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Biology

Biology

Degree Type: Associate of Science Degree, AS

Pathway: Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math

More Options: Classroom Based, Remote Real-Time, Hyflex, Online, Hybrid

Program Length: 4 Semesters

Location: Centennial, Rampart Range, Downtown Studio

Transferability: Transferable

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Why Choose Biology at PPCC?

When you study Biology at PPCC you will learn from faculty who bring diverse areas of study and life experiences to the classroom. Our faculty are experts in microbiology, human anatomy, animal biology, and botany. Biology classes, both lectures and lab sessions, are small, personal and offered throughout the day, evening, and weekends, on all three campuses. With an associate degree, you could get a job as a lab technician. If you seek advanced degrees, you could go into a variety of medical and scientific fields, such as nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and public health.

What do PPCC Biology students study?

Students who study Biology at PPCC often are in the Allied Health Track, while others transfer to universities and earn degrees in Biological Sciences. Students begin their Biology careers studying the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, and genetics. Students continue their education according to their specific track. Biology Degree with Designation Students study 2 semesters of Biology, 2 semesters of Chemistry, 2 semesters of Physics, and Calculus. Associate of Science Degree Students can study approved courses in Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, Computer Sciences, Astronomy, Physical Geography, and Meteorology.

Career Outlook

What kind of Salary Can You Expect?

Biochemists & Biophysicist

$94,270 / yr

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Biological Technicians

$48,440 / yr

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Genetic Counselor

$85,700 / yr

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Medical Scientist

$91,510 / yr

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Job Growth

+20.4%

Projected job growth for biological technicians over the next 5 years.

Projections Central

Job Openings

+590

Biological technician careers are projected to see 590 job openings over the next 5 years.

Projections Central

Classes You Might Take

Here are some classes you could take here at PPCC
Science

BIO 1111 | General College Biology I with Lab

Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, and the metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. The course includes laboratory experience.

Animal Biology displaying a turtle

BIO 1050 | Animal Biology

Focuses on the phylogenetic study of animals. Includes an introduction to the invertebrates and a concentrated study of the diverse vertebrate forms. Laboratory experiences parallel lecture topics.

Human body showing organs

BIO 2101 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab

Focuses on an integrated study of the human body including the histology, anatomy and physiology of each system. Examines molecular, cellular, and tissue levels of organization plus integuments, skeletal, articulations, muscular and nervous systems. Includes a mandatory hands-on laboratory experience covering microscopy, observations, and dissection. This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence.

science

BIO 2124 | Genetics

Examines the structure, transmission, and expression of hereditary information with emphasis on Molecular genetics, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and population and quantitative genetics. Laboratory experiences include classical and molecular genetics activities.

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Voices of PPCC

Marques Dungey

Voices of PPCC

We go to the Military and Veterans Center because it’s a whole new world for us. We’re not only entering the civilian world again, we’re entering the world of students, which is a double transition. At the Vet Center they help out a whole lot. They’re pretty awesome over there.

Marques Dungey
Veteran | PPCC Student

Biology Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Develop foundational knowledge in specific field of biology.
  2. Develop an understanding of the nature and process of science.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to use scientific methodologies.
  4. Examine quantitative approaches to study natural phenomena.

  1. Perform hands-on activities with demonstration and simulation components playing a secondary role.
  2. Engage in inquiry-based activities.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to use the scientific method.
  4. Obtain and interpret data, and communicate the results of inquiry.
  5. Demonstrate proper technique and safe practices.
Jayden Greschke & Julia Vialpondo

 

1st Semester Plan

Math & English Requirements

1st Semester Plan

Introduces single variable calculus and analytic geometry. It includes limits, continuity, derivatives, and applications of derivatives as well as indefinite and definite integrals and some applications.

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing.

Introduces significant theoretical and practical questions and emphasizes understanding the meaning and methods of philosophy. Includes: the human condition, logic, reality, knowledge, freedom, history, ethics, and religion.

Focuses on basic chemistry and measurement, matter, chemical formulas, reactions and equations, stoichiometry. This course covers the development of atomic theory culminating in the use of quantum numbers to determine electron configurations of atoms and the relationship of electron configuration to chemical bond theory. The course includes gases, liquids, and solids and problem-solving skills are emphasized through laboratory experiments.

Math & English Requirements

Student should test into or above MAT 2410

Student should place into or above ENG 1021

Contact Biology Department

Contact Info

Biology Department Chair

Jennifer Swartz
719.502.3494
Jennifer.Swartz@ppcc.edu

Advising Team

Advising@ppcc.edu
Advising Website

719-502-3232
719-502-2000