female student looking into microscope in a classroom setting

Biology

Why Study Biological Sciences

Biology is the study of living organisms, their relationship to each other and the broader environment.

Studying biology prepares you for careers in the health professions, teaching, forestry, agriculture, environmental protection and conservation, wildlife biology, biotechnology, basic research, and more.

An A.S. or A.S.-T degree in Biology prepares you for transfer to a four-year school and a rewarding career in the sciences.

If you are interested in biology but do not intend to transferto a four-year institution, you are encouraged to look into our Allied Health career training programs.

Costa Rica, Spring 2026

Immerse yourself in a study of culture, conservation, and biodiversity in the lush landscape of Costa Rica. Earn 12-15 units of academic credit while you travel April 18–June 19, 2026!

Learn about the program

Featured Spring Course

BIOL 15: California Ecology/Natural History An introduction to ecology, natural history, and field biology through the study, largely in an outdoor setting, of the plants and animals of the San Francisco Bay Area.

BIOL 15 CRN 41379

Our Biology Facilities

At Foothill, our Biology facilities include classroom labs and our beautiful campus nestled in the natural landscape of Los Altos Hills.

Check out where you'll learn!

Biology-Related Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science for Transfer

Associate in Science

Certificate of Achievement (CA)

Bio-Health Diversity and Inclusion Leadership, CA Program Map

Biology (BIOL) Courses

For a quick look at Biology courses at Foothill College, see list below. For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

BIOL 1A Principles of Cell Biology
BIOL 1B Form & Function in Plants & Animals
BIOL 1C Evolution, Systematics & Ecology
BIOL 1D Introduction to Molecular Genetics
BIOL 8 Basic Nutrition
BIOL 9 Environmental Biology
BIOL 9L Environmental Biology Laboratory
BIOL 10 General Biology: Basic Principles
BIOL 12 Human Genetics
BIOL 13 Marine Biology
BIOL 14 Human Biology
BIOL 15 California Ecology/Natural History
BIOL 28 Introduction to Bioengineering
BIOL 40A Human Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 40B Human Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 40C Human Anatomy & Physiology III
BIOL 41 Microbiology
BIOL 45 Introduction to Human Nutrition
BIOL 54H Honors Institute Seminar in Biology
BIOL 70R Independent Study in Biology
BIOL 71R–73R Independent Study in Biology
BIOL 81 Learners Engaged in Advocating for Diversity in Stem
BIOL 300 Human Pathophysiology & Pharmacology

The biology program at Foothill College is truly shaped around the student. Every single instructor in this program is tirelessly dedicated to their students'
futures.

Shahana Shaik

San Francisco Bay Area

Sports Medicine, AS Degree