# General Institute Requirement

**Source**: https://biology.mit.edu/undergraduate/major-minor-requirements/general-institute-requirement/
**Parent**: https://biology.mit.edu/

All undergraduate students are required to complete the [Biology General Institute Requirement](http://catalog.mit.edu/mit/undergraduate-education/general-institute-requirements/#sciencerequirementtext) (GIR).  There are two ways for you to complete this requirement: core class 7.01x or the [Biology Advanced Standing Exam](/undergraduate/course-requirements/advanced-standing-exam/).

## Core class 7.01x

Every semester we offer several versions of the Biology GIR: 7.01x. All of the classes cover the same core material, comprising the majority of the content of the subject, while the remaining material is specialized for each version.

The core material focuses on function at a molecular level including:

- chemical bonding and molecular interactions
- protein structure/function and basic thermodynamics
- how information flows in the cell
- genetics
- tools for studying and manipulating genetic material
- sequencing
- cell biology
- evolution
- how the body fights off harmful disease-causing agents

### Subject options

You can make changes to your recitation section in your 7.01x [Canvas site](https://web.mit.edu/canvas/).

### 7.012

Synthesizes the core principles into a coherent whole by following the scientific narrative of recent major advances in medicine. Students then complete a final project, with a video and written components, in which they explore an additional medical breakthrough that they choose from a set of options. Enrollment limited to seating capacity of classroom. Admittance may be controlled by lottery. (Instructors – Olivia Corradin and Eric Lander Fall 2025) [Learn more](http://student.mit.edu/catalog/m7a.html#7.012)

### 7.014

Frames the core principles in the context of environmental life science, including a deeper treatment of evolution and an emphasis on global metabolism, biogeochemistry, ecology, and the impact of climate change on living systems. Enrollment limited to seating capacity of classroom. Admittance may be controlled by lottery. (Instructors – Graham Walker, Dave Des Marais, and Brandon Weissbourd Spring 2026) [Learn more](http://student.mit.edu/catalog/m7a.html#7.014)

### 7.015

Presents the core principles through the lens of modern, trending topics in biology. Students read popular science articles and discuss social and ethical issues surrounding contemporary biology. Limited to 70; admittance may be controlled by lottery. (Instructors – Seychelle Vos and Michael Laub Fall 2025) [Learn more](http://student.mit.edu/catalog/m7a.html#7.015)

### 7.016

Expands upon the core principles to include specializations such as fluorescent cell imaging, neuroscience, cell cycle, cancer, stem cells, and aging. Enrollment limited to seating capacity of classroom. Admittance may be controlled by lottery. (Instructors – Sinisa Hrvatin and Stephen Bell Spring 2026) [Learn more](http://student.mit.edu/catalog/m7a.html#7.016)

#### 7.01x Comparison Sheet

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Class** | **Offered** | **Typical enrollment** | **Lecture** | **Recitations** | **Suggested background knowledge** | **Other considerations** |
| 7.012 | Fall | 350-400 | MWF 10 – 11am | TR multiple times | None | Covers broad range of topics in biology. Excellent option for those with little exposure to Biology. Recommended for first years and sophomores (does not fit in the schedule of most upperclassmen) |
| 7.015 | Fall | Limited to 60 | TR 9:30 – 11am | WF multiple times | Some chemistry suggested | Teaches fundamentals through modules and discussions; Ideal for students who prefer a smaller sized class |
| 7.014 | Spring | ~180 | MWF 11 – 12pm noon | TR | Some chemistry suggested | Emphasize on ecology, evolution, and earth as dynamic system |
| 7.016 | Spring | ~220 | MWF 10 – 11am | TR | None | Spring 7.01x option that is similar to 7.012 in content. |

### Lottery information

All biology classes where the number of students registered surpasses the number of seats available will be subjected to a general lottery.

To be considered for an over-enrolled 7.01x course, first year students should register by the fall registration deadline, the last Thursday in August before Labor Day.

Please note that students who are not lotteried into a class may need to enroll in a Biology GIR: 7.01x class in a subsequent semester.

If you have additional questions about the lottery process, contact [biogir@mit.edu](mailto:biogir@mit.edu "mailto:biogir@mit.edu").

**Questions? Contact**\
Joshua Stone, Undergraduate Office [stonej@mit.edu](mailto:stonej@mit.edu)\
Janice Chang, Educational Administrator [jdchang@mit.edu](mailto:jdchang@mit.edu)