Biology Option, Arts and Science, A.S.

CONTACT

Kevin Wentworth, 413.552.2468, kwentworth@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

For students who want a strong foundation in the life sciences and who intend to pursue their interest in biology beyond the associates degree. Possible areas of concentration at the four-year college include: biology, genetics, botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, marine biology, and wildlife conservation. Program flexibility allows students to follow their interests and to match coursework with the requirements of their selected transfer institution.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate a comprehension of the following core concepts from the molecular to ecosystem level:
- Evolution: change over time and mechanisms involved
- Structure and Function: how physical structure affects performance
- Energy transformation: energy capture, use, and transfer
- Information flow: transmission and processing of biological and environmental information
- Systems: interaction and organization of components
apply the process of science
apply quantitative reasoning to biological questions
work effectively as a team
properly use laboratory and field equipment and techniques in an accurate, safe manner
contextualize scientific topics as they relate to society, using scientific literature
converse with those who have differing viewpoints and perspectives in a collegial and respectful manner
communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 26 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
BIO 107(E) - General Biology I: Introduction to Cell Functions Credit(s): 4
BIO 108(E) - General Biology II: Diversity of Life on Earth Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 15 CREDITS

CHM 121(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students I Credit(s): 4
CHM 124(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students II Credit(s): 4
MTH 142(D) - Statistics Credit(s): 3
select 1 of the following:
MTH 104(D) - College Algebra Credit(s): 4
MTH 108(D) - Precalculus Credit(s): 4
MTH 113(D) - Calculus I Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 20 CREDITS

select 2 of the following:
BIO 229(E) - Microbiology Credit(s): 4
BIO 230(E) - Ecology Credit(s): 4
BIO 234(E) - Evolution Credit(s): 4
BIO 243(E) - Genetics Credit(s): 4
select 12 credits from the following:¹
BIO 106(E) - Introduction to Biotechnology Credit(s): 4
BIO 110(E) - General Botany Credit(s): 4
BIO 111(E) - Human Biology Credit(s): 4
BIO 120(E) - General Zoology Credit(s): 4
BIO 130(E) - Conservation Biology Credit(s): 4
BIO 217(E) - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credit(s): 4
BIO 218(E) - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credit(s): 4
BIO 229(E) - Microbiology Credit(s): 4
BIO 230(E) - Ecology Credit(s): 4
BIO 234(E) - Evolution Credit(s): 4
CHM 221(E) - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 4
CHM 222(E) - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 4
MTH 113(D) - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
MTH 114(D) - Calculus II Credit(s): 4
PHS 111(E) - Physics for Engineers and Science Majors I Credit(s): 4
PHS 112(E) - Physics for Engineers and Science Majors II Credit(s): 4

TOTAL: 61 CREDITS

NOTES

¹CHM 221 /CHM 222 , MTH 113 /MTH 114 , or PHS 111 /PHS 112 are highly suggested for transfer to most state institutions. For students interested in human biology and health careers, BIO 111 or BIO 217 /BIO 218 are recommended.

This program qualifies for the MassTransfer STEM block, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer grants students automatic acceptance to certain Massachusetts state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree. Students who enroll in programs with the 28-credit MassTransfer STEM block will need to complete the associate’s degree in order to waive the general education requirements at a Massachusetts State University. In addition to the completion of the associate’s degree and the STEM block at HCC, students will need to complete an additional 12 credits in general education at the four-year college. If a student does not complete the associate’s degree prior to transferring, it is recommended that they complete the 34-credit MassTransfer block. Students should meet with Mark Broadbent, Coordinator of Transfer Affairs, to discuss their transfer plans.

Depending on course selection, 50% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

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