Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 125
NATURAL SCIENCE Degree: Associate of Science Program Modality: On-ground Program Director: Michelle Kulp McEliece
Program Description: The associate degree program in Natural Science is intended not only for prospective Biology majors, but also for students interested in earning an associate degree prior to entering programs in medical technology, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy, and cytotechnology. It is also meant for individuals employed at local pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies who require a degree credential to achieve promotion. The associate degree is based in the first two years of coursework in the Biology Program; as such, it serves an integrated course of study in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, with an emphasis on molecular and cellular biology.
Program Student Learning Outcomes: PLO1 Communicate scientific information in a variety of formats to audiences of varying scientific sophistication in an appropriate scientific style. PLO2 Recognize, articulate, analyze, and synthesize the fundamental principles of molecular, cellular, and organismal biology, including genetics, biochemistry, ecology, etc., and relate to them the foundational principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. PLO3 Plan and implement a strategy to answer a scientific question; Collect data using appropriate laboratory and field techniques, instrumentation, and methodology and to retrieve data from the scientific literature and from on-line databases; Analyze and interpret data to produce meaningful conclusions. PLO4 Apply ethical judgment in the review of experimental design, implementation, presentation, and collaboration as well as in the application of scientific technologies and to recognize ethical conflicts when they occur.
NOTE: For Major Requirements, see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets. For Curriculum Sequence, see Program Handbook.
Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention
Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures: Natural Science applicants are required to have units in biology, chemistry, algebra I, algebra II and geometry or equivalent within the required 16 high school units. Natural Science students who opt to submit SAT scores are required to have an SAT score of 530 or higher in math.
Internal / External Transfers: Students transferring to the Natural Science program at GMercyU from outside the institution must apply to the University and meet the minimum program requirements. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency. Once accepted, students will meet with the program director to determine the appropriate time expected to graduation, given the student’ s prior coursework. Students transferring into the Natural Science Program from another program at GMercyU must meet with the program director to discuss the curriculum and program requirements, to determine whether they qualify for acceptance into the program, and, if so, timeline to degree completion.
Academic Standards / Grade Requirements: Grades of“ C” or higher are required in each major course in