Biology

Why Biology?

Biology is the study of living things at every level, from cells to the biosphere. At Heartland, you can explore evolution, anatomy and physiology, genetics, and the connections between plants, animals, and society.

Exciting things are happening in biology at Heartland:

Intro biology courses transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Practical, hands-on instruction in top-notch facilities.
Greenhouse and zoology lab time to work directly with plants and animals.
Dual credit agreements with local high schools.

Program Details

Associate in Science - Biology

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

Why Take Biology Classes at HCC?

There are many reasons to study at Heartland Community College.

Affordable
Student-focused
Dedicated instructors
Small class sizes
Supportive environment
Dedicated equipment and live lab on campus

Biology courses at Heartland are designed with transfer in mind: many earners of an associate degree continue their studies by transferring to a four-year college or university to get a bachelor's degree. You can find our proud graduates in careers related to health, sustainability and conservation, and education, just to name a few! A biology degree is also excellent preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school.

Employment for biological technicians is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031.

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Heartland biology students using lab equipment

Program Options

Online, Hybrid, and In-Person Learning

Take our courses your way. We offer multiple ways to take our classes to fit your busy life. You can learn and perform labs online. Or, if you want a mix of online and in-person learning, take a hybrid class where you analyze plants in person, while otherwise learning online. In-person learning provides support for learners that prefer to see their professor and classmates in person.

Associates in Science Transfer Program

If you plan to complete the first two years of study at Heartland and then continue your studies as a biology major at a four-year institution in Illinois, the Associate in Science (AS) transfer preparation program is the path for you. Our courses will save you money compared to a four-year institution, and the credits you earn will transfer to four-year institutions. Our courses are top-notch and provide a world class learning experience to prepare you for the workforce and further college.

While taking classes, you might identify strains of bacteria, analyze DNA to solve a case study, or dissect plant or animal specimens.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Maya Carter

Background: Professor Maya Carter has 10 years of experience in teaching scientific research methodologies.

Teaches: Biology for Health Careers, Genetics in Society, Principles of Biology I, Contemporary Biology

Professor Alan Ruiz

Background: Specializes in ecology and field research with community-based conservation projects.

Teaches: Biology, Botany, Field Methods in Biology

Dr. Simone Lee

Background: Molecular biologist focusing on genetics and undergraduate research mentorship.

Teaches: Genetics, Microbiology, Research Design

What Will You Study in the Biology Program?

Biology is the study of living things at all levels, from atoms to the biosphere. 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

Plan of Study - Associate in Science - Concentration in Biology

60 credit hours, Catalog Year 2025 - 2026

Communication
Course	Hours
COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication	3
ENGL 101 - Critical Reading and Writing	3
ENGL 102 - Multimodal Composition	3
Total Credit Hours	9

Humanities & Fine Arts

Humanities & Fine Arts
Course	Hours
Any IAI Humanities	3
Any IAI Fine Arts	3
Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts	3
Total Credit Hours	9

Mathematics

Mathematics
Course	Hours
Any IAI Math	3
Math IAI Course, Math 271 or Math 272; one additional IAI Math, Linear Algebra, or Differential Equations	3
Total Credit Hours	6

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Social & Behavioral Sciences
Course	Hours
3 IAI Social & Behavioral Science from at least 2 disciplines	3 each
Total Credit Hours (from at least two disciplines)	9

Life & Physical Sciences

Life & Physical Sciences
Course	Hours
Any IAI Life Science	3-4
Any IAI Physical Science	3-4
One additional IAI Life or Physical Science, General Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry I/II, or Fluids & Thermal Physics	3-4
At least one science course must include a lab component	Varies
Total Credit Hours	10

IAI Electives

Round out your degree with electives that fit your transfer school and career goals. Work with your HCC academic advisor to choose courses that align to your target university’s expectations and keep you on pace to graduate on time.

23 credit hours of IAI-approved electives
Balance coursework across your areas of interest
Confirm selections with your transfer institution

Three Graphic Overlay Cards

Student outcomes and program highlights that show the value of studying Biology at Heartland.

100%

Job Placement Rate
Affordable Tuition

Stay on budget while you learn.
98%

Job Placement Rate

A Nursing Assistant Certificate from Heartland Community College qualifies graduates for a variety of entry-level healthcare positions where they provide basic care and support to patients. Potential career paths could be:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is the most direct role, working in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings. CNAs assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, as well as monitoring vital signs and reporting observations to nurses.
Home Health Aide (HHA): Similar to a CNA, HHAs provide care to individuals in their own homes. Their responsibilities may include personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship.
Patient Care Technician (PCT): Often working in hospitals, PCTs perform duties similar to CNAs but may also have physical or occupational therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses by providing support during therapy sessions and helping patients with exercises and mobility.
Corrections Nursing Assistant: Providing basic medical care to inmates within correctional facilities.

It's important to note that specific job titles and duties can vary depending on the employer, state regulations, and any additional certifications or training the nursing assistant may obtain. The CNA certification is often a stepping stone to further education and career advancement in the healthcare field, such as becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This is the most direct role, working in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings. CNAs assist patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, as well as monitoring vital signs and reporting observations to nurses.
Home Health Aide (HHA): Similar to a CNA, HHAs provide care to individuals in their own homes. Their responsibilities may include personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship.
Patient Care Technician (PCT): Often working in hospitals, PCTs perform duties similar to CNAs but may also have physical or occupational therapists in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses by providing support during therapy sessions and helping patients with exercises and mobility.
Corrections Nursing Assistant: Providing basic medical care to inmates within correctional facilities.

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