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Biology

If you enjoy science and are curious about how living things work, consider studying biology.   

In this program, you’ll learn about life on Earth and how it forms, functions, evolves and interacts. Courses explore topics like evolution, genetics and the cellular process in microorganisms, plants and animals. You’ll also learn about the scientific method and gain hands-on experiences in the lab. Most of our biology students continue their education by transferring to a four-year college or university at a junior standing.

Whether you want a career in science education, zoology, botany, wildlife, ecology, microbiology or biotechnology—or you plan to apply your biology degree toward a future in medicine, nursing or other allied health profession—this program is an excellent start.

SFCC is a MESA College

MESA: Mathematics, Engineering Science, Achievement logo
SFCC offers extra support and career development to students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math programs through MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement).

What You’ll Learn

  • Interpret the major themes and theories inherent to biology
  • Communicate using graphical, oral, and written methods
  • Examine scientific literature in biology
  • Use equipment commonly found in a biological laboratory
  • Evaluate data collected by experimental means
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues

You and your advisor will use this program map as a starting point to create a personal education plan customized to your needs. No matter what level of math you’re starting with, we will support you along your journey. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals. We have a place for you!

Need more details? Check out the degree worksheet for the Associate in Biology DTA/MRP.

Course descriptions and course learning outcomes can be found in our online catalogue.

Program Map for

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Choose program map:

Total Credits: 90

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
MATH& 151
Calculus I
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 222
Majors Cell/Molecular: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 161
General Chemistry w/Lab I
5
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL& 102
Composition II
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 221
Majors Ecology/Evolution: w/Lab
5
BIOL& 223
Majors Organismal Phys: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 162
General Chemistry w/Lab II
5
Choose 1 course from:
ANTH& 100
Survey of Anthropology
5
PSYC& 100
General Psychology
5
SOC& 101
Introduction to Sociology
5
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
Choose 1 course from:
CMST 226
Gender Communication
5
FILM 141
Introduction to Film
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 221
Majors Ecology/Evolution: w/Lab
5
BIOL& 223
Majors Organismal Phys: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 163
General Chemistry w/Lab III
5
Choose 1 course from:
HIST& 214
Pacific Northwest History
5
POLS 125
Introduction to Global Issues
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
Choose 1 course from:
GEOG& 102
World Regional Geography
5
HIST& 214
Pacific Northwest History
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 222
Majors Cell/Molecular: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 161
General Chemistry w/Lab I
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL 110
Insects and People
5
BIOL& 241
Human A & P 1
5
BOT 130
Mycology
5
GEOL& 101
Intro to Physical Geology
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
HLTH 101
Health and Wellness
3
PE 138
Fundamentals of Resistance Training
2
Choose 1 course from:
HUM& 101
Introduction to Humanities
5
JOURN 110
Mass Media
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 221
Majors Ecology/Evolution: w/Lab
5
BIOL& 223
Majors Organismal Phys: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 162
General Chemistry w/Lab II
5
Total Credits
 
15

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
PHIL 110
Introduction to Ethics
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 241
Human A & P 1
5
BIOL& 260
Microbiology
5
BOT 112
Survey of the Plant Kingdom
5
ENVS& 101
Intro to Environmental Science
5
Choose 1 course from:
BIOL& 221
Majors Ecology/Evolution: w/Lab
5
BIOL& 223
Majors Organismal Phys: w/Lab
5
CHEM& 163
General Chemistry w/Lab III
5
Total Credits
 
15

You and your advisor will use the Program Map located on this page to create a personal education plan customized to your interests and goals, your start quarter, full- or part-time status, any prior credits you have, and the classes available each quarter.
To see the requirements for the AA-DTA/MRP in Biology, click here, then scroll down to Direct Transfer Agreements/Major Related Programs and click on the Associate in Biology DTA/MRP.

Maximum estimated costs for completing this program

  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    9,245
  • Non-Resident

    $
    11,459
  • International

    $
    21,146
  • Books

    $
    2,091
  • Course Fees

    $
    285
  • Institutional Fees

    $
    1,511

  • The amounts listed for tuition and lab & course fees reflects a maximum estimated cost and may be lower based on courses selected.
  • The amount listed for books is a maximum estimated cost based on the price of new textbooks purchased during the previous school year. Costs may be lower based on student choices and availability (used books vs new, rental vs purchase).
  • For more information about costs, visit our page How Much Does It Cost?

  • Vicki Moore
    Vicki Moore
    Stem Pathway Specialist
    Vicki.Moore@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4150

  • Amy Gray
    Amy Gray
    Biology
    B.S., M.S., Eastern Washington University
    Amy.Gray@sfcc.spokane.edu
    533-4153
  • Thayne Lacy
    Thayne Lacy
    Anatomy and Physiology
    A.A., Spokane Falls Community College; B.A., B.S., M.S., Eastern Washington University
    Thayne.Lacy@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4165
  • Michelle Pearson
    Michelle Pearson
    Biology
    A.A.S., Spokane Falls Community College; B.S., Eastern Washington University; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Michelle.Pearson@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3667
  • Scott Rollins
    Scott Rollins
    Biology
    A.S., North Idaho College; B.S., M.S., Portland State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University
    Scott.Rollins@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3665
  • Mukti Ryan
    Mukti Ryan
    Anatomy and Physiology
    B.S., Osmania University, India; M.S., Eastern Washington University
    Mukti.Ryan@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3661
  • Albert Wilson
    Albert Wilson
    Biology
    B.A., San Francisco State University; M.S., Ph.D., Washington State University
    Albert.Wilson@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4174

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Thayne Lacy

Department Chair
Thayne.Lacy@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-4165
Building 28, room 206

Vicki Moore

Pathways Specialist
Vicki.Moore@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-4150
Building 28, room 115