Field Biologist - Major #6083 - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
It is also important to discuss your transfer options with a counselor because each university will require specific courses.

The Field Biologist Certificate is a program designed to provide students with education and training in various aspects of field biology in preparation for 1) entry level employment in the environmental consulting field or government agencies 2) entry level field research assistant and 3) continuing education in biology. A certificated field biologist may work in the field doing plant and animals surveys, threatened and endangered species surveys, sensitive habitat delineation, biological construction monitoring or scientific data collection, all under the direction of qualified professional biologists. Students planning for a career in biology in most cases will need to earn at least a Bachelor’s Degree. Therefore biology students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor about transfer requirements (Cal-GETC certification) early in their program. Biology students should also meet with biology faculty about course/program offerings as soon as possible in order to complete the program in a timely manner.

1. Apply field sampling techniques that qualitatively and quantitatively measure and describe the role of a living organism in its environment.

2. Identify major habitat types and ecological phenomena in the field.

4. Correctly use various plant and animal taxonomic keys.

3. Describe the natural history of select plants, animals, and fungi of California.

Program Map

Term 1

8-9 units
BIOL 11A
Biology for Science Majors I
The first of two introductory courses for biology majors, focusing on concepts in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, inheritance, and evolution. Intended for biology, pre-medical, pre-veterinarian, and pre-pharmacy majors. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Select one of the following (7 units in total are required):

RECOMMEND GEOL 1

An introductory course in conservation biology. An exploration of phenomena influencing Earth's biological diversity with an emphasis on ecological principles and human impacts. A focus on natural resource use, management and future challenges for a growing human population. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Introductory course exploring biological concepts as they relate to animal structure and function, inheritance, ecology, and evolution. Recommended for non-biological science majors and liberal studies majors. Field trips required. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Introductory course exploring biological concepts as they relate to plant structure and function, inheritance, ecology, and evolution. Recommended for non-biological science majors and liberal studies majors. Field trips required. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Investigation of plants, animals, and fungi with an emphasis on the natural history and ecology of the High Sierra and its eastern slope. This is a short-term field-based course with required field trips. Multi-day camping and moderate hiking at high elevation are a part of this course. Additional costs for food, campground and entrance fees. (A, CSU)
Investigation of plants, animals, and fungi with an emphasis on the natural history and ecology of the Central California Coast. This is a short-term field-based course with required field trips. Multi-day camping and moderate hiking in the elements are a part of this course. Additional costs for food, campground and entrance fees. (A, CSU)
The Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include weather, climate, geomorphology, soils, and the biosphere. Emphasis on interrelationships among systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Tools of geographic inquiry include maps, remote sensing, graphic data, and models. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

Course Details:

      1. CSU Transfer
        Introduction to the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including familiarization with commonly used GIS software, data sources, organization and input of data, display of spatial data, querying and methods of data analysis, and real-world applications of GIS to problem-solving. (A, CSU, UC)

        Course Details:

            1. CSU Transfer
              This course consists of an introduction to the principles and unifying concepts of earth science including geologic time, formation and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, rock and mineral identification, weathering processes, landforms, earthquakes, volcanic activity, flooding and groundwater resources. Laboratory exercises will include rock and mineral identification, and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps. Optional field trips to classic geologic locations. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

              Course Details:

                  1. CSU Transfer
                    This course consists of geology field studies of a classic geologic location, such as Death Valley, Eastern Sierra, Lassen, Kings Canyon, San Andreas Fault, etc. Required camping field trips. Additional costs for food, campground, and entrance fees. (A, CSU, UC)

                    Course Details:

                        1. CSU Transfer
                          This course is an introduction to the geologic setting and evolution of California using the concepts of plate tectonics, stratigraphy, and processes that have and are still shaping the landscape, including volcanism, earthquakes, and erosion. Optional field trips. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

                          Course Details:

                              1. CSU Transfer

                                Term 2

                                13-14 units
                                BIOL 7
                                Field Biology
                                Field-based investigation of plants, animals, and fungi emphasizing natural history, taxonomy, and ecology of local species and methods of field study. Weekly required field trips with moderate hiking and a multi-day field trip are included. This is a required course for the Field Biologist Certificate at FCC. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
                                BIOL 11B
                                Biology for Science Majors II
                                The second of two introductory courses for biology majors, focusing on concepts surrounding the evolution and classification of Earth's biodiversity, the structure and function of organisms, and ecology. Intended for biology, pre-medical, pre-veterinarian, and pre-pharmacy majors. Field trips are included in this course. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
                                Select one of the following (7 units in total are required):
                                An introductory course in conservation biology. An exploration of phenomena influencing Earth's biological diversity with an emphasis on ecological principles and human impacts. A focus on natural resource use, management and future challenges for a growing human population. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
                                Introductory course exploring biological concepts as they relate to animal structure and function, inheritance, ecology, and evolution. Recommended for non-biological science majors and liberal studies majors. Field trips required. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
                                Introductory course exploring biological concepts as they relate to plant structure and function, inheritance, ecology, and evolution. Recommended for non-biological science majors and liberal studies majors. Field trips required. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
                                Investigation of plants, animals, and fungi with an emphasis on the natural history and ecology of the High Sierra and its eastern slope. This is a short-term field-based course with required field trips. Multi-day camping and moderate hiking at high elevation are a part of this course. Additional costs for food, campground and entrance fees. (A, CSU)
                                Investigation of plants, animals, and fungi with an emphasis on the natural history and ecology of the Central California Coast. This is a short-term field-based course with required field trips. Multi-day camping and moderate hiking in the elements are a part of this course. Additional costs for food, campground and entrance fees. (A, CSU)
                                The Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include weather, climate, geomorphology, soils, and the biosphere. Emphasis on interrelationships among systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. Tools of geographic inquiry include maps, remote sensing, graphic data, and models. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

                                Course Details:

                                    1. CSU Transfer
                                      Introduction to the fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including familiarization with commonly used GIS software, data sources, organization and input of data, display of spatial data, querying and methods of data analysis, and real-world applications of GIS to problem-solving. (A, CSU, UC)

                                      Course Details:

                                          1. CSU Transfer
                                            This course consists of an introduction to the principles and unifying concepts of earth science including geologic time, formation and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, rock and mineral identification, weathering processes, landforms, earthquakes, volcanic activity, flooding and groundwater resources. Laboratory exercises will include rock and mineral identification, and interpretation of topographic and geologic maps. Optional field trips to classic geologic locations. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

                                            Course Details:

                                                1. CSU Transfer
                                                  This course consists of geology field studies of a classic geologic location, such as Death Valley, Eastern Sierra, Lassen, Kings Canyon, San Andreas Fault, etc. Required camping field trips. Additional costs for food, campground, and entrance fees. (A, CSU, UC)

                                                  Course Details:

                                                      1. CSU Transfer
                                                        This course is an introduction to the geologic setting and evolution of California using the concepts of plate tectonics, stratigraphy, and processes that have and are still shaping the landscape, including volcanism, earthquakes, and erosion. Optional field trips. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

                                                        Course Details:

                                                            1. CSU Transfer