LIBERAL ARTS- A.A. DEGREE

Program Advisor: Fayette Reynolds, 413-236-4557

The Biological Science concentration in the Liberal Arts degree program provides a strong foundation in the sciences; as well as general education courses in mathematics, social sciences, and the humanities. Students graduating from this program are prepared for transfer into baccalaureate programs in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, public health, pre-medical, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, and related programs. This is a MassTransfer eligible program.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

 Graduates of this program should be able to:

• describe the major components and processes of molecular and cellular biology;

• demonstrate an understanding of the major structures and physiological processes of organismal biology;

• demonstrate an understanding of the principles and processes of evolution and systematics;

• demonstrate an understanding of major ecological principles;
  
• recognize the diversity and interrelatedness of modern biological disciplines and the connections between biology and the physical sciences;

• describe the societal place of biology, and appropriately communicate and apply the fundamental principles of biology to cur rent social, medical, ethical and environmental issues;
  
• evaluate and present scientific arguments;
  
• demonstrate an understanding of the Scientific Method;
  
• demonstrate technical, equipment and measurement skills essential to basic scientific inquiry;

• adopt a collaborative approach to problem solving.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete the 62 program and general education credits, plus the additional requirements, shown below.

SUGGESTED BLOCK FOR PROGRAM COMPLETION:

The following is a suggestion for completing this program in two years. The actual time to complete the program may vary according to each student's individual needs.

1. Science Electives must be chosen from the following: BIO 102, General Biology II; BIO 109, Ecology I; BIO 110, Ecology II; BIO 201, Anatomy and Physiology I; BIO 202, Anatomy and Physiology II; BIO 207, Microbiology; BIO 230, Biotechnology; ENV 251, Environmental Health; PHY 101, College Physics I; PHY 102, College Physics II. Completion of an environmentally focused laboratory science, such as BIO 109 or BIO 110, fulfills both the Natural or Physical Science and the Environmental Studies requirements.