Biological Science (A.A.)
Associate in Arts
Gina Foley, Program Advisor
gfoley@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4522
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.
Degree: Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts. Concentration/Option/Track: Biological Science
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 physical sciences;
- Describe the societal place of biology and appropriately communicate and apply the fundamental principles of biology to current 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; and
- Adopt a collaborative approach to problem solving.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete the program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| BIO-101 | General Biology I | 4 |
| CHM-201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM-202 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| MAT-123 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| - | Science Electives | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 25 |
Science Electives: : See footnote 1
General Education Courses
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| - | | |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-121 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-122 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| MAT-121 | Precalculus | 4 |
| - | or higher | |
| - | | |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 6 |
| - | Environmental Studies | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 37 |
Environmental Studies: See footnote 1
Additional Requirements
| Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
| Forum |
4 units |
| Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
Minimum Cumulative Average
| Overall |
2.000 |
All required BIO & CHM courses
and science electives |
2.000 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
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.
First Semester
| BIO-101 | General Biology I | 4 |
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| MAT-121 | Precalculus | 4 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Semester
| MAT-123 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| - | Science Elective | 3 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Science Elective: See footnote 1
Third Semester
| CHM-201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| - | Science Elective | 3 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| - | | |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-121 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Fourth Semester
| CHM-202 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| - | | |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-122 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| - | Environmental Studies | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Environmental Studies: See footnote 1
Footnotes
- Science electives must be chosen from the following: ATM-145, Introduction to Weather & Climate; 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; 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. BIO-102 is strongly recommended for students anticipating transfer to a baccalaureate program.
- Students are strongly encouraged to select ENG-116, Technical Writing, as their second English Composition/Writing course.