<p>hiya,
ive been looking at the course listings for biology (and other subjects) and i was wondering how you know what sort of level theyre at (ie which year theyre done in). Im coming to MIT for a year next year on an exchange and was wondering which courses would be appropriate.
thanks v much!</p>
<p>Generally, sophomores take 7.02 (intro lab), 7.03 (genetics), 7.05 (biochemistry), and maybe 7.06 (cell biology).</p>
<p>Juniors and seniors take any of the classes numbered 7.20 and above -- there's no predefined sequence, and you can take the upper-division electives in any order you wish.</p>
<p>What sort of background will you have when you come? I'm a senior in the department, so I could try and help you pick courses that are appropriate.</p>
<p>EDIT: I should add that there's no standardized way to tell which year courses are taken in across MIT.</p>
<p>o thanks thats really helpful. im a pre-clinical medical student in the uk and will have completed two years when i come. ive done biochem, physiology, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology and neuroscience thus far (and some option papers on cancer and addictive drugs). cant wait to come - the classes look cool! i assume that makes me a junior next year (tho i dont really understand these US year names).
also, i dont know if anyone has done any of the language papers but do you decide yourself what level you think you are? is there not a problem between wanting to be stretched and wanting to get a good grade?</p>
<p>Yeah, it sounds like you'd be able to take any of the upper-division courses (7.20 and up). That makes you a third-year, or a junior. :)</p>
<p>Yes, you would decide yourself which level of a language to take. The professors usually sort of informally test everyone the first few days of class -- so if you've taken five years of French and decide to take French I, they'll figure out that you know how to speak French and politely tell you to go to the French IV class.</p>