Biology, AS

Q: PATHWAYS COMMON CORE: 33 CREDITS

A. REQUIRED CORE: 13 credits English: 6 credits ENG101 English Composition I – 3 credits (ENA101 depending on placement scores) ENG102 Writing through Literature – 3 credits Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits Select one of the following courses: MAT115 College Algebra and Trigonometry MAT117 Algebra and Trigonometry (depending on placement scores) Life & Physical Sciences: 4 credits SCB201 Fundamentals of Biology I (STEM) – 4 credits B. FLEXIBLE CORE: 20 credits Select one course from each of the five flexible core categories AND one additional course from any flexible core category. Note: Students can select only two courses from any one discipline. World Cultures and Global Issues US Experience in its Diversity Creative Expression Individual and Society Scientific World Students are required to select one Urban Study course to complete college requirements. Students are advised to take SCC201/SCC202 as the scientific world flexible core and the additional flexible core as the courses are prerequisites for SCC251 and SCB257. Note: The scientific world and additional flexible core courses are 4 credits each. To complete the 20 credits degree requirements from the Flexible Core, students are advised to select courses from the recommended course selections listed in the program handbook.

Department: Natural Sciences

Room: M-Building, M-204

Phone: (718) 482-5940

naturalsci@lagcc.cuny.edu

About

This major introduces students to hypothesis-driven science and hands-on research through required coursework and supervised research laboratory internship. Students who complete the program are prepared for successful transfer to a four-year college and ultimately graduate or medical school.

Degree Requirements

PATHWAYS COMMON CORE: 33 CREDITS

A. REQUIRED CORE: 13 credits

English: 6 credits
- - ENG101 English Composition I – 3 credits
  - (ENA101 depending on placement scores)
  - ENG102 Writing through Literature – 3 credits
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits
Select one of the following courses:
- MAT115 College Algebra and Trigonometry
- MAT117 Algebra and Trigonometry (depending on placement scores)
Life & Physical Sciences: 4 credits
- SCB201 Fundamentals of Biology I (STEM) – 4 credits

B. FLEXIBLE CORE: 20 credits

Select one course from each of the five flexible core categories AND one additional course from any flexible core category. Note: Students can select only two courses from any one discipline.

World Cultures and Global Issues
US Experience in its Diversity
Creative Expression
Individual and Society
Scientific World
Students are required to select one Urban Study course to complete college requirements.

Students are advised to take SCC201/SCC202 as the scientific world flexible core and the additional flexible core as the courses are prerequisites for SCC251 and SCB257. Note: The scientific world and additional flexible core courses are 4 credits each. To complete the 20 credits degree requirements from the Flexible Core, students are advised to select courses from the recommended course selections listed in the program handbook.

PROGRAM CORE: 27 CREDITS

Courses	Credits
NSF101 First Year Seminar for Natural Sciences	2
Science: 9 Credits
SCB202 General Biology II	4
SCC251 Organic Chemistry I	5
GENERAL BIOLOGY TRACK: 16 Credits
SCC252 Organic Chemistry II	5
SCB252 Fundamentals of Biotechniques	3
SCB255 Cell Biology [capstone]	4
Unrestricted Elective	4

Degree Map

Semester 1 Courses	Semester 1 To-Do Items
NSF101 First Year Seminar for Natural Sciences ENG101 English Composition I (or ENA101) (Required Core) MAT115/117 Algebra and Trigonometry (Required Core) SCB201 General Biology I (Required Core/pre-req for SCB202) SCB202 General Biology II (Take in Session II)	In FYS, start a transfer and career plan Explore career resources – Career Connect, Focus2 (code: red hawk), Vault, & Career Coach Attend transfer and career fairs or related events Join a STEM Club Attend information sessions on undergraduate research opportunities

Semester 2 Courses	Semester 2 To-Do Items
ENG102 English Composition II (Required Core) SCC201 General Chemistry I (Required for Flexible Core/pre-req for SCC202) HUC106 Public Speaking (Recommended for Flexible Core) SCC202 General Chemistry II (Required for Flexible Core/pre-req or SCC251) (Take in Session II)	Work on resume, cover letter & LinkedIn profile Research transfer and scholarships Apply for research programs such as CUNY Research Scholars (CRSP), NIH Bridges to BA, & more Attend co-curriculars such as PI Day or Math is Everywhere

Semester 3 Courses	Semester 3 To-Do Items
SCB252 Fundamentals of Biotechniques (Pre-req for SCB255) SCC251 Organic Chemistry I Flexible Core Course Unrestricted Elective – 4 credits (MAT200 Precalculus recommended)	Apply for/start an internship. Consider CUNY Career Launch, Spring Forward, CUNY Cultural Corps, or LaGuardia’s SOAR or Elmezzi programs Finalize transfer plans & apply

Semester 4 Courses	Semester 4 To-Do Items
SCB255 Cell Biology (Capstone) SCC252 Organic Chemistry II Flexible Core Course Flexible Core Course	Update resume, cover letter & LinkedIn profile Present your research at an undergraduate research conference Seek research mentors at your transfer school (browse faculty profiles to learn more about their interests) and develop a plan to continue science research at your transfer school

Register for Intent to Graduate (GRD-OOO) in your final semester.
All students must take an Urban Study course to graduate.

Notes:

The Biology program has 4 credits for an Unrestricted Elective. Students are advised to take MAT200 Pre-calculus to fulfill this requirement, as they will need to take Calculus if pursuing Biology at a 4-year college.

The following courses are recommended or required for Pathways Flexible Core:

Creative Expression: HUC106 Public Speaking recommended because course is required for STEM majors at 4-year colleges
Scientific World: SCC201 General Chemistry I required
Additional (Scientific World): SCC202 General Chemistry II required

See the full curriculum here.

Career Possibilities

Laboratory Technologist
Biological Technician
Agricultural and Food Science Technician
Research Assistant/Technician
Forensic Science Technician
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Biological Engineer
Pharmaceutical Researcher
Zoologist
Toxicologist
Marine Biologist
Food Scientist
Biomedical Research Scientist
Clinical health: Physician/ Physician’s Assistant/ Nurse/ Physical Therapist/ Pharmacist/ Dentist/ Veterinarian
College Professor

Transfer Possibilities

Long Island University – BS in Health Sciences
St. John’s University – BS in Biology
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon – BS in Natural Sciences
York College – BS in Biology or Biotechnology
John Jay – BS in Cell & Molecular Biology or BS in Toxicology
College of Staten Island – BS in Biology
Queens College – BA in Biology
BS in Biology
BS in Biochemistry
BS in Biotechnology

Are You Interested In...

Different types of life forms, such as animals, plants, fungi, or even dinosaurs?
Visiting natural history museums, aquariums, or zoos?
Watching operations and dissections?
Watching programs on the health and behaviors of humans and other animals?

Skills You Will Learn

Foundational knowledge of biology and chemistry
Experience writing and presenting about scholarly topics
Hands-on use of modern biology lab equipment and an understanding of the science behind them
Basic lab protocols and best practices
Presenting scientific knowledge and data

What makes this major unique?

The biology major is based on the first two years of a 4-year college experience. The major provides a strong foundation in biology and chemistry for successful transfer to a 4-year college and can serve as a stepping stone for careers in nursing, health sciences, public health, and advanced biology.

Degree Requirements

Graduate in Two Years!

Review your Degree Map to stay on track.