Biophysics Major - Requirements

I. Required Biology Courses

A grade of C- or better must be earned and revealed on your transcript for any course -- including the first semester -- to be counted towards the major or concentration requirements. The grade of P is not acceptable, but a course that was taken P/D/F may be counted if and only if the P is uncovered by the Registrar's deadline.

Any exceptions must be approved in advance by an Advisor and you must receive an email notification of that approval.

Students may substitute Barnard College courses only with prior permission from an Advisor.

1. Three biology lecture courses:
   • C2005 - Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology
   • C2006 - Introductory Biology II: Cell Biology, Development & Physiology
   • C3032 or W3031 - Genetics or W3004 - Neurobiology I: Cellular & Molecular Neurobiology or W3005 - Neurobiology II: Development & Systems or W3022 - Developmental biology
     
2. One of the following biology lab courses:
   
   • W3050 - Project laboratory in protein biochemistry
   • W3058 - Project laboratory in microbiology
   • C3052 - Project laboratory in molecular genetics
   • W3500 - Independent study (taken for at least 4 points) + 1 semester of W3600 (recommended)
     
3. One of the following biochemistry courses (listed in bulletin as biol-chem not biochem):
   • C3501 - Biochemistry
   • C3512 - Molecular Biology

II. Required Physics Courses

1. One of the following sequences of physics courses (completed by the end of the sophomore year)
   • C1401, C1402, C1403, and accompanying laboratory (C1494).
     
     
   • C1601, C1602, C2601 and accompanying laboratory (C2699).
     
     
   • C2801 - C2802 and the recommended laboratory (W3081). Recommended for those with AP calculus and/or a strong background in physics.
     
2. Any two physics courses at 3000-level or above, chosen in consultation with the advisor.

III. Required Math and Other Science Courses

1. Math:The following math courses
   • Calculus I - IV (V1101, V1102, V1201, V1202) or Honors Math I - IV (V1107, V1108, V1207, V1208) or the equivalent
     Students with AP or high school Calculus should consult the math section of the bulletin for proper placement.
     
   • V3027 - Ordinary differential equations
     
     
2. Chemistry: One of the following three groups of chemistry courses is required:
• Option 1: General chemistry and lab -C1403-C1404-C1500 or F1403-F1404-F1500
  Organic chemistry and lab- C3443-C3444-C3543 or F3443-F3444-F3543
  
• Option2: For students who qualify for intensive chemistry
  Second Semester General Chemistry (Intensive) and Intensive lab - C1604-C2507
  Organic Chemistry and Lab C3443-C3444-C3543
• Option 3: For students who qualify for 1st year organic chemistry
  Intensive general chemistry Lab - C2507
  Organic chemistry for first years and lab - C3045-C3046-C3543

IV. Additional Course Requirements

• One additional 3000- or 4000-level course from physics or biology, chosen in consultation with the advisor.