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Associate of Science in Life Science

The rigor of the scientific method in the context of Landmark College’s innovative teaching methods

Hands-on scientific inquiry is one of the most exciting and meaningful ways to learn, and that is particularly true for students who learn differently.

The principles of scientific investigation form the foundation of the Associate of Science in Life Science—and, as with all our other academic programs, the Life Science program is integrated with the College’s proven program to develop effective learning strategies and assistive technology skills.

The curriculum promotes scientific literacy, stimulates intellectual curiosity, and fosters an understanding of the role and relevance of science in the modern world.

The program is housed in the Nicole Goodner MacFarlane Science, Technology & Innovation Center, completed in August 2015. Facilities include several fully equipped laboratories, a preparatory room, and a number of dedicated science classrooms

Learn more:

Alumni Success Story

James Stockwell '14

James Stockwell '14

"I picked up a lot of skills at LC that helped me learn how to deal with patients.”

James Stockwell '14

Learn more about the A.S. in Life Science Degree

  • No other college in the country offers our depth of expertise in teaching science to students who learn differently.

    Students say our faculty members “make science come alive” through their hands-on approach to teaching and their integration of Landmark College’s learning strategies and use of assistive technology in the curriculum.

    Faculty members bring diverse academic backgrounds to the classroom, including specializations in human physiology, environmental studies, human ecology, biology, biology education, chemistry, and biochemistry.

    According to the National Student Clearinghouse, nearly one in five Landmark College graduates currently goes on to study a science-related major.

  • The Science faculty have been involved in research opportunities in partnership with Vermont Genetics Network, Vermont Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research: EPSCoR (both based out of the University of Vermont), and local agencies such as the Putney Conservation Commission.

    These projects provide individual research opportunities for students related to the fields of forest ecology, wildlife management and tracking, long-term ecological data analysis, aquatic pollution, genetic disorders, and animal physiology.

    Other research and co-curricular activities include the creation and establishment of Tree Campus USA status and the development of long-term ecological monitoring sites on campus and adjacent natural areas.

    In addition to the mentoring and research activities, student clubs involved in sustainability, gardening, and the environment have all been formed over the past few years and are growing in popularity.

  • Internships with area firms, healthcare facilities, environmental organizations, and laboratories offer added opportunities to develop and apply skills in a professional setting.

    Recent internships include:

    • Veterinary Clinic intern
    • Vermont Genetics Network Undergrad Summer Researcher
    • Putney Conservation Commission intern
    • Gardening and Preserving Intern
    • Assessment Statistician
    • Physical Education and Sports Management intern
    • Virtual Reality Engineer and Lab Assistant
    • Data Analyst

    The college has partnerships with the following organizations that offer neurodiverse friendly supportive workforce and internship programs:

    • Broad Futures
    • Dynamy
    • Disability IN
    • Neurodiversity Pathways
  • In recent years, careers in the life sciences have exploded, thanks to new technological and scientific advancements in such fields as biotechnology and molecular biology.

    Growth opportunities are particularly strong in:

    • Biotechnology
    • Healthcare/Health Sciences
    • Environmental Science
    • Chemistry/Biochemistry
    • Pharmaceuticals

    If you plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation from Landmark College, our A.S. in Life Science offers excellent preparation for entry-level positions in laboratory research, allied health, and environmental services.

    Follow this path into the Landmark College B.S. Life Science degree and learn how to:

    • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of key concepts, theories, and perspectives in biology as well as the scope and limitations of the discipline.
    • Use scientific reasoning inquiry to design research and think critically about biological information and phenomena.
    • Write and communicate effectively using practices found in the biological fields.
    • Demonstrate career-ready, professional skills and habits of continual improvement through experience, self-reflection, collaboration, and project management.
  • There are two tracks of study within this degree:

    • Life Science
    • Environmental Biology

    The requirements for the A.S. in Life Science are the same as the foundation requirements for the B.S. in Life Science.

    Curriculum

    To earn the Associate of Science in Life Science degree, students must complete 60 credits:

    • 25 credits of major required courses
      • 15 major required credits
      • 10 major required credits that also count toward general education
    • 7 – 8 credits of Selected Track (Life Science or Environmental Biology) requirements
    • 21 additional credits to complete the general education requirements
    • 6 – 7 credits of open electives

    A.S. Life Science Major Requirements: 25 credits

    BIO1521 Principles of Biology (Gen Ed): 4 credits
    BIO1522 Principles of Biology II: 4 credits
    CHE1521 Principles of Chemistry I: 4 credits
    CHE1522 Principles of Chemistry II: 4 credits
    MAT1641 College Algebra (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    MAT2621 Applied Statistics or MAT2731 Introduction to Calculus or CSC1631 Introduction to Programming (Gen Ed): 3 credits
    EDU2061 Education & Identity: 3 credits

    Selected Track (Life Science or Environmental Biology): 7 – 8 credits

    Life Science Track (Choose 2)

    BIO2031 Nutrition and Health: 3 credits
    BIO2521 Anatomy & Physiology I*: 4 credits
    BIO2522 Anatomy and Physiology II*: 4 credits
    Microbiology: 4 credits
    Developmental Biology: 4 credits

    Environmental Biology Track (Choose 2)

    ENV2511 Environmental Science: 4 credits
    ECO2511 Aquatic Ecology and Pollution: 4 credits
    BIO2711 Field Studies in Wildlife Conservation: 4 credits
    ECO2521 Field Ecology: 4 credits
    Plant Biology: 4 credits
    Zoology: 4 credits

    Additional General Education Core Requirements: 21 credits

    WRT1011 Composition and Rhetoric: 3 credits
    WRT1012 Research and Analysis: 3 credits
    EDU1011 Perspectives in Learning: 3 credits
    COM1011 Intro. to Communication: 3 credits
    Humanities Distribution: 3 credits
    Social Sciences: 3 credits
    Interpersonal Communication/Creative Expression: 3 credits

    6 – 7 credits in Open Electives

  • Graduates of the Associate of Science in Life Science program should be able to:

    • Describe essential knowledge in life science
    • Conduct and analyze research based on principles of scientific inquiry
    • Apply scientific knowledge to analyze real-world problems and issues
    • Demonstrate useful skills for working within a life science field
    • Communicate scientific content clearly and effectively
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