Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,

well, I have in mind to get an undergraduated degree (B.Sc.) in Biology, and I have already searched around for distance learning courses.
The problem is, I do not want to quit my current job now to go back to University. Are there complete (or at least almost complete) course programms to an B.Sc. degree in General Biology or Zoology? The B.Sc. requires 120 credit points, including 60 level 3 (USA)...
Perhaps I could also get the lab experience done somewhere.

Cheers,
Wulf
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http://www.leiopython.de - the white-lipped python site -
http://www.herpers-digest.com - herp related eBooks search -

I can't say for certain either way, but if there is one, it wouldn't be the same. Getting experiences in a lab, working with specimens, in the field etc. are a huge part of the biology degree I'm working on, and it really wouldn't be the same without them.
One possibility is to find a couple places you would like to go, find out their requirements, and then fill the core requirements through either distance learning or at a nearby community college (though be sure to make sure those credits are accepted). After that you can take a year or two to go to the main college and take the upper level biology courses and get your BS. I don't know for sure how this would work, but if I were in your position I would look into trying something like that.

I agree that you would probably be better off getting those upper-level biology/zoology courses in the classroom, lab and in the field. As for the other core courses and some electives you might want to check out Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey. They are a fully-accrediated state school that will allow you to complete your entire degree by non-traditional means. You can just test out out of a lot of the basic core courses, and take courses on-line, by computer, correspondence courses and get credit for knowledge you have already gained through work experience, prior training, military courses, etc using their portfolio review process. They accept both resident and out-of-state students but out-of-state tuition is a bit higher.

Thomas Edison is not just a 'paper mill' and getting credit for courses in not a cake walk but it is viable for those who work and have schedules that make it difficult to attend classes. They offer both Associate and Bachelor Degree programs.
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Gerald Keown
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research
www.southwesternherp.com