How to declare a Major in Biological Engineering

Biological Engineering is a new major with a different enrollment process than other MIT majors.  At this time Course 20 cannot be declared on the Course Selection form, however transfer requests will be accepted from students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisite requirements.  Most students are able to fulfill the requirements by the end of fall term sophomore year and can transfer during IAP of sophomore year.  This year, for the first time, the core class 20.110J/2.772J Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems will be offered in both fall and spring term versions (spring term subject number is 7.10J/20.111J), therefore some students may wish to transfer at the end of spring term sophomore year.  Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisite requirements (as outlined below) and should contact the BE UG Office if there are any questions/concerns.

Students should begin in the spring term of freshman year to take the following steps:

Any time during your freshman year, you should contact the BE UG office at be-sb-apply@mit.edu or 617-253-0805 to indicate that you are interested in pursuing the BE SB.   You are advised to contact the BE UG office by the end of spring term freshman year so that you receive appropriate advising about fall term pre-registration.  The BE UG Office will add you to a list of potential majors and keep you informed of important meetings and requirements during the summer and fall.  You should pay careful attention to correspondence from the BE UG Office. 

End of Fall Term Transfer – Sophomore Year
*It is strongly recommended students complete 20.110J/2.772J or 7.10J/20.111J, 7.01x, 18.01, 18.02, 18.03 or 3.016, 8.02, 5.12, and 6.00 with a C or better by the end of sophomore year in order to graduate in 4 years.

1. In the fall term of your sophomore year, you must enroll in the 12-unit subject, 20.110/2.772J (Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems). You cannot substitute 5.60 for 20.110/2.772J if you plan to transfer to the BE SB.  This subject conflicts with 7.01x so you must take 7.01x freshman year.
2. You should plan to complete 18.03 have completed 8.02, 5.111/5.112/3.091, and biology (7.012/7.013/7.014) by the end of fall term sophomore year as these subjects are all prerequisites for spring term BE subjects.    It is also recommended that you complete 5.12 by the end of fall term sophomore year.
3. To request a transfer to the BE SB, complete the on-line application form at the end of fall term of your sophomore year.  Instructions on completing the form will be provided by the BE UG Office in the fall to all students who have indicated an interest (by writing be-sb-apply@mit.edu).  The web site will be activated the day after Drop Date and remain active until the last day of finals.  You must complete all requirements with a grade of C or better in order to have your request considered.  Course 20 department policy requires a grade of C or better in all prerequisite subjects. 
4. You will be informed of your status no later than the first week of January and will be assigned an advisor.  Although BE has permission from MIT to limit enrollment, we anticipate that all students who fulfill the requirements will be able to transfer.

                                                                                                                                   
End of Spring Term Transfer – Sophomore Year
*It is strongly recommended students complete 20.110J/2.772J or 7.10J/20.111J, 7.01x, 18.01, 18.02, 18.03 or 3.016, 8.02, 5.12, and 6.00 with a C or better by the end of sophomore year in order to graduate in 4 years.

1. In the spring term of your sophomore year, you must enroll in the 12-unit subject, 7.10J/20.111J (Physical Chemistry of Biomolecular Systems). Note: If you choose to transfer to the BE SB in the spring term of your sophomore year you will not be eligible to enroll in the spring term subjects 20.109 or 20.310 as 20.110J/2.772J or 7.10J/20.111J are prerequisites.
2. In addition to 7.10J/20.111J, you should also complete 18.03, 6.00, and 5.12 by the end of spring term sophomore year.  
3. Submit your request for transfer using the on-line application form.  The web site will be activated the day after Drop Date and remain active until the last day of finals.  You must complete 7.10J/2.111J with a passing grade in order to have your transfer request considered.
4. You will be informed of your status no later than the first week of June.  Although BE has permission from MIT to limit enrollment, we anticipate that all students who fulfill the requirements will be able to transfer.

BE will accept 7.02 by petition in some cases.