Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Biology, A.S. (General Transfer)


Academic Program Code:  560

This academic program lays the foundation for students to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences.  It can serve as a starting point for students interested in a general biology major, and also for students who know what discipline within biology they are interested in.  Majoring in biology will prepare students to pursue a career in research, teaching, or the allied health sciences.  By declaring this Pre-Major, students are on track to graduate with an Associate of Science degree from GRCC and transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences.

General Education Courses


Select a minimum of 40 credit hours of course work from the General Education course list. Course work must be selected as directed in the areas below.

English Composition and Communications


All students must take EN 101.

Humanities


Select two (2) Humanities General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas. Only one (1) Foreign Language course can be used for the Humanties requirement.

Social Sciences


Select two (2) Social Sciences General Education Electives from two (2) different subject areas.

General Education Total Credit Hours


40 (minimum)

Program Elective Courses


Select eight (8) credit hours of Program Electives from the courses listed below. Courses should be selected based on the program at the institution you intend to transfer to.

Total Credit Hours


60

Transfer Notes


Be aware that many 4-year institutions limit the number of credits that you can transfer from GRCC. Contact the university/college you intend to transfer to for assistance with course selections and verification of the transferability of course/credits.

Essential Abilities/Technical Standards


  1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend scientific observations of the natural world for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions which include distinguishing between correlation and causation.
  2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct observations, judgments, and conclusions regarding the world of biological sciences.  Students must be able to meet physical expectations in order to safely engage in the practice of learning biological science, especially in the laboratory and field settings.  Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations. 
  3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Biological Sciences department. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.
  4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of science learning and investigation as determined by professional standards of practice.
  5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of learning biology.
  6. Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to work collaboratively in group learning activities in lecture class and as a team member in both laboratory class and in a field setting.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

  1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Biological Sciences.

  2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of (field of study) and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made