Course Descriptions - Prefixes A-B

ACCT1001 Financial Accounting 3 cr.
This course introduces the nature and purpose of accounting in our economy and its business organizations. The focus is on the fundamental steps in the accounting cycle using manual and computer applications. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret financial statements, apply basic principles and procedures for statement preparation, understand the nature of double-entry bookkeeping and accrual accounting, understand the nature and role of professional accounting standards, and, most importantly, understand what the numbers mean. Financial accounting activities are concerned with the proper recording of financial data and the preparation of financial statements and reports (including the income statement, balance sheet, statement of owners’ equity, and cash flow statement) that provide information about the firm’s past performance and current financial position. Such statements and reports are intended for “external” decision makers, who are not involved in the day-to-day management of the enterprise, such as stockholders, banks, suppliers, other creditors, employees, taxing authorities and other government agencies, and other external stakeholders. The fundamental need for financial accounting is to reduce the principal-agent problem by measuring and monitoring agents’ (i.e., managers’) performance and reporting the results to interested users, including, but not limited to, stockholders, bondholders, regulatory agencies, and the tax man.

ACCT1002 Managerial Accounting 3 cr.
This course is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of selecting and analyzing managerial and financial accounting information for internal use by managers for decision-making, planning, directing and controlling purposes. In financial accounting, management accounting information is usually confidential and used by management, instead of publicly reported; forward-looking, instead of historical; and pragmatically computed, instead of complying with accounting standards. The students will learn to design and apply systems to calculate costs for job-orders and operational process, analyze cost behavior through variable costing and activity-based costing, generate pricing and profit analysis and plans, calculate standard costs, develop flexible budgets, analyze overhead costs, do business segment analysis, and make capital budgeting decisions. Prerequisites: ACCT1001; MGMT1000 (previously or concurrently).

ACCT2102 Intermediate Accounting I 3 cr.
Gives the student an understanding of the theoretical foundations of accounting using manual and computer applications. Topics include temporary investments, cash, receivables, inventories, fixed assets, marketable securities and current liabilities. Prerequisite: ACCT1002.

ACCT2103 Intermediate Accounting II 3 cr.
A continuation of ACCT2102 Intermediate Accounting I, focusing on land, buildings, and equipment; current and long-term liabilities; the stockholders’ equity; and the statement of cash flow. Prerequisite: ACCT2102.

ACCT2900 Career Internship 3 cr.

ACCT2909 Cooperative Education for Accounting 3 cr.
Places students in off-campus work experiences, which may include a bank, accounting firm, or insurance office. A minimum of 144 hours is required. Open to sophomores either summer, fall, or spring semester. Prerequisite: 2.5 CGPA.

ACCT3100 Advanced Accounting 3 cr.
Presents the theory and problems related to partnership formation, distribution of income and losses, admission of new partners and partnership liquidation. Also includes the examination of corporate consolidation using the purchase and pooling methods and the consolidations of financial statements of parent and subsidiary companies of both domestic and foreign operations. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ACCT3200 Cost Accounting 3 cr.
Examines the principles involved in cost of a manufacturing company. Techniques for job order, process costing, standard costing and control cost procedures will be used to solve business problems. The course will culminate with capital budget decision making. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ACCT4100 Accounting Research 3 cr.
A culmination course using case analysis of business operations requiring the use of documented support of an accounting opinion based on an examination of accounting literature such as federal and state laws and regulations, auditing standards, GAAP, industry guides and other authoritative literature. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ACCT4200 Federal Taxation I 3 cr.
A broad examination of state and federal income tax laws and regulations. Includes the determination of taxable income, allowable deductions, gains and losses of individuals, partnerships and corporations with an emphasis on tax planning. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ACCT4201 Federal Taxation II 3 cr.
An investigation of the Internal Revenue Code provisions applicable to partnership formation, operation, reorganization, and liquidation; and an investigation of the provisions applicable to small businesses, S corporation, and consolidated corporation in relation to formation, accumulated earnings and profits and liquidation. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ACCT4300 Auditing 3 cr.
Gives an understanding of the auditing process and the working papers necessary as support documentation for the examination of business records in accordance with auditing standards as expressed in the public accounting audit opinion. Prerequisite: ACCT2103.

ANSC1003 Animal Care Management 3 cr.
An introductory course offering the basic care of most companion animals. Emphasis is on feeding, breeding, health maintenance, and housing of various species (dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, fish, rodents, etc.). Offered in fall only.

This is an introductory course to the operation and design of a professional kennel such as a private boarding facility, a public or private animal shelter, humane society or training facility. Emphasis is on animal handling, sanitation, disinfection, proper feeding, watering and housing and basic health and behavior issues. The student is exposed to many different types of operations and introduced to various career opportunities. Rotations in the Becker Veterinary Clinic kennels to learn and practice husbandry techniques are part of the laboratory requirements. Both lecture and laboratory consist of 2 hours each.  Restriction:  Animal Care Students Only.

 

ANSC1010 Animal Health Skills 3 cr.
This course introduces the student to more in-depth skills involving animal care and handling, concentrating on the dog and cat. Anatomy and Physiology, diseases and conditions affecting these species and entry level skills such as first aid, intramuscular and subcutaneous injection techniques, obtaining vital signs, bandaging and splinting techniques and basic laboratory procedures are taught. Both lecture and laboratory, 2 hours per week. Husbandry rotations in the Becker Veterinary Clinic are required. Pre-requisite ANSC1005 - Kennel Operation and Design

ANSC1201 Introduction to Grooming 1 cr.
Acquaints students with the basic practical techniques for grooming dogs and cats. Students learn the foundations of brushing, bathing, nail trimming, dematting and how to handle and restrain animals being groomed. Offered in spring only.

ANSC1400 Introduction to Animal Science 3 cr.
An introduction to the broad field of animal science. The course develops a basic understanding of each of the major types of domestic animals, with particular attention to nutrition and reproduction. Offered in spring only.

ANSC1601 Introduction to Equine Handling and Management - see EQST1601 Foundation in Equine Care  

ANSC2000 Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science 2 cr.
An introduction to the laboratory animal research environment, this course focuses on the fundamentals of applied anatomy and physiology, physical examination, animal husbandry, and identification in selected small animal laboratory species. Sentinel programs, equipment and regulatory topics are also covered. Basic nursing skills are introduced and reinforced in laboratories including animal restraint, dose calculations, hygiene, disinfectants and sterilization techniques. Pre-requisites: ANSC1005, ANSC1010, BIOL1002 or concurrent. Usually offered in the fall.

ANSC2200 Dog Obedience 2 cr.
Students learn the basic training of dogs by learning the practical application of dog teaching theories and training techniques. Hands-on sessions with dogs, plus general information about dog behavior, correcting problems, puppy prep school, human animal bonding, pet-owner counseling and assistance dogs. In addition to class time, students are required to spend a minimum of 45 minutes in daily independent work/exercise. Prerequisites: Sophomore status in the Animal Care program; ANSC1005, ANSC1010.

ANSC2201 Intermediate Grooming 2 cr.
A continuation of the introductory course, involving classroom instruction and laboratory experience focusing on trimming and clipping techniques and procedures. Attention is given to types and methods of grooming the various breeds. Open to sophomore Animal Care students. Prerequisite: Sophomore status in the Animal Care program; ANSC1005, ANSC1010, ANSC1201.

ANSC2202 Domestic Animal Behavior 3 cr.
A generalized overview of the fundamental principles of animal behavior, including patterns of behavior and the influence of structure, physiology, heredity, and experience on behavior. Open to sophomore Animal Care students. Prerequisite: ANSC1003 or ANSC1400.  Offered in spring only.

ANSC2401 Animal Nutrition 3 cr.
An introduction to proper feeding practices for both large and small animals. Nutrients and their function, as well as feeds and their components are surveyed. The importances of balancing rations of many animal species are studied. Feeding practices for the various stages of life are also covered. Prerequisite: ANSC1400.  Offered in fall only.

ANSC2403 Equine Nutrition 3 cr.
A thorough discussion of the nutritional needs of all stages of equine life from neonate to geriatric. This includes an understanding of the digestive anatomy and physiology, discussion of the various nutrients, selection of feed formulations specific to horses. In addition, the nutritional requirements of the broodmare, stallion, foal, and all stages of working horses are discussed. Also included are ration balancing and feed quality assessment, as well as the diseases associated with poor nutrition. Students are required to formulate a specific feeding regimen. Pre-requisites: EQST1601 or BIOL1005/1006 or ANSC1400.

ANSC2501 Animal Breeding 3 cr.
A demonstration of how to achieve the improvement of animals through the application of genetics. Breeding systems for the various classes of livestock and the use of accurate breeding records are stressed. Open to sophomore Animal Care students. Prerequisite: ANSC1400, BIOL1001/1002. Offered in spring only.

ANSC2701 Equine Anatomy and Physiology 3 cr.
A discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the horse with a concentration on the musculoskeletal system and conformation, the gastrointestinal system, and the respiratory system.

ANSC2900 Career Internship 3 cr.
Students perform a minimum of 150 hours of work in an animal care facility of their choosing. With the assistance of the internship coordinator, students may select to work in kennels, animal shelters, grooming parlors, biomedical research facilities, zoos, marine aquariums or any other location where they will receive valuable experience in the care of animals. Upon completion, students will present the internship coordinator with an evaluation form detailing their performance along with a daily journal and a summary paper. Most students meet this requirement during the summer between their freshman and sophomore years. Prerequisite: Sophomore status in the Animal Care program, cumulative GPA 2.0. Offered fall and spring.

This series of courses is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the major species of animals used in biomedical research. Topics include genetics and breeding as they relate to laboratory animal colony management, proper maintenance of healthy and sterile lab environments, laboratory safety and quality assurance issues as well as advanced handling and technical diagnostic techniques. Common laboratory animal diseases, pharmacology, and surgical nursing techniques are presented as they apply to this population. Recognition of normal status as well as signs of abnormal through physical examination, lab values, and observation of behavior is covered. The first semester focuses on rats, mice, dogs, fish and non-human primates. The lecture consists of 3 hours per week and laboratory component is 2 hours per week. Some off-campus laboratory sessions may be required. Students are required to participate in regularly scheduled husbandry rotations with the program laboratory animals. Prerequisites: ANSC2000 or VTSC2000.

 

This is a continuation of ANSC3401 and concentrates on Guinea pigs, cats, rabbits as well as hamsters, gerbils, and other non-traditional small research animals.  Livestock species such as sheep, goats and pigs will also be covered.  This course continues to focus on technical diagnostic techniques includes sample collection. In addition, advanced research methodologies will be examined, including studies and models for various protocols. Record keeping is emphasized as well as technical writing. The lecture consists of 3 hours per week and the laboratory component is 2 hours per week. Some off-campus laboratory sessions may be required. Students are again expected to participate in the regularly scheduled husbandry rotations with the program laboratory animals. Prerequisite ANSC3401.

 

This course deals specifically with the management of the business of breeding horses and the care needed for stallions at stud, brood mares, and foals. Topics include the estrus cycle as well as methods of controlling the cycle, the causes of infertility in both the stallion and mare, get an overview of artificial insemination, and the role of genetics in conformation. Pre-requisites: EQST1601, ANSC2701, or permission of the instructor.

 

This is a course that explores and discusses topics and issues that concern researchers and research facilities. The types of research being conducted, research protocols, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, regulatory inspections, public opinion, grant funding, and ethics and welfare are some of the areas covered. Whenever possible, guest lecturers who are experts in their field are utilized. Students are required to write and present a research proposal and a research report using mock data. Prerequisites ANSC3402.

 

This course incorporates on-site training in a laboratory animal facility. The student is required to fulfill 200 hours at a site chosen with the Internship Coordinator. While at this site the student is expected to act in a professional manner as a representative of the College while she/he learns new skills and techniques. May be taken concurrently with ANSC4901 as long as the prerequisite requirements for that course are met.  Prerequisite:  ANSC3402.

ANSC4901 Preceptorship 3 cr.
This course is a continuation of ANSC4900 and may be taken concurrently as long as the prerequisite requirement is met. An additional 200 hours of on-site training may be completed at the same site as ANSC4900 or a different site. Pre-requisite: ANSC4900 (or concurrent).

ARTS1002 Visual Design 3cr.
What makes a visual image exciting and memorable? How do you create visuals that communicate powerful messages to your audience? This introductory course covers the basic of contemporary visual thinking in the fields of graphic design and interior design. A combination of lectures and hands-on projects will increase the students awareness of "The How, the Why, and the Process" involved in the creating of different types of communication projects across many mediums.

ARTS1003 Art History I 3 cr.
This course is the first half of the history of art, from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The key masterpieces in sculpture, painting, and architecture of the major styles are presented in color slides. Works are studied for their structure, beauty, and meaning. The evolution of each style from society or from the artist’s personality is analyzed. Field trips to the Worcester Art Museum will greatly enhance the students’ learning.

ARTS1004 Art History II 3 cr.
This course is the continuation of a survey of the history of art, from the Renaissance to the present. Masterpieces in art and architecture are presented in color slides. Field trips to the Worcester Art Museum will help the student see that which is explained in the text and in class.

ARTS1100 Principles of Drawing 3 cr.
Principles of Drawing is an introductory studio course that allows students to learn the basics of drawing. This course will focus on a wide range of drawing exercises using a variety of drawing tools. Students will work in black and white and color, drawing from still life and photographs. They will develop their own sense of composition, and discover the illusion of three dimension by using shading and perspective. The students will also learn convex and concave objects and isometric drawing. Students will develop the skills of hands-on observational drawing as well as create constructive concepts that deal with simple volumes in space.

ARTS1201 Drawing Studio: Systems and Techniques 3 cr.
This course provides a survey of the major systems of linear expression. Through group projects in class, and individual work at home, students experiment with twelve drawing systems. Each system is related to its stylistic origin and historic context through reading, class lectures, and slide examples.

ARTS1202 Painting Studio 3 cr.
Through twelve projects in acrylic paints, students will explore their own sense of beauty and visual expression. Some projects concentrate on pure visual structure, some on emotional expression, and some on image making (landscapes, faces, still life). Realism and "drawing ability" are irrelevant, and students can enter the course at any level, from beginner to advanced.

ARTS1301 Principles of Design 3 cr.
Design is the underlying discipline of creating visual expression. The knowledge of how to use design elements (shape, form, balance, rhythm, texture, color and pattern) and an understanding of the proportions which balance them are a means of developing the students’ eyes for design. Emphasis will be focused on developing creative visual problem solving skills and gaining insight for design.

ARTS2100 Drawing II 3 cr. (Design students who need to meet this requirement should take GAME3150 Level Design)
This course is a follow-up studio course that continues to solidify and expand the basic drawing concepts that students explored in ARTS1100 Principles of Drawing. The student will be working with wet media techniques (watercolors, oils, markers) as they develop their drawing, and painting techniques in creating 2D objects and more complex subject matter. Students also learn the relationship of plain objects, figures and animals, and their relationship to an environment or composition. Prerequisite: ARTS1100. 

ARTS2300 Color Theory 3 cr.
The study of color supports the understanding of all visual media. This studio based course features a hands-on approach to color study as students work with color hues, values, color harmony, and its importance in design and graphic communications. Color theory covers the basic principles of color usage, color harmony, color psychology, and different systems of organization. It is a foundation course for students involved with visual design in color.

ARTS2309 Rendering and Presentation 3 cr.
This course concentrates on the preparation and professional layout of presentation boards using a variety of rendering techniques and color media. Emphasis is on rendering one and two point perspective drawings for use in illustrating interiors, exteriors and furniture designs.

ARTS2500 Digital Photography - see GRPH2170 Principles of Digital Imaging (GAME and INDS students who need to meet this requirment should take GRPH2130 Techniques of Raster Imaging)

ARTS2800 Life Drawing 3 cr.
The student will enhance their drawing skills by drawing the human figure using live models. Students will study proportion, light and shade, simple anatomy of the human form, and develop a basic understanding of the human figure inaction and in motion Prerequisite: ARTS1100.

ARTS3100 Applied Aesthetics 3 cr.
The philosophical and intellectual investigation of beauty as perceived in the modern age. This course will discuss prints, paintings, sculpture, architecture, utilitarian objects, advertising, photography, film, and computer imagery. Emphasis will be on structure and the connections between different time periods, cultures, and media. Prerequisites: ARTS1002.

ARTS4000 Integrated Team Project 3 cr. (Graphic Design students should take GRPH4520 Sr. Team Project)
The Integrated Team Project (ITP) is the first half of a two semester, senior program that concludes with the Capstone Project (ARTS4001). The ITP course involves students working together as teams with local area clients on real-world projects. Student teams will work closely and interact with their assigned client to provide graphic design or interior space planning, web site design, and more. Supervised by design program faculty, the teams will be responsible for the design and production (final production files / boards) of their work which is presented to the client. During the first half of the semester, the ITP course will develop and increase the students’ levels of sophistication in creative problem-solving and client interaction. ITP will push the students to further develop advanced levels of conceptual and creative skills in the development of their projects. Prerequisite: 90 credits of completed design course work.

ARTS4001 Capstone Project 3 cr. (Graphic Design students should take GRPH4530 Professional Practices in Design)
This semester-long, senior-level studio course is the culmination of the student's Bachelor of Arts in Design experience at Becker College. It is closely associated with the ARTS4000 Integrated Team Project course, taken during the previous semester. Working under the supervision of a faculty member, each student independently selects a thesis project that includes the research, development, creation and execution of a large-volume, high- quality original body of work created within the student’s area of concentration. Final presentation is to a panel of faculty and industry professionals at the conclusion of the semester. The thesis project content and its execution involves the application of previously learned studio skills and their direct relation to actual business applications. It is intended to simulate the workload and dialogue that occurs in a professional practice between designers and clients. Prerequisite: ARTS4000 or 90 credits of completed design course work.

ARTS4100 Design Portfolio 3 cr. (Game design and Game Programming students should take GAME 4610 Portfolio; Graphic Design students should take GRPH4510 Graphic Design Portfolio)
In this course the student, working with a design faculty member, creates and produces his/her own individual portfolio which highlights the student’s competence, knowledge, and proficiency in his/her individual chosen field or area of interest. In addition, the student will work with Becker College’s Career Services office in the development of his/her job search strategy including creating a PPT presentation of their portfolio, using a portfolio as a marketing tool, preparing resumes and cover letters, developing interviewing skills and professional presentation techniques. Prerequisite: 90 credits of completed design course work.

ARTS4500 Career Internship 3 cr. (Game Design students should take GAME 4300 Career Internship; Graphic Design students should take GRPH4300 Career Internship)
The senior student is required to pursue an internship with a local professional design firm in which the student can apply his/her academic experience to the professional working environment. The student intern works under the supervision and guidance of a faculty member in partnership with the student business supervisor. Bi-weekly, on-campus meetings between the student and design advisor will assure that the student is fulfilling his/her course and business obligations. A Career Internship form is required and is available at the Registrars’ Office. Prerequisite: 90 credits of completed design course work.

BIOL1001 Biology I 4 cr.
This is an introductory course that covers the basic biological concepts and widens its scope to include many of the current advancements in the field. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of the material presented. The topics to be covered include chemistry, cell biology, genetics and the evolutionary process. The required lab experience is designed to complement the lecture material and expose students to hands-on activities. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-veterinary concentration.

BIOL1002 Biology II 4 cr.
This course will expand on the foundation developed in BIOL1001. The material covered will deal with the diversity and classification of living organisms, including selected members of all of the kingdoms. In order to supply the student with a working knowledge of the variations of anatomy and physiology as well as development, the systems of animals and humans will be studied. The course will culminate by focusing on the interdependency of life at the most complex level of biological organization — the ecosystem. Principles covered in lecture will be discussed and applied in the required laboratory. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-Veterinary concentration.

BIOL1005 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I 4 cr.
A one-year laboratory course primarily for the Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Science programs. Uses a systems approach to study comparative vertebrate anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is on domestic animals such as the dog, cat, bird, horse, ruminant, rat and mouse. Anatomy is taught primarily in the laboratory and physiology primarily in the classroom. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

BIOL1006 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II 4 cr.
The continuation of BIOL1005. Prerequisite: BIOL1005 or by permission of the instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Technology and Science programs.

BIOL1101 Issues in Biology 4 cr.
This course for non-majors will cover current topics in Biology and their relevance to everyday life. Topics such as cloning, genetic technology, and stem cell technology will see as useful tools to study such basic concepts as heredity, reproduction, evolution, and biodiversity. Themes such as HIV and AIDS as well as cancer and obesity will address issues such as the structure and function of cells, systems in living organisms and living organisms and the environment. Malnutrition and genetically engineered crops will allow for discussion on energy and living things as well as changes in ecosystems over time. Weekly laboratory sessions will facilitate instruction of the material.

BIOL2502 Microbiology 4 cr.
Microbes as they relate to the health sciences. Lectures emphasize the metabolism, the environment, and the genetics of microorganisms. Also covered is the body’s response to microorganisms, disease, and the body’s defense mechanisms. Required laboratory deals with the physiological, nutritional, and environmental needs of bacteria and fungi and with their use in the identification of microorganisms. Sterilization techniques, the use of the microscope, and the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria are also studied. Offered in fall only. Prerequisite: C or better in CHEM1001/1002 (Veterinary Technology students). A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science and Nursing programs.

BIOL2503 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr.
A beginning course in the study of the human body with equal emphasis placed on structure and function. Specimen dissection is an integral requirement for both semesters. The first semester deals with the groundwork of the mammalian body, basic tissue types, fundamental aspects of the cell membrane structure and physiology, integumentary, skeletal and neuromuscular systems.

BIOL2504 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr.
A continuation of BIOL2503, examining the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and urogenital systems. The lab experience will allow the student to examine appropriate specimens relating to the systems presented in lecture.

BIOL3001 Cell Biology 3 cr.
A course covering the form and function of eukaryotic cells. Issues regarding transport mechanisms, cellular signaling, genetic regulation, and genetic technology are addressed. Attention is given to research design and experimental findings that support the subject matter. Prerequisites: One year of college chemistry and one year of biology or anatomy and physiology of domestic animals. This course assumes a prior knowledge of cell structure, chemical bonds, functional groups and the major biological molecules. Usually offered spring semester. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program. Prerequisites: CHEM3003.

BIOL3200 Biostatistics 3 cr.
A basic statistic course with an emphasis on the use of statistics in the life sciences. The course covers descriptive statistics, probability and hypothesis testing using both parametric and nonparametric statistics testing. A semester project is required. Prerequisite: MATH1200. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

BIOL3201 Primatology 3 cr.
Introduces the order of primates and describes its general characteristics and distribution, reviews the fossil record on primate origins and describes anatomical details and social behaviors. Students will better understand the natural history of primates and thus incorporate the knowledge into the primate’s role in a research facility. Prerequisite: Open to junior Veterinary Science students or by permission of the instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation from the Veterinary Science program.

BIOL3202 Histology 4 cr.
This course introduces normal comparative microscopic anatomy. Tissue identification at the microscopic level is emphasized. Tissue preparation, cutting and staining techniques are covered in the laboratory. Prerequisites: One year of anatomy and physiology, or one year of biology, or by permission of the instructor. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science program.

BIOL3500 Genetics 3 cr.
A survey course in genetics with an emphasis on vertebrates. The course reinforces past learning of cell division and the structure of chromosomes. Mendelian genetics and modifications to it, molecular basis of heredity, gene expression, heritability and population genetics will also be included. Prerequisites: One year of college biology or anatomy and physiology of domestic animals and CHEM1001/1002. This course assumes a prior knowledge of cell structure, cell division and a fundamental knowledge of DNA structure and function. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Veterinary Science.