Biology & Chemistry Scholars (BCS) is an accelerated STEM learning community designed to support students in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, and pre-health or pre-medical pathways. BCS students are enrolled in accelerated math and entry-level biology and chemistry courses to establish foundational skills. Students enrolled in BCS take major-related courses together with their cohort until transfer. Through support cohort-based learning and participation in introductory research, students advance through the biology and chemistry pathway, gaining valuable skill sets for internship placement, transfer, and career readiness.

BCS prepares students for an Associate of Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) in Biology and transfer to university. We provide our students a specific STEM course “track” based on their intended field of study to guarantee that their efforts satisfy both general transfer requirements and lower-division requirements for their major.

How to Apply

For more information on program enrollment, please contact Luis Prado, Program Services Coordinator - STEM Center, and fill out the online application. The program is a fall-start program that accepts students enrolling in BIO 215, CHEM 192, or CHEM 210 during the Fall.

Program Benefits

• Learn together: Each cohort receives priority enrollment for impacted STEM courses and are enrolled in major-related courses together for four to six semesters until transfer.
• Explore your career options: Students gain exposure to opportunities in biology and chemistry pathways through field trips, extracurricular activities, and mentorship.
• Gain tangible experience: Students gain introductory research experience and build valuable skills in our Innovation Lab.
• Prepare for your future: Prepare for internship placement through workshops on resume building, interviewing, and professional etiquette.