-
Christine Andrews
Assistant Director, Center for Academic Enrichment and Adjunct Faculty -
Suzanne Cooke
LECTURER -
Patricia Halpin
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -
Al Larson
Adjunct FacultyEmail: albert.larson@unh.edu -
Keith Legro
LABORATORY COORDINATOR -
Kyle MacLea
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -
Stephen Pugh
EMERITUS ASSOCIATE PROFESSORChair, Department of Life Sciences -
Megan Thompson
Adjunct Faculty
Biological Sciences (A.S.)
Biological Sciences (A.S.)

Focus on either biology and microbiology as you pursue your associate degree in biological sciences at UNH Manchester
What is biological sciences?
Biology is the study of life, exploring how living organisms from microbes to animals to ecosystems interact with one another and the environment. It concerns itself with questions of understanding the living world, its complex interrelationships, and the role of human beings within it. The biological sciences program builds a foundation in topics like evolution, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, biodiversity and more.
Why study biological sciences at UNH Manchester?
The Associate of Science in biological sciences at UNH Manchester is designed to prepare you with the skills and knowledge fora career or further education in the life sciences. Offering diverse areas of study and hands-on laboratory experience, this program explores microbiology, plant biology, biochemistry, zoology and more. The A.S. fulfills requirements that can go towards a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or biotechnology at UNH Manchester. As a terminal degree, the A.S. can prepare you for careers in education;food, water, wastewater and other industrial laboratories; clinical laboratories; biotechnology; environmental research and monitoring; animal behavior and more.
Potential career areas
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
- Education
- Environmental science
- Food industries
- Medicine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Public health
- Research
Curriculum & Requirements
Biology is the study of living organisms in both laboratory and field conditions. It concerns itself with questions of understanding the living world, its complex interrelationships, and the role of human beings within it.
The associate of science in biological sciences program at UNH Manchester is designed to serve either as a terminal degree or as a springboard for students interested in the life sciences, which include majors in biology, microbiology, zoology, plant biology, wildlife management, environmental conservation, biochemistry, and animal sciences. Employment opportunities in the public and private sectors include education; food, water, wastewater and other industrial laboratories; clinical laboratories; biotechnology; environmental research and monitoring; and animal behavior.
Students must complete a minimum of 64 credits to graduate. There are two tracks in the A.S. degree program at UNH Manchester: biology and microbiology.
Biology Track Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MATH 425 | Calculus I | 4 |
or MATH 424B | Calculus for Life Sciences | |
PSYC 402 | Statistics in Psychology 1 | 4 |
BIOL 413 | Principles of Biology I | 4 |
BIOL 414 | Principles of Biology II | 4 |
CHEM 403 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
CHEM 404 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
BMS 503 & BMS 504 | General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | 5 |
CHEM 545 & CHEM 546 | Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
BMCB 658 & BMCB 659 | General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab | 5 |
BIOL 541 | Ecology | 4 |
GEN 604 | Principles of Genetics | 0 or 4 |
Total Credits | 43-47 |
1 | Other statistics courses such as BIOL 528 Applied Biostatistics I or BUS 430 Introduction to Business Statistics may be used to satisfy this requirement. |
Microbiology Track Requirements
Students opting for the microbiology track must complete all courses listed in the biological sciences program with the exception of BIOL 541 Ecology. In addition, students must complete the following courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BMS 602 & BMS 603 | Pathogenic Microbiology and Pathogenic Microbiology Laboratory | 5 |
BMS #601 | Bacteriology of Food | 5 |
Total Credits | 10 |
Note: Students preparing for professional or graduate programs may need to complete: CHEM 651 Organic Chemistry I/CHEM 653 Organic Chemistry Laboratory and CHEM 652 Organic Chemistry II/CHEM 654 Organic Chemistry Laboratory. These courses may substitute for CHEM 545 Organic Chemistry/CHEM 546 Organic Chemistry Laboratory and BMCB 658 General Biochemistry/BMCB 659 General Biochemistry Lab. Please consult your academic advisor.
For more information, contact Kyle MacLea, program coordinator, at Kyle.MacLea@unh.edu; or contact the Office of Admissions, (603) 641-4150.
Explore Program Details
Because of the popularity and size of our biological sciences program, we’ve more than doubled our laboratory space. You’ll get hands-on experience in our seven state-of-the-art laboratories: general biology, advanced biology, microbiology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, as well as the cell culture research lab and microbiology research lab.
Labs are stocked with the latest, cutting-edge equipment and are taught by residential faculty or experienced instructors, all of whom specialize in their discipline.
Our campus is in the heart of the region’s cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity — putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We’ve partnered with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart. Biological sciences majors have interned at many high-profile organizations in the area, including:
- Concord Hospital
- Elliott Hospital
- Manchester Water Works
- New Hampshire Audubon Society
- Normandeau Associates
Program News

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