Biology

Transfer Pathway A.S.

The 60-credit Biology Transfer Pathway A.S. degree program offers you the powerful opportunity to complete an associate degree and transfer with junior-year status to a designated, biological sciences bachelor’s degree program at one of seven Minnesota State universities.

As a student in this A.S. degree program, you will complete the Biology Transfer Pathway Curriculum (28 credits) and the General Education Curriculum (32 credits) for a credit total of 60.

Minnesota State universities

Bemidji State University
Metropolitan State University
Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Southwest Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Winona State University

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

Part-time schedule recommendation

Recommendations for a part-time schedule are included in the Biology Program Planning Guide (see below).

Biology Program Planning Guide

2023-2024 Required Courses

Biology Transfer Pathway Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
BIOL 1154	Principles of Biology I	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces important biological principles and is intended for biology and biology-related majors. This course is the first of a 2-semester course series and, also serves as a prerequisite for other biology courses that are part of the Biology Transfer Pathway. There is an emphasis on molecular and cellular levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include chemistry of cells, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, and evolution. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry where students learn to propose and test hypotheses, as well as analyze, synthesize and communicate results. Students also learn the proper use of microscopes and the safe handling of chemicals, tools and other lab equipment while conducting hands-on experiments. Prereq: Requires one year HS chemistry or a college chemistry course. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
BIOL 1155	Principles of Biology II	5
Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces important biological principles and is intended for biology and biology-related majors. It is the second of a 2-semester course series and, also serves as a prerequisite for several other subsequent biology courses that are part of the Biology Minnesota State Transfer Pathway (AS-P). There is an emphasis on organism to ecosystem levels of biology surrounding the core theme of evolution. Topics include the origin of life, population evolution, phylogenetic classification, ecology, and biodiversity. Labs emphasize the process of scientific inquiry where students study organisms, their comparative anatomy, and their interrelationship with the environment through research projects. Lab exercises involve individual and group work in campus lab facilities and field studies off-campus. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling and use of living and preserved organisms as well as laboratory instruments and equipment. Prerequisites: BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
BIOL 2303	Genetics footnote¹	5
Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces students to major concepts in Mendelian, molecular and population genetics. Experiments with viruses, bacteria, insects and plants highlight the study of gene expression, recombination, gene mapping, chromosome analysis and population genetics. Includes discussion of current societal, ethical, and political issues relevant to genetics and covers new discoveries and current directions in molecular genetics. Lecture hours include a weekly recitation. Students will gain hands-on experience in the safe handling, growth, maintenance and manipulation of model organisms. Prerequisites: BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
BIOL 2306 BIOL 2205	General Ecology OR Microbiology footnote² and ³	4
General Ecology Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Introduces students to the fundamentals of ecology, focusing on the study of organisms in relation to their physical and biological environment. The course includes a survey of individual, population, community, and ecosystem level ecology. Theoretical, empirical and applied ecology will be discussed. Activities may include discussion, group activities, guest speakers, films and field trips. Labs will reinforce lecture content and provide students with research skills including use of primary literature, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. Prereq: BIOL 1154 (required) MATH 1103 (recommended). Prerequisites: BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Microbiology Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Surveys microbial groups, microbial cell structure, nutrition, growth, control of growth, metabolism, genetics, evolution, epidemiology, infection, transmission and pathogenesis, and interactions with host organisms. Through hand-on experience, students will develop competence in in microscopy, aseptic technique, as well as in culturing, staining, enumeration, identification, isolation, safe handling and biochemical testing of microorganisms. Intended for students pursuing careers in nursing or similar health professions. This course aligns with American Microbiology Society curriculum guidelines as well as the test plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Prerequisites: BIOL 1120 Exploring Biology BIOL 1154 Principles of Biology I BIOL 1154 General Biology: From Cell to Organism Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
CHEM 1061	Principles of Chemistry I	5
Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Includes study of basic chemical theory and application with emphasis upon atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, inorganic chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, reaction stoichiometry, periodic relationships, molecular structure, properties of gases and the kinetic molecular theory. The lab component of this course provides the student with the opportunity to apply chemical concepts through observation, data collection, quantitative measurement, problem analysis, and mathematical applications to chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: MATH 0940 with a grade of "C" or higher OR higher level placement, either within the last 2 years. Recommended: CHEM 1010 or a full year of advanced high school chemistry within the last 2 years and with a grade of "C" or higher. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
CHEM 1062	Principles of Chemistry II	5
Course Outline Credits: 5 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 03 Continues CHEM 1061 with emphasis on properties of liquids and solids, properties of aqueous solutions, principles of kinetics, acid-base concepts, solution chemistry applied to chemical equilibria of weak electrolytes, electrochemistry, basic concepts of thermodynamics and nuclear chemistry. The lab component of this course provides the student with the opportunity to apply chemical concepts through observation, data collection, quantitative measurement, problem analysis and mathematical applications to chemistry. Approved safety goggles and a lab apron are required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1061 Principles of Chemistry I Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
Total Credits in Biology Transfer Pathway Curriculum		28

General Education Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
ENG 1108	Writing And Research Skills	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
ENG 1111 ENG 1114 ENG 1130	Research Writing OR The Research Paper OR Writing and Research For the Professions	2-3
Research Writing Course Outline Credits: 2 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better. Prerequisites: ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 The Research Paper Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108. Prerequisites: ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Writing and Research For the Professions Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
COMM 1100 COMM 1110 COMM 2230	Interpersonal Communication OR Public Speaking OR Small Group Communication	3
Interpersonal Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07 Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Public Speaking Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Small Group Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) MATH 1118 or higher level to fufill at least 8 credits ‡	8
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5) ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6) ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
	General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) ‡	8-9
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in General Education Curriculum		32

Total Credits:

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.