Biological Sciences, A.S.

The overall mission of the department is to provide students with a solid and rigorous foundation in biology.  While attempting to find order in life through comparisons and classifications, the biologist looks at the underlying principles involved in energy transformation, evolutionary mechanisms and regulatory forces.  How is each individual unique and how does it function as part of a larger population in a community of different species?  In the broadest sense, biologists take a worldview of living organisms and their roles in the global ecosystem.

Towards this end, it is imperative that students be subjected to scientific diversity and realizes the far-reaching implications of this field of study.  It is equally critical for students to develop strong communication and presentation skills if they are to succeed.  Therefore, the Biology program provides students exposure to many specific areas of study that can subsequently enable them to pursue an unlimited number of vocational directions.  Moreover, the Biology curriculum is designed to cultivate effective communication and presentation skills.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students pursuing an associate of science degree in Biology must complete a minimum of 60 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete the First Year Seminar, Foundations (FCO 103 will be a required co-requisite with FCO 105 for students who have a high school GPA below 3.20), and Disciplinary Perspectives.  Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation.