Related Departments & Majors

The Environmental Biology major is run jointly by faculty in the Departments of Biology and Environmental Science. It examines the interactions between living and non-living components of the environment and how human activities alter these interactions. Students who elect a major in Environmental Biology will have a major advisor in each department.

Students interested in Environmental Biology often choose to spend a semester abroad, at the School for Field Studies, the Organization for Tropical Studies, or at comparable programs offered by other institutions. They are encouraged to take advantage of such opportunities, and as such, courses in these programs are accepted in lieu of some major requirements.

There is no minor in Environmental Biology.

Questions can be directed to Department Administrator, Catherine Cook (ccook@barnard.edu).

This major is run by faculty in the Department of Chemistry, but incorporates biology courses. The Biochemistry major examines the chemical processes in living organisms. Requirements and the academic year they should be taken in are listed below. 

There is no minor in Biochemistry.

Questions can be directed to Department Administrator, Laura Hendrickson (lhendric@barnard.edu)

Students interested in the Biochemistry major should consult any member of the department during their first year, as well as the advising checklists provided on the Chemistry departmental website.

*Though first years may elect to double up in their lab science courses to complete this requirement in the spring of their freshmen year, many students opt not to do so. The 1500-level sequence is recommended for students who have a strong high-school biology background, such as AP Biology. If students do not have equivalent preparation, it is recommended that they take BIOL BC1002 Global Health and Ecology and the co-requisite lab BIOL BC1012 in the fall, followed by the 1500-level Cellular & Molecular courses.

This major, which is run by the faculty in the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior (NSB), provides a strong background in the biological underpinnings of behavior and cognition.

NSB majors are exposed to a variety of courses in Neuroscience, in addition to introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Computer Science. The NSB Department offers a wide spectrum of research opportunities to students interested in exploring the behavior, the mind, and the brain. For more information about courses and research opportunities in the NSB Department, please visit the Neuroscience & Behavior departmental page.

The new NSB curriculum requires the completion of 13 courses (4 introductory courses, 4 core courses, 3 electives, a year-long research seminar) and a senior thesis. A preview of some of these courses is provided below.

There are no minors in Neuroscience & Behavior.

Questions can be directed to the Department Administrator, Michele Miozzo (mmiozzo@barnard.edu).

Four introductory courses:

Two Cognate Science courses (1 lecture; 1 lecture+lab) from any of the following:

Four Core Courses:

Three elective courses:

• Approved courses are listed at: Approved Electives