Biology
You need to complete one introductory biology subject to fulfill the Biology GIR. 7.01x comes in three versions; any version completes the Biology requirement:
- 7.012: Fall only
- 7.013: Spring only
- 7.014: Spring only
All three classes cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology; the differences lie in their approaches to the subject matter.
View the Core Blitz Video: Prof. Hazel Sive Presentation
For more information on the material covered in each version, visit the 7.01x web page and the MIT Subject Listing and Schedule.
No Outside Credit for 7.01x
Note that MIT does not offer outside credit for Biology. The only way to fulfill the Biology GIR other than taking one of the MIT subjects is by taking and passing the Biology Advanced Standing Exam offered during Orientation.
Chemistry Preparation for Biology.
You will need some chemistry background to be successful in 7.01x. Before enrolling in one of the Biology classes, you should either have a strong high school chemistry background (e.g., score of 5 on AP Chemistry), or you should complete one of the MIT core chemistry subjects (5.111, or 5.112 or 3.091) before enrolling in Introductory Biology.
When Should You Complete the Biology Requirement?
- If you are interested in pursuing a major in life sciences, you should try to take a version of 7.01x in your freshman year.
- Any version of 7.01x will serve as the prerequisite for other biology subjects and will meet the basic requirement for application to medical school. Students should take the version which is most personally interesting.
