The Mellon College of Science (MCS) has provided the undergraduate training for many of today's leading scientists. We have earned national recognition for our integration of undergraduate education and research from such organizations as the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Beckman Foundation. MCS students gain a broad education in science, mathematics, and the liberal arts while using state-of-the-art computational approaches in their courses, laboratories, and research activities. Our faculty members are committed to teaching as well as to a wide range of scientific research. This combined emphasis on education and research brings special benefits to students, including increased awareness of current scientific developments that are incorporated in classroom instruction, and, most importantly, opportunities to participate with faculty, graduate students, and other research scientists in a variety of research projects.
In the context of rigorous training in each field, the MCS curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills, and it teaches our students the value of hard work and discipline. Our students go on to highly successful careers in a broad range of fields like astrophysics, biotechnology, computer science, business management, environmental science, health care policy, marketing analysis, medicine, patent law, and pharmaceuticals. Our alumni credit their education in science for preparing them for a lifetime of learning and achievement; their employers attest to their ability to succeed and to continue learning in an ever-changing world.
The MCS departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics each outline their degree programs and courses in the departmental sections. Each program is based on a core of courses required by the college - two semesters each of calculus and physics and one semester each of chemistry, biology, and computer science. These courses lay a broad foundation in the sciences and enable a student to choose a major from any of the programs offered in MCS.
Students select their major in the spring of the first year so that the sophomore year begins with a focus within a department. Most of the courses required within a major are scheduled in the sophomore and junior years, leaving much of the senior year and part of the junior year open for electives. This provides the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, explore interdisciplinary studies, study abroad, pursue additional majors or minors in other fields, or take other specialty courses oriented toward immediate job placement upon graduation or entry into graduate studies.
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Some students choose to gain this expertise by following a double degree program. This results in two distinct bachelor's degrees. Please see the section on Undergraduate Academic Regulations on p. 50 for a more formal definition of these "Multiple Degree" programs.
Interdisciplinary Majors and Minors
Here is a sampling of just a few of the interdisciplinary minors and majors offered at Carnegie Mellon. Please see the appropriate
sections elsewhere in this catalog for specific descriptions and course requirements.
Health Professions Program
Faculty Contact: Amy Kennedy
Pre-Law Advising Program
Faculty Contact: Joseph Devine
Students can earn MCS Research Honors for significant research accomplishments; see the policy outlined below for the requirements.
The Center for Light Microscope Imaging and Biotechnology is an NSF Science and Technology Center. Using an interdisciplinary approach, it develops reagents, microscopes, and imaging tools and applies them to investigate fundamental problems in biology and biotechnology.
The Center for Molecular Analysis features modern high-performance analytical instruments for use by researchers. In addition to the analytical instrumentation, the CMA provides collaborations, analytical assistance, and training. The CMA houses two NMRs, four photon spectrometers, and two mass spectrometers.
The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is a joint program between Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. It synthesizes the disciplines of basic and clinical neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and computer science, combining neurobiological, behavioral, computational, and brain imaging methods.
The Center for Nonlinear Analysis was established in 1991. A special focus for applications emphasizes new and innovative methods to study contemporary issues in materials science. The center has created a vigorous environment for collaboration among mathematical and allied scientists.
The W.M. Keck Center for Advanced Training in Computational Biology is a collaboration among Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center.
The Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research is a joint program between Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. It is supported as a Biotechnology Resource Center by the National Institutes of Health.
The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center provides information on advanced scientific computing for engineering and research.
OR
Final approval of nominations for MCS research honors will come from the Dean of MCS and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs.
| 21-115 | Differential Calculus * |
| 21-116 | Integral Calculus * |
| 21-117 | Integration and Differential Equations ** |
| 21-118 | Calculus of Approximation ** |
| 33-111 | Physics for Science Students I |
| 33-112 | Physics for Science Students II |
| 03-121 | Modern Biology |
| 09-105 | Introduction to Modern Chemistry |
| 15-111 | Programming Fundamentals *** |
| 15-112 | Object-Based Programming I *** |
In the freshman year, students take the four mini-courses (half-semester courses) 21-115 Differential Calculus, 21-116 Integral Calculus, 21-117 Integration and Differential Equations, and 21-118 Calculus of Approximation. They also take three of the remaining five science core courses (the half-semester programming minis 15-111 and 15-112 count together as one course). The other two science core courses are completed by the end of the junior year. Additional courses in the freshman year include one course from the intended major; humanities, social sciences or fine arts courses; an optional freshman seminar; and Computing Skills Workshop, a course that introduces students to the computing environment at Carnegie Mellon.
With this broad science background, a student is prepared to undertake any of the degree programs offered by the college when selecting a major at the end of the freshman year.
| Fall Semester | 41-47 units | |
| 21-115 | Differential Calculus | 5 |
| 21-116 | Integral Calculus | 5 |
| xx-xxx | Science Core Course | 9-12 |
| xx-xxx | Science Core Course | 10 |
| 76-101 | Interpretation and Argument | 9 |
| 99-101 | Computing Skills Workshop | 3 |
| xx-xxx | Optional Freshman Seminar | 3 |
| Empty | ||
| Spring Semester | 37-54 units | |
| 21-117 | Integration and Differential Equations | 5 |
| 21-118 | Calculus of Approximation | 5 |
| xx-xxx | Science Core Course | 9-12 |
| xx-xxx | Departmental Elective from Intended Major | 9-10 |
| xx-xxx | Humanities, Social Sciences or Fine Arts Course | 9 |
| xx-xxx | Optional Free Elective Course | 9-10 |
| xx-xxx | Optional Freshman Seminar | 3 |
* 21-115 and 21-116 are sequential half-semester mini-courses that are equivalent to a traditional first semester calculus course.
** 21-117 and 21-118 are sequential half-semester mini-courses that are equivalent to a traditional second semester calculus course.
*** 15-111 and 15-112 are sequential half-semester mini-courses that are equivalent to a traditional one-semester introductory programming course.
1. Departmental electives from the intended major are as follows:
Biological Sciences or Chemistry
09-106 Modern Chemistry II 10
Mathematical Sciences
21-127 Concepts of Mathematics 9
Physics
33-104 Experimental Physics 9
2. A free elective is any Carnegie Mellon course. However, a maximum of nine units of physical education and/or military science may be taken as free electives in any MCS degree program. Credit earned for physical education and military science courses will not be calculated in a student's QPA.
3. Students who enter with advanced placement credits will follow a similar schedule with modifications for their AP work.
A. Designated Writing Course (9 units)
76-101 Interpretation and Argument
B. Distributional Course Requirements (27 units)
Complete three courses, one each from Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.
Category 1: Cognition, Choice and Behavior
80-150 Nature of Reason
80-180 Nature of Language
80-181 Language and Thought
80-242 Conflict and Dispute Resolution
85-100 Cognitive Processes: Theory and Practice
85-102 Introduction to Psychology
85-211 Cognitive Psychology
85-221 Developmental Psychology
85-241 Social Psychology
85-251 Introduction to Personality
88-120 Reason, Passion and Social Cognition
Category 2: Economic, Political and Social Institutions
36-203 Sampling, Surveys, and Society (prerequisites: two statistics courses)
73-100 Principles of Economics
73/88-110 Experiments with Economic Principles
76-266 Times of Feast/Famine: Population and Family in History
80-135 Introduction to Political Philosophy
80-136 Ethics and Public Policy
88-104 Decision Processes in American Political Institutions
88-105 Introduction to World Politics
Category 3: Cultural Analysis
76-201 Literature and the Social
76-227 Comedy
79-104 Introduction to World History
79-110 The Development of European Culture
79-112 Race, Nationality, and the Development of American Cultures
79-111 Cultural and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Environment
79-113 Culture and Identity in American Society
79-201 Introduction to Anthropology
79-206 Development of American Culture
79-368 Poverty, Charity and Welfare
80-100 What Philosophy Is
80-182 Language, Culture and Though
80-250 Ancient Philosophy
80-251 Modern Philosophy
80-253 Continental Philosophy
80-254 Analytic Philosophy
80-255 American Pragmatism
82-304 Introduction to French/Francophone Cultures
(prerequisite: 82-202; 82-303 preferred)
82-396 The Faust Legend
82-415/416 Studies in French/Francophone Studies (prerequisite: 82-302)
82-427 The New Germany (prerequisite: 82-325)
82-428 German Classical Literature (prerequisite: 82-325)
82-429 German Literature of the 19th Century (prerequisite: 82-325)
82-430 German Literature of the Early 20th Centry
82-436 Studies in German Literature (prerequisite: 82-322)
82-451 Introduction to Latin American Literature and Culture (prerequisite: 82-342)
82-452 The Latin American Fin De Siglo (prerequisite: 82-342)
82-454 Floating Continents/Whispering Voices (prerequisite: 82-342)
82-455/456 Studies in Spanish and Latin American Literature (prerequisite: 82-342)
82-491 Literature, Politics and Film in Russia and East Europe TodayLiterature
C. Elective Course Requirements (36 units)
Complete courses totaling 36 units from H&SS, CFA or Business Administration. These can include language and music courses,
for instance.
Check our Web site for up-to-date lists of courses in each category. You'll also find courses in H&SS, CFA, and Business Administration that may not be used to satisfy these requirements, plus a list of courses in other colleges (including CIT and the Heinz School) that do satisfy these requirements. The direct URL is
http://www.cmu.edu/mcs/undergrad/HSSFA.html.
Undergraduate students admitted to colleges other than MCS and wishing to transfer into a MCS department during their first year should consult with the MCS associate dean of undergraduate affairs. Undergraduate students will be considered for transfer after spring mid-semester grades for the freshman year have been posted.
MCS undergraduate students beyond the first year wishing to transfer into another MCS department may do so if they are not on academic probation and if there is room in the department of their choice. If the demand for any department exceeds the space available, then the department will admit students based on a comparative evaluation of all applicants at the end of each semester, up to the limit of available space.
Undergraduate students not in MCS and wishing to transfer into a department in MCS beyond the first year will be considered for transfer on a space available/academic performance basis. An MCS department may refuse a transfer to a non-MCS student if there are space restrictions and/or if the student's chance for success is determined to be questionable based on past academic performance.
Procedure for transfer of students from another university into an MCS department: A student first applies through the Office of Admission. If the Office of Admission believes the applicant is acceptable, the student's record is sent to the appropriate department for evaluation and a decision on acceptance. The MCS department head has the right to refuse to accept the student if there are space restrictions and/or if the student's chance for success in the MCS department is determined to be questionable based on past academic performance.
Dean's List
The student must earn a quality point average of at least 3.5 while completing a minimum of 36 factorable units and earning no
incomplete grades.
Dean's List High Honors
The student must earn a quality point average of at least 3.75 while completing a minimum of 36 factorable units and earning no
incomplete grades.
The relation indicated below between probation, suspension, and drop is normal, not binding. In unusual circumstances, MCS College Council may suspend or drop a student without prior probation.
Probation
The action of probation will be taken if:
A student is occasionally continued on probation who has had one semester on probation and is not yet meeting minimum requirements but whose record indicates that the standards are likely to be met at the end of the next semester of study.
Suspension
A student who does not meet minimum standards at the end of one semester of probation will be suspended.
A freshman will be suspended if the QPA from each semester is below 1.75.
A student in the third or subsequent semester of study will be suspended if the semester factor or the cumulative factor (excluding the freshman year) is below 2.00 for two consecutive semesters.
The minimum period of suspension is one academic year (two semesters). At the end of that period a student may return to school on probation by:
Drop
This is a permanent severance from the Mellon College of Science. Students are dropped when it seems clear that they will never be
able to meet minimum standards. A student who has been suspended and who fails to meet minimum standards after returning to school
is dropped.
A student who has been academically dropped or academically suspended and who is not employed by the University must absent themselves from campus and is, for the term of the suspension, barred from all activities and affiliations that stem from one's status as an enrolled student. These include registering or enrolling for courses, sitting in on classes, living in student or fraternity/sorority housing, membership and participation in student activities, and employment in student jobs. (NOTE: Exceptions to the restriction from student jobs for students on academic suspension will in general be granted for summer employment if the position was accepted prior to the decision to suspend.)
Students will be required to meet the residence requirement and to have met all financial obligations to the university before being awarded a degree. (The residence requirement is detailed on p. 50.)
A student may seek permission to modify graduation requirements by petition to the MCS College Council.
University Honors
University Honors are automatically awarded to students who have earned a cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.5 or better after seven semesters.
College Research Honors
Please see the section "Applying your Education through Research" on pg. 263 for information on how to qualify for College
Research Honors.