Biology
Seward County Community College  Area Technical School
Studying biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists learn how living
things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world
in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats
to human health, and maintaining viable and abundant food supplies.
Career Opportunities
There are many careers for biologists who want to combine their scientific training with interests in other
fields. Here are some examples:
Biotechnology: Biologists apply scientific principles to develop and enhance products, tools, and
technological advances in fields such as agriculture, food science, and medicine.
Forensic science: Forensic biologists work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies
using scientific methods to discover and process evidence that can be used to solve crimes.
Politics and policy: Science advisors work with lawmakers to create new legislation on topics such as
biomedical research and environmental protection. Their input is essential, ensuring that decisions are
based upon solid science.
Business and industry: Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and
services to research and test new products. They also work in sales, marketing, and public relations
positions.
Mathematics: Biologists in fields such as bioinformatics and computational biology apply mathematical
techniques to solve biological problems, such as modeling ecosystem processes and gene sequencing.
Science writing and communication: Journalists and writers with a science background inform the
general public about relevant and emerging biological issues.
Art: All the illustrations in your biology textbook, as well as in newspaper and magazine science articles,
were created by talented artists with a thorough understanding of biology.
Education: Individuals with a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology are in demand as K-12 biology teachers.
The Kansas State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education have substantial
scholarships and student loan forgiveness programs available for students pursuing a degree in science
education.
Degree Options
Seward County Community College offers a two-year Associate of Science degree in Biology.
Advising
Advising at SCCC/ATS is a relationship responsible for reducing confusion and teaching students how to
navigate the college environment. Your advisor will help you make important personal connections to the
college and will work with you one-on-one to clarify goals so that informed, rational, career, and
educational decisions can be made. We believe that advising is teaching, resulting in an independent, selfdirected learner.
Facilities
At SCCC/ATS, you will have access to exclusive science and math computer laboratories. Our biology
labs support scientific investigations and computer-based simulations. The biology department also has a
12 acre outdoor classroom and prairie restoration lab north of the campus.
Clubs/Organizations
PATHWAYS is our organization for students interested in careers in the Science, Math, and Engineering
fields. The name of the organization comes from the coordinated course sequences (Paths) and the focus on
developing an SCCC/ATS connection for students through a learning community.
(Adapted from www.aibs.org)
Program Contact
Don Hayes, Instructor
620-417-1505
donald.hayes@sccc.edu
Greg Gardner
620-417-1502
greg.gardner@sccc.edu
Jared Haas
620-417-1503
jared.haas@sccc.edu
1801 N Kansas Ave  PO Box 1137  Liberal, KS 67905-1137
620-624-1951  1-800-373-9951
www.sccc.edu
Degree Requirements
Type of Award: Associate of Science
Credit Hours
General Education
34
Communications ................................................................................................................................................................... 9
English Composition I
3
English Composition II
3
Public Speaking
3
Introduction to Computer Concepts/Apps ............................................................................................................................ 3
Humanities (from at least 3 different disciplines) ............................................................................................................................ 6
Art*, History, Literature, Music*, Philosophy, Theater*
* studio/performance courses are excluded
Social/Behavioral Science (from at least 2 different disciplines and Economics)................................................................................. 6
Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Physical Education Activity .................................................................................................................................................. 1
First Year Seminar ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
College Algebra .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Lab Science (from either of the following disciplines) ..................................................................................................................... 5
Natural Science, Physical Science
Core Emphasis
Principles of Biology
Zoology
Botany
College Chemistry I, II
General Organic Chemistry I, II
General Physics I, II
Microbiology
Trigonometry
Calculus
Cell Biology
12
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
3
5
4
Electives
18
Total Degree Requirements
64
Office of Admissions
620-417-1100 or 1-800-373-9951, ext. 1100
admit@sccc.edu
POLICY OF NODISCRIMINATION
Applicants for admission and employment, students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional
agreements with Seward County Community College/Area Technical School are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender age, or disability in
admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning Seward County Community College/Area Technical School’s compliance with the regulations
implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact Mr. Tommy E. Williams, PO Box 1137, 1801 N Kansas, Liberal, Kansas, 620.624.1951.
Mr. Williams has been designated by Seward County Community College/Area Technical School to coordinate the institution’s effort to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. Any
person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the institution’s compliance with the regulations implements Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504.