MCDB - BA

The BA Degree – 11.5 or 12.5 Total Credits (total credits depend on senior requirement choice)

Pre-Requisites

6.0 Credits

BIOL 101a or b Biochemistry & Biophysics
BIOL 102a or b Principles of Cell Biology
BIOL 103a or b Genetics and Development
BIOL 104a or b Principles of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
(these 4 modules are ½ semester in length and equal .5 credits each)
(Students with an AP Biology score of 5 will be eligible to take the Yale Administered placement exam for these foundational modules – and subsequently place out of one or more.)

2 terms of General Chemistry (161/165; or 163/167; or its equivalent)*

1 term of Physics (170 or higher)*

1 term of Math (115 or higher; or Statistics course at Yale)

*For students satisfying one or more prerequisites with AP scores, requirement is still to take any 3 terms of CHEM and PHYS courses at Yale with at least 1 from each department.

Core Courses

2.0 Credits

Core Courses – choose any 2

MCDB 200b – Molecular Biology
MCDB 202a – Genetics
MCDB 205b – Cell Biology
MCDB 210a – Developmental Biology
MCDB 290b – Microbiology
MCDB 300a – Biochemistry; OR MB&B 300a – Principles of Biochemistry I

General Electives

2.0 Credits

 Two general electives from MCDB numbered 250 or above. Two laboratory courses from either MCDB 342La and 343La; or 344Lb and 345Lb can be used together as one elective credit. If used as an elective, these laboratories cannot also fulfill the laboratory requirement. (May choose 2 from either the Core list above, or MCDB 250 or above courses)

Special Electives

1.0 Credits

 One special elective from MCDB numbered 350 or higher

Laboratories

.5 Credits

 One laboratory from the Biological Sciences. (This may include labs from MCDB, EEB, or MB&B)

Senior Requirement

0-1.0 Credits

 Choose One of the following which must be taken in Senior Year
  • MCDB 475 a or b (1 term of Independent Research);
  • Senior Essay (no credit)