What Should I do If I’m interested in the Natural Sciences?
The Natural Sciences seek to describe, understand, and predict natural phenomena. At Stanford, you can explore the Natural Sciences through departments such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Read on for tips about how to get started in the Natural Sciences!
Placement Tests & Diagnostics
Plan to take the placement tests and diagnostics in Chemistry, Math, and Physics before you arrive at Stanford. These are designed to help ensure that you are in the courses that best fit your academic background -- taking the placement tests and diagnostics cannot hurt you. Your placement test results will be private: only the relevant departments will be able to see them, and they never appear on your transcript. No matter what your high school preparation, taking a placement test can help you make sure you enroll in a class that’s at the right level for you, neither too easy nor too hard. And they won't impact your AP, IB, and other test credit, or any transfer credit. So don’t be afraid to take them– think of them as a useful (and private) tool to help you figure out what the next step in your learning journey should be. Note that most placement tests and diagnostics are meant to be taken online during the month of August. For details about placement tests and diagnostics, consult the Approaching Stanford website.
Course Selection
Pay Attention to Scheduling
Many classes, especially the introductory sequences in the natural sciences, are only offered in certain quarters. Don't expect you can just plug physics or chemistry into your schedule whenever you like – make sure to pay close attention to the information in ExploreCourses about which terms each course is offered.
Chemistry and Biology
If you are considering majoring in chemistry, biology, or related majors, you should take general chemistry in your first year. General chemistry begins in the Autumn quarter with either CHEM 31A or CHEM 31M. Read information from the Chemistry Department about choosing your first chemistry class here.
Students interested in declaring Biology will take anywhere from 2-4 Bio Foundations (BIO 81-86) courses depending on their subplan within the major. Students are encouraged to complete the BIO 80-series courses during their first and second years. Visit the Biology Major website for more details on specific degree requirements.
Thinking ahead to Human Biology: HumBio Core (HUMBIO 2A & 2B, 3A & 3B, 4A & 4B) courses are typically taken sophomore year.
Engineering and Physics
Students interested in Physics or Engineering Physics should refer to the sample plans for starting the major. Students in physics-based engineering fields should refer to the STEM Roadmap. Students usually take mathematics and introductory physics in their first year, often starting with PHYSICS 41 in either Autumn or Winter Quarter or Physics 41E over Winter quarter, depending on their Mathematics and Physics preparation.
Take the Physics Placement Diagnostic to receive guidance from the Physics Department about which physics sequence you should take and where you should start in the sequence. The Physics department enforces minimum prerequisites before allowing you to enroll. If you will be using AP scores for course equivalence, please submit those scores to the registrar well before registration opens. If you have questions after you have taken the Physics Placement Diagnostic please reach out to choosingphysics@stanford.edu.
Health-Related Fields
Students interested in health-related careers may find it helpful to consult the following page about Planning for Medical School. Curricular recommendations for preparation for medical school can be found here.
Math
In most cases, if you are interested in the natural sciences, math, and/or engineering, you should plan to take math your first year. The math department offers excellent advice on choosing courses.
What about CME?
CME100-102-104 is generally considered an alternative for engineers to the MATH 51-52-53 sequence. Most engineering majors will accept either sequence, but consult the engineering handbook for departmental recommendations. Heads-up! It is very difficult to mix and match the two sequences, as they cover topics in different order.
More to Explore
Other courses to consider taking are Frosh-friendly courses and Introductory Seminars that are related to your interests.
Research
Stanford is a wonderful place to do research with faculty! For more information on how to get started, check out our guide to getting started in research.