Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science (A.S.) (Contains Specializations)

Biology Specialization

Chemistry Specialization

Geology Specialization

Mathematics Specialization

Physics Specialization

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, computer science, psychology, 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.

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.

Specialization: Biology

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.

Specialization: Chemistry

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.

Specialization: Geology

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).

Specialization: Mathematics

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.

Specialization: Physics

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).

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Develop mathematical knowledge and skills.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge base in scientific field.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, including cell structure, membrane transport, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and cellular division (Biology Specialization).
5. Describe the mechanisms of inheritance and evolution (Biology Specialization).
6. Describe basic plant structure and modes of reproduction (Biology Specialization).
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of life, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the classification of animals (Biology Specialization).
8. Demonstrate an understanding of animal structure and function, including organ system anatomy and physiology (Biology Specialization).
9. Describe the methods used by organisms to respond and adapt to their environment (Biology Specialization).
10. Demonstrate an understanding of reaction stoichiometry (Chemistry Specialization).
11. Perform calculations involving aqueous solutions and equilibria (Chemistry Specialization).
12. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the reactions of organic compounds (Chemistry Specialization).
13. Predict and interpret spectrographic analysis for organic compounds (Chemistry Specialization).
14. Responsibly and effectively use laboratory equipment, chemical, and instruments to perform laboratory experiments, interpret data, and prepare clean written reports (Chemistry Specialization).
15. Identify important Earth materials (rocks and minerals) and the processes that are instrumental in their formation (Geology Specialization).
16. Use relative and absolute dating in order to understand the sequence of geological events (Geology Specialization).
17. Use geological processes and structures to determine changes in the Earth’s physical, climatological, and biological aspects (Geology Specialization).
18. Use the scientific method to critically evaluate data and solve geologic problems (Geology Specialization).
19. Describe the process of organic evolution, the development of life on Earth and its relationship to Earth’s changing environments (Geology Specialization).
20. Utilize critical thinking skills and mathematics to solve problems (Math Specialization).
21. Prove concepts and theorems using mathematical terminology (Math Specialization).
22. Utilize technology to solve problems (Math Specialization).
23. Approximate solutions when they are impossible to find (Math Specialization).
24. Apply statistical analysis to problem solving (Math Specialization).
25. Demonstrate an understanding of Newtonian Classical Mechanics (Physics Specialization).
26. Demonstrate an understanding of Classical Electricity and Magnetism (Physics Specialization).
27. Demonstrate accepted problem solving techniques for problems in physics (Physics Specialization).
28. Demonstrate proficient data analysis techniques and practices (Physics Specialization).
29. Demonstrate accepted laboratory/measurement practices (Physics Specialization).