Biology

Associate of Science Degree

Overview

The Biology program is for students who seek a career in biological sciences. Students will attain a solid foundation in science after taking introductory biology, chemistry, and math courses. Students will have the opportunity to hone their writing and critical-thinking skills while taking courses from the liberal arts department. In the second year, students will take more advanced program electives to be better prepared to enter a bachelor’s program. By the end of their studies, students should be prepared to continue their education in a four-year biology, biotechnology, or medically-related program or to enter the workforce in an entry-level position in biology.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, the student should be able to:

Apply knowledge of biological facts and concepts.
Collect accurate and meaningful data and derive reasonable conclusions from its analysis.
Apply analytical thinking and scientific method in designing experiments and problem solving.
Analyze and apply fundamental concepts and techniques to scientific issues as part of team-based tasks.
Synthesize information and show effective written, verbal, and graphical communication skills.

Biology-Semester-Path

Biology Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- BIO 112
- General Biology II
- 4
This course is a continuation of Biology I. Lecture topics include: Vertebrate animals with emphasis on morphology, behavior, reproduction, and embryology of the human organism. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, and no open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
- BIO 204
- Genetics
- 5
This course focuses on mechanisms of inheritance, gene structure and function, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics, and evolution. The model systems discussed in lecture are drawn from a broad spectrum of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include: Gene regulations, modes of transmission, DNA molecular method, population genetics, and genomics. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, and no open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Prerequisite: BIO 111 with “C” or better.
- BTC 210
- Biochemistry
- 4
This course is designed to introduce the student to the biochemical principals involved in the synthesis, structure and function of biologically important molecules (Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates and Nucleic Acids). Examination of the intricate relationship between the structure and function of these molecules will give insight into the biological processes of the living cell. Topics will include: catalytic activity and kinetics of enzymes; how molecules outside the cell regulate what happens inside the cell; how understanding the biochemistry of these molecules has spurred the growth of a relatively new industry - Biotechnology. Prerequisites: CHE121/131 and MAT103 with “C” or better. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, and no-open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs.

This course includes an additional 3 hour lab.
- BTC 240
- Seminar in Biotechnology
- 1
Seminar-style capstone course covering professional topics in biotechnology and compliance, including but not limited to: discussion of emerging technologies, innovations, and new products that are noteworthy to the biotechnology industry; the steps involved with the regulatory approval process for a new biotechnology-derived product, and; key issues associated with adequate quality-control systems, assays and stability for novel biotechnology products. Students, working in teams, will give written and oral presentations on case studies that attempt to predict products derived from the new innovations and discoveries. The objective of the course is to give the student insight into the process of translating scientific discovery into innovative products. Prerequisite: BTC 220 Core-requisites: BTC 230 & BTC 250.
- CHE 121
- General Chemistry I
- 4
A study of the fundamental chemical laws and theories. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, chemical and physical properties, change of state, solution chemistry and gas laws. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, no open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, no-open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Prerequisite: MAT 103 with “C” or better.
- CHE 122
- General Chemistry II
- 4
A continuation of General Chemistry I. Additional topics include solution properties and equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and nuclear chemistry. Also, an introduction to organic chemistry along with a survey of biochemical applications. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, no open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Safety protocols must be observed in all lab classes. These include: no food, no drink, no-open-toe shoes, appropriate clothing. Only registered students may enter labs. Prerequisites: CHE 121 with “C” or better.
- MAT 107
- Statistics
- 3
Introduces the student to the fundamentals of mathematical statistics. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability, sampling distributions, problems with normal and t-distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Students will be required to complete homework assignments using a web-based computer program. Prerequisite: Beginning Algebra MAT 097 or Equivalent or Permission of Instructor.