Natural Sciences - Biological Science AS
Complete core requirements for a bachelor’s degree in allied health and biological fields
Jefferson’s Biological Science, Natural Sciences A.S. degree program provides you with the basic sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts courses needed for seamless transfer to a four-year college or university.
This specific concentration focuses on knowledge and skills needed for success in a wide range of life-science degree programs. You’ll take classes in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics to learn about the biology of living things and how they interact with the environment and use scientific investigation principles to solve complex problems.
An associates degree in biological sciences provides excellent preparation to pursue further education in a variety of fields including biotechnology, molecular biology, environmental science, forensic science, forestry, and wildlife; as well as Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Veterinary, and Medical schools.
If you are pursuing this program, you should have completed three or four years of high school mathematics, two or three years of traditional science, and four years of English in high school.
This program offers:
- Strong foundation for studies toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Math and science preparation for use in a variety of fields
- Electives that match your scientific interests and career goals
- Cost savings on general education and introductory math and science classes
Graduates can look forward to growth in health careers
Health care jobs are expected to grow at a rate of nearly 20 percent over the next decade, which means more than two million jobs for students pursuing careers in allied health.
Complete your associate’s degree at Jefferson and continue your education in medicine,
chiropractic, dentistry, veterinary, biotechnology, forensic science, nursing, medical
imaging, laboratory science, or other disciplines at a four-year college or university,
going on to a graduate or professional program as needed. You’ll have the skills you
need to diagnose and treat diseases, help someone walk again, or research new medications
and treatment methods.
Learn the scientific method and natural science concepts
When you complete Jefferson’s Natural Sciences A.S. degree with an Allied Health & Biological Science Concentration you will be able to:
- Recognize components of the scientific method
- Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and evaluate experimental hypotheses
- Apply scientific information to understand natural science concepts
- Transfer having completed seven of 10 SUNY General Education requirements
Suggested 4-Semester Pathway
The four-semester pathway is intended for the typical college-ready student. Always look at placement scores, AP, and previous college credits to ensure proper placement in the first and subsequent semesters.
Choose an emphasis:
Semester Credit Hours: 16
| Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| CIS 110: Introduction to Computing and Applications | 3 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| BIO 251: Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| Biology Elective or free elective1 | 3 |
Semester Credit Hours: 16
| Semester 3 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 252: Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
| Science and Math Requirement/Elective1 | 3 |
| Humanities Elective2 | 3 |
| DEISJ - Social Science Elective3 | 3 |
| Free Elective4 | 2 |
| Physical Education | 1 |
Semester Credit Hours: 16
| Semester 4 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Science and Math Requirement/Elective1 | 3 |
| Science Elective1 | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective2 | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective2 | 3 |
| Free Elective4 | 3 |
Semester Credit Hours: 15
Semester Credit Hours: 16
| Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| CIS 110: Introduction to Computing and Applications or higher | 3 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| BIO 132: Principles of Biology 2: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology | 4 |
| CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
Semester Credit Hours: 17
| Semester 3 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO Elective | 3 |
| Math or Science Requirement (CHE 211: Organic Chemistry 1 recommended) | 3 |
| Humanities Elective or Social Science Elective | 3 |
| HIS 150: American History to 1877 or HIS 151: American History 1877 to Present | 3 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 |
Semester Credit Hours: 15
| Semester 4 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Math or Science Requirement (CHE 212: Organic Chemistry 2 recommended) | 3 |
| Math or Science Requirement/Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
Semester Credit Hours: 15
Lookup Course Description
Contact Enrollment Services for Application and Admissions Information
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437, fax (315) 786-2471 or toll free (888) 435-6522
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday
Transfer to the bachelor’s program of your choice
Complete this degree and choose from a wide range of transfer options, including SUNY universities and private colleges.
Formal transfer agreements with some institutions make transfer to specific programs especially smooth:
- SUNY Potsdam
- SUNY Oswego
- SUNY ESF
- SUNY Cortland
- SUNY Binghamton
- SUNY Canton
- SUNY Buffalo
- Paul Smith’s College
Focus on physical science
Jefferson’s Natural Sciences A.S. program also offers a concentration in physical science. Explore the physical science option.
Degree requirements for Natural Sciences - Biological Science AS
| College Foundations | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| INT 111: College Foundations (Graduation Requirement unless met by previous coursework) |
1 |
| Major Requirements (32 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MTH 165, 185, or 221 | 4 |
| MTH 174 Mathematical Probability & Statistics 1 | 3 |
| BIO 131 Principles of Biology 1 | 4 |
| BIO 132 Principles of Biology 2 | 4 |
| CHE 131 General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CHE 132 General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| BIO Elective | 3 |
| Math or Science Electives | 9 |
| Computer Science (3 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CIS 110: Introduction to Computing and Applications or higher | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Requirements (18 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| Humanities Elective2 | 3 |
| HIS 150 American History to 1877 or HIS 151 American History 1877 to Present | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Electives | 6 |
| Free Elective Requirements (6 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Free Electives | 6 |
Total Credit Hours 62
| Advising Notes: | |
|---|---|
| 1Restricted elective courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and science are: Biology: BIO 131 and higher (BIO 221 is not open to students who have passed either BIO 251 or BIO 252) Chemistry: CHE 131 and higher Geology: GEO 131 and higher Physics: PHY 131 and higher Science: SCI 199 Math: MTH 165 and higher |
|
| 2One course must be selected from either of the areas of The Arts or World Languages
in the SUNY General Education Course List |
|
| 3Course must be selected from the SUNY General Education Course Listing for Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice and also be from one of the following SUNY General Education Course Listings: Social Science, US History and Civic Engagement, or World History and Global Awareness. | |
| 4Courses tailored to the needs of the student, to be chosen in consultation with academic advisor. New students required to complete INT 111:College Foundations will complete 8 credits of free electives. |
| College Foundations | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| INT 111: College Foundations (Graduation Requirement unless met by previous coursework) |
1 |
| Mathematics and Science Requirements (31 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO Sequence (BIO 131-132, BIO 217-218, or BIO 251-252) | 8 |
| CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
|
MTH 165: College Algebra and Trigonometry, MTH 185: Precalculus, or |
4 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| BIO Elective1 | 3 |
| Mathematics1 or Science Electives1 (2 courses) |
6 |
| Science Elective1 | 4 |
| Computer Science (3 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CIS 110: Introduction to Computing and Applications or higher | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Requirements (18 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| Humanities Elective2 | 3 |
| Social Science Elective (1 courses)3 | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Electives | 6 |
| Free Elective Requirements (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Free Electives4 | 9 |
| Physical Education Requirement | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PE Elective | 1 |
Total Credit Hours 63
| Advising Notes: | |
|---|---|
| 1Restricted elective courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and science are: Biology: BIO 131 and higher (BIO 221 is not open to students who have passed either BIO 251 or BIO 252) Chemistry: CHE 131 and higher Geology: GEO 131 and higher Physics: PHY 131 and higher Science: SCI 199 Math: MTH 165 and higher |
|
| 2One course must be selected from either of the areas of The Arts or World Languages
in the SUNY General Education Course List |
|
| 3Course must be selected from the SUNY General Education Course Listing for Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice and also be from one of the following SUNY General Education Course Listings: Social Science, US History and Civic Engagement, or World History and Global Awareness. | |
| 4Courses tailored to the needs of the student, to be chosen in consultation with academic advisor. New students required to complete INT 111:College Foundations will complete 8 credits of free electives. |
Program Contacts
Angelina Zuelow
Temporary Instructor of Biology
azuelow@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2343
Todd Vincent
Professor of Biology
tvincent@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2517
Donna Stevenson
AVP of STEM, Health Professions, & Business
dstevenson@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2323