SFC Biology Session 2/14/2013 Student Members Sohini Khan Stephanie Kwan (Chair) Suna Li Mahati Mokkarala Julia Su Ann Wang Faculty Members Raymond Deshaies Henry Lester Paul Sternberg

Outline Review of last SFC Survey Results Courses – Existing – New Research Subtracks Core

Last Bio SFC Revision of unclear catalog wording Change to Bi 2 (Frontiers class) Suggestion for more Bioinformatics classes Organizational Suggestions – More recitations – Course capturing – Central websites (or Moodle)

SFC Biology Survey 2013 Results 33 students participated 70% Female, 30% Male 27% Seniors, 55% Juniors, 18% Sophomores

SFC Biology Survey 2013 Results Survey suggestions – More bioinformatics, seminar, anatomy classes – Potential subtrack listing on diplomas – Still require and/or substitute the 2 nd year of Math & Physics

Current Biology Option Requirements

Introductory/First Year Classes: Wide range of satisfaction Results from people having different backgrounds

Current Biology Option Requirements Generally high satisfaction

Satisfaction with range of Biology classes offered

“Bioinformatics is the future of biology and Caltech should keep up with the pace. We all will have extensive mathematical backgrounds and this would be a good application.” Other comments asked for bioinformatics, or reinstatement of bioinformatics classes listed in the catalogue

Comments on strength of Caltech’s microbiology research, but lack of general microbiology classes ESE/Bi 166 & 168?

“I realize Caltech's Bio Department focuses strongly on molecular/cellular biology, but a few classes in more organismal or even ecological biology would be fantastic. They wouldn't have to be very advanced, but I'm sure many bio majors here would be interested in learning about other bio fields.”

Other Comments Pre-med relevant classes – Bi 145 insufficient? Classes with lab components – SURFs don’t always let you try out “the techniques we learned in class” Distribution of classes among terms

Bio majors and Research Of Biology majors who responded, a large majority participate in at least the SURF program Research- key aspect in undergraduate biology major time at Caltech

Bio Majors and Research Generally favorable view on research experience at Caltech; mode favorability rating at ~9 satisfactory rating.

Bio majors and the research thesis… Majority will not complete a biology research thesis Main reason: not enough of time, some unclear on requirements

Biomail Facilitate increased interest in research and different biology fields Most students unaware of Biology mailing list

Biomail Interested in receiving updates about seminars, current research in biology Brings up option of specialized undergraduate mailing list Possible s: socials, course advice, seminars, visiting companies

BUSAC Former committee to facilitate communication between faculty and undergrads Used to have socials Curriculum surveys Could manage undergraduate mailing list

Have Caltech Diploma show Biology subtrack By taking specific courses to fulfill a certain # of classes in tracks in order to graduate with that subtrack Can also leave this optional so can graduate with just Biology

Purpose Sometimes need specialty (Biochemistry) for industry Helpful to show specific specialization in context of finding research positions

Subtracks Not all tracks have enough of corresponding classes, but few do

Subtracks Biochemistry Genetics Developmental biology and evolution Neurobiology Computational and systems biology Organismal Molecular biology + cell biology Interdisciplinary, technology approaches

Core (Math) Majority agree that Biology should still require the 2 nd year of Math Statistics are important

Core (Physics) A bit split, but agreement that Biology should still require the 2 nd year of Physics Many want to be able to substitute (Ch 21, 24, etc…)

Questions and Discussion Courses – Existing Generally highly satisfied – Potential Anatomy/Physiology Bioinformatics Seminar Research – Many do research – Few doing research thesis Subtracks Core – In favor of still requiring 2 nd year of Math/Physics – Similar proposal passed by biology faculty