Program Codes:
BPPST.AS
Associate in Science Degree
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Students choose from one of three biology curricula: traditional biology major, pre-professional and biotechnology. These curricula parallel the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in biology. The traditional Biology option prepares students, upon graduation, for transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a career in biology-related fields such as molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, ecology, biology education, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.
Students interested in pre-chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy or physician’s assistant may major in the Biology Pre-Professional option. The students choosing the Biotechnology option acquire knowledge in inorganic and organic chemistry, genetics, microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology as well as achieving competence in laboratory techniques and instrumentation that are relevant to the biotechnology industry.
A study of the basic principles and origins of life; the chemistry of living things; cell structure, function and reproduction; cell metabolic process including cellular respiration and photosynthesis; Mendelian genetics and modern genetics principles. Required for science transfer students in the biology option and biology pre-professional option and biotechnology.
A theoretical treatment of principles and laws underlying atomic structure, chemical reactions, enthalpy changes, bonding and states of matter integrated with descriptive material and quantitative calculations.
Introduction to the general chemistry laboratory: includes the conduct of inorganic reactions and general laboratory techniques. An appreciation and understanding of safety and environmental aspects of the general chemistry laboratory is developed. General chemistry laboratory techniques such as separation and titration and inorganic multistep synthesis are carried out. A variety of chemical reactions are performed, redox reactions and titrations are carried out, a stock solution and a series of dilute solutions are prepared from the stock, the enthalpy of reaction using Hess’ Law is determined, and the MW of a volatile liquid is determined using the Ideal Gas Law.
CHM 121
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Emphasis is on those topics from algebra and trigonometry that best prepare students for the first course in calculus. The areas of study are algebraic and transcendental functions and their graphs. Of special interest are polynomials, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include vectors, polar coordinate systems, matrices and determinants. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
Appropriate score on the College placement test and/or satisfactory score on the diagnostic examination, “C” or better in MAT-014 or departmental approval
Physical/Health Education Elective
A survey of plant and animal taxonomy, anatomy and physiology; evolutionary theory and principles of ecology. Laboratory sessions include dissections.
A continuation of CHM 121, concentrating on properties of liquids, solids and solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, properties of acids and bases, acid-base and solubility equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
CHM-121 with a grade of “C” or better
The laboratory course associated with CHM 122, General Chemistry II. The labs are related to the lecture topics and are meant to reinforce them. Computers are used for data acquisition and data handling using Microsoft EXCEL.
CHM 122
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Presents fundamental ideas of calculus such as the derivative, integral and their applications. Topics include fundamentals of analytic geometry. The first course in a sequence of calculus courses intended for the student interested in mathematics, engineering and the natural, physical and social sciences. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.
Emphasizes theoretical models and basic physical principles. The course is precalculus based and uses some basic calculus in the development and applications of physical principles in a scientific environment. Students will use computers in the laboratory for developing programming skills for the analysis of experimental data. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, conservation of energy and momentum, waves, temperature and heat and thermodynamics. The first semester of a two-semester college-parallel sequence for liberal arts science and pre-professional students.
This course is to be taken in conjunction with General Physics I and is the first semester of a two semester laboratory university-parallel sequence for liberal arts science and pre-professional students. Students will make measurements and develop an understanding of the errors in those measurements and the final result. The importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook is emphasized as well as accurate and concise reporting of the data and results; data interpretation is also emphasized. The computer is used of data acquisition and analysis. Laboratory safety is also discussed.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
This course introduces students to a problem solving approach to computer applications through the use of spreadsheets, database, presentation manager, a programming language and Internet skills. It emphasizes Visual Basic and Microsoft Excel, in addition to surveying fundamental computer concepts and is designed for students who already possess a familiarity with computer applications. It is recommended for students planning to transfer to an upper division college that has a computer programming requirement in its computer literacy course. This course is suitable for liberal arts, science transfer and business transfer students who wish to transfer to a university and complete their bachelor,s degree.
A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
Emphasizes theoretical models and basic physical principles. The course is precalculus-based and uses some basic calculus in the development and applications of physical principles in a scientific environment. Students will use computers in the laboratory for developing programming skills and for the analysis of experimental data. Topics include electro-statics, direct current circuits, electromagnetism, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, geometrical and physical optics, quantum theory, atomic physics and nuclear physics. The second semester of two-semester college-parallel sequence for liberal arts science and pre-professional students.
This course is to be taken in conjunction with General Physics II and is the second semester of a two semester laboratory university-parallel sequence for liberal arts science and pre-professional students. Students will make measurements and develop an understanding of the errors in those measurements and the final result. The importance of maintaining a laboratory notebook is emphasized as well as accurate and concise reporting of the data and results; data interpretation is also emphasized. The computer is used of data acquisition and analysis. Laboratory safety is also discussed.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Contact Name: Donna Howell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: dhowell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
They concentrate on the theoretical and applied sciences, and mathematics. Their studies prepare them to meet the challenges of advanced study in professional careers.
A passing score on the College’s mathematics placement test for both Algebra I and Algebra II or MAT-013 and MAT-014 is required for all biology majors. In addition, a high school laboratory biology course with a minimum grade of “C” or BIO-010 and a high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010 with a minimum grade of “C” are also required.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all of the lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with private institutions may provide similar transfer provisions. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.