Natural Science - AS

The mission of the Associate of Science Degree in Natural Sciences (ASNS) program of study embraces various levels of educational preparation for early science disciplines. The program enables graduates to achieve educational, career mobility, and practice advancement.  The program will provide a comprehensive background in various science and mathematics courses in route to acquiring high demand marketable skills and a seamless pathway to obtain a post-secondary education in STEM fields and ultimately gain employment using those skills.

The vision of the ASNS studies is to provide a positive, supportive learning environment where students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills through evidence-based, innovative instructions to become safe and competent scientists.  The program is committed to providing an innovative, inclusive, diverse, and affordable learning experience for students who will achieve their highest levels of human potential as a professional scientist.

Upon completion of either of these programs, a student will:

• Possess an applied science background to transition into a four-year university with majors in biology or chemistry at or close to the junior-year level;
• Possess a sufficient mathematics background in related fields; and
• Be able to identify, understand, formulate, and solve fundamental science problems in the areas of their field.

• Upon completing the program, the student will develop critical thinking skills as follows:
• Observation:  Making observations and gathering and presenting data logically / appropriately.
• Analysis:  Analyze and make sense of the data collected.
• Making Inferences: Use observation and analysis to draw appropriate conclusions.
• Communication:  Effectively communicate scientific findings to both scientific and lay audiences
• Problem Solving.  Solve problems using trial and error, troubleshooting, modeling and the scientific method.

Program of Study – Biology Concentration

Program of Study – Chemistry Concentration

There are no specific accreditation requirements for the proposed ASNS degree programs. These degrees will fall within the scope of general accreditation requirements for all other associate degree programs within UDC.

The UDC Office of Admissions processes applications to the University and UDC-CC, and upon admission, students identifying ASNS as a major, are assigned to a Student Success Advisor for ongoing advisement.

Admission to the program is contingent on the admission to college as students declaring their major (Associate of Science in the Natural Sciences).

The admission standards to earn an Associate degree at UDC-CC comprised of following:

• UDC Community College (Associate degree programs):
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Transfer Students
  • Transfer students must first follow all regulations for transfer into UDC as outlined in various University-wide publications which include, but are not limited to, the UDC website and the course catalog.
  • All transcripts from the previous institution(s) must be reviewed for equivalence to grant credit in courses required to obtain the degree.  The last science course must have been passed with a grade of ”C” or better within 5 years of the transfer.
• High school diploma, GED or equivalent

Not currently on academic probation or suspension at another college or university (There is a two-year waiting period for those who’ve been academically dismissed from their last school.)

The university’s grading system for ASNS is as follows:

A “C" or better grade is required in all courses listed on the Program of Study. The following grades are used in all  courses to indicate the student's level of achievement:

A (90-100) Excellent
B (80-89) Good
C (70-79) Satisfactory
D (60-69) Unsatisfactory (not passing)
F (Below 59) Unsatisfactory (not passing)

Students have rights and responsibilities to express concerns regarding faculty-student matters and perceived problems. Students are encouraged to follow the chain of command and seek assistance from faculty members and academic advisors to resolve issues at the lowest level of authority. If the matter cannot be resolved at the level of occurrence, the student is to use the established Grievances Policy. Grade appeals that cannot be resolved at the departmental level go to the Community College Academic Appeals Committee. Complaints of discrimination can be filed with the UDC Office of Human Resources to address affirmative action, equal employment opportunities, disability handicap-limitation accommodations, racial harassment, and sexual harassment.

ASNS students are expected to follow the UDC Code of Student Conduct. Students at UDC assume the obligation to maintain standards of academic integrity. Violation of academic obligations includes unethical practices and acts of academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, falsification, and the facilitation of such acts. Academic integrity is expected and required for retention in the nursing program. Violations of the Contract of Civility and Respect Code of Student Conduct will result in dismissal from the ASNS program.

UDC Student Handbook

1. The Associate Degree requires at least 60 semester hours, 15 of which must be in residence.
2. Completion of appropriate College-Wide requirements. (Refer to University Catalog).
3. Complete all courses in the program of study with a minimum grade of “C.”
4. A 2.0 grade point average must be maintained.

By the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the University of the District of Columbia makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for all individuals with disabilities. The program does not discriminate against applicants because of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, political affiliation, or disability.

Disability Resource Center

American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Chemical Society
American Institute of Biological Sciences
American Society for Microbiology
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemist and Engineers
National Science Foundation
Society for Natural Sciences
UDC Biological Science 4 Year Degree Program
UDC Chemistry 4 Year Degree Program