Biological Sciences

Welcome


 
 
The Biological Sciences department at Southern Maine Community College offers courses that allow you to explore the natural world through hands-on application of the scientific method.
 
We offer three degree programs: Biotechnology, Marine Science, and the Liberal Studies Science focus.
 
Please phone or e-mail me with any and all questions (e-mail will be quicker):
 
Daniel Moore, Department Chair
207-741-5966
e-mail: dpmoore@smccme.edu
  

 
 

Biotechnology

                                                                    
The Biotechnology associate in applied science (AAS) degree is the beginning of a career path where the knowledge of biology is used to solve problems in medicine, immunology, forensics, environmental protection, and veterinary science. Biotechnology students at SMCC attend small-sized classes, where they learn not only the fundamentals of chemistry and biology, but also gain laboratory experience culturing cells, extracting DNA, and identifying enzymes to learn the techniques and skills involved in biotechnology. Students have the opportunity to intern for the summer in research laboratories as part of the Biotechnology program. The AAS in Biotechnology can lead directly to entry-level jobs in manufacturing, research and development at biotechnology firms, or it can transfer to a four-year college or university as the foundation for a higher degree.
 
 
 
 

Marine Science

 
  
 

The Marine Science associate in applied science (AAS) degree offers students extensive hands-on training in the classroom, on the coastline, and aboard the college's research vessel. Our courses provide a wide range of biological and oceanographic experiences. These courses enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university, or gain a foothold directly into a career in a field science-related field. In addition to basic boat and field sampling equipment, students learn to use a variety of technologically advanced equipment like multibeam echo sounders, side scan sonars, ROVs, and data sondes. Small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a beautiful coastal location make the Marine Science program at SMCC uniquely suited to Maine and New England!

Our AAS degree in Marine Science now transfers in its entirety to the first two years of UNE's Marine Biology bachelor of science (BS) degree program and USM's Environmental Science bachelor of science degree program. This means our marine science graduates will enter UNE or USM as a junior.

  
    
 
                

Liberal Studies Science focus

 
            
The Liberal Studies Science focus associate in arts (AA) degree program is designed to transfer as the first two years of a four-year bachelor of science degree. The curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in science (biology, chemistry, physics, and subfields), along with many of the general education courses necessary to complete a more advanced degree at a four-year university or college of their choice. The science labs are located in Hildreth Hall (shown below).
 
Our AA in Liberal Studies Science now transfers in its entirety to the first two years of USM's Environmental Science bachelor of science (BS) degree program and its Environmental Policy and Planning bachelor of arts (BA) degree program. This means SMCC liberal studies science graduates will enter USM as a junior in these two programs.
 
  

                                                        More information about the Liberal Studies Science focus degree program

                                                                                      Courses required for the degree

2022 Summer fellowship information

Paid summer fellowships for Community College Students                   Jan 19,2022

 

Below is an updated list of the MANY  opportunities open to SMCC science students in Maine and around the country. Most of these offer a paid stipend (typically about $500 per week), and some offer room and board plus travel funding.  They are competitive and require serious work on the application. Note that most have January and early February application deadlines!  Now is the time to begin planning for the summer.

 

Many of the first five fellowships listed are directed towards Maine Community College students. You have a good chance of getting one of these if you carry through on the application process. The other research fellowships are open to students from across the country, and many are specifically looking for community college students.

 

If you need help getting your resume together for the application you should schedule a meeting with the Career and Transfer Services office at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline.  You can contact Addie Laroche,  Director of Career Services at  alaroche@smccme.edu

 

You also should give faculty members at least two weeks advance notice for any letters of recommendation that you want written on your behalf.

 

  

  1. INBRE Summer Fellowships that include extra funding for room and board

Applications due January 28th  2022

There are two spots for SMCC students at research institutions in Maine (including greater Portland) or VT, NH, RI or DE.   These fellowships include room and board plus travel to the research location and supply money for the lab that hosts you.   You may also do these fellowships locally in Southern Maine. You can also apply for the more competitive REU funding on the same page.

Apply directly this webpage  https://mdibl.org/education/student-fellowships/

 

 

  1. INBRE Summer Fellowship without extra support funds

Application due Feb 10th   2022

In addition to the two INBRE fellowships listed above, there will be two paid fellowships for SMCC students awarded through a separate application process directly from SMCC.  These fellowships come with a stipend, but not the room/board/supply funds.  Apply via the application below.

 

 

  1.  Bigelow Summer Fellowship

Applications open on January 1- Feb 15th 2022 and decisions will be made by March 15.

Bigelow has set aside two positions to be filled by SMCC students. These fellowships come with a stipend as well as room and board at the student dorm in Boothbay Harbor.  Apply on the Bigelow Labs webpage https://www.bigelow.org/education/reu/

 

 

  1.  Gulf of Maine Research Institute Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Applications due February 15th 2022

Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI )has started a new NSF-funded summer fellowship program for undergraduates including community college students.  SMCC students are encouraged to apply and it is very likely that at least one will be chosen.  Applications will be accepted between January 1st and February 15th, 2022

https://gmri.org/projects/research-experience-undergraduates/

 

 

5. University of Maine Initiative for One Health and the Environment are excited to announce an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).  Are you interested in studying the link between genetics and marine mammal health, the risk of diseases (known as zoonoses) that can transfer from animals to humans, or how policy and climate change are impacting tick-borne diseases and their effects on iconic Maine species like moose?  If so, you should consider applying to our program!  

For more information and to apply (by February 15th) : https://nsfa.umaine.edu/one-health/REU. 

 

 

 

 

 

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There are additional programs offering summer research opportunities for students at research institutions across the nation.  These are competitive positions open to college students from across the country.  SMCC students have been chosen several times in the past, so it is worth your time to apply.

 

1.  STEM internships around the USA through Pathways to Science

This webpage has a number of fellowship opportunities around the US across multiple STEM fields.  Many of the programs have a preference for Community College students.  Search fully funded Summer Research programs, below, by institution and disciplinary categories, or by geography!

https://pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx

 

2.  Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough, applications due February 22nd  2022

Research at MMCRI covers a broad area in biomedical science including vascular biology, stem cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, hematology, nephrology, tumor biology, and molecular genetics as well as outcomes research, vector-borne diseases, and clinical research.

https://mmcri.org/?page_id=505

 

3.  Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor ME and Farmington CT, applications due February  2nd 2022

https://www.jax.org/education-and-learning/high-school-students-and-undergraduates/learn-earn-and-explore/admission

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