SFC Biology Session2/14/2013

Student MembersSohini Khan

Stephanie Kwan (Chair)Suna Li

Mahati MokkaralaJulia Su

Ann Wang

Faculty MembersRaymond Deshaies

Henry LesterPaul 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 2nd year of Math

& Physics

Current Biology Option Requirements

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

Strongly Dissatisfied (0) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Strongly Satisfied (10)0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0 0

1

4 4

2

4

8

5

2

1

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

15%

85%

Do you know about Biomail?

YesNo

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 emails: socials, course advice, seminars, visiting companies

70%

3%

21%

6%

Would you be interested in subscribing to the Biomail list?

YesNoSpecialized Undergrad Mail-ing ListOther

BUSAC

• Former committee to facilitate communication between faculty and undergrads

• Used to have socials• Curriculum surveys• Could manage

undergraduate mailing list

42%

30%

27%

Would you be interested in joining BUSAC?

YesNoWhat's BUSAC

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 2nd year of Math

• Statistics are important

Core (Physics)

• A bit split, but agreement that Biology should still require the 2nd 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 2nd year of Math/Physics

– Similar proposal passed by biology faculty