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Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science (A.S.)
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The Mathematics and Science A.S. program is a university-parallel program. Depending on the electives you select, you will be prepared to transfer to a 4-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biological science, physical science, chemistry, geology, biotechnology, mathematics, forestry, or other related fields. Advisors can help you identify suitable transfer programs and help you choose appropriate elective courses. To help you match your course selections to your academic and career goals, five specializations are offered.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Mathematics and Science A.S. degree program is to provide the community with an equitable and high-quality math and science education that supports transfer and career goals.
Program Learning Outcomes
All Specializations/General:
- Develop mathematical knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
- Demonstrate a knowledge base in scientific field.
Timely Graduation Considerations
It is recommended that students entering the Mathematics and Science program have completed four years of high school mathematics and as much science as possible, including chemistry and physics. Students with less preparation may need extra time to complete all degree requirements.
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General/No Specialization
First Semester
- ENG 103 Freshman Composition and Literature I Credits: (3)
- MAT 114 Intermediate Algebra With Applications Credits: (4) 1 (if needed based on placement) –or–
- MAT 143 Pre-Calculus With Trigonometry Credits: (4) (if needed based on placement) –or–
- MAT 161 Calculus I Credits: (4)
- Math, Science, or Computer Elective Credits: (3-4)2
(Recommended courses: AES 100 /100L , BIO 131 /131L , CHE 121 /121L , CHE 171 /171L , GEO 151 /151L , PHY 103 , PHY 105 , SCI 103 /103L , SCI 104 /104L ) - SUNY Gen Ed World Languages or World History & Global Awareness Elective Credits: (3)
(Recommended courses: any ASL, FRE, or SPA, HIS 103 , HIS 104 )
Second Semester
- ENG 104 Freshman Composition and Literature II Credits: (3)
- MAT 143 Pre-Calculus With Trigonometry Credits: (4) 1 (if needed based on placement) –or–
- MAT 161 Calculus I Credits: (4) (if not already completed) –or–
- MAT 151 Statistics I Credits: (4) –or–
- MAT 162 Calculus II Credits: (4)
- Math, Science, or Computer Electives Credits: (6-8)2
(Recommended courses: AES 100 /100L , BIO 131 /131L , BIO 152 , CHE 121 /121L , CHE 172 /172L , GEO 151 /151L , PHY 104 , PHY 205 , SCI 103 /103L , SCI 104 /104L ) - SUNY Gen Ed Social Sciences Elective Credits: (3)
(Recommended courses: PSY 103 , SOC 103 )
Total Program Credits: 60-62
Notes:
- Students needing additional mathematics support should utilize the General Electives to take MAT 114 and/or MAT 143 depending on placement. MAT 161 Calculus I and EITHER MAT 151 Statistics I OR MAT 162 Calculus II are required to earn this degree. Students should only take a General Elective in semesters 3 and 4 if they have already completed the math requirements.
- It is recommended that the Math, Science, or Computer Electives be used to focus on a particular branch of math or science.
- It is recommended that students take additional science courses for their General Electives. Please consult your academic advisor to determine the best courses based on your goals.
Biology Specialization
This is the place to start if you are interested in completing a baccalaureate (four-year) degree in Biology or a related area such as Biotechnology, Genetics, Ecology, Physiology, Environmental Biology, Microbiology, Medical Technology, or any of a wide variety of other Biological Sciences. In addition, this is the appropriate specialization to start if you plan on becoming a Medical Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, or Pharmacist. The Biology specialization provides a foundation of core classes that prepare you for further studies at a transfer institution. Completing the degree requirements will prepare you to transfer with Junior (third-year) standing into a Biology program at a SUNY four-year institution. If you plan to transfer to a non-SUNY school, consult an academic advisor to ensure appropriate course selections.
Biology Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, including cell structure, membrane transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and cellular division.
- Describe the mechanisms of inheritance and evolution.
- Describe basic plant structure and modes of reproduction.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of life, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the classification of animals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of animal structure and function, including organ system anatomy and physiology.
- Describe the methods used by organisms to respond and adapt to their environment.
Total Program Credits: 60-64
Notes:
- Depending on goals and math placement, students may switch the order of the General Biology and General Chemistry sequences, taking CHE 171 /171L in semester 1, CHE 172 /172L and BIO 151 in semester 2, and BIO 152 in semester 3.
- Students needing additional mathematics support should utilize the General Electives to take MAT 114 and/or MAT 143 depending on placement. MAT 161 Calculus I and EITHER MAT 151 Statistics I OR MAT 162 Calculus II are required to earn this degree. Students should only take a General Elective in semesters 3 and 4 if they have already completed the math requirements.
Chemistry Specialization
Chemistry is the science of the structure, properties, and reactions of matter. It is both a basic science, fundamental to an understanding of the world we live in, and a practical science with an enormous number and variety of important applications. Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to an understanding of biology and biochemistry and of certain aspects of geology, astronomy, physics, and engineering. The chemistry degree specialization emphasizes fundamental laws and principles both in the lecture and in the laboratory. Students experience a spectrum of chemistry instruction from physical, inorganic, organic, and quantitative analysis. Students entering this specialization will be prepared for transfer to a 4-year institution in any of a number of chemistry related degree programs in agriculture, biochemistry, education, engineering, the environment, forensics, hazardous waste management, oil and petroleum and other related fields.
Students declaring the Chemistry specialization must place in MAT 161 in order to complete the degree in 2 years. Students interested in this specialization who do not place at MAT 161 should see their advisor to determine the best path to degree completion.
Chemistry Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of reaction stoichiometry.
- Perform calculations involving aqueous solutions and equilibria.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the reactions of organic compounds.
- Predict and interpret spectrographic analysis for organic compounds.
- Responsibly and effectively use laboratory equipment, chemicals, and instruments to perform laboratory experiments, interpret data, and prepare clean written reports.
Total Program Credits: 60
Geology Specialization
Degrees in geology allow a student to pursue careers in a multitude of fields including industry, government, disaster planning, and academia. Core courses in Physical and Historical Geology will examine the Earth’s interior, the causes behind natural disasters, formation and identification of mineral and rocks, the evolution of life on Earth, and past global climate change. Laboratory classes in the core courses involve both laboratory and field exercises that will allow the students to apply concepts and theories learned in lecture. Students entering this specialization will be prepared for transfer to a 4-year institution in geosciences (Volcanology, Stratigraphy, Mineralogy, Environmental Geology, Paleontology and Evolution, Oceanography, Hydrology and other related fields).
Geology Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify important Earth materials (rocks and minerals) and the processes that are instrumental in their formation.
- Use relative and absolute dating in order to understand the sequence of geological events.
- Use geological processes and structures to determine changes in the Earth’s physical, climatological, and biological aspects.
- Use the scientific method to critically evaluate data and solve geologic problems.
- Describe the process of organic evolution, the development of life on Earth and its relationship to Earth’s changing environments.
Total Program Credits: 60
Mathematics Specialization
The Mathematics specialization will prepare a student to enter a four-year institution as a mathematics major with junior status. The specialization includes Calculus I, II, and III, Linear Algebra, Statistics, as well as Differential Equations, Discrete Math, or Statistics II, all of which are part of the first two years at a typical college or university. In addition, there is also a science sequence required as well as required math/science electives. Students entering this specialization will be prepared for transfer to a 4-year institution in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Math Education.
Mathematics Program Learning Outcomes
- Utilize critical thinking skills and mathematics to solve problems.
- Prove concepts and theorems using mathematical terminology.
- Utilize technology to solve problems.
- Approximate solutions when they are impossible to find.
- Apply statistical analysis to problem solving.
Total Program Credits: 60-62
Physics Specialization
An undergraduate degree in physics provides an excellent basis not only for graduate study in physics and related fields, but also for professional work in such fields as astrophysics, biophysics, engineering and applied physics, geophysics, management, law, or medicine. The physics specialization offers students the opportunity to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental physics and develops problem solving and laboratory skills. Core courses include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, waves and vibrations as well as rigorous training in mathematics. Students completing this specialization will be well suited to transfer to a 4-year institution to eventually be employed in industry, government or academia in a wide range of fields (research and development, teaching, computing, health sciences, management and administration, product development, consulting, sales and marketing, and other related fields).
Physics Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of Newtonian Classical Mechanics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Classical Electricity and Magnetism.
- Demonstrate accepted problem solving techniques for problems in physics.
- Demonstrate proficient data analysis techniques and practices.
- Demonstrate accepted laboratory/measurement practices.
Total Program Credits: 61
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