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Biological Science

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Application Code: 
1554
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Physical and Health Sciences
Description: 

Biological science prepares graduates to function in various scientific laboratories. This on-campus program provides a foundation in biology, chemistry and mathematics as well as a common core of general education courses required by SUNY.

Biological science is a flexible program that can be designed to fit the educational requirements of a variety of laboratory related occupations and transfer institutions. Emphasis is placed on bioanalytical and instrumental techniques common to a wide variety of industrial and research settings. Students receive both theoretical and practical learning experiences structured to emphasize proficiency in technical skills.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: Math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), biology, chemistry.

Technical Standards:

  • Students must be able to physically lift 50 lbs. and possess fine motor skills which allow them to focus a microscope with fine adjustment and use forceps.
Features & Facilities: 
  • Flexible program focusing on the laboratory sciences
  • Prepares graduates to function as technicians in various science laboratories
  • Transfer into a variety of sciencerelated baccalaureate programs
  • Classroom and laboratory work using state-of-the-art equipment
  • Simulations of industrial/science laboratory problems are utilized in labs
  • Strong individual advisement
Graduation Requirements: 

A minimum of 63 credit hours is required for graduation, with an overall cumulative index of 2.0. In addition, the student must complete one credit hour of physical education. A grade of "C" or better is required in the core science courses (those which have BIOL or CHEM prefixes).

Career Opportunities: 
  • going green imageThis program can lead to green careers.Law Enforcement Laboratories
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Pharmaceutical Testing
  • Wastewater Treatment
Transfer Opportunities: 

The program also enables graduates to transfer to four-year programs in biology or closely related fields.

Typical Semester Layout: 

In a typical semester, biological science students earn an average of 17 credit hours. This means that they spend approximately 15 hours in lecture sections and eight to 12 hours in the lab per week, depending on the particular courses. Technical courses usually have 15-20 students while general courses may have 20-60 students.

First Semester credits
BIOL 1104 General Biology I 4
CHEM 1114 General Chemistry OR  
CHEM 1984 Chemistry Principles I 4
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
MATH xxxx Math Elective 3-4
BIOL 1101 Topics in General Biology 1
      15-16
Second Semester credits
BIOL 2204 General Biology II 4
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature 3
CHEM 2124 General Chemistry II OR  
CHEM 2984 Chemistry Principles II 4
  xxxx Technical Elective 2-4
  xxx3 Social Science Elective 3
      16-18
Third Semester credits
BIOL 4254 General Microbiology 4
CHEM 3514 Organic Chemistry I 4
  xxxx Technical Elective 2-4
MATH xxxx Math Elective 3-4
BIOL
2111
Biology Seminar
1
      14-17
Fourth Semester credits
BIOL 6534 Genetics 4
CHEM 4524 Organic Chemistry II 4
HIST
xxx3
History Elective
3
  xxxx Technical Elective(s) 2-4
  xxxx Technical or Liberal Arts Elective 3-4
      16-19

Technical Electives:

MATH courses must be at the level of MATH 1033 college algebra or above.

Also required: one unit of physical education.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details200620072008
Receiving Degrees 3
 4
 2
Responding to Survey 2 (67%) 2 (50%) 2 (100%)
Employed 1 (50%) -- --
Employed in Field -- -- --
Transfered 1 (50%) 2 (100%) 2 (100%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --