three hours per week in clinical simulation. Students must achieve a score of 75% or higher in all core courses and a C or better in all other courses in the program. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for the national licensing examination (NCLEX-PN). Enrollment is limited. Students may obtain information from the Mission College website, under the Nursing/Health Occupations link, for information-session dates, application process, required courses, and recommended courses prior to entry into the program. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor for additional information and clarification. 

Career/Transfer Opportunities: The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Employment opportunities for the licensed vocational nurse following licensure include sub-acute and extended care facilities, convalescent and rehabilitation institutions, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics.

 To earn this degree students must meet the following: 

•Completion of 60 semester units. 

•Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, 

•Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and 

•Completion of AA/AS General Education, IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Students will use the language of the profession of nursing to communicate appropriately using verbal, written and technological methods.

✔ Students will critically analyze relevant information in the utilization of the nursing process, applying principles of evidence-based practice as needed.

✔ Students will demonstrate personal and professional growth.

✔ Students will successfully complete all requirements for eligibility to apply for the Vocational Nursing licensure and pass the national examination.

The Social Justice Studies, African American Studies AA-T is composed of courses that critically explore, through interdisciplinary means, the past and present experiences of African American minority groups in the United States. The program will cover philosophical and historical foundations of the social justice concept and movement and examine the socio-economic, cultural and political conditions of African Americans in the US. Students who complete this program successfully will: Assess the relationship of economic systems, such as capitalism and socialism, and public policy as they relate to the experiences of African Americans in the US. Explain concepts and theories of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and disability and how they are socially and politically constituted and institutionalized. Identify the interplay of race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality affecting gender relations and inequality. 

To earn this degree students must meet the following: 

•Completion of 60 semester units. 

•Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, 

•Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and 

•Completion of IGETC And/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Assess the relationship of economic systems, such as capitalism and socialism, and public policy to social justice in relation to African Americans.

✔ Explain concepts and theories of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and disability and how they are socially and politically constituted and institutionalized in relation to African Americans.

✔ Identify the interplay of race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality affecting gender relations and inequality of African Americans.

The Human Services and Social Work program provides comprehensive training resulting in well-rounded Human Services and Social Work paraprofessionals.  The curriculum is designed for people interested in various areas of employment such as mental and behavioral health, social welfare, developmental services, criminal justice, and chemical dependency.  Graduates leave our program with a solid understanding of the human condition and the necessary skills needed to work with a diverse population.

The Associate in Arts can be obtained upon completion of the 24.5-unit major, general education requirements, and electives. as needed to complete a minimum of 60 units  All courses in the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C or P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.  While units in this program are transferable to other institutions, students should contact a counselor for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

🗸 Demonstrate culturally responsive helping skills and techniques

🗸 Link consumers to services relevant to their needs

🗸 Facilitate psychoeducational and support groups.

🗸 Develop cultural competence.

🗸 Develop basic knowledge within the field of Human Services.

The Associate in Science in Agriculture Plant Science for Transfer is an interdisciplinary degree that includes coursework in plant and soil science, chemistry, economics, and statistics. Students will be introduced to a broad range of topics including soil science, conducting research, conservation practices, basic laboratory skills, horticulture, pest identification and plant propagation. This program is formative for students interested in working in the horticulture or farming industries. The goal of this degree is to provide students with a basic understanding of the field of plant science and a strong academic foundation in this field of endeavor from which to engage in upper-division coursework at a California State University campus.

The Associate in Science in Agriculture Plant Science for Transfer is fully transferable to the CSU. Students who meet the CSU’s minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major. With this degree you will be required to take no more than 60 semester or 90 quarter units after transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree if you transfer into a program at the CSU that’s similar to the Associate in Science in for Transfer. This degree also prepares students for other four-year institutions, but does not come with the same guarantees. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

To earn the Associate in Science in Agriculture Plant Science for Transfer, students must:

    1. Complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
        a. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
        b. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by Solano Community College District
    2. Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0
    3. Complete all courses within the major with a minimum grade of C or P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis

Upon completion of the CSU degree program(s): Agriculture, Agriculture and Environmental Plant Sciences, Agricultural Science, and Plant Science potential careers for students may be: Soil and Plant Scientists, Farmer, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agriculture Inspectors, Conservation Scientists, Career/Technical Education Teacher, Nursery and Greenhouse Technicians and other careers in related agricultural fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

🗸 Recognize and remediate soil properties in terms of chemistry, plant growth requirements, erosion, organic content, pore space and carbon sequestration.

🗸 Manage greenhouse, nursery, landscape, and field crops using economics, soil science, and horticultural principles.

🗸 Produce plants using sexual and asexual methods of propagation, identifying water, nutrient, light, pH and temperature requirements per crop to produce crop production cost estimates.

🗸 Describe how markets function as applied to plant science.

The Associate in Science in Public Health Science for Transfer is designed for students who would like to transfer to a California State University (CSU) to complete a bachelor’s degree with a major in Public Health Science or a related field. The degree prepares students to become competent professionals who are responsible for community health/public health disciplines, including health education and related ideas in the changing face of today’s health care delivery system. The Associate in Science in Public Health Science for Transfer degree provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to baccalaureate degree programs at a California State University (CSU) campus in areas such as Public Health, Health Science, Kinesiology with a Health Education or a Health and Wellness Promotion concentration, Collaborative Health and Human Services with Community Health option, and related fields. For detailed requirements for individual four‐year institutions, students should contact the transfer institution and meet with a counselor for specific transfer course requirements in their major. 

To earn this degree students must meet the following: 

•Completion of 60 semester units. 

•Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, 

•Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and 

•Completion of IGETC And/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Describe social, political, and economic issues that impact public health and healthcare delivery systems in the United States.

✔ Explain how functional anatomy and physiological regulations affect health and wellness.

✔ Apply basic epidemiological principles used to study patterns of disease and injury among diverse populations.

✔ Explain how social, behavioral, cultural, and environmental factors impact the health status of individuals and populations.

✔ Demonstrate effective communication and problem‐solving skills necessary for addressing contemporary public health issues.