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Biological Science, Associate in Science

Overview

Narrative

Are you interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biological Science? Are your career goals in the areas of medicine or scientific research? Northampton's Biological Science program is an affordable way to start. With a curriculum that parallels the first two years of most four-year programs, NCC can save you thousands of dollars on your undergraduate degree.

NCC's program can be customized to prepare you for the range of majors and fields that are based in biological sciences, including environmental sciences, genetics, molecular biology and more. By working closely with an advisor, you can choose the right electives, and stay on track with the requirements of the transfer college of your choice.

Features

Northampton has dual admissions agreements with a variety of colleges. These arrangements enable you to have admission to Northampton and the four-year institution you select. You will receive close advising, and, based on your performance, our agreements guarantee your easy transfer of credits. NCC also offers a transfer agreement with schools that belong to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Pennsylvania State University-Berks/Lehigh Valley and State University of New York-College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry.

Requirements

We expect you to have an adequate background in English, chemistry and algebra. If you need to develop this background, you may take the necessary preparatory classes prior to, or during your first semester.

Notes

Please note that General Ecology, Environmental Biology, Microbiology and Genetics are each offered once per academic year at both the Bethlehem and Monroe campuses. Organic Chemistry I is only offered in the Fall semester and Organic Chemistry II is only offered in the Spring semester at the Bethlehem campus. 

Career Potential: Leading to transfer degrees for careers in: Research, Teaching, Medicine, Forestry Management, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Environmental Studies, Veterinary Medicine

NCC students have transferred to: Cedar Crest College, East Stroudsburg University Florida Institute of Technology, Kutztown University, Millersville University, Moravian College Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Temple University, University of Colorado, West Chester University, Many others nationwide

Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Understand fundamental concepts of Biology, which characterize the various life science fields including Botany, Environmental Science, Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Zoology.
  • Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for sharing discipline-specific knowledge and communicating professionally.
  • Conduct scientific inquiry and research on biological science topics as they relate to science, technology and society.
  • Proficiently function in laboratory and field settings, using modern scientific instrumentation, including microscopes, measuring devices, and computer technology.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of lab safety, to ensure both personal and environmental safety.
  • Understand the use of the scientific method, interpretation of scientific data, and scientific literature.
  • Be prepared to transfer to a four-year Bachelor's Program or a pre-med, pre-vet, or other pre-professional program.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
BIOS107Biology I

4 credits
CHEM120General Chemistry I

4 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
 
MATH140College Algebra

3 credits
OR
MATH180Calculus I

4 credits
Total Credit Hours:15-16

Second Semester

BIOS150Biology II

4 credits
CHEM220General Chemistry II

4 credits
ENGL151LEnglish II

3 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
 
MATH145Trigonometry

3 credits
OR
MATH181Calculus II

4 credits
Total Credit Hours:17-18

Third Semester

BIOS2__
Biology Elective ++

4 credits
CHEM201GOrganic Chemistry I

4 credits
PSYC103Introduction to Psychology

3 credits
General Education Elective (SIT)

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:14

Fourth Semester

BIOS2__
Biology Elective ++

4 credits
CHEM251Organic Chemistry II

4 credits
General Education Elective (AH)

3 credits
Electives

6 credits
Total Credit Hours:17

Total Credit Hours: 63-65

+ Mathematics Elective options: MATH140 + MATH145 or MATH180 + MATH181. To insure transfer, electives should be selected to meet the requirements of the appropriate transfer institution.

++ Biology Electives: Students are required to take two of four Biology courses of BIOS206, BIOS210, BIOS240 or BIOS260. For students with an Environmental Science intent, BIOS206 and BIOS210 are recommended. For students with an Integrative Biology intent, BIOS260 and either BIOS206 or BIOS210 are recommended.

  • For the Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in each of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH) and Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT).
  • One course must be designated Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
  • Completion of CHEM201G satisfies the program-related Writing Intensive (WI) requirement. In addition, one Elective course must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
  • Computer competencies are included in various program courses. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.