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Introductory Sequences

Courses for First-Years

The department offers several quite distinct introductory sequences in physics, only one of which may be taken for credit:

  1. PHYS BC 2001-Mechanics, PHYS BC 2002-Electricity & Magnetism, and PHYS BC 3001-Classical Waves is Barnard's own 3-semester, calculus-based introductory sequence in Physics. It is designed specifically for Barnard women with serious interest in any of the natural sciences or mathematics. Moreover, it is especially appropriate for majors in Physics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, whether premedical or not. Biology majors with calculus background are encouraged to take PHYS BC1881-2, especially for Pre-Health track students. Finally Barnard women contemplating a major in Physics or Astronomy should take PHYS BC 2001-2 in their first year, if possible, or in their second at the latest, to be followed by the third-semester course, BC 3001- Classical Waves.
  2. ASTR1753-54  is an introductory Astronomy sequence which satisfies the Barnard science requirement, and can be taken with ASTR UN 1903 or 1904 Astronomy Lab I, II for the lab science requirement.
  3. PHYS BC 1881–2, Pre-Health Physics I & II, is best preparation for medical school and is appropriate for Biology, Neuroscience, and Environmental Science premedical students. This sequence requires only Calculus I which can be taken simultaneously with the first semester PHYS BC 1881. In contrast to PHYS BC 2002 which requires Calculus II, PHYS BC1882 only uses Calculus I. 
  4. PHYS UN 1201–2, General Physics, is satisfactory preparation for medical school and is appropriate for most non-science major premedical students. This course, devoted to algebra-based physics, is taught at Columbia in a large lecture hall setting. It is not recommended as a foundation for more advanced work in the field.
  5. First-year students with exceptional aptitude for physics (as evidenced, for example, by scores of 4 or 5 on the advanced placement C exam) and a good mathematical background may be admitted into the Columbia-taught two-semester sequence PHY UN 2801–02 General Physics, which replaces all three terms of the sequence for majors. Students inclined toward this sequence are strongly encouraged to consult a Barnard faculty member at the start of the term.

Students unsure about the most appropriate sequence should consult members of the department.

The following courses may be substituted for each other:

  • PHYS BC 2001 and UN 1601 with PHYS BC 2009
  • PHYS BC 2002 and UN 1602 with PHYS BC 2019