GS 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
   • 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. 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. One of these three sequences of courses in chemistry
   • F1403-F1404 - General chemistry and F3443 - F3444 Organic chemistry I and II
   • F1604 - Second Semester General Chemistry (Intensive) and F3443- F3444 Organic chemistry I and II
   • F3045-F3046 - Intensive organic chemistry for first-year students

IV. Additional Course Requirements

• One additional 3000- or 4000-level course from physics or biology, chosen in consultation with the advisor.
  
  Note: SCNC & HPSC courses do not count towards the Major even if listed under Biology courses on Bio web site.