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MCDB (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology) is a NEW MAJOR!
Beginning with the Class of 2013 students will now have the option to choose one of the following four majors: MCDB, MCDB Int., Biology, or Biology, Int. EEB will now also offer a program, separate from the MCDB major and from the Biology major. Students who matriculated into the Biology major are free to continue on that track or can choose to move to one of the new majors. Incoming freshmen (beginning with the class of 2016) can no longer choose a Biology major and must choose either EEB or MCDB if they retain an interest in one or another of those areas of biology.
Students in the Class of 2013-15 can choose to fulfill either the requirements of the combined Biology major that were in place when they matriculated, or they can change to an EEB major or an MCDB major and fulfill the requirements of those new majors.
Students in the class of 2016 with an interest in the areas represented by the old combined Biology major must become either EEB or MCDB majors. Students declare their majors by logging into the Student Information System, where they find a drop-down menu of all available majors and select the one they want. The system does not distinguish students by class year, so while it will be possible to choose Biology as a major – Freshmen will ultimately be required to choose between either EEB or MCDB.
New BIOL Introductory Courses
***NOTE: More information regarding the new BIOL introductory courses can be found at the following website. http://yalecollege.yale.edu/content/biological-sciences-and-biomedical-engineering and http://yalecollege.yale.edu/biology-1
EEB, MCDB and MB&B have combined efforts to launch a new year-long Introductory Biology course consisting of four one-half credit modules. The completion of all these modules is a prerequisite for each of these majors and will probably also be necessary for any student contemplating a career in the health sciences professions, irrespective of major.
Fall 2012
BIOL 101a Biochemistry and Biophysics, Michael Koelle (P)
M W 11.35-12.50, 1/2 Course credit
Introduction to the study of life at the molecular level. Topics include the three-dimensional structures and function of large biological molecules, the human genome, and the design of antiviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS.
Prerequisite: The first of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the first half of the fall term.
BIOL 102a Principles of Cell Biology and Membrane Physiology, Mark Mooseker(P)
M W 11.35-12.50, 1/2 Course credit
Introduction to the study of cell biology and membrane physiology. Topics include organization and functional properties of biological membranes, membrane physiology and signaling, rough endoplasmic reticulum and synthesis of membrane/secretory membrane proteins, endocytosis, the cytoskeleton, and cell division.
Prerequisite: The second of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the second half of the fall term.
Spring 2013
BIOL 103b Genes and Development, Frank Slack(P)
T Th 11.35-12.50, 1/2 Course credit
Introduction to genes, genetics, and developmental biology. How genes control development and disease; Mendel's rules; examples of organ physiology.
Prerequisite: The third of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the first half of the spring term.
BIOL 104b Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Leo Buss(P)
T Th 11.35-12.50, 1/2 Course credit
Introduction to ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and the history of life. Evolutionary transitions and natural selection. Adaptation at genic, chromosomal, cellular, organismal, and supra-organismal levels. Distributional and social consequences of particular suites of organismal adaptations.
Prerequisite: The fourth of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the second half of the spring term.
NOTE: MCDB 120 and EEB 122 are no longer being offered at Yale College during the academic year although during the current (2012) summer term both are being offered. Which of the new BIOL 101 – 104 modules will be offered during future summer terms has not yet been determined.
Placement Exam - Requirement
In the past, students with a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam or a score of 7 on the IB Biology exam were exempt from taking the biology introductory course sequence (MCDB 120 + E&EB 122). This is no longer the case. All students are required to take all four of the new introductory modules as prerequisites for the E&EB, MB&B and MCDB majors. Students with scores of 5 on the AP Biology Exam or a score of 7 on the IB Biology exam are now eligible to take a Yale-developed placement exam in the biological sciences. This will be available to incoming freshmen [with appropriate AP scores] as an online exam in Classes V2 beginning July 16, 2012. Based on performance on the placement exam, these particular students may be exempted from some of the introductory modules. Students in classes of 2013 – 2015 will basically be governed by the rules that existed at the time of their matriculation as a major. For example, upperclassmen with a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam or a score of 7 on the IB Biology exam will still be exempt from taking the biology introductory course sequence Upperclassmen who have not yet satisfied the introductory biology prerequisites should get in touch with the office of the DUS as soon as is convenient. Options to take the placement exam, to take one or more of the various new introductory modules or to take some course substitutes will be arranged.
Please note that many courses will now require one or more of these new introductory modules as prerequisites. Please check each course description carefully. Obviously, accommodations will be made for upperclassmen in good standing in the major.
***NOTE: Information about the Placement Exam can be found at this website: http://yalecollege.yale.edu/biology-1
Requirements by Major
For a detailed view of each Major’s requirements, click on the applicable Major/Class year.
The Biology and Biology Intensive majors are NOT AVAILABLE as an option for the Class of 2016.
All Majors offer the Standard Track, Biotechnology Track, and the Neurobiology Track for BA, BS, and BS Intensive.
Students interested in the biotechnology OR neurobiology track should consult an advisor for the track.
Biotechnology track advisors:
Ronald Breaker, 506 KBT (432-9389)
Xing-Wang Deng, 352B OML (432-8908)
Kenneth Nelson, 710A KBT (432-5013)
Joseph Wolenski, 330 KBT (432-6912)
Neurobiology track advisors:
Paul Forscher, 222 KBT (432-6344)
Haig Keshishian, 640A KBT (432-3478)
Elke Stein, 232 KBT (432-8402)
David Wells, 338A KBT (432-3481)
Robert Wyman, 610A KBT (432-3475)
Weimin Zhong, 616B KBT (432-9233)
Updated: August 15, 2012 |
