Biological Sciences Major
Department of Natural Sciences
Whether you’re a new student interested in the sciences, or a returning student planning a career change, the Department of Natural Sciences at Baruch’s Weissman School of Arts and Sciences offers you flexible programs that can be tailored to suit your interests and to help you achieve your career goals. The Biological Sciences Major offers a rich variety of courses in biology, chemistry, and environmental studies. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, may design programs that prepare them for careers or advanced studies in many science and health-related fields.
In small classes, students receive personal attention from faculty, who are recognized experts in their fields. Advanced students can participate in faculty research projects on campus or at institutions where Baruch professors have collaborative arrangements. These research activities not only provide a unique learning experience, but students can earn academic credit as independent study and honors courses. One semester (4 credits) of independent study or honors research may be included in the major elective courses for students planning on professional education in health care fields. Two semesters (8 credits) may be approved by the department for students planning on graduate education toward careers in research.
Interested students should contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 646 660-6250.
Requirements for the Major
No credit toward the major/specialization
| Principles of Biology I | 4 credits | |
| General Chemistry I | 4 credits | |
| Precalculus and Elements of Calculus 1A * | 3 credits | |
| or | ||
| Precalculus | 3 credits | |
| or | ||
| A more advanced calculus course | 3-4 credits | |
| Principles of Biology II | 4 credits | |
| General Chemistry II | 4 credits | |
| Principles of Organic Chemistry I | 4 credits | |
| General Physics I | 4 credits | |
| or | ||
| Quantitative Physics I | 4 credits | |
|
Biostatistics ( ENV 2100)
|
3 credits | |
| or | ||
| Statistics for Social Sciences (formerly STA 2100) | 3 credits | |
| or | ||
| Business Statistics | 3 credits | |
| Principles of Genetics | 4 credits | |
Electives are based on students’ interests and future goals, and are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. The major includes five elective courses, at least two of which must be at the 4000-level or higher, chosen from the following list:
| Molecular and Cellular Biology | 4 credits | |
|
Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development ( ENV 3009)
|
4.5 credits | |
| Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 credits | |
| Endocrinology | 4 credits | |
|
Biology of Invertebrates ( ENV 3020)
|
4 credits | |
|
Principles of Evolution: Processes, Patterns, and the History of Life ( ENV 3030) formerly History and Evolution of Life |
4 credits | |
| 4 credits | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Biotechnology | 4 credits | |
| Plants in Action | 4 credits | |
|
BIO 3062
|
Astrobiology (ENV 3062) (PHY 3062) | 4 credits |
|
Mind, Brain, and Behavior ( PSY 3082)
|
3 credits | |
|
BIO 3400
|
Special Topics in Biological Sciences
|
4 credits |
|
Biological Applications to Physics ( PHY 3500)
|
4 credits | |
| Microbiology | 4 credits | |
| Human Physiology | 4 credits | |
| Developmental Biology | 4 credits | |
|
BIO 4025
|
Comparative Immunology | 4 credits |
|
BIO 4280
|
Bioinformatics | 4 credits |
| Independent Study | 3-4 credits | |
|
BIO 5010
|
Molecular Genetics | 4 credits |
| Honors | 4 credits | |
|
CHM 3006
|
Organic Chemistry II | 4 credit |
| Medicinal Chemistry | 4 credits | |
| Biochemistry | 4 credits | |
| Independent Study | 3-4 credits | |
| Honors | 4 credits | |
| Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 credits | |
| Energy Conservation | 4 credits | |
| Human Conservation | 4 credits | |
| Economic and Legal Aspects of Ecology | 4 credits | |
| Global Ecology | 4 credits | |
| Air and Water Pollution | 4 credits | |
|
Tropical Reef Ecology (plus lab ENV 3015)
|
3 credits | |
| Freshwater Ecology (BIO 3050) | 4 credits | |
|
ENV 3060
|
Earth Systems (PHY 3060) | 4 credits |
|
ENV 3070
|
Agroecology | 4 credits |
|
ENV 3400
|
Special Topics in Environmental Sciences | 4 credits |
| Ecosystem Sustainability | 4 credits | |
| Microbial Ecology | 4 credits | |
| Environmental Sciences Capstone (formerly Topics in Environmental Science) | 4 credits | |
| Independent Study | 3-4 credits | |
| Honors | 4 credits |
Students are expected to complete the major requirements in place at the time they are officially accepted into their programs. Please review the College Bulletin for the relevant academic year.
Contact
Department of Natural Sciences
646-660-6200