Biology

Why Biology?

Biology is the study of life and living systems. From molecules and cells to organisms, ecosystems, and the environment. It helps us understand how living organisms function, interact, and adapt, and how scientific discoveries improve health, protect the environment, and shape our everyday lives.

In the Biology Department, students explore core biological concepts through hands-on laboratory experiences, critical thinking, and real-world applications. Our courses are designed to support a variety of goals, including transfer to four-year institutions, preparation for allied health and science careers, and personal exploration of the natural world. Biology provides a strong foundation for future study and career success.

Program Details

Associate in Science

Format: On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition: $169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition: $337/credit hour
Degree: View Degree
Average Time to Complete: 2 years
Financial Options: Financial Aid is available.

Program Highlights

You'll learn about cutting-edge developments in fields like genetics and microbiology. Evolution, anatomy and physiology, as well as connections between plants, animals and society will also be explored. By completing an associate degree with emphasis in biological sciences you'll be able to:

observe, hypothesize, experiment, and form conclusions
integrate knowledge from multiple biological disciplines
communicate ideas logically and effectively

Biology by the numbers:

(average class size, success rates, transfer rates, where alumni have found employment)

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Courses

Meet our Faculty

Joe Company, Assistant Professor

Teaches: Biology, Health

Jon Hoekstra, Professor I

Background information here

Thuong Jongky, Distinguished Professor

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Manju Kishore, Professor II

Background information here

Maggie Rossler, Assistant Professor

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Angela Kerr, Associate Professor

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Degree - Associate in Science

Within our transfer degrees, there may be specific courses that are recommended for your major at your chosen transfer school. It’s important to meet with an academic advisor each semester to ensure that the correct coursework is taken, while earning your degree.

Even if your specific concentration or major is not listed on our application or program pages, academic advisors can help ensure you are taking the right coursework for your chosen major.

Transfer Guide

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)

Heartland Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 colleges and universities in Illinois. For more information about the Illinois Articulation Initiative, please visit the IAI website.

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement

For completion of the Associate in Arts degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 37 general education core curriculum (GECC) hours, within 7 categories, as part of the 60-credit hour degree. For the completion of the Associate in Science degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 41 general education core hours as part of the 60-credit hour degree. The remaining credit hours are electives. The icons you see below indicate what category of IAI your course will satisfy. You will find these icons throughout the schedule within the course description. Please click on the category to view what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories.

View what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories:
Communications
Fine Arts
Humanities
Life Sciences
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Social & Behavioral Sciences

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Job Placement Rate
Affordable Tuition

Stay on budget while you learn.
98%

Job Placement Rate

Careers in Biology

Because you'll develop a diverse set of skills as biology student, several career opportunities will be available to you. You could go into programs leading to professional careers in allied health fields. Popular options include:

Nursing
Radiography
Physical Therapy/Physical Therapist Assistant
Physician Assistant

By continuing your studies at a four-year institution, you can prepare for employment in areas such as:

Conservation Biology
Environmental Sciences
Exercise Science
Agriculture
Animal Sciences
Education

A biology degree is also excellent preparation for medical or veterinary school.

Employment for biological technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031 as research and development will create new jobs related to health issues.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Biological Technicians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biological-technicians.htm.

Alumni Stories

My experience in Heartland's Biology program was truly transformative. The professors went beyond teaching to provide mentorship, combining hands-on lab work with real-world research opportunities that prepared me for my career. Thanks to their support, I'm now working as a research technician at BroMenn Hospital, where I use what I learned every day. Heartland gave me both the skills and confidence to succeed in the sciences."

Jacob Carter, Class of 2021
Research Technician at BroMenn Hospital

Contact Us

Science Department

ICB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone:
Fax:

Christy Fornero

Associate Director, Science Laboratories
Email: Christy.Fornero@heartland.edu

Phone: (309) 268-8519

STEM & Business Contacts

Jennifer Antonini

Coordinator – STEM & Business
Email: Jennifer.Antonini@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8651

STEM & Business Leadership

Jeremy McClure

Dean – STEM & Business
Email: Jeremy.McClure@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8655

Brian Brennan

Associate Dean, STEM & Business
Email: Brian.Brennan@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8639