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THE MAJOR |
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Majoring in Biology at Barnard Many students specialize in biology in preparation for a career in medicine, dentistry, public health, nutrition, or law. Others anticipate graduate work in one of the many subfields of biology leading to a teaching and/or research career. Still others plan futures as scientific writers, illustrators, photographers, industry or government researchers, or in areas such as environmental policy and law. The biology major is designed to provide a student with a broad education in the field as well as an opportunity to cover a specific aspect of biology in depth if she desires. The major has a strong research component, with all lab sections at both the introductory and advanced levels limited to 16 students, ensuring ample opportunity for interaction with faculty. Students also have the option of conducting individual research projects under the guidance of a faculty member. The senior requirement for the biology major can be completed either by enrolling in a senior seminar that involves reading and discussing the current literature in a specific area of biology or by completing a guided research project. The requirements for a Biology major are changing. How these changes affect you will depend upon the year you entered Barnard. Please note that we are also changing some course names and numbers: to view the changes see our Course Changes page. To see the new major requirements click on one of the two links below:
If you have any questions at all please contact Professor Morton or Professor Glendinning and we will be happy to help you. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in research at Barnard. Guided Laboratory Research (BIOL BC 3597) may be used for degree credit and Biology majors may also use guided research to fulfill major requirements as described in the major requirements; however, students are encouraged to do more research than can be applied to the major requirements. In addition to conducting research during the academic year, students are encouraged to pursue summer research internships. Barnard faculty engage many students in paid research projects during the summer. The departmental office also has information about summer internships outside Barnard. In addition, the department awards funds on a competitive basis to support summer research not otherwise funded by internships. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR (With new course numbering) A minor in biology must include one year of introductory biology (BIOL BC1500, BC1501, BC1502, BC1503), three additional lecture courses at the 2100 level or higher, and two additional laboratory courses. One of the lab courses may be replaced by two semesters of Guided Research and Seminar (BIOL BC3591x followed by BIOL BC3592y). Biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and psychology majors need to take only one advanced laboratory instead of two, but the lab may not be a guided research course.
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Biology is a field that explores the structure, function, interactions, and evolution of living organisms. Some of the most exciting issues of our era—such as those relating to biotechnology, genetic engineering, environmental problems, and health—require a strong background in biology. Biology courses at Barnard cover a broad range of topics, including molecular and cellular biology, genetics, development, physiology, evolution, and ecology.