Course Listings
Content
- A printable overview of next semester's courses with notes
- A printable overview of this semester's courses with notes
- Useful links for course registration
- FAQs
- A full list of Barnard Biology course offerings with this year's courses indicated
- A list of Columbia courses accepted for the major
While required courses are offered on a regular basis, some courses, such as Project Lab in Molecular Genetics, are offered every other year. If you have questions about a course, please contact the course instructor. If you have questions about degree requirements, contact your major advisor, associate chair John Glendinning (jglendin@barnard.edu), or department administrator Sylvia Niemann (sniemann@barnard.edu).
Useful Links
You may wish to bookmark some of the following resources:
Spring 2025 Course Handout | Provides a comprehensive list of Spring 2025 biology courses with notes |
Fall 2024 Course Handout | Provides a comprehensive list of Fall 2024 biology courses with notes |
Columbia Directory of Classes | Up-to-date official course listings across Barnard and Columbia. Links to Vergil. |
Information about majors, courses, and Barnard College as a whole | |
Columbia courses for Barnard Biology majors | A list of Columbia courses that do/do not fulfill biology major requirements |
Courses Satisfying GERs: Foundations | A database of courses that fulfill Barnard's general education requirements |
Biology Major Requirements | A detailed description of biology major requirements |
Biology Major Advising Page | Barnard Biology major advising resources and advisors |
FAQ
Students who took biology in high school should enroll in the 1500-level sequence. This sequence can be started in fall or spring and fulfills the science lecture and laboratory portion of the General Education Requirements (more below), as well as the pre-health requirement in biology. It is required for the major.
Students with little or no experience in biology may enroll in 1000-level courses, which provide an appropriate introduction to important concepts in the field. For Fall 2023, students can enroll in BIOL BC1001 Revolutionary Concepts in Biology.
Yes.
BIOL BC1001 (Revolutionary Concepts in Biology) and BIOL BC1002 (Global Health and Ecology with lab) provide an introduction to biology for students without a strong background in biology. Students who take both/either of these courses will gain a solid foundation useful for the 1500-level courses.
To fulfill major/pre-health requirements, students must complete the entire 1500-level sequence:
BIOL BC1500 Introduction to Organismal and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL BC1501 Introductory Lab in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL BC1502 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and BIOL BC1503 Introductory Lab in Cell and Molecular Biology.
Scores of 4 or 5 in AP/IB tests do not fulfill the science distributional requirement nor exempt a student from any major/minor requirements. They may count towards degree credit.
Although students have the option of taking two science lab courses in their first semester, we strongly encourage first year students to start off with one, depending on what they plan to major in. All college lecture and lab courses in the physical and social sciences are rigorous in nature and require a significant amount of time dedicated to each course.
Because a major in biology usually requires general and organic chemistry, we recommend that students begin the intro biology or chemistry sequence in their first year. For many students, it is not uncommon to double up in science lab courses in their junior and senior years.
The Foundations' Distributional Requirements aim to expose students to a variety of disciplines, approaches, and skills as part of their liberal arts education at Barnard. These requirements include taking two courses in science, one of which must include a lab. However, this requirement is flexible, and the two science lectures no longer need to be taken from the same discipline as was the case for the Nine Ways of Knowing curriculum.
In order to take a lab course in the biology department that satisfies the GER requirement, you must take the co- or pre-requisite lecture. Because of this, either 1000- or 1500-level introductory sequences will satisfy some or all of this requirement. Note that BIOL 1002, the lab course in the 1000-level sequence, is not offered every year.
Barnard students may work with faculty at Barnard, Columbia, or any other educational institution within the city, but they must have an internal advisor at Barnard. There are three courses that provide credit for unpaid lab research during the academic year. Students should choose between the following courses depending on their class year, need to fulfill major requirements, and time & scope of their independent project. Any students who wishes to enroll in one of the following courses must first obtain a research position and then gain instructor permission.
More information is available on the undergraduate research page.
- BIOL BC3597 Guided Research: This is a variable-credit one-semester course open to students beginning in their first year, which can be taken during any fall or spring semester. It cannot be used to fulfill major or minor requirements.
- BIOL BC3591-BC3592 Guided Research & Seminar: This is a year-long 8-credit course (4 credits/semester) which fulfills two upper-level lab course requirements for the Biology major. This course is only available as a fall to spring sequence. As a requirement for this course, students must work on the same project 9-10 hours/week for both semesters. By the end of the year, students write a scientific paper, give a 1-minute talk, and present a poster their work at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium.
- BIOL BC3593-BC3594 Senior Thesis Research & Seminar: This is a year-long 8-credit course (4 credits/semester), which can only be taken during a student's senior year to fulfill the senior capstone requirement. Seniors enrolled in Senior Thesis Research & Seminar may not concurrently enroll in Guided Research & Seminar. As a requirement for this course, seniors must work on the same project 9-10 hours/week for both semesters. At the end of the year, seniors write a scientific paper and give a 15-minute presentation of their work at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium.
Upon registration, all students are automatically placed on the waitlist for introductory and upper-level labs. Final enrollment will be determined by the first day of classes in order to accommodate as many graduating seniors and majors as possible.
- Most upper-level labs have a co- or pre-requisite lecture course attached to them. Biology labs typically have a maximum enrollment of 16 students; some may show enrollment caps of less than 16 students.
- For introductory courses, classes are generally capped at a smaller number in order to save seats for incoming first years who will register over the summer. In order to hold your spot in the course, you must attend the first lab (during the first week of classes for upper-level labs, and during the second week of classes for introductory labs).
If you're on the waitlist for a lab, then there is still a chance that you will get into the course. You should speak with the professor to determine when s/he will offer the course again. Further, you should attend the first lab period to see if any slots have opened up. Realize that we give preferential access to seniors. So, if you are a junior and did not get into a lab, you are almost certain to get into the same lab as a senior.
All sections of Senior Seminar in Biology are limited to 12 students, with preference given to seniors fulfilling their capstone requirement. To enroll, add BIOL BC3590 to your program during the registration period. Students will be placed on the waiting list and admitted based on seniority and whether you are a Barnard Biology major. Access to the remaining seats will vary each semester.
Our recommendation is that you take the complete 1500-level sequence. However, you may have the option of taking BIOL BC1002 with lab in the fall, if offered, and BIOL BC1502+BIOL BC1503 in the spring. Please speak to a member of the Psychology Department about your options.
See the two tables below. If the course you are interested in is not listed, consult with the Associate Chair before enrolling in the course.
Courses in Biology at Barnard
HSPP BC1001 RESEARCH APPRENTICESHIP PROJ. 1.50 point.
This year-long course is 3 pts (1.5/semester)Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: This course is open to 16 first-year students who are also enrolled in an introductory lab science sequence; applications will be made available via the first-year class blog through the Dean of Studies Office. The course will meet in a seminar format, and will discuss how research problems are defined, how scientists immerse themselves in the existing literature on a topic, how researchers craft experimental protocols and collect data, and how data can be used to test hypotheses. Students will also consider science stories in the New York Times and lead formal debates about ethical and social issues. Occasionally, the seminar period will be devoted to tours of faculty science labs to learn about the research that Barnard professors conduct and the research opportunities available on campus. Additionally, students will participate in a month-long laboratory rotation each semester. During the rotation period, each student will spend 3 hours per week shadowing a Barnard junior or senior Research Intern who is conducting a year-long research project. In addition to this exposure to research at Barnard, students will discuss how to obtain summer science internships in laboratories off campus. Seminar assignments will include readings about the research process, as well as short library-based research projects about scientific claims in textbooks. In the fall, students will develop their presentation skills in a session with Barnard’s Speaking Fellows. In the spring, each student will deliver an oral presentation about the research career of a scientist of her choosing
HSPP BC1002 RESEARCH APPRENTICESHIP SEM. 1.50 point.
This year-long course is 3 pts (1.5/semester)Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: This course is open to 16 first-year students who are also enrolled in an introductory lab science sequence; applications will be made available via the first-year class blog through the Dean of Studies Office. The course will meet in a seminar format, and will discuss how research problems are defined, how scientists immerse themselves in the existing literature on a topic, how researchers craft experimental protocols and collect data, and how data can be used to test hypotheses. Students will also consider science stories in the New York Times and lead formal debates about ethical and social issues. Occasionally, the seminar period will be devoted to tours of faculty science labs to learn about the research that Barnard professors conduct and the research opportunities available on campus. Additionally, students will participate in a month-long laboratory rotation each semester. During the rotation period, each student will spend 3 hours per week shadowing a Barnard junior or senior Research Intern who is conducting a year-long research project. In addition to this exposure to research at Barnard, students will discuss how to obtain summer science internships in laboratories off campus. Seminar assignments will include readings about the research process, as well as short library-based research projects about scientific claims in textbooks. In the fall, students will develop their presentation skills in a session with Barnard’s Speaking Fellows. In the spring, each student will deliver an oral presentation about the research career of a scientist of her choosing
BIOL BC1002 Global Health and Ecology. 4.5 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1012 Course does not fulfill biology major requirements or premedical requirements. BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation and background. Enrollment in laboratory sections limited to 16 students per section.
What disease is the number one killer worldwide? What will be the next pandemic? Fundamentals of human physiology and microbiology are explored in the context of major global health issues. Principles of ecology are outlined, with an emphasis on the bidirectional impact of the interactions of humans with the global environment. Lab exercises introduce biological techniques for studying these topics. Enrollment in BIOL BC1012 (BC1002 lab) is required, and limited to 16 students per section.
BIOL BC1012 BIOL BC1002 Lab. 0 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: Course does not fulfill biology major requirements or premedical requirements. BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation and background. Enrollment in laboratory sections limited to 16 students per section.
Fundamentals of human physiology and microbiology are explored in the context of major global health issues. Principles of ecology are outlined, with an emphasis on the bidirectional impact of the interactions of humans with the global environment. Lab exercises introduce biological techniques for studying these topics.
BIOL BC1001 REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS IN BIOL. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: Course does not fulfill Biology major requirements or premedical requirements. Enrollment in laboratory limited to 16 students per section.
Exploration of the major discoveries and ideas that have revolutionized the way we view organisms and understand life. This is an introductory survey course that explores basic concepts of molecular and cellular biology, genetics and evolution. Students will focus on biological concepts, biotechnology and bioethics, which inundate contemporary society
Fall 2024: BIOL BC1001
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1001 | 001/00801 | T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 307 Milbank Hall |
Vincent FitzPatrick | 3.00 | 13/40 |
BIOL BC1500 INTRO ORGANISMAL/EVOL BIOL. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements.
Co-requisite: (strongly recommended) BIOL BC1501 This course is suitable for majors & fulfillment of pre-health requirements. A high school biology background or equivalent preparation is highly recommended. BIOL BC1500 & BIOL BC1502 form a 2-semester introductory biology series and do not have to be taken in a fall to spring sequence. Detailed introduction to biological phenomena above the cellular level; development, anatomy, and physiology of plants and animals; physiological, population, behavioral, and community ecology; evolutionary theory; analysis of micro-evolutionary events; and systematics
Fall 2024: BIOL BC1500
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1500 | 001/00008 | M W 8:40am - 9:55am 304 Barnard Hall |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Emlyn Resetarits | 3.00 | 232/230 |
BIOL BC1510 BIOL BC1500 DISCUSSION SECTION. 0.00 points.
The goals of these discussion sections include providing a space to build community during remote learning and promoting opportunities for active engagement with the lecture material. These discussion sections will also serve as a space for students to consider science from multiple perspectives beyond discipline-specific content in the lecture and text (e.g. hearing guest lectures from BIPOC scientists, considering racial disparities in health outcomes, etc.). Participation will include posting on discussion boards between sessions, delivering short presentations during discussion, working well with partners, and making thoughtful comments during the discussion period
BIOL BC1008 HEALTHIER LIFE. 3 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
This is an introductory biology survey course which explores fundamentals of physiology in humans and other organisms, both in the context of global health and global ecological issues. It emphasizes reciprocal interactions between individual healthy humans and healthy societies, and the function of ecosystems in supporting humans and other biodiversity.
BIOL BC1501 INTRO LAB/ORGANISMAL&EVOL BIO. 2.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500 BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements. BIOL BC1500 as prerequisite or corequisite.
A laboratory-based introduction to the major groups of living organisms; anatomy, physiology, evolution, and systematics; and laboratory techniques for studying and comparing functional adaptations
Fall 2024: BIOL BC1501
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1501 | 001/00437 | M 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 002/00438 | M 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 003/00439 | T 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 004/00440 | T 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 005/00441 | T 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 006/00442 | T 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 007/00443 | W 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 008/00444 | W 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 009/00445 | Th 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 010/00446 | Th 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 011/00447 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 012/00448 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 013/00449 | F 10:10am - 1:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1501 | 014/00450 | F 10:10am - 1:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL BC1511 BIOL BC1501 RECITATION. 0.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500 BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements. BIOL BC1500 as prerequisite or corequisite.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements. BIOL BC1500 as prerequisite or corequisite. A laboratory-based introduction to the major groups of living organisms; anatomy, physiology, evolution, and systematics; and laboratory techniques for studying and comparing functional adaptations
Fall 2024: BIOL BC1511
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1511 | 001/00435 | |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 0.00 | 215/230 |
BIOL BC1502 INTRO CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOL. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements. Together with BIOL BC1500 this course is part of a yearlong introductory sequence. BIOL BC1500 and BIOL BC1502 do not need to be taken in sequence.
Detailed introduction to cellular and subcellular biology: cell structures and functions, energy metabolism, biogenesis of cell components, biology of inheritance, molecular genetics, regulation of gene expression, and genes in development
Spring 2025: BIOL BC1502
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1502 | 001/00673 | M W 10:10am - 11:25am 304 Barnard Hall |
Jonathan Snow, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 3.00 | 237/230 |
BIOL BC1503 INTRO LAB CELLULAR&MOLEC BIO. 2.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502 BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. BIOL BC1502 as corequisite (preferred) or prerequisite. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements.
A laboratory-based introduction to cell and molecular biology. Both classic and modern approaches are used to investigate principles of heredity as well as the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Lab exercises introduce practical techniques and data analysis
Spring 2025: BIOL BC1503
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1503 | 001/00608 | M 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 002/00609 | M 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 003/00610 | T 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 004/00611 | T 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 005/00612 | T 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 006/00613 | T 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 007/00614 | W 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 008/00615 | W 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 009/00633 | Th 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 15/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 010/00616 | Th 9:10am - 12:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 14/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 011/00617 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 13/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 012/00618 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Jessica Goldstein, Abigail Gutierrez, Henry Truong | 2.00 | 13/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 013/00619 | F 10:10am - 1:00pm Ll016 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL 1503 | 014/00620 | F 10:10am - 1:00pm Ll018 Milstein Center |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 2.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL BC1512 BIOL BC1502 DISCUSSION SECTION. 0.00 points.
The goals of these discussion sections include providing a space to build community during remote learning and promoting opportunities for active engagement with the lecture material. These discussion sections will also serve as a space for students to consider science from multiple perspectives beyond discipline-specific content in the lecture and text (e.g. hearing guest lectures from BIPOC scientists, considering racial disparities in health outcomes, etc.). Participation will include posting on discussion boards between sessions, delivering short presentations during discussion, working well with partners, and making thoughtful comments during the discussion period
BIOL BC1513 BIOL BC 1503 RECITATION. 0.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502 BIOL BC1001 or equivalent preparation. BIOL BC1502 as corequisite (preferred) or prerequisite. Course suitable for fulfillment of premedical requirements.
A laboratory-based introduction to cell and molecular biology. Both classic and modern approaches are used to investigate principles of heredity as well as the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Lab exercises introduce practical techniques and data analysis
Spring 2025: BIOL BC1513
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1513 | 001/00786 | |
Henry Truong, Abigail Gutierrez, Jessica Goldstein | 0.00 | 85/230 |
BIOL BC1599 SCIENCE JOURNAL CLUB. 1.00 point.
Prerequisites: ) Open to first year students who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 5 or higher on the IB exam, and are enrolled in the 1500-level Biology series. Limited to 16 students.
Prerequisites: ) Limited to 16 students who are participating in the Science Pathways Scholars Program. Students in this seminar course will be introduced to the scientific literature by reading a mix of classic papers and papers that describe significant new developments in the field. Seminar periods will be devoted to oral reports, discussion of assigned reading, and student responses. Section 1: Limited to students in the Science Pathways Scholars Program. Section 2: Limited to first-year students who received a 4 or 5 on the AP and are currently enrolled in BIOL BC1500
Fall 2024: BIOL BC1599
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 1599 | 001/00806 | F 1:00pm - 2:00pm 227 Milbank Hall |
Sedelia Rodriguez | 1.00 | 15/15 |
Spring 2025: BIOL BC1599
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
BIOL 1599 | 001/00556 | Th 12:10pm - 1:00pm 405 Barnard Hall |
Sedelia Rodriguez | 1.00 | 15/15 |
BIOL BC2100 MOLECULAR & MENDELIAN GENETICS. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
Mendelian and molecular genetics of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, with an emphasis on human genetics. Topics include segregation, recombination and linkage maps, cytogenetics, gene structure and function, mutation, molecular aspects of gene expression and regulation, genetic components of cancer, and genome studies
Fall 2024: BIOL BC2100
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2100 | 001/00006 | T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 152 Horace Mann Hall |
Jennifer Mansfield | 3.00 | 48/60 |
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2100
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
BIOL 2100 | 001/00578 | T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 263 Macy Hall |
Brian Morton | 3.00 | 20/50 |
BIOL BC2240 PLANT EVOLUTION & DIVERSITY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent. Survey of plant biology emphasizing evolutionary and ecological perspectives on mating and reproduction, physiology, anatomy, and morphology.
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2240
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2240 | 001/00579 | T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 302 Barnard Hall |
3.00 | 5/25 |
BIOL BC2262 Vertebrate Biology. 3 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or equivalent.
Systematic survey of the Phylum Chordata: fossil history, biogeography, systematics, natural history, body architecture, energetics, locomotion, feeding, and behavior.
BIOL BC2272 ECOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
The definition of ecological problems in experimentally tractable ways; the design of experiments and analysis of ecological data; class projects on population ecology. Students conduct individual projects during last month of term
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2272
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2272 | 001/00580 | M W 11:40am - 12:55pm 140 Horace Mann Hall |
Jordan Balaban | 3.00 | 16/45 |
BIOL BC2278 EVOLUTION. 3.00 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or equivalent.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent. Study of the process of evolution with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying evolutionary change. Topics include the origins of life, rates of evolutionary change, phylogenetics, molecular evolution, adaptive significance of traits, sexual selection, and human evolution
BIOL BC2280 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or equivalent.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or equivalent. This introduction to animal behavior takes an integrative approach to understand the physiological and genetic basis of behavior, the ecological context of behavior, and the evolutionary consequences of behavior. This course focuses on the process of scientific research, including current research approaches in animal behavior and practical applications of these findings
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2280
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2280 | 001/00581 | T Th 11:40am - 12:55pm 140 Horace Mann Hall |
Alison Pischedda | 3.00 | 28/45 |
BIOL BC2281 LABORATORY IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: (BIOL BC1500) and (BIOL BC1502) and (BIOL BC2280) and (BIOL BC1501) and (BIOL BC1503) This lab provides an introduction to animal behavior research, including current research approaches and practical applications of these findings. Students will complete two main projects. The first is a group project using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, which will involve observing, recording, and analyzing reproductive behaviors. The second is an independent project that will be designed, conducted, and analyzed by students using publicly available animal behavior resources and/or data. Both projects will incorporate critical thinking, problem solving and experimental design, with an emphasize on scientific writing and oral presentation skills
Fall 2024: BIOL BC2281
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2281 | 001/00434 | T 1:10pm - 6:00pm Room TBA |
Alison Pischedda | 3.00 | 8/8 |
BIOL BC2490 CODING IN BIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
An introduction to the basics of Python and R coding in the context of solving basic problems in molecular biology. Python will be used to write programs that analyze various features of DNA sequence data and R will be used to analyze output from RNA-seq experiments. No prior programming experience is necessary. The work will involve modifying existing code as well as developing simple programs from the ground up
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2490
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2490 | 001/00582 | T 1:10pm - 4:00pm 516 Milstein Center |
Brian Morton | 3.00 | 14/12 |
BIOL BC2500 Programming for Scientists. 3.00 points.
Learning objectives: This course will provide a comprehensive foundation in programming methodology for quantitative biology applications that can be readily applied to any programming language. It is recommended for students interested in establishing or expanding their computational biology skillset. After completing this course, students should be able to: 1. Understand and explain the role of numerical and statistical methods in biology 2. Execute numerical computations using a widely-used programming language 3. Recognize common programming motifs that can be readily applied to other widely used languages 4. Design and troubleshoot algorithms to analyze diverse biological data and implement them using functions and scripts 5. Apply statistical programming techniques to model biological systems 6. Generate and interpret diverse plots based on biological datasets Course overview: Once a small subfield of biology, computational biology has evolved into a massive field of its own, with computational methods fast becoming a vital toolkit leveraged by biologists across the discipline. As the size and complexity of biological datasets grows, computational methods allow scientists to make sense of these data, scaling quantitative methods to extract meaningful insights that help us better understand ourselves and the living world around us. In this course, we will learn the basics of computer programming in R, a powerful programming language with wide use in the biological sciences. Topics will include a basic introduction to R and the RStudio environment, data types and control structures, reading and writing files in R, data processing and visualization, manipulating common biological datasets; and statistical testing and modeling in R
Fall 2024: BIOL BC2500
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 2500 | 001/00852 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm 102 Milstein Center |
Vincent FitzPatrick | 3.00 | 10/14 |
Spring 2025: BIOL BC2500
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
BIOL 2500 | 001/00583 | Th 1:10pm - 4:00pm 222 Milbank Hall |
Vincent FitzPatrick | 3.00 | 16/14 |
BIOL BC2801 Laboratory in Genetics. 3 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503; and pre or corequisite, BIOL BC2100 or BIOL BC3310. Enrollment limited to 16 students per section.
Exercises in genetics at both the Mendelian and molecular levels. Basic principles of genetic analysis will be studied using Drosophila and bacteria. A project in molecular genetics, involving such techniques as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning, will be undertaken using plant genes.
BIOL BC2841 LAB-PLANT EVOLUTION & DIVERSITY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503. Enrollment limited to 16.
Prerequisites: () Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place. Studies of the structure, ecology, and evolution of plants. Laboratory exercises include field problems, laboratory experiments, plant collections and identification, and examination of the morphology of plant groups
BIOL BC2851 PLANTS AND PROFITS:THE GLOBAL POWER OF B. 4.00 points.
The course is part of the Barnard Teaches program. It will have a lab that will teach science and digital skills and on Thursdays two consecutive times are scheduled to allow lecture and lab to accommodate trips to NYBG.Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: Strongly recommend prior enrollment in BIOL BC1001 or 1002, or in BIOL BC 1501 and 1502, or the equivalent. Students need to understand genetics and must be prepared to read professional science literature. Science students must be prepared for lengthy reading assignments. Sustaining complex human systems requires plants, which in turn depend on soils, geology, and climate. With that reality in the foreground, this course will foster fluency and expertise in classical and cutting edge botanical science: genetics, genomics, biogeography, conservation biology, economic and ethno-botany. At the center of its investigations will be the ongoing digital revolution, recognizing that natural history has been and will continue to be essential to all of the plant sciences. The course will encourage interdisciplinary perspectives, pushing students outside of their intellectual comfort zones and aiming to comprehend plant biodiversity from a multiplicity of human perspectives
BIOL BC2873 LABORATORY IN ECOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2272 BIOL BC2272 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2272 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16. The definition of ecological problems in experimentally tractable ways; the design of experiments and analysis of ecological data; class projects on population ecology. Students conduct individual projects during last month of term
BIOL BC3303 LAB IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 BIOL BC2100 OR BIOL BC3310 (which can be taken as corequisites) or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
Introduction to the use of molecular techniques to answer questions about subcellular biological phenomena. Techniques include isolation of genomic and plasmid DNAs, restriction enzyme analysis, DNA and protein electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and plasmid subcloning
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3303
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3303 | 001/00432 | W 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Stephen Sturley | 3.00 | 12/14 |
BIOL BC3304 Topics in Molecular Genetics. 3 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Selected topics in molecular genetics and gene regulation, with a focus on examples from human evolution, physiology, and disease. The course will be organized into four modules with combined lecture and journal club-style discussion. Module topics include molecular regulation of transcription, epigenetic regulation of the genome, gene regulatory networks, and genome architecture and evolution. We will draw from examples in the current literature and explore current experimental approaches in molecular genetics of humans and model organisms.
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3304
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3304 | 001/00584 | T Th 8:40am - 9:55am 328 Milbank Hall |
Jennifer Mansfield | 3 | 10/45 |
BIOL BC3305 PROJECT LAB IN MOLECULAR GENETICS. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and BIOL BC2100 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16. Laboratory course in which students conduct original research projects in molecular genetics. Students will participate in experimental design, conduct and data analysis, and work with key techniques for studying gene structure, expression and function such as nucleic acid extraction and synthesis, cloning, bioinformatics analysis, PCR and qPCR. Students will present their results orally and in writing. Enrollment in both semesters (BIOL BC3305 and BIOL BC3306) of this full-year course is required, and fulfills two upper-level lab courses for the Barnard Biology major. Must be taken in sequence, beginning in the fall. -B. Morton - J. Mansfield
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3305
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 3305 | 001/00431 | T 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Jennifer Mansfield | 3.00 | 5/12 |
BIOL BC3306 PROJECT LAB MOLECULAR GENETCS. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 BIOL BC2100 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
Laboratory course in which students conduct original research projects in molecular genetics. Students will participate in experimental design, conduct data analysis, and work with key techniques for studying gene structure, expression, and function including nucleic acid extraction and synthesis, cloning, bioinformatics analysis, PCR, and qPCR. Students will present their results orally and in writing. Enrollment in both semesters (BIOL BC3305 and BIOL BC3306) of this full-year course is required, and fulfills two upper-level lab courses for the Barnard Biology major. Must be taken in sequence, beginning in the fall
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3306
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3306 | 001/00587 | T 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Jennifer Mansfield | 3.00 | 3/12 |
BIOL BC3308 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIAL GENOMICS. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: (BIOL BC1500)(BIOL BC1501)(BIOL BC1502)(BIOL BC1503) and BIOL BC2100 BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 and BIOL BC2100.
This course will focus on understanding, implementing, and using basic bioinformatic algorithms and tools to analyze microbial genomes and genomic information. Topics cover a history of genome sequencing methods, local and global alignment methods, sequence annotation tools, de novo genome assembly, multiple sequence alignments, and simple molecular phylogeny. Theoretical lectures will be taught in parallel with labs focused on hands-on analysis of real-world data so that students create tangible and applicable skills. Knowledge of a programming language is required to take this course. Class notes are intended to be self-contained for these topics
BIOL BC3310 CELL BIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: (BIOL BC1500)(BIOL BC1501)(BIOL BC1502)(BIOL BC1503) and BIOL BC2100 BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501 BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, or equivalent, and BIOL BC2100.
This course explores the components, systems, and regulatory mechanisms involved in eukaryotic cellular function. Topics include: signal transduction, translational and protein quality control, organellar and cytoskeletal dynamics, and some coordinated responses such as proliferation and programmed cell death. Throughout the course we will see how general cell biology can be specialized to achieve specific cellular functions through regulation of the basic machinery. We will also explore the cellular and molecular bases for a variety of human pathologies, with an emphasis on cancer. In addition to lecture, we will spend some time discussing the material, including selected articles from the primary literature, and learning through group presentations
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3310
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3310 | 001/00430 | T Th 8:40am - 9:55am 302 Barnard Hall |
Jonathan Snow | 3.00 | 29/45 |
BIOL BC3311 LABORATORY IN CELL BIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent, BIOL BC2100 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 16.
Introduction to cell biological techniques used to investigate structural, molecular, and physiological aspects of eukaryotic cells and their organization into tissues. Techniques include light and electron microscopy, cell culture, isolation of cellular organelles, protein electrophoresis, and Western Blot analysis
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3311
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3311 | 001/00436 | Th 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Jonathan Snow | 3.00 | 10/14 |
BIOL BC3320 MICROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent, and BIOL BC2100.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent, and BIOL BC2100. Survey of the diversity, cellular organization, physiology, and genetics of the major microbial groups. Also includes aspects of applied microbiology and biotechnology, the function of microorganisms in the environment, and the role of microbes in human diseases
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3320
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3320 | 001/00585 | T Th 10:10am - 11:25am 418 Barnard Hall |
Stephen Sturley | 3.00 | 45/45 |
BIOL BC3321 LABORATORY IN MICROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3320 BIOL BC3320 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16.
Enrollment limited to 16. Provides experience in the isolation, cultivation, and analysis of pure cultures of microorganisms. Methods used for the study of cell structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of microbes will be incorporated into laboratory exercises
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3321
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3321 | 001/00588 | Th 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Gabrielle Corradino | 3.00 | 12/14 |
BIOL BC3352 DEVELOPMENT. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and BIOL BC2100 or equivalent.
Introduction to animal developmental biology and its applications. This course will examine the basic mechanisms through which animal bodies organize themselves, from an integrative perspective at the levels of genes and gene networks, cell properties and behaviors, coordinated interactions of cells in developing tissues, organs and organ systems, and the role of developmental processes in morphological evolution. Topics include: fertilization, cleavage and gastrulation, establishment of body axes, neural development, organ formation, tissue and organ regeneration, stem cells and medical applications, evolution of developmental programs, and teratogenesis
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3352
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3352 | 001/00429 | M W 10:10am - 11:25am 225 Milbank Hall |
Rishita Shah | 3.00 | 16/45 |
BIOL BC3354 LABORATORY IN EMBRYOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
This lab course will explore the foundational methods of vertebrate embryology. Using both classical and modern experimental approaches, we will identify and manipulate developmental processes such as gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. Students will investigate molecular regulation of patterning and the importance of tissue-tissue interactions during early development. Utilizing modern genetic tools and imaging techiniques, such as digital microscopy, students will have the opportunity to visualize embyrogenesis in real-time. Prerequisite: Two terms of introductory biology (BIOL BC1500,BC1502 or equivalent) AND one term of Genetics (BIOL BC2100 or equivalent) AND at least one upper level lab course at the cell and molecular level. OR permission from the instructor
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3354
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3354 | 001/00589 | W 1:10pm - 6:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Rishita Shah | 3.00 | 4/12 |
BIOL BC3360 PHYSIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent. This course examines how mammals carry out basic functions like manipulating objects, sensing the external world, oxygenating tissues, and processing food. Emphasis is placed on (a) how the body regulates itself through the integrated action of multiple organ systems and (b) what goes awry in disease
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3360
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3360 | 001/00428 | M W 11:40am - 12:55pm 328 Milbank Hall |
Jordan Balaban | 3.00 | 40/45 |
BIOL BC3361 LABORATORY IN PHYSIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3360 Pre- (or co-) requisite is a physiology lecture class (e.g., BIOL BC3360). Enrollment limited to 16.
Prerequisites: Pre- (or co-) requisite is a physiology lecture class (e.g. BIOL BC3360). Enrollment limited to 16. Provides a hands-on introduction to the different physiological systems in vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasizes the operation of a variety of physiological monitoring devices and the collection and analysis of physiological data
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3361
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3361 | 001/00590 | F 10:10am - 3:00pm 922 Schermerhorn Hall |
John Glendinning | 3.00 | 16/16 |
BIOL BC3362 MOLECULAR & CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent, and one term of organic chemistry.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502 BIOL BC1503, and either BIOL BC1500 BIOL BC1501 or NSBV BC1001 or permission from the instructor. Structure and function of neural membranes; ionic basis of membrane potential and action potential; synaptic transmission and neurochemistry; sensory transduction and processing; reflexes and spinal cord physiology; muscle structure and function; neuronal circuitry; and nervous system development
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3362
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3362 | 001/00007 | T Th 11:40am - 12:55pm 405 Milbank Hall |
Elizabeth Bauer | 3.00 | 59/60 |
BIOL BC3363 LAB IN MOLEC & CELL NEUROSCI. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3362 BIOL BC3362 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC3362 (or corequisite). Enrollment limited to 16. Introduction to techniques commonly used in current neurobiological research, including intracellular and extracellular recording of action potentials, neuroanatomical methods, and computer simulation of the action potential
BIOL BC3367 ECOPHYSIOLOGY. 3.00 points.
BIOL BC3380 APPLIED ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
Ecological and evolutionary models of populations (exponential and density-dependent growth; species interactions; genetic differentiation resulting from mating, random drift, and selection) applied to problems resulting from human-induced environmental change (endangered species; use of pesticides and antibiotics; escaping transgenic organisms; global climate change; emerging pathogens; other invaders; etc.)
BIOL BC3388 TROPICAL ECOLOGY. 3.00 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent.
Focusing on tropical rain forests, the course explores the contemporary and historical ecological processes that generate and maintain species diversity in the tropics. Topics include biogeography and the latitudinal gradient of diversity, tropical climate and soils, origins of tropical ecosystems, causes and consequences of tropical deforestation, as well as unique ecological patterns and processes in specific tropical regions (Neotropics, African, and Asian tropics)
BIOL BC3400 MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS. 4 points.
Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.
This course will focus on building and analyzing dynamic mathematical models (models that study how processes change in time) to understand the behavior of different biological systems. We will focus on a variety of topics in population biology, physiology and the biomedical sciences such as single and competing species models, pharmacokinetic models of drugs and toxins, enzyme reaction kinetics, epidemiology, infectious diseases and cancer. We will use mathematical tools like difference equations, differential equations, linear algebra and nonlinear analysis to study these biological processes. MATLAB programming will be used to implement these mathematical models in search of answers to biological questions.
BIOL BC3590 SR SEM IN BIOLOGY. 4.00 points.
Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and BIOL BC2100.
Required for all majors who do not select the year-long Senior Thesis Research & Seminar (BIOL BC3593 & BC3594) to fulfill their senior capstone requirement. These seminars allow students to explore the primary literature in the Biological Sciences in greater depth than can be achieved in a lecture course. Attention will be focused on both theoretical and empirical work. Seminar periods are devoted to oral reports and discussion of assigned readings and student reports. Students will write one extensive literature review of a topic related to the central theme of the seminar section. Topics vary per semester and include, but are not limited to: Plant Development, Animal Development & Evolution, Molecular Evolution, Microbiology & Global Change, Genomics, Comparative & Reproductive Endocrinology, and Data Intensive Approaches in Biology
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3590
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3590 | 001/00426 | F 12:10pm - 2:00pm 214 Milbank Hall |
Jordan Balaban | 4.00 | 11/10 |
BIOL 3590 | 002/00427 | M 4:10pm - 6:00pm 119 Milstein Center |
Rishita Shah | 4.00 | 12/10 |
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3590
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
BIOL 3590 | 001/00594 | M 11:10am - 1:00pm 214 Milbank Hall |
Rishita Shah | 4.00 | 9/12 |
BIOL BC3591 GUIDED RESEARCH & SEMINAR. 4.00 points.
Per Semester
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3593 or BIOL BC3594.
This year-long course is open to junior and senior Biology majors and minors. Students will complete an independent research project in Biology under the guidance of a faculty mentor at Barnard or another local institution. Attendance at the weekly seminar is required. By the end of the year, students will write a scientific paper about their project and give a poster presentation about their research at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium. Completion of this year-long course fulfills two upper-level laboratory requirements for the Biology major or minor. This course must be taken in sequence, beginning with BIOL BC3591 in the Fall and continuing with BIOL BC3592 in the Spring. Acceptance into this course requires confirmation of the research project by the course instructors. A Barnard internal mentor is required if the research project is not supervised by a Barnard faculty member. This course cannot be taken at the same time as BIOL BC3593-BIOL BC3594
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3591
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3591 | 001/00424 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 308 Diana Center |
JJ Miranda, Alison Pischedda, Jessica Goldstein | 4.00 | 10/10 |
BIOL 3591 | 002/00425 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 227 Milbank Hall |
Jessica Goldstein, Alison Pischedda, JJ Miranda | 4.00 | 8/8 |
BIOL BC3592 GUIDED RESEARCH & SEMINAR. 4.00 points.
Per Semester
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3593 or BIOL BC3594.
This year-long course is open to junior and senior Biology majors and minors. Students will complete an independent research project in Biology under the guidance of a faculty mentor at Barnard or another local institution. Attendance at the weekly seminar is required. By the end of the year, students will write a scientific paper about their project and give a poster presentation about their research at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium. Completion of this year-long course fulfills two upper-level laboratory requirements for the Biology major or minor. This course must be taken in sequence, beginning with BIOL BC3591 in the Fall and continuing with BIOL BC3592 in the Spring. Acceptance into this course requires confirmation of the research project by the course instructors. A Barnard internal mentor is required if the research project is not supervised by a Barnard faculty member. This course cannot be taken at the same time as BIOL BC3593-BIOL BC3594
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3592
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 3592 | 001/00592 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 119 Milstein Center |
JJ Miranda, Alison Pischedda, Jessica Goldstein | 4.00 | 10/10 |
BIOL 3592 | 002/00591 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 306 Milbank Hall |
Jessica Goldstein, Alison Pischedda, JJ Miranda | 4.00 | 6/8 |
BIOL BC3593 SENIOR THESIS RESEARCH & SEMINAR. 4.00 points.
Per Semester
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3591 or BIOL BC3592.
This year-long course is open to senior Biology majors. Students will complete an independent research project in Biology under the guidance of a faculty mentor at Barnard or another local institution. Attendance at the weekly seminar is required. By the end of the year, students will write a scientific paper about their project and give an oral presentation about their research at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium. Completion of this year-long course fulfills the senior capstone requirement for the Biology major. This course must be taken in sequence, beginning with BIOL BC3593 in the Fall and continuing with BIOL BC3594 in the Spring. Acceptance into this course requires confirmation of the research project by the course instructors. A Barnard internal mentor is required if the research project is not supervised by a Barnard faculty member. This course cannot be taken at the same time as BIOL BC3591-BIOL BC3592
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3593
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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BIOL 3593 | 001/00423 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 318 Milbank Hall |
JJ Miranda, Alison Pischedda, Jessica Goldstein | 4.00 | 12/12 |
BIOL BC3594 SENIOR THESIS RESEARCH & SEMINAR. 4.00 points.
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor and the department. Cannot be taken concurrently with BIOL BC3591 or BIOL BC3592.
This year-long course is open to senior Biology majors. Students will complete an independent research project in Biology under the guidance of a faculty mentor at Barnard or another local institution. Attendance at the weekly seminar is required. By the end of the year, students will write a scientific paper about their project and give an oral presentation about their research at the Barnard Biology Research Symposium. Completion of this year-long course fulfills the senior capstone requirement for the Biology major. This course must be taken in sequence, beginning with BIOL BC3593 in the Fall and continuing with BIOL BC3594 in the Spring. Acceptance into this course requires confirmation of the research project by the course instructors. A Barnard internal mentor is required if the research project is not supervised by a Barnard faculty member. This course cannot be taken at the same time as BIOL BC3591-BIOL BC3592
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3594
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 3594 | 001/00593 | M 1:10pm - 3:00pm 327 Milbank Hall |
JJ Miranda, Alison Pischedda, Jessica Goldstein | 4.00 | 10/12 |
BIOL BC3597 GUIDED RESEARCH. 1.00-4.00 points.
Prerequisites: Permission of a faculty sponsor.
Similar to BIOL BC3591-BIOL BC3592, this is a one-semester course that provides students with degree credit for unpaid research without a seminar component. You may enroll in BIOL BC3597 for between 1-4 credits per semester. As a rule of thumb, you should be spending approximately 3 hours per week per credit on your research project. A Project Approval Form must be submitted to the department each semester that you enroll in this course. Your Barnard research mentor (if your lab is at Barnard) or internal adviser in the Biology Department (if your lab is elsewhere) must approve your planned research before you enroll in BIOL BC3597. You should sign up for your mentor's section. This course does not fulfill any Biology major requirements. It is open to students beginning in their first year
Fall 2024: BIOL BC3597
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 3597 | 001/00411 | |
Elizabeth Bauer | 1.00-4.00 | 5/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 002/00412 | |
Hilary Callahan | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 003/00413 | |
John Glendinning | 1.00-4.00 | 9/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 004/00414 | |
Jordan Balaban | 1.00-4.00 | 4/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 005/00415 | |
JJ Miranda | 1.00-4.00 | 3/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 006/00416 | |
Alison Pischedda | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 007/00417 | |
Jonathan Snow | 1.00-4.00 | 5/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 008/00418 | |
Brian Morton | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 009/00419 | |
Jennifer Mansfield | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 010/00420 | |
Gabrielle Corradino | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 011/00421 | |
Jessica Goldstein | 1.00-4.00 | 6/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 012/00422 | |
Emlyn Resetarits | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
Spring 2025: BIOL BC3597
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
BIOL 3597 | 001/00606 | |
Elizabeth Bauer | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 002/00605 | |
Hilary Callahan | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 003/00604 | |
John Glendinning | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 004/00603 | |
Jessica Goldstein | 1.00-4.00 | 2/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 005/00602 | |
Jennifer Mansfield | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 006/00601 | |
JJ Miranda | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 007/00600 | |
Brian Morton | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 008/00599 | |
Alison Pischedda | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 009/00598 | |
Jonathan Snow | 1.00-4.00 | 1/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 010/00597 | |
Gabrielle Corradino | 1.00-4.00 | 2/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 011/00596 | |
Jordan Balaban | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
BIOL 3597 | 012/00595 | |
Emlyn Resetarits | 1.00-4.00 | 0/15 |
Cross-Listed Courses
Anatomy (Barnard)
ANAT BC2573 HUMAN ANATOMY AND MOVEMENT. 3.00 points.
Corequisites: ANAT BC2574
Corequisites: ANAT BC2574 Dancers and other movers will acquire concrete, scientific information about anatomy and integrate this knowledge into their sensed experience of movement. Through readings, lecture/discussions and movement practice, students will explore: (1) structure and function of bones and joints, (2) muscles, neuromuscular function and coordination, (3) motor cognition and learning
Fall 2024: ANAT BC2573
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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ANAT 2573 | 001/00251 | M W 10:10am - 11:25am Ll020 Milstein Center |
Chisa Hidaka | 3.00 | 21/22 |
ANAT BC2574 LABORATORY IN HUMAN ANATOMY. 3.00 points.
Corequisites: ANAT BC2573
Corequisites: DNCE BC2573 This new interdisciplinary laboratory course will introduce students to the practices of creative and scientific research in anatomy. The laboratory course will offer students “hands-on” opportunities to view cadaveric specimens, to collect, analyze and communicate scientific information/data related to anatomy and to explore the use of anatomical information to generate creative movement and choreography
Fall 2024: ANAT BC2574
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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ANAT 2574 | 001/00752 | M 1:10pm - 5:00pm Ll020 Milstein Center |
Cecilia Fontanesi, Chisa Hidaka | 3.00 | 10/16 |
Chemistry (Barnard)
CHEM BC2900 Research Methods Seminar. 1 point.
Instructor's Permission Required
Prerequisites: Students must be sophomores with a strong interest in pursuing research in the biological or chemical sciences
Skills to facilitate into biology and chemistry research. Students will learn to think and work like scientists and to identify, apply for and gain entry to research lab groups. Focus on writing and oral presentation skills. Additional readings and discussions on laboratory safety, women in science, and scientific ethics.
CHEM BC3282 BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. 3.00 points.
Prerequisites: One year of Organic Chemistry, BIOL BC1502. Lecture: MWF 9:00-9:50.
Prerequisites: (CHEM BC3230) and (CHEM BC3231) BIOL BC1502. Introduction to biochemical building blocks, macromolecules, and metabolism. Structures of amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids. Protein structure and folding. Enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, allostery. Membranes and biosignaling. Catabolism and anabolism with emphasis on chemical intermediates, metabolic energy, catalysis by specific enzymes, regulation
Fall 2024: CHEM BC3282
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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CHEM 3282 | 001/00055 | M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm 328 Milbank Hall |
Romina Mancusso | 3.00 | 49/50 |
Spring 2025: CHEM BC3282
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
CHEM 3282 | 001/00679 | T Th 1:10pm - 2:25pm 140 Horace Mann Hall |
Romina Mancusso | 3.00 | 30/45 |
CHEM BC3355 BIOCHEMISTRY LAB TECHNIQUES. 5.00 points.
Prerequisites: Organic II lab (CHEM BC3333, BC3335, or equivalent); Quantitative analysis lab (BC3338, BC3340, or equivalent); Biochemistry (CHEM BC3282y, CHEM C3501, or equivalent). Lecture: M 1:10-12:50; Laboratory two afternoons: M 2:10-6:00 / W 1:10-5:00.
Prerequisites: Organic II lab (CHEM BC3333, BC3335, or equivalent); Quantitative analysis lab (BC3338, BC3340, or equivalent); Biochemistry (CHEM BC3282y, CHEM C3501, or equivalent). Theory and application of fundamental techniques for the isolation, synthesis and characterization of biological macromolecules including proteins, lipids, nucleotides and carbohydrates. Techniques include spectroscopic analysis, gel electrophoresis, chromatography, enzyme kinetics, immunoblotting, PCR, molecular cloning and cell culture, as well as modern laboratory instrumentation, such as UV-Vis, GC-MS and HPLC
Spring 2025: CHEM BC3355
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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CHEM 3355 | 001/00692 | M F 12:10pm - 5:00pm 718 Fairchild Life Sciences Bldg |
Christina Vizcarra, Grace Lee | 5.00 | 12/12 |
CHEM BC3357 Biochemistry Laboratory Techniques. 3 points.
Fee: $45.
Prerequisites: four terms of chemistry and biology laboratory.
Corequisites: BIOC C3501 or BCHM G4021.
Lecture and lab. Same course as BC3355, but only one section of lab hours required.
Neuroscience and Behavior (Barnard)
NSBV BC2002 STATISTICS AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN. 4.00 points.
This course is for students interested in learning how to conduct scientific research. They will learn how to (i) design well-controlled experiments and identify “quack” science; (ii) organize, summarize and illustrate data, (iii) analyze different types of data; and (iv) interpret the results of statistical tests
Fall 2024: NSBV BC2002
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Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
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NSBV 2002 | 001/00139 | T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 324 Milbank Hall |
Anamaria Alexandrescu | 4.00 | 28/30 |
NSBV 2002 | 001/00139 | Th 4:10pm - 5:00pm 324 Milbank Hall |
Anamaria Alexandrescu | 4.00 | 28/30 |
Please note: If you are unable to see the Barnard Biology course descriptions typically listed here, please view the Columbia Directory of Classes or the Barnard Course Catalogue. In the Columbia Directory of Classes, you can view course descriptions by clicking on the section number of the relevant course, no login needed.
Columbia Courses
The following two tables list courses from the EEEB and Biological Sciences Departments at Columbia and indicates whether or not the course can be used towards the Barnard Biology Major, indicating which major track it can be used for. If a course is not listed here, then no decision has been made for that course and you should contact the Associate Chair of Barnard Biology.
E3B: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
COURSE | SATISFIES REQUIREMENT FOR BARNARD BIOLOGY MAJORS? |
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EEEB V1001. Biodiversity | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB V1010. The Human Species: Its Place in Nature | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN2001. Environmental Biology, I: Molecules to Cells | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN2002. Environmental Biology, II: Organisms to Ecosystems | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN3005. Introduction to Statistics for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB UN3011. Behavioral Biology of Living Primates | Physiology & Organismal Biology |
EEEB W3030. Biology, Systematics, and Evolutionary History of "The Apes" | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W3087. Conservation Biology | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W3204. Dynamics of Human Evolution | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB UN3208. Explorations in Primate Anatomy | Physiology & Organismal Biology |
EEEB W3215. Forensic Osteology | Upper Level Lab |
EEEB UN3220. The Evolution of Human Growth and Development | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W3230. Late Pleistocene Paleoanthropology of Southeast Asia and Australia | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W3240. Challenges and Strategies of Primate Conservation | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W3250. Method and Theory in Biological Anthropology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W3910. The Neandertals | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W3915. Comparative Social Evolution | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W3940. Current Controversies In Primate Behavior and Ecology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN3970. Biological Basis of Human Variation | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB UN3991 and UN3992. Senior Thesis Research Seminar | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN3993 and UN3994. EBHS Senior Thesis Seminar | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB UN3997. Independent Studies | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
EEEB W4060. Invasion Biology | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W4110. Coastal Estuarine Ecology | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W4111. Ecosystem Ecology and Global Change | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
EEEB W4112. Ichthyology | Physiology & Organismal Biology |
EEEB G4910. Field Botany & Plant Systematics | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology or Upper Level Lab |
Biological Sciences
COURSE | SATISFIES REQUIREMENT FOR BARNARD BIOLOGY MAJORS? |
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BIOL UN1130. Genes and Development | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN2005. Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN2006. Introductory Biology II: Cell Biology, Development, and Physiology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN2401. Contemporary Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics, & Molecular Biology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN2402. Contemporary Biology II: Cell Biology, Development and Physiology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN2501. Contemporary Biology Laboratory | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN3004. Neurobiology I: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOL UN3005. Neurobiology: Development & Systems | Physiology & Organismal Biology |
BIOL UN3006. General Physiology | Physiology & Organismal Biology |
BIOL UN3022. Developmental Biology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOL UN3031. Genetics | Genetics Requirement |
BIOL UN3034. Biotechnology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOL UN3040. Lab in Molecular Biology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN3041. Cell Biology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOL UN3052. Project Lab in Molecular Genetics | Upper Level Lab |
BIOL UN3058. Project Lab in Microbiology | Upper Level Lab |
BIOL UN3073. Cellular & Molecular Immunology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
HPSC W3201. Philosophy & History of Evolutionary Biology | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOL UN3310. Virology | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOL UN3500. Independent Biological Research | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |
BIOC UN3511. Biochemistry I: Structure and Metabolism | Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOC UN3512. Molecular Biology |
Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOC UN3300. Biochemistry |
Cell & Molecular Biology |
BIOT GU4201. Seminar in Biotechnology Development and Regulation | Does Not Satisfy Major Requirements |