Biology Transfer Pathway Associate of Science

Program Overview:

The Biology Transfer Pathway AS 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 that students completing this pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State universities enter the university with junior-year status.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Biology Transfer Pathway program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Explain the scientific method and demonstrate the ability to apply all aspects of it during scientific investigation.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand and apply biological concepts and processes.
• Show proper use of instruments and techniques in the laboratory.
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Career Opportunities:

Career options include (but are not limited to): Research Scientist, Molecular and Cellular Biologist, Bioinformatics Data Scientist, Geneticist, Zoologist, Dietitian, Biology Teacher, Veterinarian, and Medical Doctor.

Additional Information:

All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field. Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Students planning to transfer to non-system universities are advised to consult with their intended transfer institution as early as possible to determine transferability of the courses in this curriculum.

BIOLOGY TRANSFER PATHWAY AS

MINNESOTA TRANSFER CURRICULUM (MnTC)/GENERAL REQUIREMENTSS (31 CREDITS)

Complete at least 30 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses listed. You must complete at least one course in six of the ten goal areas. Consult with an advisor to see which MATH course is required by your transfer institution.

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATION (11 CREDITS)

• COMM 1114 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr)
• ENGL 1117 – Reading and Writing Critically I (4 cr)
• ENGL 1118 – Reading and Writing Critically II (4 cr)

GOAL 3: NATURAL SCIENCES (8 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1220 – General Biology I (4 cr) (also meets Goal 10)
• CHEM 1127 – Chemical Principles I (4 cr)

GOAL 4: MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL REASONING (6 CREDITS) Select two courses that fulfill one of the following options:

• MATH 1115 – College Algebra (3 cr) AND MATH 2208 – Fundamentals of Statistics (4 cr)
• OR
• MATH 1115 – College Algebra (3 cr) AND Higher MATH course (e.g. Calculus)

GOAL 5: HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORIAL SCIENCES (3 CREDITS)

• Credits from MnTC Goal 5

GOAL 6: HUMANITIES AND THE FINE ARTS (3 CREDITS)

• Credits from MnTC Goal 6

PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (16 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1230 – General Biology II (4 cr)
• BIOL 2000 – Ecology (4 cr) OR BIOL 2021 – Microbiology (4 cr)
• BIOL 2300 – Genetics (4 cr)
• CHEM 1128 – Chemical Principles II (4 cr)

ELECTIVES (13 CREDITS)

Consult with an advisor to plan properly, as some courses are not offered every semester, and also to determine appropriate course selections for your transfer institution.

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES

FULL-TIME

Semester 1 Fall (15 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1220
• CHEM 1127
• COMM 1114
• ENGL 1117

Semester 2 Spring (15 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1230
• CHEM 1128
• ENGL 1118
• MATH 1115

Semester 3 Fall (15 CREDITS)

• BIOL 2000 OR BIOL 2021
• Elective
• MATH 2208 OR Higher MATH Course
• MnTC Goal 5

Semester 4 Spring (15 CREDITS)

• BIOL 2300
• Electives (two courses)
• MnTC Goal 6

Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions