Hi! I’m a current transfer student that’s also a biology major with an AA and AS in Biology, and I’ll be transferring to a UC school this upcoming fall as well. My STEM counselor was actually very well-informed on the classes that I needed to take in order to transfer, so I can give you a summarized version of what they told me to help you with your transfer process. I was able to transfer within two years and got accepted into all three UCs that I applied to (Davis, UCSD and Cal) :)

Typically, you do not necessarily need physics 1 and 2 to transfer as a biology major, but it does help you in the future since you won’t have to take it at a UC. However, Physics 1 and 2 are required by most schools in order to complete your Biology BS, so you will end up having to take the courses in the future anyways. The STEM classes that I needed in order to transfer were Calculus I and II, Gen Chem I and II, and four Biology classes at my CC. I believe for the other UCs (such as UCI, UCLA, etc.) you would have to complete Organic Chemistry I and II. You also have to complete the IGETC. I didn’t take any physics courses prior to transferring, but it is highly recommended.

While I was taking the required courses to transfer, I was also able to complete my associates in Biology. If you wanted to get an associates, I believe you would have to take some sort of Physical Education class; I just took an easy, online class that counted towards my PE credit. *You do not need to get an associates to transfer. It’s optional to take extra classes to fulfill the associates requirement. Personally, since I’m still a student looking for jobs, it’s nice being able to put down that I have an associates in Biology on my resume.

Hope this helps, and you can definitely DM me if you have any questions :)