Health Sciences – Associate in Science Degree

TOP Code:

1260.00

This degree will allow the college to distinguish our Health Science students from our STEM students. Health Sciences, Associate in Science provides a broad spectrum of courses including human biology, chemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and speech communication. This area of emphasis is intended to align the coursework with preparation for future careers and programs in the health care field, such as: Anesthesia Technician, Communication Disorders, Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health, Radiology Technology, and other similar disciplines. The degree includes the prerequisite requirements for both the two-year community colleges health science programs and Baccalaureate degree programs at various four-year institutions. Some variation in degree requirements may exist for a particular Health Science program; therefore, it is essential that students refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution and contact a counselor to ensure that all required coursework is completed.

Courses identified for the area of emphasis fulfill major preparation requirements as shown on ASSIST.org articulation. Consult with a Counselor for specific information regarding the intended major at the college the student is choosing. Courses used to complete a student's area of emphasis can double count for general education. Although the associate degree recognizes the completion of general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus in the CSU or UC system, nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major or a specific community college program. Some majors and schools require a higher GPA than is necessary for the associate degree. Students should meet with a Counselor to determine the major preparation coursework and general education requirements for the major or program of study.

Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. All courses must be numbered 001–099. 

Program Outcomes

  • Identify anatomical structures and describe the function of important systems in the human body, and be well-prepared for courses in the health science professions.
  • Predict the function of unfamiliar structures based on knowledge of previously studied human cells, tissues, and organs.
  • Work safely in a laboratory or clinical setting.
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and microbiology concepts to more advanced courses required for careers in health sciences.

Requirements for the Major

Life Science: Select 2 courses8
HUMAN ANATOMY
HUMAN BIOLOGY
GENERAL BIOLOGY
HONORS GENERAL BIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Physical Science: Select 1 course4-5
GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS I
CHEMISTRY - GENERAL, ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY I
CHEMISTRY–GENERAL, ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY II
INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY
Mathematics: Select 1 course4-5
COLLEGE ALGEBRA FOR STEM
EXPLORATIONS IN QUANTITATIVE REASONING
STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
STATISTICS FOR BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
HONORS ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Additional Major Requirements: Select 1 course3-4
READING AND COMPOSITION
HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
HUMAN NUTRITION
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
HONORS INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Total Units19-22

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree