Biology, Science Area of Concentration

Important Information

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses .

Courses Needed for this Area of Concentration*

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

**In order to take CHEM 131 , students must have done one of the following:

• Completed CHEM 107  and CHEM 108  with a grade of C or better, OR
• Passed the Chemistry placement exam and completed or tested out of (ENGL 052 and RDNG 052) or ACLT 052, and MATH 083, OR
• Received permission from the Physical Sciences department chair.

***In order to take PHYS 151 , students must have completed MATH 251  with a C or higher and done one of the following:

• Completed PHYS 101  OR
• Received permission from the Physical Sciences department chair.

Area of Concentration Description

This area of concentration is designed to help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in Biology. Beyond the General Education requirements and options, this concentration should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.

Biology is the study of living organisms, their structure, life processes, and their interactions with each other and their environment. A major in the biological sciences is recommended for students interested in pursuing further study in biology, botany, zoology, ecology/environmental sciences, microbiology, agriculture, forestry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or marine biology. This concentration also provides an excellent foundation for studies in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-veterinary medicine and may qualify students for positions as biology laboratory technicians. The sequence of courses may be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis. Some classes are offered both day and evening.

Area of Concentration Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this area of concentration, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate core biological principles required for entry into general biology, botany, zoology, ecology/environmental sciences, microbiology, agriculture, forestry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or marine biology and professional health programs such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine;
2. apply the scientific method in an investigative laboratory setting by formulating testable hypotheses, and then analyzing and evaluating the collected data;
3. apply laboratory skills and use technology to answer questions in the biological sciences;
4. communicate the results of laboratory investigations, orally and in writing, in a thorough and accurate manner;
5. gather experimental data and apply quantitative reasoning skills to analyze and interpret findings;
6. utilize biological terminology to explain, orally and in writing, the molecular perspective of biology;
7. develop and apply biological and scientific literacy to everyday life;
8. apply biological principles as they relate to cells and organisms;
9. apply the principles of evolution and genetics as they relate to cells and organisms; and
10. apply concepts of chemistry to biological inquiries.