Biology

Overview

Completing the Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) with a Biology concentration will provide the foundational work needed to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences at a four-year institution.

The program provides students with experience in scientific reasoning, critical thinking skills, and familiarity with major biological concepts. The curriculum includes classroom lectures of fundamental biological principles and scientific methodology along with laboratory practice in basic skills relating to the process of scientific experimentation using scientific tools and procedures.

This associate degree pathway is part of the new MTC to UofSC Direct Transfer Tracks.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(15 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
BIO-101 Biological Science I

Biological Science I

ID: BIO-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the scientific method, basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell physiology, cell reproduction and development, mendelian genetics, population genetics, natural selection, evolution, and ecology.

4
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
CHM-110 College Chemistry I

College Chemistry I

ID: CHM-110

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first course in a sequence that includes the following topics: atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria.

4
Semester 2
(17 Credit Hours)
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-111 College Trigonometry

College Trigonometry

ID: MAT-111

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: circular functions; trigonometric identities; solution of right and oblique triangles; solution of trigonometric equations; polar coordinates; complex numbers, including DeMoivre's Theorem; vectors; conic sections; sequences; and series. (Graphic calculator required)

3
BIO-102 Biological Science II

Biological Science II

ID: BIO-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of classification of organisms and structural and functional considerations of all kingdoms (particularly major phyla as well as viruses). Vertebrate animals and vascular plants are emphasized.

4
CHM-111 College Chemistry II

College Chemistry II

ID: CHM-111

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of the study of atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria. Other topics included are kinetics, thermodynamics,and electrochemistry.

4
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 3
(14 Credit Hours)
CHM-211 Organic Chemistry I

Organic Chemistry I

ID: CHM-211

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first in a sequence of courses that includes nomenclature, structure and properties, and reaction mechanisms of basic organic chemistry.

4
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
HIS-202 American History: 1877 to Present

American History: 1877 to Present

ID: HIS-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from 1877 to the present. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
Semester 4
(14 Credit Hours)
CHM-212 Organic Chemistry II

Organic Chemistry II

ID: CHM-212

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of basic organic chemistry. Topics include nomenclature, structure and properties, reaction mechanisms of basic organic chemistry, biochemistry, and spectroscopy.

4
BIO-225 Microbiology

Microbiology

ID: BIO-225

Credit Hours: 4

This is a detailed study of microbiology as it relates to infection and the disease processes of the body. Topics include immunity, epidemiology, medically important microorganisms, and diagnostic procedures for identification.

4
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
ANT-202 Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology

ID: ANT-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an exploration and comparison of selected contemporary cultures, including their languages. The course also includes an introduction to the concepts, methods, and data of socio-cultural anthropology and anthropological linguistics.

3
  Total Credit Hours 60
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,280.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(8 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
BIO-101 Biological Science I

Biological Science I

ID: BIO-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the scientific method, basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell physiology, cell reproduction and development, mendelian genetics, population genetics, natural selection, evolution, and ecology.

4
Semester 2
(7 Credit Hours)
MAT-110 College Algebra

College Algebra

ID: MAT-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; determinants; simple linear programming; solutions of higher degree polynomials; combinatorial algebra, including the binomial theorem; and introduction to probability.

3
BIO-102 Biological Science II

Biological Science II

ID: BIO-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of classification of organisms and structural and functional considerations of all kingdoms (particularly major phyla as well as viruses). Vertebrate animals and vascular plants are emphasized.

4
Semester 3
(10 Credit Hours)
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-111 College Trigonometry

College Trigonometry

ID: MAT-111

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics: circular functions; trigonometric identities; solution of right and oblique triangles; solution of trigonometric equations; polar coordinates; complex numbers, including DeMoivre's Theorem; vectors; conic sections; sequences; and series. (Graphic calculator required)

3
CHM-110 College Chemistry I

College Chemistry I

ID: CHM-110

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first course in a sequence that includes the following topics: atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria.

4
Semester 4
(7 Credit Hours)
CHM-111 College Chemistry II

College Chemistry II

ID: CHM-111

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of the study of atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature and equations, properties, reactions and states of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, and equilibria. Other topics included are kinetics, thermodynamics,and electrochemistry.

4
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 5
(7 Credit Hours)
CHM-211 Organic Chemistry I

Organic Chemistry I

ID: CHM-211

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first in a sequence of courses that includes nomenclature, structure and properties, and reaction mechanisms of basic organic chemistry.

4
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
Semester 6
(8 Credit Hours)
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
CHM-212 Organic Chemistry II

Organic Chemistry II

ID: CHM-212

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of basic organic chemistry. Topics include nomenclature, structure and properties, reaction mechanisms of basic organic chemistry, biochemistry, and spectroscopy.

4
Semester 7
(7 Credit Hours)
HIS-202 American History: 1877 to Present

American History: 1877 to Present

ID: HIS-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from 1877 to the present. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
BIO-225 Microbiology

Microbiology

ID: BIO-225

Credit Hours: 4

This is a detailed study of microbiology as it relates to infection and the disease processes of the body. Topics include immunity, epidemiology, medically important microorganisms, and diagnostic procedures for identification.

4
Semester 8
(6 Credit Hours)
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
ANT-202 Cultural Anthropology

Cultural Anthropology

ID: ANT-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an exploration and comparison of selected contemporary cultures, including their languages. The course also includes an introduction to the concepts, methods, and data of socio-cultural anthropology and anthropological linguistics.

3
  Total Credit Hours 60
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$11,280.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Biologist

Biologists study and examine all living things including microorganisms, plants, and animal species. Biologists have many different areas of specialization such as microbiology, zoology, botany, and ecology, and work in many different organizations such as research centers, government agencies, laboratories, etc. They rely heavily on the scientific method of investigation and analysis. Generally, requires a master’s degree or higher with a specialization in a particular area of biology.

Projected Job Growth

+16.5%

Average Annual Salary

$85,248
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Research Firms
  • Government Agencies
  • Zoos and Aquariums

Careers

Environmentalist Scientist

Environmental Scientists analyze and report on sources of hazards affecting the environment and public health. They may work in laboratories or offices but may also spend time in the field collecting data and monitoring environmental conditions. Requires a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, and a master’s degree or higher for research positions. 

Projected Job Growth

+15.3%

Average Annual Salary

$61,167
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Natural Resources Departments
  • Forestry Services
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Zoos and Aquariums

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Increase your career options and earning power by continuing your education at a four-year college. Much of the coursework from your associate degree from MTC can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at another college or university.

Earn a master’s degree

Fine-tune your knowledge base to fit specific career ambitions. A master’s degree program allows you to focus on a specific area of specialization such as microbiology, ecology, or climatology.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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