Biology Home Page

Barnard Biology

Biology explores the structure, function, and evolution of diverse living systems. It addresses some of the most important issues of our time—genetic engineering, stem cell research, obesity, cancer, and the effects of global warming. A background in biology applies to careers in research, teaching, medicine, public health, environmental policy, biotechnology, law, public health, writing, and more.

The biology department aims to provide students with a broad education in biology. Students take a range of lecture courses that span the molecular, physiological, and ecological levels of organization and complete laboratory courses in which they design and test hypotheses, use cutting edge equipment, and interpret data. We encourage students to participate in research throughout their time at Barnard.

Curriculum & Courses

Barnard offers a biology major and a biology minor. Biology majors choose one of five tracks: general, cellular and molecular, physiological and organismal, ecological and evolutionary, or computational biology.

Navigate Our Curriculum And Courses

Faculty & Staff

Biology faculty and staff offer students a rigorous biological education across many specializations in a supportive environment. We help students develop scientific literacy through lecture and laboratory courses and well-rounded research experiences. Our department supports faculty and student research, providing students with the opportunity to synthesize co-authored, peer-reviewed scientific publications.

When a student chooses to pursue the biology major, they are assigned a biology faculty advisor.

Meet The Biology Major Advisors

Undergraduate Research

Barnard biology students participate in research during the academic year and over the summer. For many students, research is one of the most intellectually rewarding experiences at Barnard. In the summer, many students participate in the Summer Research Institute (SRI) and receive a stipend for their work, while during the academic year, they receive academic credit.

Visit The Research Corner

Inclusion and Belonging

The Barnard Biology Department is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive scholarly environment. We act on the belief that a breadth of perspectives, experiences, and voices enriches our understanding of the biological world and contributes to the robustness of our research and education. We regularly address community feedback and create initiatives to improve learning outcomes for all students.

Discover Department Initiatives

Publications

The Barnard Biology Department makes rigorous contributions to science and education.

Read Scholarly Work

Biology Student Email List

Want to stay up-to-date with Barnard Biology news and events? Contact us to join our email list!