Program: BIO.AS - Associate in Science Degree
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.
Recommended Course Sequence
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
If CSC-106 is required, then students must take 2 credits of PED. If exempt from CSC-106, then an additional Biology elective and 1 credit of PED is required.
OR
If CSC-106 is required, then students must take 2 credits of PED. If exempt from CSC-106, then an additional Biology elective and 1 credit of PED is required.
If Biology elective is taken, select from BIO-221, BIO-228, BIO-229 or BIO.240.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
OR
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 Social Science (GE SS).
If CSC-106 is required, then students must take 2 credits of PED. If exempt from CSC-106, then an additional Biology elective and 1 credit of PED is required.
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 [links id='MAT-013' type='course'] and [links id='MAT-014' type='course'] is required for all biology majors. In addition, a high school laboratory biology course with a minimum grade of “C” or [links id='BIO-010' type='course'] and a high school laboratory chemistry or [links id='CHM-010' type='course'] 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.