Title

Biology Transfer Pathway

Associate of Science (AS) - 60 credits

About this program

An Associate of Science-Pathway degree (AS-P) is awarded upon completion of an academic program in scientific, technological or other professional fields and is titled "Biology (Minnesota State Transfer Pathway)." Transfer pathway programs are designed to provide transfer of all courses within the AS pathway into designated baccalaureate degree programs identified by system universities. This degree is designed for students interested in the various fields of biological sciences such as cell biology, bioengineering, environmental science, fish and wildlife management, forestry, genetics and microbiology. Students majoring in biological sciences may also be interested in the following program areas: biochemistry, chemistry, pre-chiropractic, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-medical technology, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary medicine. The curriculum should be used as a guide since required courses vary considerably among four-year institutions and professional schools. Students planning a degree in biological sciences or one of the above fields should contact the biology department and work with an advisor. A visit to the intended transfer institution by the spring of the first year is highly recommended.

Program outcomes

  1. Scientific method: Science is a process of trial and error by which we hope to improve our understanding of the natural world incrementally by making predictions, testing them and improving their accuracy. The scientific method includes the ability to propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them, and relies on standardized international systems of measurement.
  2. Data interpretation and statistical analysis: Students should be able to analyze simple data sets using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.
  3. Navigating and reading scientific literature: Students should be able to use public literature databases to find appropriate published material. Students should be able to read, understand and evaluate the validity and importance of the scientific literature and to integrate new concepts into their existing knowledge frameworks.
  4. Scientific communication: Students should be able to communicate their own and others' data and analysis in oral and written format, using computers where necessary to visualize data or to create clear and compelling papers, posters or presentations.
  5. Science and society/civic engagement: Students should be able to analyze scientific studies in light of their ecological, social, economic, ethical and cultural implications.
  6. Collaboration: Students should learn to communicate and work productively with others in designing, conducting and evaluating projects, experiments and other course-related deliverables as an essential skill in science.
  7. Interdisciplinary nature of science: Science depends upon knowledge, skills and tools from other scientific and nonscientific disciplines. Students should develop their ability to utilize other disciplines as sources of context and skills to inform the learning and work they are engaged in.
  8. Microscopy: The microscope is a tool used extensively in biology for observation and investigation. Skill development in basic light microscopy and exposure to more advanced forms of microscopy and digital imaging is fundamental to further study in biology.

Accreditation

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. More information can be found at www.minnesota.edu/accreditation.

Tracks

Curriculum overview

Credits Requirement type
32 Required courses
10 Restricted electives in courses
6 Restricted electives in MnTC Goal Areas
12 Restricted electives in course types
60 Total

AS-P

Required Courses:

Course Credits
BIOL1122 - General Biology I 4
BIOL1123 - General Biology II 4
BIOL2240 - Genetics 4
CHEM1111 - General Inorganic Chemistry I 5
CHEM1112 - General Chemistry II 5
COMM1120 - Introduction to Public Speaking 3
ENGL1101 - College Writing 3
MATH1114 - College Algebra 4

4 credits from one or more of these courses:

Course Credits
BIOL2010 - General Ecology 4
BIOL2220 - General Microbiology 4

3 credits from one or more of these courses:

Course Credits
MATH1115 - Functions/Trigonometry 4
MATH1116 - College Trigonometry 3
MATH1122 - Applied Calculus 3
MATH1134 - Calculus I 5
MATH1135 - Calculus II 5
MATH1213 - Introduction to Statistics 4

3 credits from one or more of these courses:

Course Credits
ENGL1205 - Writing About Literature 3
ENGL1210 - Writing About Current Issues 3
ENGL1215 - Professional and Technical Writing 3

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
5. History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

3 credits from these goal areas:

Goal Area
6. The Humanities and Fine Arts

12 credits from these course types:

Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals

Plans

PDF downloads:

1st Fall Term - 16 credits

Course Credits
BIOL1122 - General Biology I 4
CHEM1111 - General Inorganic Chemistry I 5
ENGL1101 - College Writing 3
MATH1114 - College Algebra 4

1st Spring Term - 15 credits

Course Credits
BIOL1123 - General Biology II 4
CHEM1112 - General Chemistry II 5
3 credits from one or more of these courses:
Course Credits
MATH1115 - Functions/Trigonometry 4
MATH1116 - College Trigonometry 3
MATH1122 - Applied Calculus 3
MATH1134 - Calculus I 5
MATH1135 - Calculus II 5
MATH1213 - Introduction to Statistics 4
3 credits from one or more of these courses:
Course Credits
ENGL1205 - Writing About Literature 3
ENGL1210 - Writing About Current Issues 3
ENGL1215 - Professional and Technical Writing 3

2nd Fall Term - 16 credits

Course Credits
COMM1120 - Introduction to Public Speaking 3
4 credits from one or more of these courses:
Course Credits
BIOL2010 - General Ecology 4
BIOL2220 - General Microbiology 4
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
5. History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
6 credits from these course types:
Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals

2nd Spring Term - 13 credits

Course Credits
BIOL2240 - Genetics 4
3 credits from these goal areas:
Goal Area
6. The Humanities and Fine Arts
6 credits from these course types:
Course Type
General Education w/MnTC Goals