The Biology - B.A.S. Degree is primarily designed for students who have earned an associate of applied science degree at a two-year institution who wish to move into baccalaureate program. If, while completing an A.A.S. degree, a student completes any undergraduate level or articulated technology level courses required within a Montana Tech B.A.S. degree program, those credits, plus the block transfer credits, will be applied to the B.A.S. degree requirements. A maximum of 60 credits of course work from the A.A.S. degree can be applied to the B.A.S. degree requirements. Students should see their advisor to select additional courses to complete their degree. (A minimum of 30 credits needs to be 300-499 level classes, upper division in order to successfully meet graduation requirements). A minimum of 120 credits is required for a BAS degree.
Graduates will demonstrate foundational biological knowledge, technical and analytical competence, and professional skills that prepare them for employment in laboratory, field, education, biotechnology, and environmental sectors, as well as for graduate and healthcare professional study.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Core Biological Knowledge
Explain and integrate major concepts in evolution, ecology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, and physiology to interpret biological structure-function relationships and biological change across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of organization.
2. Laboratory and Field Skills
Demonstrate correct and safe use of standard laboratory and field equipment as well as techniques to collect, record, and analyze biological data, including locating and following applicable safety protocols and permitting requirements.
3. Research Design and Ethical Scientific Practice
Design, conduct, and interpret independent and collaborative biological investigations by developing testable hypotheses, applying ethical research practices, managing data, selecting appropriate analytical methods, and producing professional research products (e.g., reports, posters, presentations).
4. Quantitative Reasoning and Bioinformatics
Apply quantitative reasoning, statistical methods, and (when appropriate) bioinformatics or computational tools to evaluate evidence, and analyze biological datasets.
5. Scientific Communication and Information Literacy
Locate, evaluate, and synthesize primary scientific literature and communicate scientific information clearly in written, oral, and visual forms for technical and non-technical audiences using appropriate data visualization and disciplinary conventions.
6. Environmental and Societal Responsibility
Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe the impact of biological sciences on the environment and society.
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