|
|
 |
General Institute Requirements (GIRS)
During your first semester, most of your program will involve the General Institute Requirements (GIRs). The GIRs will lay the foundation for study in your major. In your second semester, you might add subjects to help you explore your anticipated major.
All MIT undergraduates must complete 17 General Institute Requirements. Most students complete 7 to 9 of these during their first year.
The GIRs include:
Depending on your background and AP or transfer credit, during your first semester you'll most likely take 3 subjects in the Science Core—Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, or Physics—as well as a Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) subject. These subjects, all part of the GIRs, serve as your entrée into any major department.
You should also enroll in at least one Physical Education class in your first semester in order to complete this requirement by the end of sophomore year. Freshmen and sophomores are given priority in the PE Lottery, so it is easier for you to complete this GIR before the end of your sophomore year.
Note that this description of the GIRs applies to the Class of 2011 only. MIT's faculty is preparing a revision of the GIRs that may be applied to future classes.
Freshman Science Core (Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics)
Following the link on the subject number will bring you to the class web page, which should give you an idea of the material covered in the subject. Note that these links lead to current pages: syllabi and other information may change by the time you take the subject. For more information check out the Online Subject Listing and Schedule.
Subject |
Number of Subjects Required |
|
In order to fulfill the Calculus GIR, you'll need to take two of the introductory subjects listed below.
AND
Also see the Department of Mathematics website. |
two 12-unit subjects |
|
In order to fulfill the Physics GIR, you'll need to take two of the introductory subjects listed below.
AND
- One version of 8.02 (Electricity and Magnetism): 8.02 or 8.022
Also see the Department of Physics website. |
two 12-unit subjects |
|
In order to fulfill the Chemistry GIR, you'll need to take one of the following introductory subjects: 5.111, 5.112, or 3.091
Also see websites for the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
|
one 12-unit subject |
|
In order to fulfill the Biology GIR, you'll need to take one of the following introductory subjects: 7.012 (fall), 7.013 (spring), 7.014 (not offered 2007-08), or 7.015 (spring)
Also see the Department of Biology website |
one 12-unit subject |
|
Over your four years you must take eight HASS subjects, three of which must be HASS Distribution subjects (HASS-Ds), and two of which must be Communication Requirement subjects (CI-Hs). |
8 subjects |
|
Each year you must take one Communication-Intensive (CI) subject. During your freshman and sophomore years these will be CI-H subjects, within the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Junior and senior years you will take CI-Ms, within your major department. |
4 subjects |
|
Normally you will meet this requirement in your first or second year by taking one 12-unit or two 6-unit subjects, designated for this requirement, in your major department.
|
1 or 2 subjects
(12 units total) |
|
Students ordinarily take two subjects from a list of approved REST subjects in their second year. One is taken within the major department; the other must be from another department. |
2 subjects |
|
You are expected to pass the swim test and earn 8 Physical Education points by the end of your sophomore year. PE classes earn 2 points each and are offered in 4 quarters during the academic year and in IAP, so it's quite possible to complete your PE requirement during your first year.
Also see the Physical Education website.
|
8 Physical Education points plus the Swim Test |
|
