Biological Sciences

HSPP BC1001 Research Apprenticeship Seminar. 3 points.

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 Seminar. 3 points.

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 lab enrollment is required. This lecture & lab course does not fulfill biology major nor pre-health requirements, but is recommended for prospective biology majors who lack a high-school level background in biology. For students fulfilling a Nine Ways of Knowing lab science requirement, this course may be taken with AP/IB credit OR with BIOL BC1502 & BIOL BC1503 in the spring. Students fulfilling a Foundations requirement may take BIOL BC1002/BIOL BC1012 as a one-semester course in addition to another science lecture, such as BIOL BC1001 Revolutionary Concepts in Biology, to fulfill the lab science requirement.

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: BIOL BC1002 Global Health & Ecology is a co-requisite. This lab course does not fulfill biology major nor pre-health requirements. Enrollment in each lab section is limited to 16 students per section. Students must attend the first lab to hold their place.

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: This lecture course does not fulfill Biology major nor premedical requirements, but does count toward the Science Lecture GER requirement for students fulfilling a Foundations requirement.
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

BIOL BC1500 INTRO ORGANISMAL/EVOL BIOL. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: This course is suitable for majors & fulfillment of pre-health requirements. A high school biology background or equivalent preparation is highly recommended. For those without this background seeking to major in biology, BIOL BC1002 & BIOL BC1012 are recommended in the fall of their freshmen year, followed by the year-long 1500-level lecture & lab sequence. BIOL BC1500 & BIOL BC1502 do not have to be taken in a fall to spring sequence.
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

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 lecture is a pre- or co-requisite (preferred). Students must also enroll for a section of BIOL BC1511 recitation. A high school biology background or equivalent preparation is highly recommended. This course is suitable for fulfillment of biology major and pre-health requirements. Enrollment is limited to 16 students per section.
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

BIOL BC1511 BIOL BC1501 RECITATION. 0.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500 lecture is a pre- or co-requisite (preferred). This recitation (BIOL BC1511) is a co-requisite course for enrollment in BIOL BC1501 Introductory Lab in Organismal & Evolutionary Biology. Each individual lab section is limited to 16 students per section, however all students must enroll in one of the two recitation sections offered.
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

BIOL BC1502 INTRO CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOL. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1002 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

BIOL BC1503 INTRO LAB CELLULAR＆MOLEC BIO. 2.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1502 lecture is a pre- or co-requisite (preferred). Students must also enroll for a section of BIOL BC1513 recitation. A high school biology background or equivalent preparation (such as BIOL BC1002 & BIOL BC1012) is highly recommended. This course is suitable for fulfillment of biology major and pre-health requirements. Enrollment is limited to 16 students per section; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

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 lecture is a pre- or co-requisite (preferred). This recitation (BIOL BC1513) is a co-requisite course for enrollment in BIOL BC1503 Introductory Lab in Cell & Molecular Biology. Each individual lab section is limited to 16 students per section, however all students must enroll in one of the two recitation sections offered.
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

BIOL BC1599 SCIENCE JOURNAL CLUB. 1.00 point.

Prerequisites: ) Limited to 16 students who are participating in the Science Pathways Scholars Program.
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

BIOL BC2100 MOLECULAR ＆ MENDELIAN GENETICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent. This course is a pre-requisite for most 3000-level courses.
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

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.

BIOL BC2262 Vertebrate Biology. 3 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, and BIOL BC1503 or the 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. This course is a pre- or co-requisite for BIOL BC2873 Laboratory in Ecology.
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 BC2278 EVOLUTION. 3.00 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503 or the 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, and BIOL BC1503 or the equivalent. This course is a pre-requisite for BIOL BC2281 Laboratory in Animal Behavior.
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

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

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

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

BIOL BC2801 Laboratory in Genetics. 3 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503; and pre or corequisite, BIOL BC2100 and 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 or equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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 Botany. 4 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 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC2272 (which can be taken as a pre- or co-requisite). Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.

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 (which can be taken as a pre- or co-requisite). Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3304 Topics in Molecular Genetics. 3 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC2100 or equivalent

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. 

BIOL BC3305 PROJECT LAB IN MOLECULAR GENETICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and 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

BIOL BC3306 PROJECT LAB MOLECULAR GENETCS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 or permission of the instructors. Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3308 INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIAL GENOMICS. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: (BIOL BC1500)(BIOL BC1501)(BIOL BC1502)(BIOL BC1503) and BIOL BC2100 or the equivalent. This course is an upper-level laboratory.
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 or equivalent.
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

BIOL BC3311 LABORATORY IN CELL BIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC2100 Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3320 MICROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and BIOL BC2100 or the equivalent. This course is a pre-requisite for BIOL BC3321 Laboratory in Microbiology.
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

BIOL BC3321 LABORATORY IN MICROBIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC3320 (which can be taken as a pre- or co-requisite). Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3352 DEVELOPMENT. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, BIOL BC1503, and BIOL BC2100 or the 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

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

BIOL BC3360 PHYSIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, and 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

BIOL BC3361 LABORATORY IN PHYSIOLOGY. 3.00 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC3360 (or equivalent, which can be taken as a pre- or co-requisite). Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3362 MOLECULAR ＆ CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE. 3.00 points.

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

BIOL BC3363 LAB IN MOLEC ＆ CELL NEUROSCI. 3.00 points.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC3362 (which can be taken as a pre- or co-requisite). Enrollment is limited to 16; must attend first lab to hold place.
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 points.

Not offered during 2023-2024 academic year.

Prerequisites: BIOL BC1500, BIOL BC1501, BIOL BC1502, and BIOL BC1503, or the equivalent. BIOL BC2280 is recommended.

Individuals, communities and ecosystems are composed of complex organism-environment interactions. We will examine these dynamic relationships in animals at the physiological level, covering basic concepts as they specifically relate to animal fitness. Course focus: how changes in stress and reproductive endocrinology and ecoimmunology relate to individual and population dynamics.

BIOL BC3380 Applied Ecology and Evolution. 3 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 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 or the equivalent. Enrollment is limited to 12; must attend first class to hold place.
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

BIOL BC3591 GUIDED RESEARCH ＆ SEMINAR. 4.00 points.

Per Semester

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

BIOL BC3592 GUIDED RESEARCH ＆ SEMINAR. 4.00 points.

Per Semester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: (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

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: T 1:10-12:50; Laboratory two afternoons: T 2:10-6:00 / TH 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

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.