2026-2027 College Catalog (Working Version)
Associate in Science Degree, Biology Concentration
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Some courses in this major can be customized. If you’re interested in this program, be sure to speak with an advisor to explore your options. You can reach an advisor by emailing advising@wvncc.edu or calling 304-214-8810.
Major Code: 274
The Biology Concentration A.S. program is designed to empower students with a multifaceted skill set, combining theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and effective communication abilities in the field of biological sciences. Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of courses covering different levels of biological disciplines, ranging from molecular biology to organismal biology and ecology. This diverse curriculum ensures that graduates possess a solid understanding of key biological concepts and principles. The degree aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers in biology-related fields or seamlessly transition into higher education at a four-year institution.
While the generic layout provides a broad foundation for careers in biology, students can also work with a faculty advisor to pursue specialized tracks. These tracks can facilitate a smooth transfer to a four-year institution for degree continuation or help develop the skills needed to start a biology-related business as an entrepreneur.
In addition to General Education Outcomes, upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
1. Acquire a foundation in biological disciplines across various levels of structural organization, encompassing molecular/ cellular, organismal, and ecological aspects.
2. Utilize scientific principles to examine and address challenges in diverse biological domains.
3. Achieve students’ proficiency in effectively communicating key biological concepts, both verbally and in writing, to a broad range of audiences.
4. Explore essential hands-on experiences for pursuing entry-level roles in the field of biology or progressing to higher education at the bachelor’s level.
CIP Code: 240199
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Fall Semester (15 Credits)
Fall Semester (15 Credits) Spring Semester (14 Credits)
Spring Semester (14 Credits) Fall Semester (17 Credits)
Fall Semester (17 Credits) Spring Semester (14 Credits)
Spring Semester (14 Credits) Total Credits (60-62)
Refer to General Education Core Requirements for the Associate in Science Program listed below. IMPORTANT GRADUATION INFORMATION: ORNT 090 is a graduation requirement. See your advisor to determine if you have met this requirement. General Education Core Requirements
*Restrictive Elective Option
AHS 103 , BA 100 , BIO 110 , BIO 112 , BIO 113 , BIO 114 , BIO 115 , BIO 117 , BIO 204 , BIO 210 , BIO 218 , BIO 220 , BIO 225 , BIO 230 , CHEM 100 , CHEM 101 , CHEM 204 , CHEM 207 , CHEM 209 , CIT 101 , CIT 105 , CIT 107 , CIT 117 , CIT 120 , CIT 123 , CIT 142 , CIT 182 , CIT 202 ,CIT 222 , CIT 232 , CIT 235 , ECON 104 , ECON 105 , GEOG 205 HIST 100 , HIST 101 , HIST 110 , HIST 111 , MATH 210 , MATH 279 ,MATH 280 , MATH 281 , MGT 253 PHYS 104 , PHYS 105 , PHYS 120 , PHYS 121 , POLS 102 , PSYC 105 , PSYC 155 , PSYC 200 , PSYC 208 PSYC 210 , SOC 125 , SS 255 Transfer Pathways
Pre-Bachelor’s in Biology / Health Sciences / Environmental Science Designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in biology, health sciences, environmental science, or related fields. This pathway emphasizes upper-level biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics coursework and mirrors the academic expectations of junior-year transfer students. Recommended Electives:
BIO 210, BIO 218, BIO 220, BIO 225, BIO 230, CHEM 204, CHEM 207, CHEM 209, PHYS 120, PHYS 121, MATH 210, MATH 279, MATH 280, or MATH 281. Optional Enrichment (Select as Appropriate):
BIO 112, BIO 113, GEOG 205, PSYC 200, SOC 125, POLS 102, HIST 110, HIST 111, PHYS 104, PHYS 105.
Human Biology / Health Sciences Pathway Designed for students preparing for nursing or other health science programs. This pathway emphasizes human biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, psychology, and social sciences to build a strong clinical foundation while maintaining a manageable quantitative load. Recommended Electives:
AHS 103, BIO 220, BIO 225, BIO 230, CHEM 100, CHEM 101, PSYC 105, PSYC 200, PSYC 208, PSYC 210, SOC 125, MATH 210. Optional Enrichment:
BIO 114, BIO115, BIO117, BIO 204, BIO 115, PHYS 104, PHYS 105, PSYC 155, SS 255.
Workforce: Lab Technician / Research Assistant Pathway Designed for students seeking immediate workforce entry into laboratory settings, biotech support roles, hospital laboratories, or research technician positions. This pathway strengthens the science foundation with applied data handling, computing, and technical skills, creating a highly employable combination. Recommended Electives:
BIO 204, BIO 210, BIO 218, CHEM 204, CHEM 207, CIT 101, CIT 105, CIT 120, CIT 182, MATH 210. Optional Technical Enhancement:
CIT 107, CIT 117, CIT 123, CIT 142, CIT 202, CIT 222, CIT 232, CIT 235, CIT 253.
Bio + Business Pathway Designed for students interested in the intersection of biology, entrepreneurship, healthcare systems, or environmental enterprise. Students combine upper-level biology coursework with foundational business and economic principles to strengthen workforce readiness or prepare for transfer into business-related science fields. Recommended Electives:
BIO 210, BIO 218, BIO 220 or BIO 225, BA 100, ECON 104, ECON 105, MGT 253, MATH 210, CIT 101, CIT 105, CIT 120, CIT 182. Optional Enrichment:
GEOG 205, POLS 102, HIST 100, HIST 101, SS 255, CIT 202. |
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