BS in Biological Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Columbia University

Program Overview

Columbia University’s Biology major provides broad training in biological sciences with particular emphasis on cell and molecular biology, combining foundational study in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics with advanced biology coursework and laboratory research opportunities. It suits students interested in basic research, medicine, public health, biotechnology, and life-science careers, with opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects in faculty laboratories.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their scientific foundation through General Chemistry I & II with chemistry laboratory work, alongside mathematics or Physics I & II with physics laboratories. Students who want additional preparation for biology can also take Foundations of Biology (BIOL UN1004) before beginning the introductory biology sequence.

Second Year: Students normally progress to Intro Bio I: Biochem, Gen, Molec (BIOL UN2005) and Intro Bio II: Cell Bio, Dev/Phys (BIOL UN2006) after completing the required chemistry preparation. This stage develops understanding of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, development, and physiology.

Third Year: Students move into advanced biological sciences through core courses such as Genetics (BIOL UN3031), Cell Biology (BIOL UN3041), Developmental Biology (BIOL UN3022), Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology (BIOL GU4512). They also begin building laboratory and research experience through options such as Project Lab in Microbiology (BIOL UN3058) or Project Lab–Molecular Genetics (BIOL UN3052).

Fourth Year: Students complete additional upper-level biology coursework and can deepen their interests through subjects such as Cellular/Molecular Immunology, Physiology, Neurobiology, Stem Cell Biology & Applications, and Molecular Biology of Cancer. The major also provides research pathways, including Independent Biological Research (BIOL UN3500) and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), depending on the student's chosen requirements and opportunities.

Focus Areas: Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology, and biological research.

Learning Outcomes: Scientific reasoning, biological analysis, laboratory research, understanding of cellular and molecular processes, interpretation of scientific evidence, and application of biological knowledge to research and health-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Columbia's official undergraduate Biology materials do not state a separate professional accreditation for the Biology major. The program provides preparation for basic research, medicine, public health, biotechnology, and related life-science careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Columbia's official program materials emphasize opportunities for research, medicine, public health, and biotechnology, but the department's official undergraduate pages do not publish a program-specific employability ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Columbia University’s BS in Biological Sciences gain practical experience through laboratory courses, independent research, and hands-on projects connected to the department’s active research programs. The major requires a laboratory or research experience, with options including Project Lab in Microbiology, Project Lab–Molecular Genetics, Contemporary Biology Lab, and Independent Biological Research. Students can also undertake paid summer research through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), working directly in biology laboratories at the Morningside campus or Columbia’s Health Sciences Center.

Practical opportunities and facilities include:

Project-Based Laboratory Work: Students can complete BIOL UN3058 Project Lab in Microbiology or BIOL UN3052 Project Lab–Molecular Genetics, developing hands-on laboratory and research skills through structured biology projects.
Independent Research: BIOL UN3500 Independent Biological Research allows students to work in a faculty research laboratory for academic credit and produce a research paper based on their work.
Summer Research: SURF provides selected first-year, sophomore, and junior students with hands-on biology-related laboratory research, with projects conducted at Morningside Heights or the Columbia Health Sciences Center.
High-Performance Computing: The Department of Biological Sciences participates in Columbia’s High-Performance Computing Facility on the Morningside campus, supporting computational research activities.
Imaging Facility: Students working in relevant research environments can benefit from departmental imaging infrastructure including Nikon fluorescence microscopy and Zeiss LSM 700/800 confocal microscopes.
Molecular Biology Facility: Research infrastructure includes Applied Biosystems StepOne Plus and 7300 real-time PCR systems, supporting molecular biology experimentation and analysis.
Proteomics Facility: The department provides access to advanced proteomics equipment including Agilent gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF, Orbitrap Q Exactive HF, and liquid-chromatography systems.
Cell Sorting & Microfluidics: Departmental equipment includes a BD FACS Calibur cell sorter and 10x Genomics Chromium Controller, providing infrastructure for cellular analysis and microfluidics-based research.
Research Laboratories: Undergraduate students can seek research experience in active laboratories across Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Psychology/neuroscience, and other Columbia research facilities.
Research Presentations: SURF participants submit a report on their research and participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, giving students experience communicating scientific work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Biological Sciences gives students a strong foundation for careers in biological research, biotechnology, healthcare, medicine, and public health. Columbia highlights research, medicine, public health, and the biotech sector as pathways for students interested in biological sciences.

Typical Job Roles: Research Assistant, Biologist, Clinical Research Coordinator, Biotechnology Associate.

Career Support & Employment Opportunities:

Research Opportunities: Columbia's undergraduate research portal connects students with research projects and faculty mentors across the university, while the Biology Department regularly lists paid and volunteer research opportunities.
Life Sciences Internships: The LifeSci NYC Internship Program provides access to paid internships and full-time job opportunities with dozens of New York City life-sciences companies and organizations.
Career Education: Columbia's Center for Career Education provides career-development resources, job-search guidance, industry research tools, resume support, interview preparation, and professional-development opportunities.
Alumni Network: Columbia alumni have continuing access to networking, career resources, events, and professional connections through the Columbia Alumni Association.

Employment & Salary Figures:

Biology-Specific Outcomes: Columbia does not publish a separate employment rate or salary report specifically for graduates of the BS in Biological Sciences.
Salary Data: A program-specific median starting salary for Biological Sciences graduates is not stated on Columbia's official undergraduate Biology pages.
Research Careers: Columbia's Biology Department provides access to paid research opportunities, giving students a route to gain experience before entering employment or further study.

University–Industry Connections: Columbia provides exposure to the life-sciences industry through programs such as the LifeSci NYC Internship Program, which connects students with life-sciences companies and organizations, and the Amgen Scholars Program, where undergraduate students conduct independent research under the guidance of research scientists.

Industry Exposure: Columbia's Biological Sciences resources identify opportunities and connections spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and related fields. The department also offers courses such as Entrepreneurship in Biotech, covering biotechnology companies, intellectual property, funding, regulatory interaction, and business development.

Accreditation Value: Columbia's official Biology materials do not state a separate professional accreditation specifically for the BS in Biological Sciences. Therefore, no program-specific accreditation benefit is stated by the university.

Graduation Outcomes: Columbia's Biological Sciences department prepares students for progression into basic research, medicine, public health, and biotechnology, with undergraduate research and career opportunities supporting these pathways.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, graduates can pursue medical school, doctoral research programs, biotechnology and biomedical graduate programs, public health programs, or other advanced life-science study. Columbia's Biological Sciences department offers graduate-level pathways including the MA in Biotechnology and PhD in Biological Sciences, while its undergraduate program also supports students interested in medicine and other professional careers.