Life Sciences (A.S.)

Study life sciences at JCC

Jamestown Community College’s Life Sciences associate degree provides a strong foundation in biological and chemical principles, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking skills. This program prepares graduates for transfer to four-year institutions or entry-level careers in life science fields by fostering a deep understanding of the natural world, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting laboratory experience. 

Our comprehensive curriculum will inspire your curiosity, cultivate your problem-solving abilities, and equip you with the knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements and the betterment of society.

2024 median pay for life, physical, and social science occupations: $78,980/year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Prepare for your field of study

When you major in a science field, your first two years of coursework are standard across schools and disciplines. In JCC’s program, you’ll complete all foundational courses needed to transfer for bachelor’s and graduate degrees in:

  • Biology and molecular biology
  • Chemistry
  • Dentistry
  • Environmental science and ecology
  • Medical technology
  • Pharmacy
  • Pre-med and pre-health
  • Veterinary medicine

Why start at JCC

  • JCC is nationally accredited through Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a member of the State University of New York. You can transfer to hundreds of colleges and universities for your next step.
  • Choose specialized science electives to explore your interests.
  • Learn from faculty who are experts in their field with real-world experiences.
  • Get individualized support with small class sizes and our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Develop your transfer and career pathway with your one-on-one faculty advisor.

Where to study at JCC

This program is registered for the Jamestown Campus and Cattaraugus County Campus. Course availability may vary by semester, and some courses may be offered online or at a single campus location. Consult the course schedule for current offerings.

Program pathway

This program includes courses that may qualify for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Semester 1

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

BIO 1571: Principles Cell Molec Bio Lecture (3) and

BIO 1572: Principles Cell Molec Bio Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Applied Learning
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

CHE 1551: General Chemistry I Lecture (3) and

CHE 1552: General Chemistry 1 Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

MAT 1590: College Algebra/Trigonometry (or higher)

4
SUNY
  • Math
JCC
  • Mathematical Reasoning

ENG 1510: English Composition I

3
SUNY
  • Humanities
JCC
  • College Composition

INT 1555: Inquire

2
JCC
  • Critical and Integrative Reasoning
  • Diverse Perspectives
  • CHE 1551/CHE 1552: Corequisite MAT 1590 (or higher) or Eligibility: MAT 1600
  • All Life Science students follow a fairly consistent first year (unless College Connections or transfer courses are accepted).

Semester 2

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

BIO 1581: Prin. Eco/Evol Bio Lecture (3) and

BIO 1582: Princ. Eco/Evol Bio Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

CHE 1561: General Chemistry II Lecture (3) and

CHE 1562: General Chemistry II Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

ENG 1530: English Composition II

3
SUNY
  • Basic Communication
JCC
  • College Composition
  • Oral Communication

MAT 1600: Precalculus (or higher)

4
SUNY
  • Math
JCC
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • CHE 1561/CHE 1562: Corequisite MAT 1590 or Eligibility: MAT 1600
  • All Life Science students follow a fairly consistent first year (unless College Connections or transfer courses are accepted).

Semester 3

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science and Pre-health Professional: 

CHE 2531: Organic Chemistry 1 Lecture (3) and CHE 2532: Organic Chemistry 1 Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science:

BIO 2651: Ecology Lecture (3) and BIO 2652: Ecology Lab (1)

 

Recommended for Pre-health Professional:

BIO 2510: Anatomy & Physiology I or

BIO 2531: Microbiology Lecture (3) and BIO 2532: Microbiology Lab (1) or

Physics course

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science and Pre-health Professional:

BIO 1551: Intro Enviro Science Lecture (3) and BIO 1552: Intro Enviro Science Lab (1) or

BIO 2531: Microbiology (3) and BIO 2532: Microbiology Lab (1) or

Math course or

Physics course

3-4
SUNY
  • Math
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Elective

Choose a course from a SUNY Gen Ed category that has not yet been fulfilled

3-6
SUNY
  • Arts
  • Diversity
  • Humanities
  • Math
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • U.S. History and Civic Engagement
  • World History and Global Awareness
  • World Languages
  • Written & Oral Communication
  • During semesters 3 and 4, students can follow advising pathways based on their career goals - Natural Science or Pre-health Professional.
  • Program core electives listed are recommendations, and should be based on your career and transfer pathways. Work with your advisor to choose electives that best suit your goals.

Semester 4

Course
Credits
Requirements Met

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science and Pre-health Professional:

CHE 2541: Organic Chemistry II Lecture (3) and CHE 2542: Organic Chemistry II Lab (1)

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science:

BIO 2561: Genetics Lecture (3) and BIO 2562: Genetics Lab (1) or

GLG 1511: Physical Geology Lecture (3) and GLG 1512: Physical Geology Lab (1)

 

Recommended for Pre-health Professional:

BIO 2520: Anatomy & Physiology II or

BIO 2531: Microbiology (3) and BIO 2532: Microbiology Lab (1) or

BIO 2561: Genetics Lecture (3) and BIO 2562: Genetics Lab (1) or

BIO 2760: Nutrition or

Physics course

4
SUNY
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Program Core Elective

Recommended for Natural Science:

BIO 1551: Intro Enviro Science Lecture (3) and BIO 1552: Intro Enviro Science Lab (1) or

BIO 2531: Microbiology (3) and BIO 2532: Microbiology Lab (1) or

Math course or

Physics course

 

Recommended for Pre-health Professional:

BIO 2531: Microbiology (3) and BIO 2532: Microbiology Lab (1) or

BIO 2760: Nutrition or

Math course or

Physics course

3-4
SUNY
  • Math
  • Natural Sciences
JCC
  • Scientific Reasoning: Natural Sciences

Elective

Choose a course from a SUNY Gen Ed category that has not yet been fulfilled

3-6
SUNY
  • Arts
  • Diversity
  • Humanities
  • Math
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • U.S. History and Civic Engagement
  • World History and Global Awareness
  • World Languages
  • Written & Oral Communication
  • During semesters 3 and 4, students can follow advising pathways based on their career goals - Natural Science or Pre-health Professional.
  • Program core electives listed are recommendations, and should be based on your career and transfer pathways. Work with your advisor to choose electives that best suit your goals.

Life sciences skills

After you complete the program, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in basic biological, natural, and chemical sciences.
  • Acquire practical experience in the laboratory setting.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analysis.
  • Develop the ability to think critically and communicate scientific concepts clearly.
  • Analyze the ethical implications of scientific research and discovery.