The process of becoming a scientist not only requires that students understand the prevailing knowledge of their chosen field, but also that they learn what is not known, what the new questions are. They also need to have first-hand experience working on the frontiers of research, learning about the joys and frustrations that come with scientific discovery. In the classroom, in joining faculty laboratories, and in undertaking independent research, Columbia's science undergraduates have the opportunity for all these types of learning."

Professor Martin Chalfie
William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Biological Sciences
Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
Winner, 2008 Nobel Prize for Chemistry

It is an exciting time to study science at Columbia. Columbia faculty work at the frontiers of science and have been responsible for many of the most significant scientific discoveries, in all branches of the biological, natural and physical sciences, and are internationally recognized for their contributions. Nine Nobel Laureates are among the current faculty at Columbia- and 70 more Nobel Laureates among past faculty and alumni. Faculty have received similar recognition such as the Kavli Prize, the Crafoord Prize and the National Medal of Science. Science undergraduates at Columbia enjoy a very low student-faculty ratio and therefore have direct access to some of the greatest scientific minds in the world and an almost unlimited range of opportunities to undertake cutting-edge research.

Our undergraduates have access to research facilities on the Morningside campus and at the University's Medical Center, in addition to the many specialized research institutes. Examples which place Columbia at the forefront of innovative science research include:

• Studying sustainable development in the Earth Institute
• Mapping the movement of glaciers at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
• Searching for the Higgs Boson at Nevis Laboratories
• Building nanoscale electronic devices in the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center.

Undergraduates also participate in research projects faculty pursue all over the world- in Mexico to study the development of the Agave cupreata plant, in Argentina to use the Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory to look for signs of dark matter, or in Kenya to observe primate social behavior.

Our Legacy

Pupin Hall was built in 1927 and has housed such famous physicists as Enrico Fermi, Wallace Eckert and I.I. Rabi . The tradition of science at Columbia is rich with discoveries and innovations that have changed history and our understanding of the world. Home of the science behind the X-ray, MRI, modern genetics, plate tectonics and modern robotics, Columbia has been educating students in "the liberal arts and sciences" since our original charter in 1754. This legacy is the foundation to the continued leadership in all of the science disciplines. In the past ten years alone, nine faculty members have won the Nobel Prize. This includes Martin Chalfie, Professor of Biological Sciences, who won the 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize for his work in discovering and developing the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and Professor Richard Axel, CC'67, neuroscientist, opera aficionado, and champion of Columbia's Core Curriculum, who was awarded the 2004 Physiology Nobel Prize for his work in discovering odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system.

Studying Science at Columbia College

The Columbia College faculty are deeply committed to undergraduate science education, and science students have 22 science majors from which to choose, eight of which are interdisciplinary.

Science Departments

Learn about each of our 10 departments and opportunities offered including specific areas of study, research and student organizations.

Undergraduate Science Research

Research opportunities abound, even for first-year students, and faculty are very encouraging of undergraduates who wish to gain research experience.

Meet a Few Columbia Scientists

Meet current Columbia scientists and recent graduates of Columbia's science programs.