Research Courses

Independent Research course (MCDB 474) earns Yale College credit for Underclassmen, but is governed by the “P/F with report” policy. A student who passes this course will have the mark of “P” entered on the Yale College transcript once the course instructor submits an independent study report form that describes the nature of the course and provides a detailed evaluation of the student’s performance in it. Failures in the course will result in the recording of an “F”.

Independent Research (other than those taken during the senior year for the senior requirement) DO NOT contribute to satisfying any requirements for the MCDB major.

Underclassmen: During the academic year, students, with instructor approval, may take MCDB 474a or b. This course is the only option for underclassmen and will be graded Pass/Fail.

Upperclassmen: Several options exist for students to fulfill the Senior Requirement for MCDB. They are as follows:

These courses are primarily for students who are culminating their undergraduate experience by doing independent research to fulfill the senior requirement. It is possible for students who wish to do research earlier in their course of study to take MCDB 474a or b before their senior year, but it does not substitute for any course requirements. MCDB 474 or 475 count toward the 36 credits required for the Yale College degree; but other than meeting the senior requirement, 475, and indeed all the research courses, DO NOT contribute to satisfying the requirements for the major. For research courses, hours are typically arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and the faculty advisor. Please note that taking MCDB 475 at any time DOES NOT satisfy the lab requirement, general elective or special elective requirement for a course from MCDB at 350 or above (MCDB 474 satisfies no requirement for the major).

Approval from the Yale College Committee on Honors and Academic Standing is required if certain limits are exceeded. A student must petition the committee for permission to enroll in more than one such course credit in any one term before the senior year or in more than two such course credits in any one term during the senior year. Permission is also required for a student to enroll in more than three such course credits in the first six terms of enrollment. In the petition the student must give sound academic reasons for exceeding these limits.

MCDB 474a or b Independent Research: Students are expected to spend at least ten hours per week in the laboratory of a faculty member. At the completion of the term, a paper must be submitted to the Instructor in Charge. This is the only course available for Underclassmen and non-majors for Independent Research.

MCDB 475a or b Senior Independent Research: Students are expected to spend at least ten hours per week in the laboratory of a faculty member. At the completion of the term, a paper must be submitted to the Instructor in Charge.

MCDB 485a, 486b Senior Research: Is a year-long research course. Students are expected to spend a minimum of ten to twelve hours per week in the laboratory. Research should be conducted under the supervision of the same faculty member(s). At the end of each term a written report on the research accomplished must be submitted before a grade will be given. One grade is given at the end of the second semester.

MCDB 495a, 496b: Senior Research Intensive: Is a year-long course, two credits each term, in which students are expected to spend at least twenty hours per week in the laboratory. At the end of each term, students prepare a paper describing the research they completed. One grade is given at the end of the second semester.

MCDB 585b Intensive Research in MCDB for BS/MS Candidates: Is taken by juniors admitted to the BS/MS program, two credits; students are expected to spend at least twenty hours per week in the laboratory.

MCDB 595ab Intensive Research for BS/MS Candidates: Is a year-long course, two credits each term, in which students are expected to spend at least twenty hours per week in the laboratory. Students prepare a thesis describing the research they completed.