Biology, Associate of Science

Program Purpose

The proposed Associate of Science (A.S.) in Biology is a 62-credit, STEM-designated program meticulously crafted to meet this workforce need and establish a clear path to further education. This career-oriented degree provides students with the foundational theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience crucial for success.  The program's curriculum emphasizes General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and fundamental Chemistry, supplemented by essential supporting studies in math, physics, and laboratory techniques. Core coursework is designed to be fully stackable, providing seamless transfer into the Wilmington University Bachelor of Science in Biology program.  Graduates will possess the fundamental competencies required to immediately contribute to the scientific workforce in fields like research support, quality control, environmental science, and healthcare assistance, or to continue their academic journey toward a bachelor's degree.

Program Competencies

Students who successfully complete the A.S. in Biology program will have a level of applicable knowledge in the following areas as appropriate to one’s field of study.  The A.S. in Biology program is designed to ensure graduates achieve the following competencies:

1. Scientific Reasoning and Quantitative Literacy: Apply the scientific method using experimental data and basic quantitative reasoning to address structured biological questions.
2. Foundational Biological Knowledge Across Systems: Explain and analyze core biological concepts across molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological systems.
3. Laboratory Skills and Ethical Practice: Demonstrate proficiency with fundamental biological laboratory equipment and techniques while adhering to established safety and ethical standards.
4. Applied Biological Problem-Solving: Apply biological principles to practical problems found in health care, biotechnology and environmental contexts.
5. Scientific Communication: Communicate biological procedures, data and concepts effectively through written and oral formats for academic and introductory professional audiences.

Curriculum

General Education Requirements (27 credits)

ECO 105 Fundamentals of Economics

ENG 121 English Composition I

ENG 122 English Composition II

ENG 131 Public Speaking

HIS 381 Contemporary Global Issues

MAT 205 Introductory Survey of Mathematics

PHI 100 Introduction to Critical Thinking

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

Choose one of the following three courses:

CTA 206 Computer Applications

OR

CTA 210 Intro to Technology

OR

CTA 326 Integrating Excel into Business Problem Solving

Biology Core (35 credits)

BIO 251 Biology I (with Lab)

BIO 252 Biology II (with Lab)

BIO 253 Anatomy and Physiology I (with Lab)

BIO 254 Anatomy and Physiology II (with Lab)

BIO 336 Microbiology (with Lab)

BIO 337 Genetics (with Lab)

BIO 352 Cell & Molecular Biology (with Lab)

CHE 261 Chemistry I (with Lab)

SCI 240 Concepts in Physics

This information applies to new students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. All enrolled students should log in to MyWilmU Degree Works to view their personalized course and program completion requirements. You may also refer to the academic catalog for the general curriculum for this program from previous academic years.