Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the academic advantages of enrolling in Terrascope?
A. Most of your first year at MIT is comprised of large lecture subjects in which you will complete problem sets. Terrascope is based on a different kind of model for learning. We give you a large-scale, real-world problem to solve in your first semester (Mission 2011--12.000). You work in teams and propose a solution that is critiqued at the end of the semester. This style of learning continues in spring. You will explore how to communicate some aspect of your learning by designing and building museum-style exhibits. Besides the advantage of a systems-oriented approach to learning, Terrascope students enjoy a small, friendly academic community of faculty, staff, and students who enjoy learning in a way that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will develop close working relationships with several MIT faculty, upperclassmen, and alumni early in your freshman year. You will receive tutorial support for mainstream subjects, help with finding UROP projects, and encouragement to develop your ideas into practical solutions to complex problems.

Q. How do I enroll in Terrascope?
A. Go to the Class of 2011 Advising Choice page: (http://mit.edu/firstyear/advising/apply.html) and apply for the traditional advising option. Be sure also to select the "Yes, I'd like to be in Terrascope/Mission 2011" button, when asked for your advising preferences within the Housing Lottery. You cannot be in Terrascope/Mission 2011 and also take a Freshman Advising Seminar because of the freshman credit limit. If you are interested in a Residence-based Advising (RBA) residence, be sure to select the traditional advising option and also check the "Yes, I'd like to be in Terrascope/Mission 2011" button, when asked for your advising preferences within the Housing Lottery. If you are in Terrascope/Mission, you will be assigned an advisor who is affiliated with the Terrascope program. If you are assigned to an RBA residence, you you will keep the RBA advisor, but you will also be assigned a secondary, Terrascope advisor.

Q. Can I enroll in Terrascope and another freshman learning community, i.e., Concourse, ESG, or MAS?
A. If your schedule permits--and the other program agrees--you may take courses in another learning community.

Q. Does Terrascope have its own facilities?
A. Yes, awe have our own 24-hour facilities: classroom/study space, lounge, and kitchen.

Q. How does Terrascope differ from the other programs for first-year students?
A. We are the most flexible of the programs. You can then choose your other subjects from within MIT's "mainstream" curriculum. All Terrascope students must enroll in Mission 2011 (12.000) during the fall and subject 1.016 in the spring. Your credit limit is 57 units as opposed to 54 units in most of the other freshman programs.

Q. What subjects MUST I take if I enroll in Terrascope?
A. ALL Terrascope students take Mission 2011 (12.000) in the fall and 1.016 in the spring of their freshman year. All Mission students automatically become part of Terracope.

Q. Does participation in Terrascope require me to major in either Civil and Environmental Engineering (Course 1) or Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (Course 12)?
A. No. Terrascope was designed, in part, to demonstrate that the Earth system provides a valuable context for the study and application of basic concepts in science and engineering. Developing a systems-oriented approach to learning in the first year pays enormous dividends throughout your academic career, regardless of your choice of major.

Q. Can I meet MIT's communication intensive (CI) requirement in Terrascope?
A. YES! Terrascope has a spring CI-H subject called Terrascope radio. This course explores radio as a medium for communication, particularly the communication of complex scientific information. You will produce a professional quality radio program based on the year's topic! While this class is option, we strongly recommend it--it's a great way to pull together what you've been learning all year and an exciting way to fulfill a CI-H requirement.

Q. I am worried that I will be too isolated from mainstream MIT if I enroll in Terrascope.
A. We think that Terrascope offers you the best of both worlds! You will take your science and math subjects with the rest of the first year class. You will be able to take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities offered in the sometimes overwhelming environment of MIT, but you also have the advantages of our small, friendly community. In Terrascope you get to know other students and faculty in a way not common in "mainstream" courses. You will meet a variety of people as a student in Mission 2011, all dedicated to helping you make the most of your year: upperclass Teaching Fellows, as well as an advisor and associate advisor. You will be able to count on help from our network of former students. Getting to know us means that we can help you find UROPs or internships, write recommendations for you, and help you navigate MIT bureaucracy.

Q. I have advanced placement credit for some of my math and science courses. Can I still take Terrascope?
A. YES! Many of our students enroll in other science or math subjects and still take Terrascope.

Q. What difference will enrolling in Terrascope make to my life beyond my freshman year?
A. Perhaps the answer to this question is to hear about the work of Terrascopers in the semesters beyond their freshman year. A large number of students participate in UROP or other projects that in some way continue interests first kindled in Terrascope. The experience of developing solutions to a complex problem as freshmen means that you will be more likely to have the confidence to continue to find challenging projects to pursue at MIT and beyond.

Q. If I enroll in Terrascope, will I be prepared to take mainstream MIT courses in subsequent semesters?
A. As you will take mainstream math and science lectures along with the full first year class, the material you study in these subjects will be the same as that of other students.

Q. How can I find out more about Terrascope?
A. The best way is to email us at daczel@mit.edu or call 617-253-4074.