Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics & Science (Environmental Science - Biophysical Transfer Advising Guide)

Associate in Science Degree

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The Environmental Science option is a scientifically and mathematically rigorous program that provides a strong foundation in the sciences and introduces students to the interdisciplinary breadth of environmental science through a selection of core courses dealing with the geographical, physical, social, and living environments. It is designed for students who want to focus on scientific careers in fields such as conservation biology; climate and the atmosphere; pollution prevention and abatement; aquatic environments; or ecosystem protection, restoration, and management. This program requires significant field work, lab work, and other data-oriented work. The Environmental Science option is a transfer program that meets the requirements of the SUNY Environmental Science (Biophysical Track) Transfer Pathway. Upon successful completion of this coursework, a student should be well-positioned to finish their degree with an additional two years of study at another SUNY transfer college.

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course prepares students for MA150 Precalculus. Topics include linear and quadratic equations; inequalities; rational expressions; trigonometric functions; graphs of linear, quadratic, piecewise, and trigonometric functions; and, systems of equations. Algebraic and trigonometric manipulations and problem-solving are emphasized. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA115 Intermediate Mathematics.

This is the first of a two-semester course covering the central concepts of biology. Topics include the chemical and cellular basis of life, energy transformations, and classical and molecular genetics. Laboratory exercises mirror lecture topics and include opportunities for the student to practice the scientific method, data collection, and lab report writing.

This course introduces to the field of chemistry for science and engineering students. Topics include dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, periodicity, atomic structure and bonding, the states of matter, solutions, and acid and base concepts. The laboratory exercises exemplify chemical principles and develop individual problem-solving abilities. The laboratory experience includes preparation of the laboratory report and notebook. Prerequisites: High School Chemistry; and appropriate high school GPA or placement test score, or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1, or MA139 College Algebra, or a corequisite of MA125 College Algebra and Trigonometry.

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Second Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course prepares students for calculus through a study of the properties and graphs of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Topics include an introduction to mathematical argument and conic sections. Emphasis is placed on the function concept and the appropriate use of the language of mathematics. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test score or MA125 College Algebra and Trigonometry.

This course is a continuation of BI141 covering the central concepts of biology. Topics include evolutionary processes, speciation, organismal biology, and ecology. Laboratory exercises mirror lecture topics and include opportunities for the student to practice the scientific method, data collection, and lab report writing. Prerequisite: BI141 General Biology 1 or permission of the Dean.

This course is a continuation of CH141 General Chemistry 1. Topics include chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical and solution equilibrium, descriptive organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of elements. Prerequisite: CH141 General Chemistry 1.

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Third Semester

This is the first in a sequence of three courses in calculus. Topics include limits and continuity, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and indefinite and definite integration. Applications are included. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test score or MA150 Precalculus.

This course introduces the nature and study of history, and covers the emergence and development of Eurasian civilization to about 1500 A.D. in the Near East, India, China, Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and Africa. Attention is given to religion in these civilizations and on the rise of the West to a position of world power during the Middle Ages.

This course increases appreciation and interest in human interaction with other organisms and with the physical environment. Topics include basic ecological concepts as well as human impact on the earth with an emphasis on selected environmental problems (i.e. natural resource use, pollution, wildlife conservation, agriculture, hazardous waste etc.). The laboratory component supplements lecture topics by providing practical experiences. Field experiences are required.

Business Management Electives should be selected from the following: BM101, BM110, or BM115

Social Science Elective should be selected from the following: PY101, SO101, or AN101

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Fourth Semester

This course covers classical ecology, with a study of the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. Topics include basic ecological principles, natural selection and speciation, population dynamics, community structure, ecosystem diversity, energy flow, biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, and relevant environmental issues. Fieldtrips may be taken during laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: BI141 General Biology 1. - Spring Semester Only

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This non-calculus Physics course for technology, business administration, computer science, and liberal arts and sciences students covers topics in mechanics, wave motion, and heat. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1, or MA125 College Algebra and Trigonometry.

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GE Electives should be selected from: EN197, GE101, HI102, HI103, HI104, HI111, HI112, FL101, HU183, HU187, HU188, HU204, HU227, HU228, HU295, SO207, TH193, TH195, or any Foreign Language.

Program Recommendations:

It is recommended students coming into this program have had at least two years of high school mathematics, or the equivalent, and two years of laboratory science. High school biology, chemistry, and physics are recommended.

A mathematics course lower than MA125 will not count for graduation within the program; moreover, a student needing to take one or more of those courses may not be able to graduate within two years. Students with math placement scores higher than MA125 may substitute a higher math for MA125.

(a) Social Science Business Management Electives include: BM101, BM110, or BM115.

(b) Social Science Electives Include: PY101, SO101, or AN101.

(c) General Education Electives include: GE101, HU280, or any Foreign Language.