Apr 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
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College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Biology Transfer Option, A.S.

This option provides students with the technical coursework and laboratory experience that enables them to succeed in undergraduate biology programs. Upon graduation from BHCC, students are able to pursue further study at four-year colleges and universities in any number of areas including physiology, ecology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics, botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, wildlife conservation, or any of the health sciences. BHCC has articulation agreements with UMass Boston, UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, enabling Biology Transfer graduates to enroll in any one of these universities as juniors, without losing credits.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

Total Credits: 14

Semester 1 Advising Note

  • General Education Requirements Quantitative Problem Solving and Scientific Reasoning satisfied by program.
  • Students need to complete three General Education courses during semesters 1 & 2. These do not need to be completed in any particular sequence.
  • If a student is not eligible to take MAT-281 , they should take Precalculus (MAT-197 ) in order to take General Chemistry I (CHM-201 ) in their second semester.

  • Students who do not place into MAT-197  may need to take prerequisite coursework. This could require additional time to complete the degree. Math should be taken as early in the program as possible to ensure timely completion.

Semester 2

Total Credits: 17

Semester 2 Advising Note

  • Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities
  • Begin exploring transfer options: attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair

Semester 3

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 3 Advising Note

  • It is highly recommended that a student take Organic Chemistry I & II for two of their option electives. However, this will require an extra semester at BHCC to complete unless the student has completed the math prerequisite (MAT-197 ; or equivalent) to take General Chemistry I (CHM-201 ) in their first semester.
  • If a student elects to take Advanced Lab Techniques in Biotechnology (BIO-261 ) they should also take Principles of Molecular Biotechnology (BIO-262 ) to ensure transferability. BIO-261  is offered in the fall and spring semesters.
  • BIO-262  is offered only in fall, please see department chair for questions.
  • Continue preparations for transfer: write essays for transfer institution, collect letters of recommendation, apply for transfer.
  • Students should check with their transferring institution to see if they require algebra or calculus based physics for their biology programs.
  • Complete a pre-graduation check with an advisor in LifeMap.

Semester 4

Total Credits: 14-16

Semester 4 Advising Note

  • Elective Notes: It is highly recommended that a student take Organic Chemistry I/Lab and Organic Chemistry II/Lab for two of their option electives. However, this will require an extra semester at BHCC to complete.
  • If a student elects to take Advanced Lab Techniques in Biotechnology (BIO-261 ) they should also take Principles of Molecular Biotechnology (BIO-262 ) to ensure transferability. BIO-261  is offered in the fall and spring semesters.
  • BIO-262  is offered only in fall, please see department chair for questions.
  • Apply for graduation

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

  • Describe the structure and function of living cells and explain how their cellular components and biochemistry interact in the metabolic pathways that define life.
  • Relate cellular reproduction to the theories and concepts of genetics to explain inheritance.
  • Relate the concepts of evolutionary theory to explain adaptations, speciation, the diversity of life, and the interactions of living organisms in the biosphere.
  • Apply currently accepted biological, chemical, physical and mathematical concepts to investigate problems and ideas presented in advanced biological study.
  • Apply the concepts of scientific inquiry to investigate biological observations by formulating hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting experimental data, and developing evidence-based conclusion.
  • Search and retrieve peer-reviewed information from scientific journals and other sources and provide proper credit when the information is used in their own scientific reporting.
  • Evaluate the credibility of sources of scientific information presented by the general media and the Internet.
  • Clearly express the procedures used, data collected, and conclusions obtained in his or her written or oral presentation of a scientific investigation.
  • Apply laboratory safety protocols in using the equipment, technology, and techniques that are commonly used in laboratory or field investigations.
  • Apply evidence-based science in addressing personal and global issues.

Career Outlook

This option will allow students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to seek a bachelor’s degree in biology or biochemistry. Students can then continue their studies in the fields of physiology, ecology, cell biology, biotechnology, genetics, botany, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, or wildlife conservation.

Explore Career Options

Transfer Options

MassTransfer A2B Link

  • Bridgewater State University
  • Fitchburg State University
  • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  • Westfield State University
  • Worcester State University
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell

 

Transfer Advising Guides