Associate of Science in Human Biology
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Degree:
Associate of Science in Human Biology
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Are you interested in a career path related to health sciences, such as nursing or public health? Maybe you know you want a career related to health or biology but need to decide which is right for you. The Associate of Science in Human Biology provides the prerequisite coursework to transition into a bachelor’s degree program at National University including a BS in nursing, public health, clinical lab sciences, or biology.
Our AS in Human Biology provides valuable skills for any student considering a health career. The main coursework of the program includes anatomy & physiology and microbiology courses (lecture and lab), as well as chemistry and biostatistics. Introductory-level psychology, sociology, and communication courses ensure a strong background and breadth of knowledge.
Students planning to transition into a bachelor’s degree program or other health-related fields should check program requirements prior to completing our program.
Degree Requirements
To receive the AS in Human Biology degree, students must complete at least 90 quarter units, 31.5 of which must be taken in residence at National University. Of the 90 units required, 40.5 must fall into the areas of general education listed below. Students must complete 4.5 quarter units in diversity enriched coursework. A plus (+) indicates a diversity enriched offering. All undergraduate students working toward the Associate of Science in Human Biology must meet the University diversity requirement. The other 49.5 units can be comprised of elective courses and/or specific major program preparatory courses.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Students are urged to meet English requirements as early as possible in their college studies to avoid serious difficulties in other coursework. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding application and placement evaluation.
Prerequisites for the Major
6-7 Courses
Effective College English
4.5 Quarter Units
An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.
Public Speaking
4.5 Quarter Units
This class is an introduction to the principles and application of speaking effectively to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. Focus is on topic selection, organization, analysis of research, and delivery, with special attention on learning effective delivery skills.
Academic Information Literacy
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
A cross-disciplinary course that teaches effective report and research paper writing through the use of key computer technologies. Topics include library and Internet research; information organization, evaluation, and synthesis; MLA and APA style formats; and the use of document-production, image-editing, and presentation software.
Introductory Chemistry
4.5 Quarter Units
Recommended Preparation: MTH 204, or MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B
Fundamentals of inorganic and organic chemistry, including bonding and basic types of reactions. An introduction to nuclear, biological and environmental chemistry. Basic principles and calculations of chemistry with emphasis in the areas of atomic structure, molecular structure and properties, equilibrium, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction and kinetics.
Introductory Chemistry Lab
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: CHE 101, or CHE 141 for science majors
This laboratory course will complement the student’s knowledge of chemistry with demonstrations and experiments.
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
College Algebra & Trigonometry
3.0 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, Trigonometry and matrix Algebra. Completion of this course prepares a student to take Calculus and other upper level Math courses. This course is specifically for mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors.
Mathematics Non-STEM Majors
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B or equivalent, or Accuplacer test placement into College Level Math
Designed to provide non-STEM majors with a comprehensive review of fundamental mathematics principles essential for academic success and real-world applications. Students explore key algebra, statistics, and probability concepts, building a strong foundation in problem-solving and analytical thinking. Emphasizing real-life applications, course also demonstrates how mathematical reasoning is used in decision-making across various fields, including social sciences, business, and the arts.
Requirements for the Major
9 Courses
It is strongly recommended that students complete the BIO 201 – 203A series in numerical sequence: BIO 201 + 201A, 202 + 202A, 203 + 203A.
Introduction to Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.
Principles of Sociology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.
Human Anatomy and Physiol I
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A
Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).
A – Choose one of the following two courses
Online Hum Anat and Phys I Lab*
1.50 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A
This course uses virtual labs and online resources to explore human anatomy and physiology. This first lab course in the series covers body plan, microscopes, cells, tissues, skin, bone, muscle, nervous system, and special senses. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.
Human Anatomy and Physiol LabI
1.50 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A
Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).
Human Anatomy and Physiol II
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 202A, or BIO 192A
Prerequisite: BIO 201 and BIO 201A
Organ systems (autonomic nervous system, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive), and their functional relation to each other. In each system, the function of any specific molecules, cells, tissues, and organs are considered along with any diseases that may impact each system and how repair occurs.
One of the following:
Online Anat and Phys II Lab*
1.50 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 202
Prerequisite: BIO 191A with a minimum grade of C-. Passing grade required; BIO 201 with a minimum grade of C-. Passing grade required
This course uses virtual labs and online resources to explore human anatomy and physiology. This second lab course in the series covers autonomic nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, along with clinical lab tests. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.
Human Anatomy and Physiol Lab II
1.50 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 202
Prerequisite: BIO 201; BIO 201A
This laboratory course examines homeostasis in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, along with digestive, and urinary systems. Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, development and different types of inheritance through the testing of vision, hearing and taste and smell. Cat/fetal pig is used to study the internal organs.
Introductory Microbiology
4.5 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A
Biology of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. The epidemiology of disease-causing agents is studied, along with the fundamentals of the human immune response. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.
B – Choose one of the following two courses
Online Microbiology Lab*
1.50 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 191A; BIO 201; CHE 101; CHE 101A
This course uses virtual labs and online resources to instruct students about biosafety procedures, as well as methods of isolation, quantification, and identification of microorganisms. Students will become familiar with light microscopy, preparation and analysis of stained slides. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.
Introductory Microbiology Lab
1.50 Quarter Units
Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A
This laboratory course introduced students to procedures for handling microbes, methods of identification of microorganisms (microscopic and by diagnostic media), preparation of stained slides and wet mounts, aseptic techniques, isolation of a single colony, preparation of a pure culture, inoculation and interpretation of select diagnostic tests. This two-month course is a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.
Intro to Biomedical Statistics
4.5 Quarter Units
An introduction to concepts, procedures and software used in the statistical analysis of data in the health professions.
*These online lab courses are not accepted into NU BSN programs.
Concentration in Spanish
The Concentration in Spanish requires four courses at and above the 300-level for a total of 18 quarter units. Required courses include SPN 303 and SPN 304. Students then choose two electives, one of which must be in Spanish.
Placement into prerequisite courses or directly into the concentration can be established through prior coursework at the high school or college level, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty in the case of extensive personal experience speaking Spanish.
Requirements for the Concentration
2 Courses
Virtual Study Abroad
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Virtual exploration of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are immersed in the target language through interactive communicative tasks as they engage in an online journey through cultures and communities of Latin America and Spain. Designed to develop cross-cultural competence and appreciation of the diversity of contemporary and past ways of life in these regions.
Spanish for Professional Comm
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 200 Prerequisite can be waived through prior coursework, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty.
Students hone professional communication skills in Spanish. Integration of speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice into job-related tasks performed in the target language. Cultural learning focused on workplaces in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as cultural sensitivity within the workplace in the US. Options provided for students to tailor their learning to their chosen future profession.
Elective Courses in Spanish
1 Course
Students will need to select at least one course in Spanish from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Film and Culture
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 303; SPN 304
Films and documentaries from and about the Spanish-speaking world serve as the basis for lectures, discussions, and class projects. Diverse topics will be explored along with a range of socio-cultural issues. This course also introduces strategies of cultural analysis. All coursework will be in Spanish, with some theoretical readings in English.
Spanish for the Work Place
4.5 Quarter Units
Develops tools for communication with Spanish speakers in healthcare settings. Activities include Spanish language oral practice of healthcare related dialogues, interactive exercises to practice basic grammatical structures and healthcare vocabulary, and discussions in English of cultural content related to Spanish-speaking populations.
Elective Courses in English
1 Course
Students will need to select one elective course in English from the list below as part of the Spanish Concentration.
Cross-Cultural Communication
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the basic cultural differences generally encountered in the workplace. Special emphasis is given to cross-cultural communication in the workplace.
Latin American Studies
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Introduction to Latin American history and culture focusing on diversity of Latin American societies and their multicultural heritage. Topics include colonialism and indigenous societies, growth of plantation and mining economies, enslavement of Africans, struggle for independence, distribution of political power, recurrence of popular rebellion, and artistic and cultural life.
U.S. Latino Literature
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
Examination of important representative works by U.S. Latino writers and theoretical approaches relevant to studying that literature. Emphases may vary in different sections.
Literature of the Americas
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 240 and LIT 100
This course will provide students with a hemispheric perspective to the study of the literatures of the Americas. The readings will come from a variety of prominent 20th century U.S. and Latin American literary texts. All works will be read in English translation.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
-
$58,418
avg. salary (USA) -
4,314
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Environment Health And Safety
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Auditing
- Occupational Safety And Health
- Safety Training
- Occupational Hygiene
- Risk Analysis
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Amazon
- H-E-B
- Johnson Controls
- Krispy Kreme
- Siemens
- Impact Fire Limited
- Loram Maintenance Of Way
- Health Educators
-
$62,786
avg. salary (USA) -
8,306
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Health Education
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Nursing
- Health And Wellness Coaching
- Public Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Community Health
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Gosvea
- YMCA
- Swift Safety Institute
- Sharecare
- Life Time
- Stretchlab
- Amazon
- Pharmacy Technicians
-
$40,253
avg. salary (USA) -
47,211
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Medical Prescription
- Inventory Management
- Pharmacist Assistance
- Pharmaceuticals
- Workflow Management
- Cash Register
- Medication Dispensation
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Walgreens Boots Alliance
- CVS Health
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Rite Aid
- Optum
- Albertsons
- Medical Assistants
-
$44,056
avg. salary (USA) -
127,612
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Medical Assistance
- Vital Signs
- Medical Records
- Electronic Medical Record
- Phlebotomy
- Patient Preparation
- Intravenous Therapy
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Geisinger Health System
- UnitedHealth Group
- Optum
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- Providence
- HCA Healthcare
- Ascension
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Discuss the social, physiological, and psychological aspects of human behavior at a basic level.
- Discuss the complexities of human biology on the continuum from the level of organism to the level of organized social being.
- Use computer technologies to augment productivity, apply statistical procedures, and gain access to multiple informational resource services.
- Communicate effectively with others using oral, visual, and written methods.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Yes, you can! To see if your bachelor’s program of interest can accept entirely online courses, check its requirements. For example, the NU BS nursing program does not accept online biology laboratory classes and requires in-person anatomy & physiology/microbiology lab classes. The BS in Public Health and BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences do not require in-person laboratory classes.
In-person classes are currently offered in San Diego at Spectrum and South Bay (Chula Vista) campuses as well as in LA and Fresno. They will soon be restarting at the Navy Hospital and Rancho Cordova (Sacramento). Most in-person classes are evening classes, although daytime sections also exist.
If you are new to NU, first take a foundational class such as SOC100 or PSY100 to get used to the condensed 4-week course schedule. It is recommended to take CHE101/101A before taking the BIO classes. Please note that anatomy & physiology (1 & 2) and microbiology are taught over 2 months, as lecture and lab count as separate classes.
You may consider taking a general biology class such as BIO100 to refresh your knowledge. Or BIO161, which is a prerequisite for some of the bachelor’s degree programs.
When applying to a nursing program, you must complete the TEAS Test, which has a chemistry section. In addition, chemistry is fundamental in understanding biology, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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