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
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