General Science, Associate of Science
(92 credits)
Program Description
The A.S. in General Science program has been structured to provide the greatest possible options for students coming to SKC with either an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), but not knowing which area to pursue. The program is also designed as a “2+2” transfer program for individuals who wish to start their studies at SKC and then transfer to another institution.
Career Outlook
The knowledge gained within this program will prepare students for a wide range of career options in science. These include a research graduate track, as well as healthcare, industry and government. Depending on the choice of courses, you could go on to become a pharmacist, a medical doctor, dentist, research scientist, medical technologist, cell biologist, toxicologist, biochemist, or microbiologist.
Program Information
The general structure of the A.S. in General Science program is a common first year with the basics in math, biology and chemistry. The second year provides a “focus” or “track” by requiring the student to choose a particular area of interest as an approved “core” of 15 credits. Ideally, a 3-quarter sequence of 5-credit courses in the area of interest makes up the 15 credit “core.” The student will need to work in concert with an advisor to choose the sequence that best fits her/his need.
Requirements
A student must earn a “C” or better in all required core courses and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 in order to continue and graduate with the A.S. in General Science.
Students may need to strengthen math, English and writing skills with additional coursework prior to entering the program. Math and science courses that are more than five years old may need to be repeated within the General Science degree program. Your Academic Advisor will help you plan coursework that meets your specific needs and goals.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Understand the role of science in western and Native societies
- Present scientific information in written and oral presentations in a professional manner
- Demonstrate understanding of essential concepts in scientific field of choice
- Apply critical thinking to the essential concepts in an area of interest
- Assess and solve quantitative problems using appropriate mathematical tools
Some example core sequences are given below.
Biology (cellular/molecular)
| BIOS230 | Molecular and Cellular Biology I | 4 |
| BIOS232 | Molecular and Cellular Biology II | 4 |
| BIOS234 | Biochemistry of the Cell | 4 |
The BIOS 230 – 234 courses are 4-credit courses. This would require an additional 3-credit BIOS course to complete the core.
Chemistry:
| CHEM150 | Principles of General Chemistry I | 3 |
| AND | |
| CHEM151 | Principles of General Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
| | |
| CHEM152 | Principles of General Chemistry II | 3 |
| AND | |
| CHEM153 | Principles of General Chemistry II Laboratory | 2 |
| | |
| CHEM154 | Principles of General Chemistry III | 3 |
| AND | |
| CHEM155 | Principles of General Chemistry III Laboratory | 2 |
Engineering
Math
MATH 110 (Calculus I) is a required course in the AS program. It requires only two courses to complete the calculus sequence. Additional math course(s) would have to be selected, such as MATH 223, MATH 231 or
MATH 235 to fill out the core.
Physics
Core sequences may also be in Forestry, Hydrology or Wildlife and Fisheries.
Curriculum
Fall (First Year)
Winter (First Year)
| CHEM110 | Fundamentals of General Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM111 | Fundamentals of General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| ENGL203 | Technical Writing for STEM Majors | 3 |
| MATH108 | Advanced Functions & Modeling | 3 |
| NASD101 | History of Indians in the United States | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Spring (First Year)
| BIOS130 | Introduction to Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOS131 | Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM140 | Fundamental Organic and Biological Chemistry | 5 |
| MATH109 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| SPCH100 | Basic Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fall (Second Year)
Winter (Second Year)
| MATH241 | Statistics | 5 |
| NASD210 | Introduction to Indigenous Science | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | General Science Core Elective | 5 |
| ELECTIVE | General Science Math or Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Spring (Second Year)
Total Credit Hours: 92