Award: Associate of Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Professor Tami Imbierowicz, 443-412-2122, timbierowicz@harford.edu; stem@harford.edu or Admissions, 443-412-2019, admissions@harford.edu.

Program Description

This program offers biology students courses in natural and physical sciences in preparation for a wide array of career opportunities. Biological scientists study the origin, development, characteristics, and life processes of plant, microbial, and animal life and their relationships to the environment. They may conduct basic research aimed at increasing our knowledge of living organisms or applied research in medical and industrial settings. A major in the biological sciences is recommended for students interested in pursuing further study in biology, biotechnology and related fields, botany, zoology, microbiology, forestry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, marine biology, high school biology teaching, and more. This program provides an excellent foundation for studies in pre-professional fields such as pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pre-veterinary sciences.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the Associate of Sciences Degree, Area of Concentration in Arts and Sciences, Biology, the student will be able to:

1. Explain and apply the fundamental principles of biology.
2. Perform laboratory experiments and projects (collect, report and analyze data) by applying theoretical concepts and the scientific method.
3. Demonstrate safe laboratory skills.
4. Recognize and discuss the ethical issues in the discipline.
5. Locate, identify, evaluate and use scientific information effectively.
6. Apply computational skills in reasoning, estimation, problem-solving, and analysis.
7. Use appropriate grammatical forms in both oral and written formats to effectively communicate ideas and concepts.

Transfer Information

This area of concentration is designed primarily to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in biology, life sciences, and pre-professional (medical/pharmacy). Students should check the degree requirements of their intended transfer institution(s) early in their academic program. If they significantly differ from those listed, students should consult an advisor for academic guidance.

Employment Information

This program provides the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in biology. Employment for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology is expected to continue to increase due to expanding opportunities in biotechnology research and development, molecular biology research, and medical professions. In addition, more biological scientists are needed to conduct ever-expanding research on health and environmental issues.

Degree Requirements

Recommended Course Sequence

¹

Students may elect to take PHYS 201 General Physics I: Mechanics (GL),  PHYS 204 General Physics II: Heat, Electricity and Magnetism (GL) in place of PHYS 101 Introductory Physics I (GL) or PHYS 102 Introductory Physics II (GL) to meet transfer needs. If the student takes PHYS 204 General Physics II: Heat, Electricity and Magnetism (GL), Calculus II (MATH 204 Calculus II (GM)) must be taken as a program elective. 

Program Electives

(Select to complete 60 credits) 

F

Usually offered in the fall.

V

Course offerings vary by semester.

General Education Degree Requirements

Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:

Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)

Part-Time Progression Plan

The part-time progression plan for programs of study has been developed as a helpful example for students to guide their academic journey. This plan outlines a likely sequence of courses and milestones over three years to help students visualize their academic path. It is important to note that this progression plan is based solely on the core requirements outlined in the approved program of study and does not include any additional requirements. Each student’s experience may vary based on their specific interests, course availability, and academic history. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor.

Part-Time General Education Electives

To earn an Associate degree, students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, including a required number of General Education (Gen Ed) credits:

• AA, AS, and AAT degrees require 28–36 General Education credits as part of the 60 total. This includes a minimum of:
  • 6 credits of Arts/Humanities (GAH)
  • 6 credits of Behavioral/Social Sciences (GB)
  • 3 credits of English Composition (GE) - satisfied by ENG 101 English Composition (GE)
  • 4 credits of Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
  • 3 credits of Mathematics (GM)
  • 3 credits of Biological/Physical Science (GS)
• AAS degrees require at least 18 General Education credits, including one course from each of the following categories: GAH, GB, GE, GL, and GM.

General Education courses must be selected from the college’s approved list and may be further specified by individual degree programs. Unless a General Education course is specifically required by a program, the elective General Education courses listed in the recommended sequence are intended as suggestions, not mandatory selections.

Recommended Part-Time Sequence

 Program Electives

F

Usually offered in the fall.

V

Course offerings vary by semester.

S

Usually offered in the spring.