From Fall 2021, the Associate Degree in Science is split into two tracks – one focusing on Biology and Chemistry, and the other on Environmental and Marine Science,
Programme Description – Biology and Chemistry Track
The Associate of Science in Sciences (Biology/Chemistry track) is designed to give students an introduction to college level Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Those students who satisfy the requirements of this programme will normally have completed the equivalent of the first two years of study towards a Bachelor’s degree in either Chemistry or Biology. The programme aims to produce graduates who possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills as applied to science issues. Students may use this degree to satisfy the entry requirements for some medical schools or to gain entry into a pre-med programme. This general science major is particularly useful for students whose interests are not limited to a single scientific field and for students who want to pursue degrees in health-related fields (e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences and physical therapy).
Programme Objectives – Biology and Chemistry Track
At the end of the programme, students should be able to:
1. Produce and present laboratory reports and communicate with technical precision.
2. Use general laboratory apparatus and equipment.
3. Complete the necessary coursework to continue their studies at the bachelor’s level in Chemistry or Biology or health-related fields.
4. Recognize and recall information from mathematical and scientific principles such as biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
5. Interpret and use appropriately, scientific and mathematical ideas and principles.
Prerequisites – Biology and Chemistry Track
Mathematics IGCE/CXC at grade A* - C/1 – 3.
Students without the required prerequisites for Math and Science courses must ensure that these are completed prior to registration for these courses. MAT 105/106 is the prerequisite for MAT 233, and both MAT 106 and MAT 121 are the prerequisites for MAT 221. It is therefore advisable to take MAT 106 and MAT 121 in Year 1 of the programme, unless the student qualifies for direct entry. Students taking BIO, CHE or PHY who do not possess a CXC/IGCSE qualification or equivalent in the subject, must first take the introductory course.
Programme Description – Environmental and Marine Science Track
The purpose of the Associate of Science in Science (Environmental/Marine Science track) is to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of human-environmental interactions. Coursework in the natural sciences, such as biology, marine science and environmental science, as well as chemistry and mathematics, will provide an interdisciplinary approach to solving environmental problems such as conservation of natural resources, mitigation of natural hazards and protection of the environment.
Programme Objectives – Environmental and Marine Science Track
At the end of the programme, students should be able to:
| Accumulate knowledge of environmental issues by taking courses in environmental science, biology, chemistry and mathematics. |
| Demonstrate use of the scientific method as applied to environmental problems. |
| Engage in community service to solve environmental problems. |
Prerequisites – Environmental and Marine Science Track
Mathematics IGCE/CXC at grade A* - C/1 – 3.
Students without the required prerequisites for Math and Science courses must ensure that these are completed prior to registration for these courses. MAT 105/106 is the prerequisite for MAT 233. It is therefore advisable to take MAT 106 in Year 1 of the programme, unless the student qualifies for direct entry. Students taking BIO, CHE or PHY who do not possess a CXC/IGCSE qualification or equivalent in the subject, must first take the introductory course.
Students wishing to transfer to an overseas institution to further their studies may find that there is a Calculus requirement. In this circumstance, it would be advisable to take MAT 121 – Precalculus as the Science/Math elective in Year II.
Program Length
These programmes are two years for full-time students.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | College Biology I/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 102 | College Biology II/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 206 | Cell Biology/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 207 | Genetics/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 111 | General Chemistry I/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 112 | General Chemistry II/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 211 | Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 212 | Organic Chemistry II/Lab | 4 Credits |
| COL 101 | College and Employability Skills | 3 Credits |
| COM 110 | Computer Applications in Business | 3 Credits |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 Credits |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 Credits |
| MAT 221 | Calculus I with Analytical Geometry | 4 Credits |
| MAT 222 | Calculus II | 4 Credits |
| MAT 233 | Probability and Statistics | 3 Credits |
| PHY 110 | Physics I – Mechanics /Lab | 4 Credits |
| PHY 120 | Physics II – Electricity & Magnetism/Lab | 4 Credits |
| Social Sciences | 3 Credits | |
| MINIMUM REQUIRED: | 66 CREDITS |
The following sequence is suggested for all full-time Associate of Science in Sciences - Biology/Chemistry track students. If this recommended sequence is not followed, the student is not guaranteed to graduate on time.
| FALL I | SPRING I | ||
| COURSE | CREDITS | COURSE | CREDITS |
| COL 101 | 3 | ENG 101 | 3 |
| PHY 110 | 4 | PHY 120 | 3 |
| BIO 101 | 4 | BIO 102 | 4 |
| CHE 111 | 4 | CHE 112 | 4 |
| SUMMER | |
| COURSE | CREDITS |
| COM 110 | 3 |
| ENG 102 | 3 |
| FALL II | SPRING II | ||
| COURSE | CREDITS | COURSE | CREDITS |
| Social Science | 3 | MAT 233 | 3 |
| MAT 221 | 4 | MAT 222 | 4 |
| BIO 206 | 4 | BIO 207 | 4 |
| CHE 211 | 4 | CHE 212 | 4 |
Please consult your advisor when registering for courses in each semester.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE NAME | CREDIT HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | College Biology I/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 102 | College Biology II/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 206 | Cell Biology/Lab | 4 Credits |
| BIO 207 | Genetics/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 111 | General Chemistry I/Lab | 4 Credits |
| CHE 112 | General Chemistry II/Lab | 4 Credits |
| COL 101 | College and Employability Skills | 3 Credits |
| COM 110 | Computer Applications in Business | 3 Credits |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 Credits |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 Credits |
| ENV 101 | Environmental Science I | 3 Credits |
| ENV 102 | Environmental Science II | 3 Credits |
| ENV 203 | Introduction to Marine Science I | 3 Credits |
| ENV 204 | Introduction to Marine Science II | 3 Credits |
| MAT 233 | Probability and Statistics | 3 Credits |
| Social Sciences | 3 Credits | |
| Language Requirement (Spanish or a Computer Language) | 3-4 Credits | |
| Science/Math Elective | 3-4 Credits | |
| MINIMUM REQUIRED: | 60-62 CREDITS |
The following sequence is suggested for all full-time Associate of Science in Sciences - Environmental/Marine Science track students. If this recommended sequence is not followed, the student is not guaranteed to graduate on time.
| FALL I | SPRING I | |||
| COURSE | CREDITS | COURSE | CREDITS | |
| COL 101 | 3 | ENG 101 | 3 | |
| CHE 111 | 4 | CHE 112 | 3 | |
| ENV 101 | 3 | ENV 102 | 3 | |
| BIO 101 | 4 | BIO 102 | 4 | |
| SUMMER | |
| COURSE | CREDITS |
| COM 110 | 3 |
| ENG 102 | 3 |
| FALL II | SPRING II | ||
| COURSE | CREDITS | COURSE | CREDITS |
| Social Science | 3 | MAT 233 | 3 |
| Language Requirement | 3-4 | Science/Math Elective | 3-4 |
| ENV 203 | 3 | ENV 204 | 3 |
| BIO 206 | 4 | BIO 207 | 4 |
Please consult your advisor when registering for courses in each semester.
| Course Number/ Title | Course description | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 101 Environmental Science I | This is a course designed for students who wish to enhance their knowledge of basic scientific principles governing environmental problems on a global scale. Students will also learn about ecosystems at the national and international level and develop an understanding of the individual’s role in preserving and protecting the environment. | None | 3 Credits |
| ENV 102 Environmental Science II | This course covers climate change, human population growth and energy demands on the planet. Case studies will be included so that students learn about international cooperation and the need to develop a sustain- able future, internationally, nationally and locally. | ENV 101 | 3 Credits |
| ENV 201 Environmental Studies I | This course is primarily intended for science majors, however it can be taken as an elective by any other major with the expressed permission of the lecturer. Industrialised society has been a major agent of environ- mental change. This course seeks to examine environmental issues by first examining processes that operate in natural systems and then assessing how we have modified such systems. Debate and analysis of several environmental readings and case studies, will be used as a vehicle to understand the scientific issues associated with environ- mental change. Topics will include sustainability, risk, ethics, waste management, climate change, environmental economics and regulations | ENV 102 | 3 Credits |
| ENV 202 Environmental Studies II | Environmental systems are the study of life on land and oceans and how natural systems of wind, water, air and land elements interact with each other. The study of environmental systems includes a wide variety of disciplines such as biological oceanography, chemistry, geology, meteorology and oceanog- raphy. An emphasis in this course is on the new field of conservation biology which additionally draws on many longstanding scientific disciplines such as marine ecology, wildlife biology, biogeography, zoology, botany, genetics, fisheries biology, anthropology, economics and law. Like all scientific disciplines, the study of environmental systems also follows the scientific method. Finally, the course will investigate how humans are impacting these natural systems. | ENV 201 | 3 Credits |
| ENV 203 Introduction to Marine Science I | Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science, which explores the physical, chemical and biological processes on earth and the interaction of those processes. The oceans influence global climate and provide important resources and services for humans. In turn, humans are having a tremendous impact on the oceans through disruption of coastlines, pollution, overuse of marine resources, global warming and other anthropogenic effects. The Cayman Islands provides the unique opportunity to understand the function and structure of oceanic habitats and to investigate human influences on ocean resources. Information from the text will be supplemented by case studies and first hand investigation into marine science issues. | One ENV or BIO 100 | 3 Credits |
| ENV 204 Introduction to Marine Science II | Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science, which explores the physical, chemical and biological processes on earth and the interaction of those processes. The oceans influence global climate and provide important resources and services for humans. In turn, humans are having a tremendous impact on the oceans through disruption of coastlines, pollution, overuse of marine resources, global warming and other anthropogenic effects. The Cayman Islands provide the unique opportunity to understand the function and structure of oceanic habitats and to study oceanic processes. Information from the text will be supplemented by case studies and first hand investigation into marine science issues. |
