Biological Science
Allied Health & Sciences
Degree awarded: Associate in Science
Program Narrative
Are you interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biological Science? Are your career goals in the areas of medicine or scientific research? Northampton's Biological Science program is an affordable way to start. With a curriculum that parallels the first two years of most four-year programs, NCC can save you thousands of dollars on your undergraduate degree.
NCC's program can be customized to prepare you for the range of majors and fields that are based in biological sciences, including environmental sciences, genetics, molecular biology and more. By working closely with an advisor, you can choose the right electives, and stay on track with the requirements of the transfer college of your choice.
Program Features
Northampton has dual admissions agreements with a variety of colleges. These arrangements enable you to have admission to Northampton and the four-year institution you select. You will receive close advising, and, based on your performance, our agreements guarantee you easy transfer of credits. NCC also offers a transfer agreement with Pennsylvania State University-Berks/Lehigh Valley and State University of New York-College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry.
Program Requirements
We expect you to have an adequate background in chemistry and algebra. If you need to develop this background, you may take the necessary preparatory classes prior to, or during your first semester.
Program Notes
Please note that General Ecology and Organic Chemistry I are only offered in the Fall semester, and Genetics and Organic 2 are only offered in the Spring semester.
Students planning to pursue a graduate program in dentistry or medicine should contact Dr. Charles Achenbach. Students interested in graduate programs in Veterinary Medicine should contact Dr. Charles Rinehimer. Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Understand fundamental concepts of Biology, which characterize the various life science fields including Botany, Environmental Science, Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Zoology.
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for sharing discipline-specific knowledge and communicating professionally.
- Conduct scientific inquiry and research on biological science topics as they relate to science, technology and society.
- Proficiently function in laboratory and field settings, using modern scientific instrumentation, including microscopes, measuring devices, and computer technology.
- Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of lab safety, to ensure both personal and environmental safety.
- Understand the use of the scientific method, interpretation of scientific data, and scientific literature.
- Be prepared to transfer to a four-year Bachelor's Program or a pre-med, pre-vet, or other pre-professional program.
Associate in Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester | ||
| BIOS 107 | Biology I |
4
|
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I |
4
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
| ---------- | Mathematics Elective (QL) + |
3
|
|
14
|
||
| Second Semester | ||
| BIOS 150 | Biology II |
4
|
| CHEM 220 | General Chemistry II |
4
|
| ENGL 151C | English II |
3
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ---------- | Mathematics Elective (QL) + |
3
|
|
17
|
||
| Third Semester | ||
| BIOS 2__ | Biology Elective ++ |
4
|
| CHEM 201G | Organic Chemistry I |
4
|
| ---------- | Electives |
6
|
|
14
|
||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BIOS 2__ | Biology Elective ++ |
4
|
| CHEM 251G | Organic Chemistry II |
4
|
| ---------- | Electives |
8
|
|
16
|
||
| Total Credits: |
61
|
+ Mathematics Elective options: MATH 140, 145, 150, 160, 175, 176, 180, 181, 210, 211. To insure transfer, electives should be selected to meet the requirements of the appropriate transfer institution.
++ Biology Electives: Students are required to take two of three Biology courses of 206, 210 or 260. For students with an Environmental Science intent, BIOS 206 and 210 are recommended. For students with an Integrative Biology intent, BIOS 260 and either 206 or 210 are recommended.
- For the Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in each of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT) and Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
- One course must be designated Diversity (D).
- Completion of CHEM 201G satisfies the program-related Writing Intensive (WI) requirement. In addition, one Elective course must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
- Computer competencies are included in various program courses. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
Career Potential: Leading to transfer degrees for careers in: Research, Teaching, Medicine, Forestry Management, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Environmental Studies, Veterinary Medicine
NCC students have transferred to: Cedar Crest College, East Stroudsburg University Florida Institute of Technology, Kutztown University, Millersville University, Moravian College Pennsylvania State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Temple University, University of Colorado, West Chester University, Many others nationwide