# Biology Major and Minor Requirements
**Source**: https://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/biology-major-and-minor-requirements/
**Parent**: http://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/
At MIT, we refer to “majors” as “courses” and each course has an assigned number. Biology courses include 7, 5-7, and 6-7. We also offer a Biology Minor.
The flexibility of Course 7 allows for many possibilities to complete course requirements and explore subjects in other departments. Your advisor and your peers can be a great resource when considering your own course roadmap.
[Undergraduate Course Guide](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Course-Guides-2025-2026.pdf)
## Course 7
Designed to prepare students for a research career in the biological sciences.\
[Course Catalog Bulletin](http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/biology-course-7/)
[View Course Requirements](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Course-7-Degree-Chart-2024-2025.pdf)
## Course 5-7
Designed for students interested in the intersection of chemistry and biology, encompassing both [biochemistry and chemical biology](https://chemistry.mit.edu/academic-programs/undergraduate-programs/chemistry-biology-major/).\
[Course Catalog Bulletin](http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/chemistry-biology-course-5-7/)
[View Course Requirements](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chemistry-and-Biology-Course-5-7-_-MIT-Course-Catalog.pdf)
## Course 6-7
Designed for students interested in the emerging field of [computational biology](http://www.eecs.mit.edu/academics-admissions/undergraduate-programs/6-7-computer-science-and-molecular-biology).\
[Course Catalog Bulletin](http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/computer-science-molecular-biology-course-6-7/)
[View Course Requirements](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Computer-Science-and-Molecular-Biology-Course-6-7-_-MIT-Course-Catalog.pdf)
## Biology Minor
Provides a depth of understanding and expertise in Biology as a complement to your chosen major.\
[Course Catalog Bulletin](http://catalog.mit.edu/schools/science/biology/#biology-minor)
[View Minor Requirements](https://biology.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Minor-Biology-2024-2025.png)
You can declare a minor after your first year. To apply, contact [Joshua Stone](mailto:stonej@mit.edu) in the Biology Education Office (68-120).
[Learn More](http://web.mit.edu/registrar/reg/majors-minors/minor_guidelines.html)
**Minor forms**
- [Minor Application Form](https://registrar.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2018-12/minor_application.pdf)
- [Minor Completion Form](https://registrar.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2019-02/minor_completion_form.pdf)
## Communications requirement
All Biology majors must complete two Communication Intensive in the Major (CI-M) courses, generally by their junior or senior year. CI-M courses teach the specific forms of written, oral, and/or visual communication appropriate to Biology’s professional and academic culture. [Learn more about the CI-M requirement](http://web.mit.edu/commreq/cim/course7.html).
## Advising
All students in the Biology department are assigned a faculty advisor. You are required to meet with your advisor at least twice a semester during mid-term and registration periods and may schedule additional meetings as needed.
Your advisor can assist with:
- Course selection and online approvals
- Online add/drop approvals
- Academic progress
- Career advice
To aid in advisor selection, complete the [Advisor Preference Survey](https://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/course-requirements/advisor-preference-survey/).
## Frequently asked questions
### Is it possible to do a double major with Biology?
### How do Biology and Biological Engineering differ?
### Is Biology a good fit if I’m interested in premed?