Brown Premed Majors

Brown Pre Med Majors

Brown Pre Med Majors – Applied Mathematics-Biology

The Applied Math – Biology concentration recognizes that mathematics is essential to address many modern biological problems in the post genomic era. Specifically, high throughput technologies have rendered vast new biological data sets that require novel analytical skills for the most basic analyses. These technologies are spawning a new “data-driven” paradigm in the biological sciences and the fields of bioinformatics and systems biology. The foundations of these new fields are inherently mathematical, with a focus on probability, statistical inference, and systems dynamics. These mathematical methods apply very broadly in many biological fields including some like population growth, spread of disease, that predate the genomics revolution. Nevertheless, the application of these methods in areas of biology from molecular genetics to evolutionary biology has grown very rapidly in with the availability of vast amounts of genomic sequence data. Required coursework in this program aims at ensuring expertise in mathematical and statistical sciences, and their application in biology. The students will focus in particular areas of biology. The program culminates in a senior capstone experience that pairs student and faculty in creative research collaborations.

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

Required coursework in this program aims at ensuring expertise in mathematical and statistical sciences, and their application in biology. The students will focus in particular areas of biology. The program culminates in a senior capstone experience that pairs student and faculty in creative research collaborations. Applied Math – Biology concentrators are prepared for careers in medicine, public health, industry and academic research.

Required Courses:

Students are required to take all of the following courses.

MATH 0090Single Variable Calculus, Part I1
MATH 0100Single Variable Calculus, Part II1
or MATH 0170Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
MATH 0180Multivariable Calculus (or equivalent placement)1
MATH 0520Linear Algebra1
or MATH 0540Linear Algebra With Theory
CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure 11
PHYS 0030Basic Physics A1
or PHYS 0050Foundations of Mechanics
Select one of the following sequences:2
APMA 0350
& APMA 0360
Applied Ordinary Differential Equations
and Applied Partial Differential Equations I
APMA 0330
& APMA 0340
Methods of Applied Mathematics I
and Methods of Applied Mathematics II
APMA 1650Statistical Inference I1
or APMA 1655Honors Statistical Inference I
APMA 1070Quantitative Models of Biological Systems1
APMA 1080Inference in Genomics and Molecular Biology1
or NEUR 2110Statistical Neuroscience
BIOL 0200The Foundation of Living Systems (or equivalent)1
Additional Courses
One additional course in Applied Math or Biology1
We strongly recommend that Applied Mathematics-Biology concentrators take one of the programming courses on or before their first semester as a concentrator. Those who do can use it to satisfy this requirement:
APMA 0160
Introduction to Scientific Computing
CSCI 0040
Introduction to Scientific Computing and Problem Solving
CSCI 0111
Computing Foundations: Data
CSCI 0150
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
CSCI 0170
Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
CSCI 0190
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science
CLPS 0950
Introduction to programming
One research-related course in Applied Math or Biology. For example:1
A senior seminar course from the APMA 193X, 194X series
A directed research/independent study course from the APMA 1970, 1971, or BIOL 1950, 1960, or NEUR 1970 series
A directed research/independent study course in a related discipline (i.e. STEM disciplines, ENVS, PHP, etc.) if the project is relevant to the student’s learning goals in the concentration and with approval from the concentration advisor.
A pre-approved course that satisfies the Biology AB capstone requirement: BIOL 1100, 1250, 1515, 1555, 1565, 1575, 1600, 1820, 1970.
A relevant CURE (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience) course: BIOL 0190R, 0190S, 0285, 0440, 0600, 0940G, 1515, 1555; NEUR 1630, CLPS 1195.
A non-research course related to the concentration along with a research experience equivalent in scope and scale to work the student would pursue in an Applied Math or Biology independent study course. Examples include UTRAs, LINK awards, research programs at other institutions, etc. This requires approval from the concentration advisor and appropriate documentation.
Other equivalent opportunities not listed – with approval from the concentration advisor.
Four classes in the biological sciences agreed upon by the student and advisor. These four courses should form a cohesive grouping in a specific area of emphasis, at least two of which should be at the 1000-level. Some example groupings are below:4
Areas of Emphasis and Suggested Courses:
Some areas of possible emphasis for focusing of elective courses are listed below. Given the large number of course offerings in the biosciences and neuroscience, students are free to explore classes in these areas that are not listed below. However, all classes must be approved by the concentration advisor. APMA 1910 cannot be used as an elective.
Biochemistry
BIOL 0280
Biochemistry
BIOL 1270
Advanced Biochemistry
CHEM 0350/0360
Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 1230
Chemical Biology
Biotechnology and Physiology
BIOL 0800
Principles of Physiology
BIOL 1100
Cell Physiology and Biophysics
and/or appropriate bioengineering courses, such as:
BIOL 1090
Polymer Science for Biomaterials
BIOL 1120
Biomaterials
BIOL 1140
Tissue Engineering
BIOL 1150
Stem Cell Engineering
BIOL 1210
Synthetic Biological Systems
Ecology, Evolution, and Genetics
BIOL 0410
& BIOL 0480
Invertebrate Zoology
and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 0420
& BIOL 0430
Principles of Ecology
and The Evolution of Plant Diversity
BIOL 0470
Genetics
BIOL 1420
Experimental Design in Ecology
BIOL 1430
Foundations of Population Genetics
BIOL 1465
Human Population Genomics
BIOL 1540
Molecular Genetics
Neuroscience
APMA 0410
Mathematical Methods in the Brain Sciences
Neurosciences courses: See https://www.brown.edu/academics/neuroscience/undergraduate/neuroscience-concentration-requirements
BIOL 1100
Cell Physiology and Biophysics
BIOL 1110
Topics in Signal Transduction
BIOL 1190
Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity
Total Credits18

Students whose independent study is expected to be in an experimental field are strongly encouraged to take APMA 1660, which covers experimental design and the analysis of variance (ANOVA), a method commonly used in the analysis of experimental data.

Professional Tracks

The requirements for the professional tracks include all those of each of the standard tracks, as well as the following:

Students must complete full-time professional experiences doing work that is related to their concentration programs, totaling 2-6 months, whereby each internship must be at least one month in duration in cases where students choose to do more than one internship experience.  Such work is normally done at a company, but may also be at a university under the supervision of a faculty member. Internships that take place between the end of the fall and the start of the spring semesters cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.  On completion of each professional experience, the student must write and upload to ASK a reflective essay about the experience, to be approved by the student’s concentration advisor.

On completion of each professional experience, the student must write and upload to ASK a reflective essay about the experience, to be approved by the student’s concentration advisor:

  • Which courses were put to use in your summer’s work?  Which topics, in particular, were important?
  • In retrospect, which courses should you have taken before embarking on your summer experience?  What are the topics from these courses that would have helped you over the summer if you had been more familiar with them?
  • Are there topics you should have been familiar with in preparation for your summer experience, but are not taught at Brown?  What are these topics?
  • What did you learn from the experience that probably could not have been picked up from course work?
  • Is the sort of work you did over the summer something you would like to continue doing once you graduate? Explain.
  • Would you recommend your summer experience to other Brown students? Explain.

Honors

Requirements and Process: Honors in the Applied Math-Biology concentration is based primarily upon an in-depth, original research project carried out under the guidance of a Brown (and usually Applied Math or BioMed) affiliated faculty advisor.  Projects must be conducted for no less than two full semesters, and students must register for two semesters of credit for the project via APMA 1970 or BIOL 1950/BIOL 1960 or similar independent study courses.  One of these courses can be used to fulfill the research-related course requirement, but the other cannot be used elsewhere in the concentration.  The project culminates in the writing of a thesis which is reviewed by the thesis advisor and a second reader.  It is essential that the student have one advisor from the biological sciences and one in Applied Mathematics.  The thesis work must be presented in the form of an oral presentation (arranged with the primary thesis advisor) or posted at the annual Undergraduate Research Day in either Applied Mathematics or Biology.  For information on registering for BIOL 1950/BIOL 1960, please see https://www.brown.edu/academics/biology/undergraduate-education/undergraduate-research

The concentrations in Applied Math (including joint concentrations) require that honors students demonstrate excellence in grades for courses in the concentration. Students must have earned grades of A or S-with-distinction in at least 70% of the courses used for concentration credit, excluding calculus and linear algebra, or be in the upper 20% of the student’s cohort (as measured by the fraction of grades of A or S-with-distinction among courses used for concentration credit, excluding calculus and linear algebra). Since S with distinctions do not appear on the internal academic record or the official transcript, the department will consult directly with the Registrar’s Office to confirm a student’s grades in concentration courses. Additional guidelines and requirements for honors are published on the department website

The deadline for applying to graduate with honors in the concentration are the same as those of the biology concentrations.  However, students in the joint concentration must inform the undergraduate chair in Applied Mathematics of their intention to apply for honors by these dates.

 

Brown Pre Med Majors  – Biomedical Engineering

The Sc.B. program in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org/. It is jointly offered by the School of Engineering and the Division of Biology and Medicine as an interdisciplinary concentration designed for students interested in applying the methods and tools of engineering to the subject matter of biology and the life sciences. Alumni of the Biomedical Engineering (BME) program will achieve one or more of these program educational objectives (PEOs) within five (5) years of graduation: (1) Serve society through work or advanced study in a broad range of fields including, but not limited to, medicine, healthcare, industry, government, and academia; (2) Apply their deeply creative and versatile biomedical engineering education to solve a broad spectrum of engineering and societal challenges; and (3) Contribute as role models, mentors, or leaders in their fields. The student outcomes of this program are the ABET (1) – (7) Student Outcomes as defined by the ABET Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs (available online at http://www.abet.org/accreditation-criteria-policies-documents/). The Biomedical Engineering concentration shares much of the core with the other engineering programs, but is structured to include more courses in biology and chemistry, and a somewhat different emphasis in mathematics.

The requirements regarding Mathematics, Advanced Placement, Transfer Credit, Substitutions for Required Courses, and Humanities and Social Science Courses are identical to those of the Sc.B. degree programs in Engineering. Please refer to the Engineering section of the University Bulletin for explicit guidelines.

The Biomedical Engineering concentration shares much of the core with the other engineering programs, but is structured to include more courses in biology and chemistry, and a somewhat different emphasis in mathematics.

 Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

1. Core Courses
ENGN 0030Introduction to Engineering1
or ENGN 0031Honors Introduction to Engineering
ENGN 0040Dynamics and Vibrations1
ENGN 0510Electricity and Magnetism1
or ENGN 0520Electrical Circuits and Signals
ENGN 0720Thermodynamics1
ENGN 0810Fluid Mechanics1
CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
MATH 0190Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)1
or MATH 0170Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
or MATH 0100Single Variable Calculus, Part II
CHEM 0350Organic Chemistry I1
MATH 0200Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)1
or MATH 0180Multivariable Calculus
or MATH 0350Multivariable Calculus With Theory
APMA 0350Applied Ordinary Differential Equations 11
APMA 1650Statistical Inference I1
or BIOL 0495Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
or PHP 1510Principles of Biostatistics and Data Analysis
or APMA 1655Honors Statistical Inference I
2. Upper Level Biomedical Engineering Curriculum
ENGN 1110Transport and Biotransport Processes1
ENGN 1210Biomechanics1
ENGN 1230Instrumentation Design1
ENGN 1490Biomaterials1
BIOL 0800Principles of Physiology1
3. Additional Biomedical Engineering Electives: Complete at least 3 courses from the following groups; other upper-level courses are subject to Concentration Advisor approval.3
Select one or two of the following:
ENGN 0500
Digital Computing Systems
ENGN 1220
Neuroengineering
ENGN 1510
Nanoengineering and Nanomedicine
ENGN 1520
Cardiovascular Engineering
ENGN 1550
Recent Advances in Biomedical Engineering
ENGN 1740
Computer Aided Visualization and Design
ENGN 1930B
Biomedical Optics
ENGN 2625
Optical Microscopy: Fundamentals and Applications
ENGN 2910S
Cancer Nanotechnology
ENGN 2911R
Analytical Modeling for Biomechanical and Biomedical Systems
ENGN 2912R
Implantable Devices
BIOL 1140
Tissue Engineering
BIOL 1150
Stem Cell Engineering
BIOL 2110
Drug and Gene Delivery
At least one or two more courses from:
CSCI 1810
Computational Molecular Biology
or CSCI 1820
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
BIOL 0280
Biochemistry
BIOL 0470
Genetics
BIOL 0500
Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL 0510
Introductory Microbiology
BIOL 0530
Principles of Immunology
BIOL 1090
Polymer Science for Biomaterials
BIOL 1100
Cell Physiology and Biophysics
BIOL 1555
Methods in Informatics and Data Science for Health
APMA 1070
Quantitative Models of Biological Systems
CHEM 0360
Organic Chemistry II
CLPS 1520
Computational Vision
or CLPS 1590
Visualizing Vision
ENGN 2910G
Topics in Translational Research and Technologies
NEUR 1020
Principles of Neurobiology
NEUR 1440
Mechanisms and Meaning of Neural Dynamics
PHYS 1610
Biological Physics
BIOL 1810
21st Century Applications in Cell and Molecular Biology
4. Capstone Design 2
ENGN 1930LBiomedical Engineering Design and Innovation 11
ENGN 1931LBiomedical Engineering Design and Innovation II 11
5. General Education Requirement: At least four approved courses must be taken in the humanities and social sciences.
Total Credits21

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Chemistry

The Chemistry concentration offers courses and research opportunities that range from fundamental studies involving the characterization and preparation of synthetic and naturally occurring molecules, to interdisciplinary studies at the interfaces of chemistry with biology, medicine, physics, engineering, and nanoscience. As early as their first year, undergraduates are able to work one-on-one or in small groups with faculty members on cutting edge research projects. The Sc.B. degree provides a thorough foundation for further graduate study or for entry-level technical positions in each area. Students seeking the Sc.B. may either pursue the standard Chemistry concentration or one of the two optional tracks: Chemical Biology or Materials Chemistry. Students may also pursue the A.B. degree in Chemistry, which provides a core education in the discipline.

Standard program for the A.B. degree

CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
CHEM 0350Organic Chemistry I1
CHEM 0360Organic Chemistry II1
CHEM 0500Inorganic Chemistry1
CHEM 0600Preparative Chemistry Lab.5
CHEM 1140Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry 11
CHEM 1150Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 11
CHEM 1160Physical Chemistry Laboratory 11
One advanced science/math electives. 21
Total Credits8.5

Standard program for the Sc.B. degree

The Chemistry Department offers three tracks for the Sc.B. Chemistry Concentration – a Chemistry track, a Chemical Biology track and a Materials Chemistry track. These tracks are not separate concentrations – your degree will still be an Sc.B. in Chemistry. The Chemical Biology track is designed for students who have a strong interest in the interface of chemistry with biology. The Materials Chemistry track is designed for students who have a strong interest in the interface of chemistry with nanoscience and materials science.  The expectation is that courses required for the concentration will be taken for a letter grade.

Concentrating in Chemistry – Three tracks
The required/recommended courses for the three tracks are given below.

Chemistry Track:

CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
CHEM 0350Organic Chemistry I1
CHEM 0360Organic Chemistry II1
CHEM 0500Inorganic Chemistry1
CHEM 0600Preparative Chemistry Lab.5
CHEM 0970Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 0980Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 1140Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry1
CHEM 1150Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics1
CHEM 1160Physical Chemistry Laboratory1
MATH 0180 or equivalent 31
Two Physics courses, typically 0030/0040 or 0050/00602
Six electives (at least three must be in Chemistry) 16
Total Credits18.5

Chemical Biology Track:

CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
CHEM 0350Organic Chemistry I1
CHEM 0360Organic Chemistry II1
CHEM 0400Biophysical and Bioinorganic Chemistry1
or CHEM 0500Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 0600Preparative Chemistry Lab.5
CHEM 0970Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 0980Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 1140Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry1
CHEM 1230Chemical Biology1
CHEM 1240Biochemistry1
BIOL 0280Biochemistry1
MATH 0180 or equivalent 31
Two Physics courses, typically 0030/0040 or 0050/00602
Select three of the following: 43
BIOL 0470
Genetics
BIOL 0500
Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOL 0510
Introductory Microbiology
BIOL 0530
Principles of Immunology
BIOL 0800
Principles of Physiology
NEUR 1020
Principles of Neurobiology
Two other electives 12
Total Credits18.5

Materials Chemistry Track:

CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
CHEM 0350Organic Chemistry I1
CHEM 0360Organic Chemistry II1
CHEM 0500Inorganic Chemistry1
CHEM 0600Preparative Chemistry Lab.5
CHEM 0970Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 0980Undergraduate Research1
or CHEM 0981Undergraduate Research – Writing Designated
CHEM 1060Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 21
CHEM 1140Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry1
CHEM 1150Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics 21
CHEM 1700Nanoscale Materials: Synthesis and Applications1
MATH 0180 or equivalent 31
Two Physics courses, typically 0030/0040 or 0050/0060 22
One of the following courses1
BIOL 1090
Polymer Science for Biomaterials (or)
BIOL 1120/
Biomaterials (or)
BIOL 1140
Tissue Engineering (or)
ENGN 1470
Composite Materials (or)
ENGN 1490
Biomaterials (or)
Four electives, at least two must be chemistry courses. 14
Total Credits18.5

In each of these cases, CHEM 0970/CHEM 0980 /CHEM 0981 should be carried out with a faculty member with an appointment in the Chemistry Department. Research with faculty advisors outside Chemistry may be allowed in some special cases. In this event, the student should speak with a concentration advisor to discuss this possibility.

Honors Requirements for Chemistry

All Chemistry concentrators who have grades of A or S with distinction in a majority of their concentration courses will be considered  for Honors; no separate application is necessary.

The requirements for Honors in Chemistry are:

* Grades of A or S with distinction in a majority of courses taken for the concentration.

* Two semesters of Independent Study (CHEM 0970CHEM 0980CHEM 0981 or equivalent. Guidelines and requirements associated with Independent Study are in the Undergraduate Concentration Handbook which can be found at the department website.

* A Thesis in a form approved  and recommended by the research advisor.  Additional information about thesis guidelines will be provided to seniors  by the Concentration Advisor.

* A Poster presentation at the chemistry department’s spring undergraduate poster session.

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of higher cognitive functions in humans and their underlying neural bases. It is an integrative area of study drawing primarily from cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics. There are two broad directions that can be taken in this concentration – one is behavioral/experimental and the other is computational/modeling. In both, the goal is to understand the nature of cognition from a neural perspective. The standard concentration for the Sc.B. degree requires courses on the foundations, systems level, and integrative aspects of cognitive neuroscience as well as laboratory and elective courses that fit within a particular theme or category such as general cognition, perception, language development or computational/modeling. Concentrators must also complete a senior seminar course or an independent research course. Students may also participate in the work of the Brown Institute for Brain Science, an interdisciplinary program that unites ninety faculty from eleven departments.

Standard Program for the AB degree (Effective Class of 2019)

The A.B. concentration requires 12 courses.  The Sc.B concentration additionally requires 1 laboratory course and 4 approved science courses, totaling to a total of 17 required courses.

Common Core

The introductory course, “CLPS 0010 Mind, Brain, and Behavior,” surveys the broad territory of the scientific study of the mind, as uniquely represented by our department.  The course maps the breadth of the science of the mind, focusing on fascinating questions, garnered insights, common commitments, and successful techniques and approaches. The course could be taken by students interested in the CLPS concentrations or as an introductory survey course at the beginning of one’s college career.  AP Psychology is not an acceptable equivalent for CLPS 0010.

Careers in Cognitive Neuroscience and related fields requires familiarity with statistics.  Therefore, the Cognitive Neuroscience concentration requires a course in Quantitative Methods (CLPS 0900). CLPS 0900 is a prerequisite for most of the laboratory courses, so concentrators should plan to take this course by their fourth semester.  The department does not grant concentration credit of AP Statistics, regardless of score.  Students who feel that CLPS 0900 is too elementary can complete an approved alternative course (e.g., APMA 1650, CLPS 2906, PHP 1501, ECON 1629, APMA 1660).

Foundation

To provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge in their area of concentration and to minimize redundancy, the Cognitive Neuroscience concentration requires four foundation courses in Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Computational Methods.

Electives

Each concentrator will take four additional courses that allow the student to go into depth in some of the relevant topics.  Three of these courses must be 1000-level courses.  Some courses designed to count as electives will often have foundation courses as prerequisites and may include laboratory courses, content courses, or seminars.

Research Methods

Another element in the Cognitive Neuroscience concentration is a research methods course that builds on the introductory statistics course (which will be a prerequisite) but exposes students to a variety of topics in research of the mind: to empirical methods (e.g., surveys, chronometry, eye tracking, brain imaging), to common designs (e.g., factorial experimental, correlational, longitudinal), to research ethics, and to best practices of literature review.  Alternatively, students may take an approved laboratory course.

Capstone

Concentrators will additionally take either a seminar course or an independent research course to serve as their capstone experience.

Additional requirements for Sc.B.

In line with university expectations, the Sc.B. requirements include a greater number of courses and especially science courses. The definition of “science” is flexible.  A good number of these courses will be outside of CLPS, but several CLPS courses might fit into a coherent package as well.  In addition, the Sc.B. degree also requires a lab course to provide these students with in-depth exposure to research methods in a particular area of the science of the mind.

Honors Requirement

An acceptable upper level Research Methods, for example CLPS 1900 or an acceptable Laboratory course (see below) will serve as a requirement for admission to the Honors program in Cognitive Neuroscience.

FOR DETAILED UPDATES, PLEASE REFER TO THE COGNITIVE, LINGUISTIC, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES (CLPS) UNDERGRADUATE PAGE.

Requirements for the A.B. degree

STANDARD PROGRAM FOR THE A.B. DEGREE
CLPS 0010Mind, Brain and Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Approach1
CLPS 0900Statistical Methods1
One approved course in Cognitive Neuroscience, such as:1
CLPS 0150
Behavioral Neuroscience: Introduction to Biological Psychiatry
CLPS 0400
Cognitive Neuroscience
CLPS 0450
Brain Damage and the Mind
One approved course in Neuroscience, such as:1
NEUR 0010
The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience
NEUR 1020
Principles of Neurobiology
NEUR 1030
Neural Systems
One approved course in Cognitive Neuropsychology, such as:1
CLPS 0200
Human Cognition
CLPS 0450
Brain Damage and the Mind
CLPS 1420
Cognitive Neuropsychology
One approved course in Computational Methods, such as:1
CLPS 0950
Introduction to programming
CLPS 1291
Computational Methods for Mind, Brain and Behavior
CLPS 1492
Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
CLPS 1950
Deep Learning in Brains, Minds
CSCI 0111
Computing Foundations: Data
CSCI 0150
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
NEUR 1440
Mechanisms and Meaning of Neural Dynamics
NEUR 1630
Big Data Neuroscience Lab
NEUR 1680
Computational Neuroscience
Four Approved Electives:4
Any 1000-level course in CLPS or NEUR that is not being used to fulfill another requirement and fits with a unified theme is acceptable Themes could be any of the foundation areas or some other theme that has three available 1000-level courses, for example, language, developmental or decision-making. Courses outside CLPS and NEUR may also be acceptable if they fit with the unified theme.
One Independent Study or Approved Seminar, such as:1
Acceptable Independent Research Courses: CLPS 1980 or NEUR 1970
Acceptable seminars: Any 1000-level seminar in CLPS or NEUR
Research Methods:1
CLPS 1900
Research Methods And Design
CLPS 1901
Research Methods
Acceptable Laboratory courses: Any 1000-level course in CLPS or NEUR. Laboratory courses outside of CLPS or NEUR are not acceptable
Total Credits12

Requirements for the Sc.B. degree

The Sc.B. requires all twelve of the courses required by the AB, above.12
Plus five additional courses as outlined, below:
One Approved Laboratory Course, such as:1
Any 1000-level laboratory course in CLPS
NEUR 1600
Experimental Neurobiology
NEUR 1650
Structure of the Nervous System
Laboratory courses outside of CLPS or NEUR are not acceptable
Four Approved Science Courses, such as:4
Any 1000-level course in CLPS or NEUR
Any course that is acceptable for concentrations in APMA, BIOL, CHEM, CSCI, MATH or PHYS is acceptable as a science course
Total Credits17

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Computer Science

Computer science is now a critical tool for pursuing an ever-broadening range of topics, from outer space to the workings of the human mind. In most areas of science and in many liberal arts fields, cutting-edge work depends increasingly on computational approaches. The undergraduate program at Brown is designed to combine breadth in practical and theoretical computer science with depth in specialized areas. These areas range from traditional topics, such as analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics and security, to novel areas including games and scientific visualization.

Our requirements are built on a collection of pathways, each representing a well defined area within computer science.  Concentrators interested in particular areas can choose the courses included in particular pathways.  Conversely, concentrators who are unsure of their area of interest but who have particularly enjoyed certain courses can choose pathways that include these concentrations.  Students may not use more than two CSCI 1970 courses to complete the requirements for the Sc.B. and one CSCI 1970 course for the A.B. requirements.

Requirements for the Standard Track of the Sc.B. degree

Prerequisites (0-3 courses)
Calculus prerequisite: students must complete or place out of second semester calculus.0-3
MATH 0100
Single Variable Calculus, Part II
or MATH 0170
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
or MATH 0190
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
Concentration Requirements
Core-Computer Science:
Select one of the following introductory course Series:2
Series A
CSCI 0150
& CSCI 0200
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Series B
CSCI 0170
& CSCI 0200
Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Series C
CSCI 0190
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science (and an additional CS course not otherwise used to satisfy a concentration requirement; this course may be CSCI 0200, an intermediate-level course, or an advanced course)
Series D 1
CSCI 0111
& CSCI 0112
& CSCI 0200
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Thirteen CS courses numbered 0220 or higher.13
♦︎ Two complete pathways (at least one core course from each)
⚬ Each requires two 1000-level courses as well as one-to-three intermediate courses
⚬ One of the courses used in one pathway must be a capstone course (defined below) 2
⚬ The core and related courses used in one pathway may not overlap with those used in another
⚬ 2000-level courses beyond those explicitly mentioned my also be used toward the concentration. They will be considered to be part of the same pathway as their thematically-related 1000-level courses
♦︎ Additional intermediate courses so that a total of five are taken, with at least one from each of the three categories
♦︎ One additional 1000-level course that is neither a core nor a related course for the pathways used above
♦︎ No more than four arts, humanities, and social science oriented CS courses (currently CSCI 12501280137018001805, and 1870) may be used for concentration credit.
Intermediate Courses
Students must complete the intermediate courses defined for the pathway they choose. In addition, ScB students must take at least one course from each intermediate course category to ensure they span all areas. Taking additional courses beyond those listed for the pathway may be required.
Foundations
CSCI 0220
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability
CSCI 1010
Theory of Computation
Mathematics
CSCI 0530
Coding the Matrix: An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Computer Science
or MATH 0520
Linear Algebra
or MATH 0540
Linear Algebra With Theory
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
MATH 0180
Multivariable Calculus
or MATH 0200
Multivariable Calculus (Physics/Engineering)
or MATH 0350
Multivariable Calculus With Theory
Systems
CSCI 0320
Introduction to Software Engineering
CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
or CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Pathways
Completing a pathway entails taking two courses in the pathway of which at least one is a core course for the pathway. One must also take the intermediate courses specified as part of the pathway. Certain graduate courses can also satisfy pathway requirements, see the CS Pathway page for more info:http://cs.brown.edu/degrees/undergrad/concentrating-in-cs/concentration-handbook/
SYSTEMS: studies the design, construction, and analysis of modern, multi-faceted computing systems
Core Courses
CSCI 1380
Distributed Computer Systems
or CSCI 1670
Operating Systems
or CSCI 1680
Computer Networks
Related Courses
CSCI 1270
Database Management Systems
or CSCI 1320
Creating Modern Web & Mobile Applications
or CSCI 1600
Real-Time and Embedded Software
or CSCI 1650
Software Security and Exploitation
or CSCI 1660
Introduction to Computer Systems Security
or CSCI 1710
Logic for Systems
or CSCI 1730
Design and Implementation of Programming Languages
or CSCI 1760
Multiprocessor Synchronization
or ENGN 1640
Design of Computing Systems
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
or CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
CSCI 0220
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability
or CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
SOFTWARE PRINCIPLES: studies the design, construction, and analysis of modern software systems
Core Courses
CSCI 1260
Compilers and Program Analysis
or CSCI 1320
Creating Modern Web & Mobile Applications
or CSCI 1600
Real-Time and Embedded Software
or CSCI 1730
Design and Implementation of Programming Languages
Related Courses
CSCI 1270
Database Management Systems
or CSCI 1380
Distributed Computer Systems
or CSCI 1650
Software Security and Exploitation
or CSCI 1680
Computer Networks
or CSCI 1951I
CS for Social Change
or CSCI 1951T
Surveying VR Data Visualization Software for Research
or CSCI 1951X
Formal Proof and Verification
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0220
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability
CSCI 0320
Introduction to Software Engineering
CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems (Data)
or CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
DATA: Studies the management and use of large data collections
Core Courses
CSCI 1270
Database Management Systems
or CSCI 1420
Machine Learning
or CSCI 1951A
Data Science
Related Courses
CSCI 1550
Probabilistic Methods in Computer Science
or CSCI 1580
Information Retrieval and Web Search
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0320
Introduction to Software Engineering
or CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
or CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
MATH 0520
Linear Algebra
or MATH 0540
Linear Algebra With Theory
or CSCI 0530
Coding the Matrix: An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Computer Science
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / MACHINE LEARNING: studies the theory and application of algorithms for making decisions and inferences from rules and data
Core Courses
CSCI 1410
Artificial Intelligence
or CSCI 1420
Machine Learning
or CSCI 1430
Computer Vision
or CSCI 1460
Computational Linguistics
or CSCI 1470
Deep Learning
or CSCI 1850
Deep Learning in Genomics
or CSCI 1951R
Introduction to Robotics
Related Courses
CSCI 1550
Probabilistic Methods in Computer Science
or CSCI 1951A
Data Science
or CSCI 1951C
Designing Humanity Centered Technology
or ENGN 1610
Image Understanding
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
MATH 0520
Linear Algebra
or MATH 0540
Linear Algebra With Theory
or CSCI 0530
Coding the Matrix: An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Computer Science
THEORY: students the foundations of models and algorithms for computing in various contexts
Core Courses
CSCI 1510
Introduction to Cryptography and Computer Security
or CSCI 1550
Probabilistic Methods in Computer Science
or CSCI 1570
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
or CSCI 1760
Multiprocessor Synchronization
or CSCI 1951W
Sublinear Algorithms for Big Data
or CSCI 1951X
Formal Proof and Verification
Related Courses
CSCI 1590
Introduction to Computational Complexity
or CSCI 1710
Logic for Systems
or CSCI 1810
Computational Molecular Biology
or CSCI 1820
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
or CSCI 1950H
Computational Topology
or CSCI 1951G
Optimization Methods in Finance
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 1010
Theory of Computation
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
MATH 0520
Linear Algebra
or MATH 0540
Linear Algebra With Theory
or CSCI 0530
Coding the Matrix: An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Computer Science
SECURITY: studies the design, construction, analysis, and defense of techniques to protect systems, data, and communications
Core Courses
CSCI 1510
Introduction to Cryptography and Computer Security
or CSCI 1660
Introduction to Computer Systems Security
or CSCI 1650
Software Security and Exploitation
Related Courses
CSCI 1320
Creating Modern Web & Mobile Applications
or CSCI 1380
Distributed Computer Systems
or CSCI 1670
Operating Systems
or CSCI 1680
Computer Networks
or CSCI 1710
Logic for Systems
or CSCI 1730
Design and Implementation of Programming Languages
or CSCI 1800
Cybersecurity and International Relations
or CSCI 1805
Computers, Freedom and Privacy
or CSCI 1951L
Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
or CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
CSCI 0220
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability (Or Probability and Statistics (see options below))
or CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
VISUAL COMPUTING: studies the creation, interaction, and analysis of images and visual information, including animation and games
Core Courses
CSCI 1230
Introduction to Computer Graphics
or CSCI 1250
Introduction to Computer Animation
or CSCI 1280
Intermediate 3D Computer Animation
or CSCI 1290
Computational Photography
or CSCI 1300
User Interfaces and User Experience
or CSCI 1370
Virtual Reality Design for Science
or CSCI 1430
Computer Vision
or CSCI 1950T
Advanced Animation Production
or CSCI 1951T
Surveying VR Data Visualization Software for Research
Related Courses
CSCI 1950N
2D Game Engines
or CSCI 1470
Deep Learning
or CSCI 1950U
Topics in 3D Game Engine Development
or CSCI 1951V
Hypertext/Hypermedia: The Web Was Not the Beginning and the Web Is Not the End
or ENGN 1610
Image Understanding
or CLPS 1520
Computational Vision
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0320
Introduction to Software Engineering
or CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
MATH 0520
Linear Algebra
or MATH 0540
Linear Algebra With Theory
or CSCI 0530
Coding the Matrix: An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Computer Science
COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE: studies the design, construction, and analysis of computer architecture and hardware
Core Courses
ENGN 1630
Digital Electronics Systems Design
or ENGN 1640
Design of Computing Systems
or ENGN 1650
Embedded Microprocessor Design
Related Courses
CSCI 1600
Real-Time and Embedded Software
or CSCI 1760
Multiprocessor Synchronization
or ENGN 1600
Design and Implementation of Digital Integrated Circuits
Intermediate Course
CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
or CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY: studies the foundations and applications of algorithms for analyzing biological data and processes
Core Courses
CSCI 1810
Computational Molecular Biology
CSCI 1820
Algorithmic Foundations of Computational Biology
CSCI 1850
Deep Learning in Genomics
Related Courses
CSCI 1420
Machine Learning
or CSCI 1430
Computer Vision
or CSCI 1470
Deep Learning
or CSCI 1951A
Data Science
or CLPS 1520
Computational Vision
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0220
Introduction to Discrete Structures and Probability
CSCI 1010
Theory of Computation
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
DESIGN: studies the design, construction, and analysis of processes at the interface between humans and systems
Core Courses
CSCI 1300
User Interfaces and User Experience
or CSCI 1370
Virtual Reality Design for Science
or CSCI 1951C
Designing Humanity Centered Technology
Related Courses
CSCI 1230
Introduction to Computer Graphics
or CSCI 1320
Creating Modern Web & Mobile Applications
or CSCI 1600
Real-Time and Embedded Software
or CSCI 1900
csciStartup
or CSCI 1951A
Data Science
or CSCI 1951I
CS for Social Change
or CSCI 1951T
Surveying VR Data Visualization Software for Research
or CSCI 1951V
Hypertext/Hypermedia: The Web Was Not the Beginning and the Web Is Not the End
or ENGN 1931I
Design of Robotic Systems
or VISA 1720
Physical Computing
Intermediate Courses
CSCI 0300
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
or CSCI 0320
Introduction to Software Engineering
or CSCI 0330
Introduction to Computer Systems
CSCI 1450
Advanced Introduction to Probability for Computing and Data Science
or APMA 1650
Statistical Inference I
or APMA 1655
Honors Statistical Inference I
SELF-DESIGNED: This pathway is modeled after the Brown programs for designing one’s own concentration. Students electing this pathway must write a proposal for their pathway and have it approved by an advisor and the director of undergraduate studies. The proposal must meet the breadth and overall course requirements. This must be done by the end of shopping period of the student’s seventh semester.

Requirements for the Standard Track of the A.B. degree

Prerequisites (0-3 courses)0-3
Students must complete or place out of second semester calculus.
Single Variable Calculus, Part II
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Physics/Engineering)
Concentration Requirements (9 courses)
Core Computer Science:
Select one of the following series:2
Series A
CSCI 0150
& CSCI 0200
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Series B
CSCI 0170
& CSCI 0200
Computer Science: An Integrated Introduction
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Series C
CSCI 0190
Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science (and an additional CS course not otherwise used to satisfy a concentration requirement; this course may be CSCI 0200, an intermediate-level course, or an advanced course)
Series D 1
CSCI 0111
& CSCI 0112
& CSCI 0200
Computing Foundations: Data
and Computing Foundations: Program Organization
and Program Design with Data Structures and Algorithms
Seven CS courses numbered 0220 or higher7
♦︎ One complete pathway (see ScB for pathways)
Requires two 1000-level courses as well as one-to-three intermediate courses
♦︎ Additional intermediate courses so that a total of three are taken with at least one in each of two different intermediate-course categories (see the ScB requirements for a listing of these categories)
♦︎ One additional 1000-level course that is neither a core nor a related course for the pathways used above
♦︎ Of the remaining two courses, at least one must be at the 1000-level or higher (i.e., one may be an intermediate course not otherwise used as part of the concentration). One course may be an approved 1000-level course from another department. Unless explicitly stated in a pathway, such non-CS courses may not be used as part of pathways.
♦︎ No more than two arts, humanities, and social science oriented CS courses (currently CSCI 12501280137018001805, and 1870) may be used for concentration credit.

Requirements for the Professional Track of the both the Sc. B. and A.B. degrees.

The requirements for the professional track include all those of the standard track, as well as the following:

Students must complete full-time professional experiences doing work that is related to their concentration programs, totaling 2-6 months, whereby each internship must be at least one month in duration in cases where students choose to do more than one internship experience. Such work is normally done at a company, but may also be at a university under the supervision of a faculty member. Internships that take place between the end of the fall and the start of the spring semesters cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

On completion of each professional experience, the student must write and upload to ASK a reflective essay about the experience addressing the following prompts, to be approved by the student’s concentration advisor:

  • Which courses were put to use in your summer’s work? Which topics, in particular, were important?
  • In retrospect, which courses should you have taken before embarking on your summer experience? What are the topics from these courses that would have helped you over the summer if you had been more familiar with them?
  • Are there topics you should have been familiar with in preparation for your summer experience, but are not taught at Brown? What are these topics?
  • What did you learn from the experience that probably could not have been picked up from course work?
  • Is the sort of work you did over the summer something you would like to continue doing once you graduate? Explain.
  • Would you recommend your summer experience to other Brown students? Explain.

Honors

Honors candidates must have earned A’s or S-with-distinction in 2/3 (rounding up) of the courses used towards the concentration, excluding introductory-sequence courses (CS courses numbered 0200 or below) and the calculus prerequisite (unless that course is also used as an intermediate math course in CS requirements).

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Health & Human Biology

Health and Human Biology is an interdisciplinary concentration that provides a rigorous foundation in the biological sciences with substantive course work in humanities and social sciences within a subfield of Human Health and Disease. The program includes: background courses, biology core courses, a set of theme courses, and a Senior Capstone activity. Background courses provide the essential foundations in chemistry, mathematics, methods, and basic biology. These support the Biology core, which is comprised of a flexible menu of intermediate and advanced courses. A required portion of the Biology core is Genetics, a cornerstone of human biology and its interface with other fields. The Biology core underscores the related coursework within the Health and Disease Theme. The Theme courses are social science and humanities courses that form a cohesive, thoughtful grouping. Theme groupings must be approved by the advisor. A required senior capstone course or activity builds on the program’s focus.

Program Requirements

REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
Four (4) courses including:
MATH 0090Single Variable Calculus, Part I (or equivalent placement)1
OR
MATH 0050
& MATH 0060
Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Analytic Geometry and Calculus
OR
MATH 0100
Single Variable Calculus, Part II
or MATH 0170
Single Variable Calculus, Part II (Accelerated)
CHEM 0330Equilibrium, Rate, and Structure1
BIOL 0200The Foundation of Living Systems1
Statistics course chosen with advisor’s help.1
CORE PROGRAM:
In addition to the stated background in Chemistry, Math, Biology and Statistics, five (5) Biology plus four (4) coherently-grouped Theme courses, plus a Senior-Year Capstone course or project. (See description of Capstone at link below this table).
BIOLOGY:
Five (5) courses, including:5
Genetics, which can be fulfilled in the following ways:
BIOL 0470
Genetics
-OR-
BIOL 0480
& BIOL 0500
Evolutionary Biology
and Cell and Molecular Biology
-OR-
BIOL 0480
& BIOL 0510
Evolutionary Biology
and Introductory Microbiology
-OR-
BIOL 0480
& BIOL 0280
Evolutionary Biology
and Biochemistry
Select one course in structure/function/development such as:
BIOL 0400
Biological Design: Structural Architecture of Organisms
BIOL 0800
Principles of Physiology
BIOL 1310
Developmental Biology
BIOL 1800
Animal Locomotion
BIOL 1880
Comparative Biology of the Vertebrates
NEUR 0010
The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience
One course in organismal/population biology such as:
BIOL 0380
The Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease
BIOL 0410
Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 0420
Principles of Ecology
BIOL 0480
Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 1470
Conservation Biology
BIOL 1555
Methods in Informatics and Data Science for Health
BIOL 1880
Comparative Biology of the Vertebrates
ENVS 0490
Environmental Science in a Changing World
Or a course from the NEUR 1940 series
Two Biology or Neuroscience courses. At least one must be at the advanced level.
THEME: With the advisor’s assistance, a theme is chosen and a cohesive set of courses are selected from outside of Biology and Neuroscience.4
Approved courses must be above the introductory level and at least one must be 1000-level or above
No more than TWO courses from a given department may be included in the theme portion
Students will then select from FOUR theme options: 1) Mind, Brain, Behavior, 2) Planetary Health, 3) Global Health, 4) Social Determinants of Health
SENIOR CAPSTONE ACTIVITY: Must be conducted during the senior year, fulfilled by one of the following, and related to the students learning goals in the concentration:1
1) Advisor approved senior seminar or advanced course related to the theme
2) One semester of independent research/independent study (BIOL 1950 or BIOL 1960); in the case of a senior honors thesis, both BIOL 1950 and BIOL 1960 can be used as the capstone.
3) An appropriate internship with a scholarly context can be used if coupled with a semester of independent study mentored by a Brown faculty member.
Total Credits14

CAPSTONE: See https://www.brown.edu/academics/biology/undergraduate-education/undergraduate/health-and-human-biology for more information on the Capstone Activity.

HONORS:  See more information about Honors at https://www.brown.edu/academics/biology/undergraduate-education/honors-biological-sciences.

Brown Pre Med Majors – Public Health

Public Health is an interdisciplinary concentration through which students examine a variety of health issues, including population health and disease, health policy, cross-cultural and international aspects of health, the organizational and social structures through which health services are delivered and received, and the public health system. Courses in the concentration allow students to explore the ways in which the social, political, behavioral and biological sciences contribute to the understanding of patterns of population distributions of health and disease. The concentration also provides students with courses in basic research methods and statistics necessary for problem solving and critical thinking in the emerging emphasis on evidence-based health care and public health.

Requirements for Class of  2023 and Beyond

1. Core Courses (non-substitutable; 5 required for all students)
PHP 0310Health Care in the United States1
PHP 0320Introduction to Public Health1
PHP 0850Fundamentals of Epidemiology1
PHP 1501Essentials of Data Analysis1
PHP 1910Public Health Senior Seminar (required of all non-honors seniors; FALL)1
Or
PHP 1915Public Health Honors Senior Seminar (required of all honors seniors; FALL)

 

2. Environmental Health and Policy (select one of the following):1
PHP 0720Public Health and the Environment
PHP 1101World of Food: Personal to Global Perspectives on Nutrition, Agriculture and Policy
PHP 1700Current Topics in Environmental Health
PHP 1720Environmental Exposure Assessments in Practice
PHP 1730Climate Risks and Health Solutions

 

3. Health, Health Care Systems, and Policy (select one of the following):1
PHP 0330Public Health Policy
PHP 0650From Manufacturer to Patient: Why is the Cost of Prescription Drugs So Darn High?
PHP 1100Comparative Health Care Systems
PHP 1450COVID-19, Public Health, and Health Policy
PHP 1460Public Health in a Changing World: Law, Policy & Justice

 

4. Social and Behavioral Science for Prevention (select one of the following):1
PHP 0400Intro. to Health Disparities & Making Connection btw Structure, Social Determinants&Health Equity
PHP 0700Global Public Health Interventions
PHP 1101World of Food: Personal to Global Perspectives on Nutrition, Agriculture and Policy
PHP 1300Parenting Behaviors and Child Health
PHP 1540Alcohol Use and Misuse
PHP 1600Obesity in the 21st Century: Causes, Consequences and Countermeasures
PHP 1610Tobacco, Disease and the Industry: cigs, e-cigs and more
PHP 1650Race, Racism and Health
PHP 1680UIntersectionality and Health Inequities
PHP 1690Technology and Health Behavior Change
PHP 1920Social Determinants of Health

 

5. Global Health Elective (select one of the following):1
PHP 0700Global Public Health Interventions
PHP 0720Public Health and the Environment
PHP 1070Global Burden of Disease
PHP 1802SHuman Security and Humanitarian Response: Increasing Effectiveness and Accountability

 

6. Health Disparities Elective (select one of the following):1
PHP 0400Intro. to Health Disparities & Making Connection btw Structure, Social Determinants&Health Equity
PHP 1650Race, Racism and Health
PHP 1680IPathology to Power: Disability, Health and Community
PHP 1680UIntersectionality and Health Inequities
PHP 1810Community-Engaged Research in Public Health
PHP 1820Designing Education for Better Prisoner and Community Health
PHP 1821Incarceration, Disparities, and Health
PHP 1920Social Determinants of Health

 

7. Biology (select one of the following):1
BIOL 0030Principles of Nutrition
BIOL 0200The Foundation of Living Systems
BIOL 0470Genetics
BIOL 0510Introductory Microbiology
BIOL 0530Principles of Immunology
BIOL 0800Principles of Physiology
BIOL 0860Diet and Chronic Disease

 

8. Public Health Elective (select any one PHP course OR one of the following Humanities/Fine Arts/Humanistic Social Sciences for Public Health courses)1
AFRI 0550African American Health Activism from Emancipation to AIDS
AFRI 1060WPolicy, Culture and Discourse that Shape Health and Access to Healthcare
AFRI 1060ZRace, Sexuality, and Mental Disability History (HMAN 1973A)
AMST 1600CThe Anti-Trafficking Savior Complex: Saints, Sinners, and Modern-Day Slavery
AMST 1601Health and Healing in American History (STS 1110, GNSS 1960B)
CLPS 0710The Psychology and Philosophy of Happiness (PHIL 0650)
COLT 0610YWomen’s Writing in the Arab World
COLT 1810PLiterature and Medicine
COST 0032Music and Meditation
COST 0100Introduction to Contemplative Studies
ENGL 1030CWriting Science
ENGL 1140DWriting Diversity: A Workshop
ETHN 1750BTreaty Rights and Food Fights: Eating Local in Indian Country
GNSS 0090CReproductive Health: Science, Politics, and the Media
GNSS 0120Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies
HISP 0490ASpanish for Health Care Workers
HISP 0750QHealth, Illness and Medicine in Spanish and Spanish American Literature and Film
HIST 0150HFoods and Drugs in History
HIST 0270BFrom the Columbian Exchange to Climate Change: Modern Global Environmental History
HIST 0286AHistory of Medicine I: Medical Traditions in the Old World Before 1700
HIST 0286BHistory of Medicine II: The Development of Scientific Medicine in Europe and the World
HIST 0537BTropical Delights: Imagining Brazil in History and Culture
HIST 1080Humanitarianism and Conflict in Africa
HIST 1830MFrom Medieval Bedlam to Prozac Nation: Intimate Histories of Psychiatry and Self
HIST 1960QMedicine and Public Health in Africa
HIST 1977IGender, Race, and Medicine in the Americas
HMAN 1975GPlanning the Family: Gender, Reproduction, and the Politics of Choice.
LACA 1503VHealth of Hispaniola
LITR 1151TPoetry for Healing Territories
PHIL 0060Modern Science and Human Values
PHIL 0520Global Justice
TAPS 1281WArts and Health: Theory
TAPS 1281ZArts and Health: Practice
Total Credits12

Honors:

Honors Track, Classes of 2023 & Beyond

For Classes of 2023 & beyond, Honors track students enroll in PHP 1915, Public Health Honors Senior Seminar during Fall semester of their senior year as well as PHP 1980, Honors Thesis Prep during both semesters of their senior year to conduct research and write the honors thesis. Thus, for Classes of 2023 & beyond, fourteen courses are required for completion of the concentration requirements for an honors track student.

Please visit https://www.brown.edu/academics/public-health/undergraduate/curriculum for details or email the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Patricia Risica for more information.

Study Abroad/Study Away: The best semester to travel abroad/away is Spring of junior year. Courses taken away/abroad will likely NOT count for any of the concentration requirements, however, students can petition to have a course considered. Most do not meet the requirements or do not provide the ability for requirements to be assessed. Meet with concentration advisor and be prepared to provide syllabi for courses being considered for transfer (up to 2 per semester). Permission from concentration advisor is required. 

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Psychology

Psychology encompasses a range of phenomena and levels of analysis in pursuit of three goals: to deepen our understanding of cognitive and neural mechanisms of sensation, perception, learning, and emotion; to probe the biological and evolutionary foundations of behavior; and to clarify the social perception and assessment of individuals and groups. Students take foundation courses in the field’s major sub-disciplines, including perception, cognition, developmental, behavioral neuroscience, and social psychology.  Students also take a course in quantitative methods, and select from an array of seminars on specialized topics and laboratory courses that focus on research design and state-of-the-art techniques. The concentration in Psychology prepares students for careers in research, teaching, clinical psychology, business, law, and education, among others. 

The A.B. concentration requires 12 courses. The Sc.B. concentration additionally requires 1 laboratory course and 4 approved science courses, totaling to 17 required courses.

Common Core

The introductory course, “CLPS 0010 Mind, Brain, and Behavior,” surveys the broad territory of the scientific study of the mind as uniquely represented by our department. The territory includes neural processes, perception, learning, memory, emotion, language, social development, social judgment, personality, and mental illness.  The course could be taken by students interested in the CLPS concentrations, as an introduction at the beginning of one’s college career, or as an integration after having completed a number of specialized courses in a particular concentration.  AP or IB Psychology credit cannot be used as a substitute for CLPS 0010

Careers in Psychology and related fields requires familiarity with statistics.  Therefore, the Psychology concentration requires a course in Quantitative Methods (CLPS 0900).  CLPS 0900 is a prerequisite for research methods and laboratory courses, so concentrations should plan to take this course by their fourth semester.  Students may substitute for CLPS 0900 a comparable statistics course taught in another department, with the approval of a Psychology concentration advisor.  Consult with a concentration advisor for details.  The department does not grant concentration credit for AP Statistics, regardless of score.  

Another element in the Psychology concentration is a course on research methods.  Research Methods and Design (CLPS 1900 or  CLPS 1901) is the preferred course for fulfilling this requirement.  This course builds on the introductory statistics course and exposes students to a variety of topics in the psychological sciences: to empirical methods (e.g., surveys, chronometry, eye tracking, brain imaging),  to common designs (e.g., factorial experimental, correlational, longitudinal), to research ethics, and to best practices of literature review.  Other CLPS laboratory courses can be used to fulfill the research methods requirement; consult with a Psychology advisor for lists of approved courses.  Laboratory or research methods courses in other departments cannot be used to fulfill the research methods requirement.   The research methods requirement should be fulfilled before senior year. 

Foundation

To provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge in their area of concentration, the Psychology concentration requires four foundation courses, representing core areas of Psychology as a science.  Foundation courses are all numbered below the 1000 level.  List of approved foundation courses are posted on the CLPS undergraduate page.  CLPS courses above the 1000 level and courses in other departments, at any level, cannot be used to satisfy foundation requirements.  

Electives

Concentrators will select four additional courses that examine in greater depth topics of special interest to them.  The CLPS courses designed to count as electives will often have foundation courses as prerequisites.  Electives can be chosen from laboratory courses, lecture courses, or seminars.  At least two electives should be at the 1000 level. In addition, students may choose up to two courses outside of CLPS (preferably at the 1000 level) as electives.  Electives should fit into a coherent intellectual theme, and should be chosen in consultation with a concentration advisor.  

Capstone

Concentrators will additionally take either a seminar course or an independent research course (CLPS 1970, CLPS 1980) to serve as their capstone experience.  See a Psychology concentration advisor for more detail.

Additional requirements for Sc.B.

In line with university expectations, the Sc.B. requirements include a greater number of courses and especially science courses. The definition of “science” is flexible. Some of these courses will be outside of CLPS, but several CLPS courses might fit into a coherent package as well. In addition, the Sc.B. degree also requires a laboratory course (in addition to CLPS 1900/CLPS 1901 or its alternative) to provide these students with in-depth exposure to research methods in a particular area of the science of the mind.  Lists of approved laboratory courses can be obtained from the Psychology concentration advisors.

Honors Requirement

The Honors Program in Psychology gives undergraduates a special opportunity to carry out a research project under the direction of a faculty member.  The program also provides the opportunity for outstanding senior concentrators to receive their undergraduate degree with Honors.  Participation in the program allows students to develop an understanding of research and acquire research skills and background.  

Candidates for Honors in Psychology must meet all of the requirements of the concentration as described above.  Candidates submit their application for the program in semester 7.  We encourage students to seek out a faculty mentor prior to semester 7 as well as complete certain course requirements before semester 7.  This includes completion of the statistics and laboratory requirements.   Please refer to the CLPS Honors Program page for detailed information about the specific requirements for the Honors program in Psychology. 

FOR DETAILED UPDATES, PLEASE REFER TO THE COGNITIVE, LINGUISTIC, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES (CLPS) UNDERGRADUATE PAGE.

Requirements for the A.B. degree

STANDARD PROGRAM FOR THE A.B. DEGREE 1
Common Core:
CLPS 0010Mind, Brain and Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Approach1
CLPS 0900Statistical Methods1
CLPS 1900Research Methods And Design ((or approved alternative))1
or CLPS 1901Research Methods
One approved course in Social:1
CLPS 0220Making Decisions
CLPS 0700Social Psychology
CLPS 0710The Psychology and Philosophy of Happiness
One approved course in Perception/Cognition:1
CLPS 0200Human Cognition
CLPS 0450Brain Damage and the Mind
CLPS 0500Perception and Mind
One approved course in Development:1
CLPS 0610Children’s Thinking: The Nature of Cognitive Development
CLPS 0620Social and Moral Development
CLPS 0701Personality Theory
One approved course in Learning/Animal Behavior:1
CLPS 0100Learning and Conditioning
CLPS 0110Animal Behavior
Four approved Electives related to Psychology4
Capstone: Independent Study (CLPS 1970, CLPS 1980) or approved seminar1
Total Credits12

Requirements Specific for the Sc.B. degree

STANDARD PROGRAM FOR THE Sc.B. DEGREE 1
Common Core:
CLPS 0010Mind, Brain and Behavior: An Interdisciplinary Approach1
CLPS 0900Statistical Methods1
CLPS 1900Research Methods And Design ((or approved alternative))1
or CLPS 1901Research Methods
One approved course in Social:1
CLPS 0220Making Decisions
CLPS 0700Social Psychology
CLPS 0710The Psychology and Philosophy of Happiness
One approved course in Perception/Cognition:1
CLPS 0200Human Cognition
CLPS 0450Brain Damage and the Mind
CLPS 0500Perception and Mind
One approved course in Development:1
CLPS 0610Children’s Thinking: The Nature of Cognitive Development
CLPS 0620Social and Moral Development
CLPS 0701Personality Theory
One approved course in Learning/Animal Behavior:1
CLPS 0100Learning and Conditioning
CLPS 0110Animal Behavior
One additional Laboratory course1
Four approved Electives related to Psychology4
Capstone: Independent Study (CLPS 1970 or CLPS 1980) or approved seminar1
Four Science courses4
Total Credits17
For the current list of approved courses in all categories, see the CLPS Psychology page.

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Public Policy

Housed in the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the concentration in public policy is organized around the interdisciplinary and comparative study of human societies, but with a particular focus on the rules and norms by which we govern ourselves. The concentration is grounded in the analysis of pressing social problems and the design, implementation, and evaluation of better policies and practices. This commitment to using knowledge to improve the life chances of people who occupy different positions of wealth and power, and who have competing and contentious ideas of about the common good, makes public policy a value-laden and political enterprise that is as much an art as it is a science. It is also a team sport that requires players with different skills and talents to work together across a wide variety of settings.

Students will learn how social, economic, and political issues become the object of public policy, how policy decisions are crafted, made and implemented, as well as different strategies for evaluating their impact. The concentration draws its instructors from a wide variety of disciplines and offers students opportunities for engaged scholarship at the local, national, and global levels. With the support of the advisory team, students develop their own curriculum of study, integrating core courses with electives, internships, independent research, and a capstone experience. The Public Policy concentration will only accept new declarations through the class of 2023. Students in any class year can learn more about the new concentration in International and Public Affairs: Policy and Governance Track.

Required Courses: 10 courses + capstone

The Public Policy concentration will be available to students graduating through the class of 2023.

Core Courses:
IAPA 0110Introduction to Public Policy1
Ethics and Public Policy1
POLS 1050
Ethics and Public Policy
Economics for Public Policy1
ECON 1110
Intermediate Microeconomics
Statistics for Public Policy1
POLS 1600
Political Research Methods
ECON 1620
Introduction to Econometrics
ECON 1630
Mathematical Econometrics I
SOC 1100
Introductory Statistics for Social Research
Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation1
IAPA 1700A
Program Evaluation
Elective Courses: 1, 2
Three Broad Elective Courses: May be taken in any policy area3
Two more electives in one of the areas you have already studied2
Sample electives may include the following:
Health Policy
PHP 1100
Comparative Health Care Systems
IAPA 1804E
Health Policy Challenges
Technology Policy
CSCI 1800
Cybersecurity and International Relations
POLS 1822X
Technology and International Politics
STS 1700C
Science and Technology Policy in the Global South
Environmental Policy
ENVS 1350
Environmental Economics and Policy
ENVS 1410
Environmental Law and Policy
ENVS 1530
From Locke to Deep Ecology: Property Rights and Environmental Policy
ENVS 1555
Local Food Systems and Urban Agriculture
PHP 1700
Current Topics in Environmental Health
Governance, Law, and Ethics
POLS 0220
City Politics
POLS 1010
Topics in American Constitutional Law
Social Policy
ECON 1170
Welfare Economics and Social Choice Theory
SOC 1540
Human Needs and Social Services
Urban Policy
SOC 1600
Comparative Development
URBN 1870F
Housing and Homelessness
Modes of Social Change
IAPA 1700E
Nonprofit Organizations
IAPA 1700B
Investigating Modes of Social Change
IAPA 1803E
Social Entrepreneurship
SOC 1870A
Investing in Social Change
Senior Capstone: The capstone may take the form of an Honors Thesis, Independent Study, a Public Policy internship, research Assistantship, UTRA Assistantship, or designated Senior Seminar
Total Credits10

Honors

Candidates for honors should apply in the Spring term of their third year. Successful candidates will enroll in the Public Policy Colloquium and prepare a senior honors paper.

 

Brown Pre Med Majors – Science, Technology, and Society

Science, Technology, and Society (STS, formerly Science and Society) is an interdisciplinary concentration that examines the processes of scientific discovery and the establishment of scientific policies and systems of belief from historical, philosophical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives. Concentrators analyze the practices, norms, and values that reflect and shape our deepest convictions about what is considered “science.” Students select courses in the physical sciences, life sciences, or mathematics and choose a thematic track that may include the history and philosophy of science; gender and science; race, science and ethnicity; health and medicine; environment and society; or they may create their own independent focus. STS prepares students to follow, guide, and shape scientific knowledge as it travels from the laboratory into the public arena.

Requirements

Consisting of 12 courses, the program of study outlined below will be developed by each student in consultation with the concentration advisor. Where appropriate, independent reading, lab courses or GISPS may count for up to three of the twelve total courses. Students will take a minimum of 7 intermediate to advanced courses.

Required Courses (2)

The concentration has two required courses.

  • STS 1000 : Introduction to Science and Society: Theories and Controversies, or equivalent introductory course: usually taken in the second or third year.
  • STS 1900 : Senior Seminar in Science and Society, also open to non-majors with the proper background, usually taken senior year.

Thematic Track (3)

Students will organize their course of study around the choice of a thematic track. The theme may be thought of as the applied content portion of the concentration. Students will take a minimum of three courses, at least one of which must be at an advanced level, in one of the thematic areas listed below:

  • History & Philosophy of Science
  • Gender & Science
  • Race, Science & Ethnicity
  • Health & Medicine
  • Representing Science in Literature & Culture
  • Policy, Persuasion & the Rhetoric of Science
  • Environment & Society
  • Independent Focus

Science Track (4)

Students will take a minimum of four courses in one of the following scientific areas: physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics/computer science. The chosen area should provide appropriate background and support for the chosen concentration theme. The science courses will be sequenced such that a concentrator will move enough beyond the introductory level to gain some understanding of the world view of scientists within a chosen field. The particular sequence of courses which best meets the science requirement will be chosen in consultation with the concentration advisor. When necessary, the concentration advisor will seek guidance from faculty within the chosen scientific field.

Science and Technology Studies Theory (3)

Students will take three Science and Technology Studies-related courses in the social sciences and humanities. These courses, which will provide critical theoretical background for the study of Science and Society, should address questions of historiography, epistemology and methodology in the field of science and technology studies. A full list of such courses and sample concentrations may be found at https://www.brown.edu/academics/science-and-technology-studies/

Honors

To qualify for Honors a student must:

  • Be in good standing
  • Have completed at least two thirds of the concentration requirements by the application deadline
  • Have earned a majority of “A” grades in the concentration. Classes taken S/NC will count as qualifying towards that majority if they are marked “S with distinction” or are accompanied by a Course Performance Report indicating that had the student taken the course for a grade, the grade would have been an “A.”

 

Pre Med Majors
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