Transfer Options
In partnership with Bemidji State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in Biology on NHCC's campus.
The Biology Transfer Pathway AS will transfer to any of the following Minnesota State universities:
- Bemidji State University
- Metropolitan State University
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
Biology Classes at NHCC
NHCC's Biology program is very hands-on. Students learn through a mix of classroom and skills-based lab activities.
Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Scholarships at NHCC
One scholarship application automatically considers you for any NHCC scholarship you're eligible for. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
Biology Transfer Pathway Curriculum
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1101 | Principles of Biology I | View-BIOL 1101 | n/a | 4 |
| BIOL 1102 | Principles of Biology II | View-BIOL 1102 | n/a | 4 |
| BIOL 2360 | Genetics | View-BIOL 2360 | n/a | 4 |
| BIOL 2610 | General Ecology | View-BIOL 2610 | n/a | 4 |
Course Title: Principles of Biology I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This is the first course in a two-semester biology sequence. This course introduces students to the concepts of cell structure and function, cellular metabolism, heredity and genetics. This course is intended for students for biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Strongly Suggested Prerequisite: CHEM 1061 or Concurrent Registration with CHEM 1061
Course Title: Principles of Biology II Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: Principles of Biology II is a continuation of Principles of Biology I, and covers fundamental concepts of biology at the organismal level and above. Evolution, principles of ecology, and a survey of biodiversity are the major foci of this course. Students apply these concepts in rigorous laboratory exercises. This course, coupled with Biology I, prepares students for further, advanced studies in the biological sciences. Completion of both courses is a prerequisite for many upper-division biology courses. Audience: Biological and physical science majors or those planning to enter a professional program.
Course Title: Genetics Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: We will examine the organization, storage, maintenance, transfer, and expression of genetic information. Molecular data and Mendelian principles will be applied to understand genetics at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Prerequisite: BIOL 1101 or BIOL 1001, and BIOL 1102, and MATH 1150, with a C or better in each. Co-enrollment in BIOL 1102 can be considered with instructor permission. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Course Title: General Ecology Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: We will examine the interrelationships of organisms and their environments, emphasizing the historic development of fundamental principles at the levels of individuals, population, community, and ecosystem through examination of theoretical and empirical findings. Skills of professional biologists will be practiced, such as reading primary literature, designing/carrying out experiments, and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 1102, and placement above MATH 1150 or successful completion of MATH 1150 or higher, with a C or better.
| Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1061 | Principles of Chemistry I and | View-CHEM 1061 | n/a | 4 |
| CHEM 1062 | Principles of Chemistry II and | View-CHEM 1062 | n/a | 4 |
| Any Goal Area 1 COMM course and | ||||
| ENGL 1200 | Gateway College Writing or | View-ENGL 1200 | n/a | 4 |
| ENGL 1201 | College Writing I and | View-ENGL 1201 | n/a | 4 |
| ENGL 1202 | College Writing II and | View-ENGL 1202 | n/a | 2 |
| MATH 1120 | College Algebra or | View-MATH 1120 | n/a | 3 |
| MATH 1150 | College Algebra or | View-MATH 1150 | n/a | 3 |
| College Algebra higher (choose based on receiving institution program, MATH 1210 Applied Statistics MATH 1221 are recommended) 6-8 | ||||
Course Title: Principles of Chemistry I Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: This course is a study of the basic concepts of Chemistry, with an emphasis on atomic theory, stoichiometric relationships, kinetic-molecular theory, molecular structure, and chemical bonding as related to the gas and liquid and solid phases. The lab portion with experiments includes observation, data collection, and mathematical applications that support the concepts being studied in class. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Placement in this class will be determined by student college assessment score and/or successful completion of Math 1150 with a grade of C or better.
Course Title: Principles of Chemistry II Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: A continuation of CHEM 1061, this course emphasizes chemical equilibrium, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, precipitation reactions, complex ion formation, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemical reactions. The laboratory portion includes experimental applications of the lecture topics: determination of cation and anion (qualitative) content of unknown mixture, kinetics, acid-base equilibria, solubility, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and an introduction to nuclear chemistry. CHEM 1061 is required for this course. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Course Title: College Algebra Goal Areas: 04 Credits: 3
Course Description: This class is designed for people who will benefit from more time and additional support to learn the content. It is designed to be taken at the same time as Math 920: College Algebra Support. This class prepares students for Calculus I (Math 1221) when taken in sequence with Pre-Calculus (Math 1170). Students not planning to take Calculus I may want to consider taking a different math class such as Elementary Statistics (Math 1130), Finite Math (Math 1140), or Survey of Math (Math 1010). Topics include polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications. Additional topics include systems of non-linear equations, systems of linear equations, and matrices.
Course Title: College Algebra Goal Areas: 04 Credits: 3
Course Description: This class prepares students for Calculus I (Math 1221) when taken in sequence with Pre-Calculus (Math 1170). Students not planning to take Calculus I may want to consider taking a different math class such as Elementary Statistics (Math 1130), Finite Math (Math 1140), or Survey of Math (Math 1010). Topics include polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications. Additional topics include systems of non-linear equations, systems of linear equations, and matrices.
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing II Goal Areas: 01,02 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content, as noted on the class registration site. Prerequisite: ENGL 1200 or ENGL 1201
| * ** 13-15 Additional Elective Credits to equal 60 total credits. Chosen based on major transfer University | ||||
| *Goal area requirements for the AS requires 6 of 10 MNTC goal areas (courses may count for more than one goal area) | ||||
| **CHEM 2061 Organic Chemistry I CHEM 2062 Organic Chemistry II are recommended for some university programs |
| 15 Credits must be earned at NHCC |
| Total Credits Required | 60 |
| Notes Under some circumstances, students may substitute Biology 1001 for Biology 1101 if the appropriate chemistry and mathematics prerequisites are met prior to enrolling in Biology 1102. Students who have completed Biology 1001 and 1002 under the previous NHCC course numbering system may substitute these courses for Biology 1101/1102. Students may take Math 1150 or HIGHER for this requirement. Students planning to transfer to a BA/BS program are advised to consult the mathematics requirements of the program and institution to which transfer is planned. It is recommended that MATH 1210 is taken. Students planning to transfer to a BA/BS program are advised to consult the mathematics requirements of the program and institution to which transfer is planned. *13-15 Additional Elective Credits to equal 60 total credits. Chosen based on major track and transfer University (CHEM 2061 and CHEM 2062 are highly recommended). | |
Scientific Method
Science is a process of trial and error by which we hope to improve our understanding of the natural world incrementally, by making predictions, testing them, and improving their accuracy. The Scientific Method includes the ability to propose testable hypotheses and carry out experiments to test them, and relies on standardized international systems of measurement.
Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis
Students should be able to analyze simple data sets using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. Navigating and Reading the Scientific Literature Students should be able to use public literature databases to find appropriate published material, and should be able to read, understand, and evaluate the validity and importance of the scientific literature and to integrate new concepts into their existing knowledge frameworks.
Scientific Communication
Students should be able to communicate their own and others data and analysis in oral and written format, using computers where necessary to visualize data or to create clear and compelling papers, posters, or presentations.
Science and Society/Civic Engagement
Students should be able to analyze scientific studies in light of their ecological, social, economic, ethical, and cultural implications.
Collaboration
Students should learn to communicate and work productively with others in designing, conducting, and evaluating projects, experiments, and other course related deliverables as an essential skill in science.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Science
Science depends upon knowledge, skills, and tools from other scientific and nonscientific disciplines. Students should develop their ability to utilize other disciplines as sources of context and skills to inform the learning and work they are engaged in.
Microscopy
The microscope is a tool used extensively in biology for observation and investigation. Skill development in basic light microscopy
and exposure to more advanced forms of microscopy and digital imaging is fundamental to further study in biology.
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available at Minnesota State and the Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: careerwise.minnstate.edu and www.bls.gov.
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelor's degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.
A student shall:
- Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
- Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
- Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
- Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
- Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the four year period preceding their graduation.
Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440
Get Started
If you're ready to get started, apply to NHCC. If you'd like to learn more, you can visit campus or request information.
