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Biology, Non-TAOC Transfer

A.S.

A closer look.

Associate of Science A program that prepares the student with a broad college background and skills in biology for transfer to a four-year institution. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will: Describe the fundamental principles of the biological sciences. Apply basic research methods and proper technique to ethically conduct experiments and report data. Communicate effectively in writing using proper scientific terminology and concepts. Use critical thinking and problem solving skills to analyze biological problems and the impacts on society. Graduates may earn a Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.

Program requirements

Degree Requirements First Semester BIO 151 - General Biology 1 CHM 151 - General Chemistry 1 ENG 101 - English Composition 1 CHOOSE CIT - Computer Info Technology Elective CHOOSE MAT - Mathematics Elective ([course reference unavailable] or equivalent) Total: 17-19 Credits Second Semester BIO 152 - General Biology 2 CHM 152 - General Chemistry 2 ENG 102 - English Composition 2: Research Writing and Critical Thinking CHOOSE MAT - Mathematics Elective ([course reference unavailable] or equivalent) Total: 14-15 Credits Third Semester CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry 1 SPH 101 - Oral Communication CHOOSE BIO - Biology Elective CHOOSE HUM - Humanities Elective CHOOSE SOSC - Social Science Elective Total: 16-17 Credits Fourth Semester CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry 2 CHOOSE BIO (2) - Biology Elective CHOOSE HUM - Humanities Elective CHOOSE SOSC - Social Science Elective Total: 16-18 Credits Minimum Credits to Graduate 63-69 Transfer Opportunities The keystone icon indicates that this particular CCAC program is a Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (TAOC) approved Associate Degree program. All credits earned in this program are accepted by any state system college in Pennsylvania that offers a Bachelor's degree in Biology, including California University of Pennsylvania , Carlow University , Clarion University of Pennsylvania , Edinboro University of Pennsylvania , Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University . Other articulation agreements are available for students to complete the Associate Degree and transfer to Point Park University , Robert Morris University and Westminster College . It is important that students consult with a counselor early in their program to develop a course plan most appropriate for the school to which they intend to transfer. See Articulation Agreements for details.

What you’ll study

9 listed courses
BIO 151

Gen Biology 1

4 Credits

This course introduces students to atomic structure, important bioorganic molecules, enzymes, cellular structure and function, cellular reproduction, genetic principles and biotechnology. Selected topics include an overview of cellular biochemistry, with emphasis on cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The accompanying laboratory program allows students to practice scientific procedures by conducting investigations which are coordinated with lecture topics. This course transfers to most four-year institutions.

Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG-101. - Must be completed prior to taking this course. Eligibility for MAT-108. - Must be completed prior to taking this course. Complete BIO-110 with a grade of "C" or higher. Alternatively, students can opt to take the BIO 110 Waiver Exam to fulfill the prerequisite by scoring at least a 70. - Must be completed prior to taking this course. Eligibility for ENG-101. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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BIO 152

Gen Biology 2

4 Credits

This course emphasizes the study of plants and animals, particularly with regard to evolution, phylogeny and physiology. Darwinian principles of evolution and natural selection are underlying themes students examine throughout the semester. The study of population genetics and mechanisms of speciation and conservation biology are explored. Students are introduced to the development of organ systems throughout plant and animal groups. The laboratory program presents the domain and kingdom classification systems from the viewpoint of phylogeny and anatomy.

Prerequisites: Complete BIO-151. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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CHM 151

Gen Chemistry 1

4 Credits

This course introduces students to general chemistry concepts and covers the properties of matter, periodicity, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases and thermochemistry. Laboratory experiments deal with the qualitative and quantitative determination of the physical and chemical properties of chemical substances. This is the first semester of the two-semester comprehensive General Chemistry course. Students are advised to take General Chemistry 2, CHM152, to complete the sequence.

Prerequisites: Complete CHM-109 or CHM-110 and CHM-111. - Must be completed prior to taking this course. Complete MAT-108 or MAT-111 or higher. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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CHM 152

Gen Chemistry 2

4 Credits

In this course students investigate intermolecular forces, properties of solids and liquids, solution theory, acid-base theory, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics and electrochemistry. This course has a laboratory component. The experiments support the lecture principles through data collection and analysis.

Prerequisites: Complete CHM-151 with a "C" grade or better. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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CHM 201

Organic Chem 1

4 Credits

This course is the first semester of a two-semester course in organic chemistry. The course covers the chemistry of the organic compounds of carbon. It focuses on the electronic structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Topics include, but are not limited to bonding theories, application of acid-base theories, organic nomenclature, conformational analysis, energy diagrams and the reactions (including the mechanisms) of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, aromatics, alcohols and ethers. The laboratory component applies basic organic laboratory techniques, including melting point determination, recrystallization, distillation, liquid/liquid extraction, thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography to organic syntheses and natural product isolations.

Prerequisites: Complete CHM-152 or permission of the instructor. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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CHM 202

Organic Chem 2

4 Credits

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course in organic chemistry. The emphasis is put on organic spectroscopy, multi-step organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Spectroscopy topics discussed include Mass Spectrometry, Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometry. The course explores the nomenclature, physical properties, synthesis and reactions of several carbonyl functional groups and carboxylic acid derivatives. The nucleophilic addition, ?-substitution and condensation reactions of carbonyl compounds as well as the nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions of acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides are discussed. In the final part, the course surveys biologically relevant compounds such as amines, carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides and proteins. The laboratory component of the course focuses on the synthesis, isolation and characterization of small organic compounds utilizing the reactions learned in the lecture.

Prerequisites: Complete CHM-201 or permission of the instructor. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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ENG 101

English Comp 1

3 Credits

This course develops skills in college-level academic reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, argumentation and revision. Through the reading and writing processes, students develop and support ideas, refine arguments, evaluate and integrate appropriate sources, reflect on and implement feedback to revise and edit writing, and develop an awareness of the variety of contexts, audiences and purposes of academic writing. Students develop an awareness of appropriate practices relating to intellectual honesty.

Prerequisites: ENG - Must meet one of the following: Writing placement Earned "A" grade in ENG 090 Fundamentals of College Writing Earned "B" or "C" grade in ENG 090 Fundamentals of College Writing places student in ENG 101L. EAL (If applicable): Successful completion of EAL 100 EAL Composition and EAL 101 EAL Reading 2 - Must be completed prior to taking this course. CRE-103 (If required) must be taken concurrently, if not successfully completed prior to enrolling in ENG-101. - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course. CRE - Must meet one of the following: Reading placement Successful completion of CRE 070 Successful completion of CRE 103 Advanced College Reading & Study Skills Concurrently enrolled in CRE 103 Advanced College Reading & Study Skills (co-requisite) - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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ENG 102

Eng Cmp 2 Resch Wr

3 Credits

This course, the second in a two-course research and writing sequence, continues to expand and refine analytical writing and critical reading skills. Students deepen their understanding of rhetorical contexts and concepts while learning to adapt their research output for different audiences, genres and technologies. In addition, students consider the cultural, historical and intellectual lenses through which texts can be viewed and crafted. The course emphasizes strategies for comprehending advanced college-level texts and developing research skills, including evaluation of source credibility and relevance. Students strengthen their understanding of how meaning is created through grammatical, structural and writerly decisions. The course culminates in students creating a final portfolio or project showcasing their progress on the course learning outcomes.

Prerequisites: Complete ENG-101 or ENG-101L, CRE-103 (minimum grade "C"). - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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SPH 101

Oral Comm

3 Credits

This course develops student skills in the organization and oral expression of ideas through a variety of speeches. Emphasis is on the way people communicate effectively in professional, business and social situations.

Prerequisites: ENG-101L or eligibility for ENG-101. - Must be completed prior to taking this course. Eligibility for ENG-101. - Must be completed prior to taking this course.

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