Biological Science

AAS Degree - Code #1554

Mark Amman, Program Coordinator

Email address: AmmanMJ@alfredstate.edu

The biological science program prepares graduates to function in various scientific laboratories or to continue their education in a number of science or pre-professional fields. The program provides a foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics as well as a common core of general studies in English and social sciences. Biological science is a flexible program that can be tailored to fit the educational requirements of a variety of laboratory-related occupations.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Explain and apply the scientific method in order to document, interpret and present results of an experiment.
2. Evaluate scientific literature to summarize current thinking on a significant topic.
3. Display effective interpersonal communication and work skills in the lecture and laboratory setting.
4. Choose and employ proper safety practices in the laboratory
5. Demonstrate the calibration and operation of scientific instrumentation.
6. Utilize gravimetric and volumetric methods to determine the physical and chemical properties of matter.
7. Make both organic and inorganic compounds according to prescribed multi-step syntheses.
8. Use microbiological techniques to isolate organisms in pure culture.
9. Describe the association of structure and function of plants and animals.
10. Classify groups of organisms according to taxonomic criteria and evolutionary relationships.

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State biological science graduates may enter directly into either the forensic science technology BS or technology management BBA degree program.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

The program also enables graduates to transfer to four-year programs in biology and chemistry as well as programs such as sports medicine, forensic science, nuclear medicine, medical technology, ultrasound technology, and pre-professional programs (medicine, veterinary, dentistry, and pharmacy).

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Law Enforcement Laboratories
• Environmental Monitoring
• Pharmaceutical Testing
• Wastewater Treatment

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and transfer rate of 100 percent - 100 percent transferred to continue their education.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

TECHNICAL STANDARDS:

Students must possess fine motor skills which allow them to focus a microscope with fine adjustment and use forceps.

FACILITIES

The program is located in the newly renovated Physical and Health Sciences Building. Four science-ready lecture rooms are on the first floor with the eight laboratories found on the second and third floors. The laboratories are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation. Explore the alphabet soup list below.

UV-VIS Ultraviolet - Visible Spectrophotometry

FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry with ATR attachment

AAS Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

FS Fluorescence Spectrophotometry

GC-FID Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector

GC-MS Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy

HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography

CE Capillary Electrophoresis

PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction

Preparative vacuum system

Polarizing microscope

Anatomic models and up-to-date application software for teaching and learning, as well as for independent study and research, are available.