Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biochemistry

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

Field of Interest

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Degree Type

Associate in Science (AS)

Academic Plan

Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biochemistry (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8610

Total credits required

60-64

Catalog Year

2025-2026

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:

ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biochemistry, BA

ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Biochemistry, BS

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU .

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn

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.
Utilize basic laboratory techniques and technology in both chemistry and biology to apply the scientific inquiry to the processes of experimentation and hypothesis testing.
Adhere to standard safety protocols when performing experiments and collecting data.
Critically evaluate primary scientific research.
Apply and effectively communicate scientific reasoning and data analysis in both written and oral forums.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior appropriate to scientific research.
Collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds.
Integrate social and ethical responsibility in decision making and actions.
Serve the community by assisting in the care of underserved populations.
Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Statistics

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

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

$120,970

Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

$42,540

Chemical Technicians

$54,180

Chemists

$83,410

Forensic Science Technicians

$64,780

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

$78,890

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

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
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	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	Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	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

Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 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)	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.	Critical course	SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152	4
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	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 CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.		L	0–3
PHY111	General Physics I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT182 or MAT187 or MAT188 or MAT220 or MAT221 or eligibility for MAT220 as indicated by appropriate placement or 1 yr high school Trigonometry with a grade of C or better or permission of Department or Division.		SQ	4
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA or MA	4–5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
(CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA	(General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM152 and CHM152LL), or CHM152AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM235 or Corequisites: CHM235. Completion of prerequisites within the last two years recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM152 and CHM152LL), or CHM152AA, or (CHM154 and CHM154LL), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		4
BIO181++	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	SQ	4
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
Elective	General Elective			0–4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
(CHM236 and CHM236LL) or CHM236AA	(General Organic Chemistry II and General Organic Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry II with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM236 or Corequisites: CHM236. Completion of prerequisites within the last two years recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		4
BIO182++	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	SG	4
COM100 or COM110 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Small Group Communication		SB or SB or SB	3
Elective	General Elective			0–4

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		FYC or FYC	3
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or an appropriate District placement.	Critical course	MA or MA	4–5
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3

Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2
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	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: C or better in [(CHM130 & CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or 1 yr of high school chemistry taken within the last 5 yrs] & C or better in MAT151 or higher or satisfactory score on placement exam or permission of the Instructor or Dept or Div Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL), or CHM130AA, or one year of high school chemistry taken within the last five years] and (a grade of C or better in MAT151 or higher level mathematics course, or satisfactory placement), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	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
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
MAT230 or MAT231	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT220, or MAT221, or equivalent.		MA or MA	4–5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
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)	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.	Critical course	SQ or SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM152	4
L	Literacy & Critical Inquiry		Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and [SB] or [L] and [HU] or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously.	L	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.		L	0–3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
BIO181++	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	Subject Option	SQ	4
(CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA	(General Organic Chemistry I and General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry I with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM152 and CHM152LL), or CHM152AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM235 or Corequisites: CHM235. Completion of prerequisites within the last two years recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM152 and CHM152LL), or CHM152AA, or (CHM154 and CHM154LL), or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
BIO182++	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	Subject Option	SG	4
(CHM236 and CHM236LL) or CHM236AA	(General Organic Chemistry II and General Organic Chemistry II Laboratory) or General Organic Chemistry II with Lab	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair. and Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CHM236 or Corequisites: CHM236. Completion of prerequisites within the last two years recommended. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (CHM235 and CHM235LL) or CHM235AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
COM100 or COM100 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Small Group Communication			SB or SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3

Term 7Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
Elective	General Elective			0–4
PHY111	General Physics I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT182 or MAT187 or MAT188 or MAT220 or MAT221 or eligibility for MAT220 as indicated by appropriate placement or 1 yr high school Trigonometry with a grade of C or better or permission of Department or Division.	SQ	4

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
SB	Social & Behavioral Sciences			SB	3
Elective	General Elective				0–4

General Electives

Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.

For students intending to transfer to ASU to earn a BA or BS in Biochemistry, BIO201, BIO205, or BIO220 is recommended.

Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement.

Course Area Key

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.

FYC = First Year Composition
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics

SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

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=16456303).

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.

Previous Catalog Years

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.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Science (AS) in Associate in Science, Emphasis in Biochemistry