Biological Science

Program Overview

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Northampton Community College's Associate in Science in Biological Science degree provides a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and related disciplines for students aiming to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a degree in biology or a related field. The program emphasizes inquiry and critical thinking, communication and collaboration, and laboratory techniques, preparing students for success in a bachelor's degree program and various career paths in biological sciences and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Northampton Community College (NCC) Associate in Science (AS) in Biological Science degree is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a degree in biology or a related field. The program provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and related disciplines, along with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in a bachelor’s degree program.
• Objectives:
The program aims to develop students' knowledge and skills in:
• Biology and chemistry
• Inquiry and critical thinking
• Communication and collaboration
• Laboratory techniques
• Description:
The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and other science disciplines. Students will also take courses in mathematics, arts and humanities, and social sciences to fulfill the general education requirements for transfer. Elective courses can be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor to tailor the program to the student’s specific transfer goals and career aspirations.

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Outline:

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- Content and Structure:

The AS in Biological Science degree program consists of 63 credits, typically completed in four semesters. The curriculum is designed to align with the first two years of most bachelor’s degree programs in biology, providing a solid foundation for further study. The program includes:

• Core courses in biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry
• Foundational courses in mathematics, arts and humanities, and social sciences
• Elective courses to complement the student’s transfer goals and career interests.

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- Course Schedule:

The course schedule for the program is flexible and can be tailored to fit the student’s needs and availability. Full-time students can typically complete the program in four semesters, while part-time students may take longer.

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Assessment:

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- Assessment Methods:

Assessment methods may vary depending on the specific courses and instructors, but typically include:

• Exams (midterms, finals, quizzes)
• Assignments (projects, presentations, lab reports)
• Class participation
• Portfolios

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- Criteria:

Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' knowledge and skills in the subject matter, as well as their ability to critically think, communicate effectively, and apply scientific methods.

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Teaching:

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- Teaching Methods:

Teaching methods in the program vary depending on the instructor and course format but may include:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Laboratory experiments
• Fieldwork
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Online activities

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- Faculty:

The program's faculty are experienced biologists and educators who are dedicated to student success. They are actively engaged in research and professional development to ensure that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.

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- Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates innovative teaching approaches to enhance student learning, such as:

• Inquiry-based learning
• Problem-based learning
• Technology-enhanced learning

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Careers:

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- Career Paths:

Graduates with an AS in Biological Science can pursue a wide range of career paths in various fields, including:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Forestry Management
• Medicine
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Research
• Teaching
• Veterinary Medicine.

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- Opportunities:

The program prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions where they can pursue a bachelor’s degree and qualify for higher-level positions within these fields. Graduates can also seek entry-level positions in various industries that require a foundation in biological sciences.

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- Outcomes:

Graduates of the program have successfully transferred to a variety of four-year institutions and pursued careers in biological sciences and related fields. The program has a strong track record of preparing students for success in their academic and professional endeavors.