Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Natural Science, A.S.

Location(s): City Campus, North Campus


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Degree: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5649
Curriculum Code: 2838.SCI

Liberal Arts Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Math I, 9th-year Science, Biology, Chemistry, Math II
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Physics, Math III
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Transfer to Bachelor’s Degree Programs depending on Science Major

The Liberal Arts curriculum has a dual purpose. The courses provide students subject matter enabling them to transfer to a four-year college or university, but the curriculum is also designed to provide general education for those who desire it.

Requirements are listed in this catalog for programs granting Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. The Associate in Arts requirements are designed to give students a balanced distribution of courses in English, humanities and social sciences. The Associate in Science requirements are designed to give a student a balance between mathematics and laboratory sciences. These programs have been formulated to ensure a maximum level of acceptance for the transfer student regardless of the program for which he/she applies at a four-year institution.

Students interested in a flexible exploratory course of study and the option of a self-structured curriculum may pursue Liberal Arts-General Studies. This program offers the student a course of study leading to an Associate in Science degree and an opportunity to experience courses in other curricula.

SUNY General Education Student Learning Outcomes

The SUNY General Education knowledge and skills areas and the two competencies now function as the basis for the Liberal Arts Program outcomes. These General Education Requirements are detailed in the Academic Information section of this catalog.

Program Description

The Natural Science curriculum is a liberal arts concentration designed to provide the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. Biology, chemistry and physics lectures and laboratories are conducted in small classes under the direction of faculty who have indicated and demonstrated that teaching is their primary concern.

Graduates generally continue their studies in the sciences, physical therapy, pharmacy and other health specialties requiring a baccalaureate degree. Some will become physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors and other health professionals.

Because requirements vary greatly for different baccalaureate degree programs at different institutions, it is extremely important for students to be aware of the course requirements of the college of intended transfer. Close contact with faculty advisers at their future college will ensure individually tailored programs designed to enhance flexibility and transferability.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with a Natural Science (AS) degree, the graduate will be able to:

  1. demonstrate understanding of the methods scientists use to evaluate relationships;
  2. demonstrate generally accepted practices for use in a lab setting; and
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practices within at least one scientific discipline through a concentration of courses.

Transfer Agreements

For students transferring course credit into the Natural Science program from another college or university:   A minimum grade of C must have been earned in previous coursework in order for the course to be accepted for credit in the Natural Science program.

For students transferring from SUNY Erie to another college or univerity, articulation agreements are in place with:

  • Buffalo State University

  • SUNY Canton

  • Daemen University 

  • Empire State University

  • Niagara University

  • University at Buffalo

SUNY Transfer Path Requirement

Students matriculating in this program are required to fulfill the SUNY Transfer Path Requirement that most closely aligns with the program. A minimum grade of C or better is required for majors courses being tranferred into the Natural Sciences program. Speak to your adviser for details.  

Requirements

Total Degree Credits: 62.0

First Year, Fall Semester


First Year, Spring Semester


Second Year, Fall Semeter


  • Natural Sciences Elective with Lab Credit Hours: 4
  • Natural Sciences Elective with Lab Credit Hours: 4
  • SUNY Gen Ed: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ) Elective (SO 100 Introcduction to Sociology or AN 102 Cultural Anthropology Recommended) Credit Hours: 3 
  • SUNY Gen Ed: Humanities Elective Credit Hours: 3 
  • SUNY Gen Ed: Social Sciences Elective Credit Hours: 3 

Second Year, Spring Semester


  • Natural Sciences Elective with Lab Credit Hours: 4
  • Natural Sciences Elective with Lab Credit Hours: 4
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credit Hours: 3
  • Open Elective Credit Hours: 3

Note:


This is the recommended sequence. Students should consult their academic adviser prior to registering.

Electives:


* Lecture Laboratory Science Electives:


Lecture laboratory courses count as one unit. Six units are required. They are the following:

Astronomy:


Biology:


Recommended for the first year:

Suggested electives for the second year include:

Chemistry:


Courses Offered at All Campuses:

Courses Offered only at North Campus

Physics:


Recommended for most liberal arts Associate in Science students:

Recommended for chemistry and physics majors:

May be required for some engineering and medical schools:

Note:

One physics sequence (maximum) may be used to satisfy the laboratory science requirement.

*Mathematics:


The following, as well as higher numbered courses, are acceptable (except as indicated in course descriptions). Eight (8) credits are required.

Chemistry and Physics:


Required for transfer with junior status:

Biology and Health Sciences:


Required for transfer with junior status:

For transfer to baccalaureate programs in the sciences, the following science and mathematics courses are suggested:


Biology:


**Two Liberal Arts Electives:


Choose six degree credit hours from the following disciplines: art (AT), dance (DN), drama-theatre (DT), music (MU), English (EN), French (FR), Spanish (SP), Sign Language (SL), foreign language (FL), philosophy (PH), astronomy (AS), biology (BI), chemistry (CH), physics (PH), geology (GL), anthropology (AN), economics (EC), geography (GP), government (GO), history (HI), human services (HU), psychology (PS), sociology (SO), social science (SS) or computer science (CS).

**Open electives:


Choose any six to nine degree credit hours from courses listed in the college catalog.

Note:


*See adviser
**Recommended
***Minimum

NOTE: Secondary Science Teacher Education degree - Erie Community College has completed or is in the process of completing Dual Admission/Cooperative Degree programs with Western New York colleges for students wishing to pursue a Secondary Science Teacher Education Degree. Because course requirements vary somewhat with each four-year school, it is strongly recommended that prospective students contact the Department Head for Teacher Preparation Programs at (716) 270-5211 to discuss appropriate courses within this associate degree program to insure a seamless transfer to the four-year college of choice.

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