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The Core Curriculum - Science

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The science component of the Core is designed to provide all students with an introduction to some of the most exciting developments in contemporary science while inculcating an appreciation for scientific habits of mind—basic quantitative reasoning skills essential for life as an informed citizen. This is accomplished through the Core course Frontiers of Science, followed by two semesters in specific disciplines that allow exploration of one or more sciences in greater depth.

What is required?

Scientists at Work The science Core course, Frontiers of Science (SCNC1000), plus two one-semester courses from an approved course list. These courses may be taken in the same or in different departments. However, at least one course must be taken in Astronomy; Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology; Physics; or Psychology.

When?

Frontiers of Science in the first year. Additional courses in subsequent years.

Can I test out?

No.

Special Notes:

Students may not use Barnard College courses to fulfill the science requirement unless otherwise noted.

Contact Information:

The following professors are available to answer the questions of students who are interested in the sciences, are considering a major or concentration in one of the following departments, have questions about courses offered in the sciences, or wonder where a degree in science can lead after graduation.

Astronomy
Prof. Joseph Patterson
jlp@astro.columbia.edu

Biology
Prof. Deborah Mowshowitz
dbm2@columbia.edu

Chemistry
Prof. James Valentini
jjv1@columbia.edu

Computer Science
Prof. Alfred Aho
aho@cs.columbia.edu

Earth and Environmental Sciences
Prof. Walter Pitman
pitman@ldeo.columbia.edu

Prof. Nicholas Christie-Blick
ncb@ldeo.columbia.edu

Prof. Peter De Menocal
peter@ldeo.columbia.edu

Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
Dr. Matthew Palmer
mp2434@columbia.edu

Mathematics
Prof. Robert Friedman
rf@math.columbia.edu

Prof. Patrick Gallagher
pxg@math.columbia.edu

Physics
Prof. Lam Hui
lh399@columbia.edu

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