Curriculum

Overview

The BRSS academic program is centered on an intensive laboratory experience, but also features science and non-science courses. Students must take at least 12 credits, but may take as many as 16, constituted as follows:

Lab research experience (4 credits). The core of the program is an intensive internship in a Rockefeller University laboratory. Each student in the program is assigned to a Rockefeller University scientist and performs substantial independent research in his/her laboratory. The student spends at least 20 hours per week in the lab. Students also work with their supervisors on a research paper on the student’s research. The paper is presented publicly at the end of the semester and is evaluated by the supervisor together with faculty from Bard’s Annandale campus. This course is mandatory.

Advanced topics course (4 credits) A course on an advanced topic in biology will be offered by one, or a team of, Rockefeller post-docs. The course will meet twice a week and the subject matter to be covered will be determined by the post-docs. This course is mandatory.

Courses from Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program (4 - 8 credits) BRSS students will be eligible to take courses offered as a part of the Bard Globalization and International Affairs Program. In order to ensure that there is overlap, BGIA will commit to offering a regular course at the nexus of international affairs and the sciences, with particular reference to global issues and public health. A list of courses currently offered by BGIA can be viewed at: http://bgia.bard.edu/index.php?id=16