Program Information

Biology is the science of life and living organisms. CLC’s Biology Transfer Pathway Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree is designed for students interested in various fields of biological science, including cell biology, bioengineering, environmental science, fish and wildlife management, forestry, genetics and microbiology. It also is excellent preparation for students interested in a pre-professional transfer program for a medical profession. Students will develop laboratory skills, techniques, and procedures allowing them to gather, organize, and analyze data. The CLC Biology Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree allows students to take the first two years of a biology degree at CLC and then transfer to a Minnesota State university as a junior to complete the degree.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them, relying on standardized international systems of measurement;
• Analyze simple data sets using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics;
• Use public literature databases to find appropriate published material, and should be able to read, understand, and evaluate the validity and importance of the scientific literature and to integrate new concepts into their existing knowledge frameworks;
• Communicate their own and others’ data and analyses in oral and written formats, using computers where necessary to visualize data or to create clear and compelling papers, posters, or presentations;
• Analyze scientific studies in light of their ecological, social, economic, ethical, and cultural implications;
• Communicate and work productively with others in designing, conducting, and evaluating projects, experiments, and other course related deliverables as an essential skill in science;
• Utilize other disciplines as sources of context and skills to inform the learning and work they are engaged in; and
• Demonstrate skill development in basic light microscopy and exposure to more advanced forms of microscopy and digital imaging.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Transfer Opportunities

The Biology Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Biology bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so students completing this pathway degree and transferring to a Minnesota State university may enter with junior-year status. Courses in the Biology Transfer Pathway associates degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs. Students should consult with an advisor for guidance regarding how to best meet the requirements of their intended baccalaureate program. Universities within the Minnesota State system participating in the Biology Transfer Pathway include: • Bemidji State University – BA, BS • Metropolitan State University – BA • Minnesota State University, Mankato – BS • Minnesota State University, Moorhead – BA • Southwest Minnesota State University, BA • St. Cloud State University – BS • Winona State University – BS

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com