Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biochemistry
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Attention: Rio Salado College does not offer the following courses for completion:
- BIO181 - This course is available at CGCC, EMCC, GWCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SCC, SMCC.
- BIO182 - This course is available at CGCC, EMCC, GWCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SCC, SMCC.
- CHM235/235LL - This course is available at CGCC, EMCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SCC, SMCC,
- CHM236/236LL - This course is available at CGCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, PC, SMCC.
Courses may be offered in-person, online, or in hybrid formats. Please contact a Rio academic advisor for the most current information. All courses completed at any Maricopa Community College are transferable to Rio based on District policy. Estimated additional costs would be consistent with your current tuition rate.
The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Biochemistry provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in biochemistry or are preparing for graduate programs in the area. With an associate's degree, students may qualify as a chemical technician. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career as a biochemist or biochemical engineer. With a graduate degree, students may pursue a career as a medical research scientist.
Details
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
- Apply fundamental theories of physical, chemical, and life sciences to construct models to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biochemical principles, such as the structure/function of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, and the regulation of biological/biochemical processes. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, MAT220, MAT221, MAT230, MAT231, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112)
- Utilize basic laboratory techniques and technology in both chemistry and biology to apply the scientific inquiry to the processes of experimentation and hypothesis testing. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112)
- Adhere to standard safety protocols when performing experiments and collecting data. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112)
- Critically evaluate primary scientific research. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (CRE), [FYC])
- Apply and effectively communicate scientific reasoning and data analysis in both written and oral forums. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, MAT220, MAT221, MAT230, MAT231, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (COM), (CRE), [FYC])
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior appropriate to scientific research. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (COM), [FYC])
- Collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, MAT220, MAT221, MAT230, MAT231, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (COM), (CRE), [FYC], [HU], [SB])
- Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision making and actions. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (COM), (CRE), [FYC], [HU], [SB])
- Serve the community by assisting in the care of underserved populations. (BIO181++, BIO182++, CHM150AA, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CHM235AA, CHM235LL, CHM236AA, CHM236LL, PHY101, PHY111, PHY112, (COM), (CRE), [FYC], [HU], [SB])
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Biochemists and Biophysicists
$97,350 Show expanded career information for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
$120,970 Show expanded career information for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
$42,540 Show expanded career information for Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chemical Technicians
$54,180 Show expanded career information for Chemical Technicians
Chemists
$83,410 Show expanded career information for Chemists
Forensic Science Technicians
$64,780 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
$78,890 Show expanded career information for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Awareness Areas |
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Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA |
(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab | Critical course Gateway course | SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ | 4–5 | |
ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | Critical course | MA or MA | 4–5 | |
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CHM152AA or (CHM152 and CHM152LL) |
General Chemistry II with Lab or (General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) | Critical course | SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 | 4 | |
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 0–3 | ||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | SQ | 4 | ||
ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA |
(General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 4 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | SQ | 4 | ||
BIO181 or BIO181XT |
General Biology (Majors) I or General Biology (Majors) I | Subject Option | SQ or SQ | 4 | |
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(CHM236 and CHM236LL) or CHM236AA |
(General Organic Chemistry IIA and General Organic Chemistry IIA Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry IIA with Lab | 4 | |||
BIO182 or BIO182XT |
General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II | SG or SG | 4 | ||
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | COM Requirement, Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | |
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | L | 3 | |
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Awareness Areas |
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|
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
(CHM150 and CHM151LL) or CHM150AA or (CHM151 and CHM151LL) or CHM151AA |
(General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I or (General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Chemistry I with Lab | Critical course Gateway course | SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151 or SQ | 4–5 | |
MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | Critical course | MA or MA | 4–5 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CHM152AA or (CHM152 and CHM152LL) |
General Chemistry II with Lab or (General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory) | Critical course | SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152 | 4 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIO181 or BIO181XT |
General Biology (Majors) I or General Biology (Majors) I | Subject Option | SQ or SQ | 4 | |
ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
BIO182 or BIO182XT |
General Biology (Majors) II or General Biology (Majors) II | SG or SG | 4 | ||
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 0–3 |
Term 5
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA |
(General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 4 | |||
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | COM Requirement, Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements simultaneously | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | |
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 6
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(CHM236 and CHM236LL) or CHM236AA |
(General Organic Chemistry IIA and General Organic Chemistry IIA Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry IIA with Lab | 4 | |||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 7
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | SQ | 4 | ||
SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | SB | 3 | ||
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 8
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | SQ | 4 | ||
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | L | 3 | |
Second Language | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190021).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.