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What is the MIT Subject Listing & Schedule?
The MIT Subject Listing & Schedule is a searchable listing of the classes offered at MIT, with schedule information and class URL links integrated into the description of each subject.
(See the sample subject mockup for an example of how to read this listing.)You may search for a subject by name, number, description, term, instructor, requirement, and time. For example, you can get a list of all the classes offered next term that satisfy the Institute LAB Requirement.
The information you see in these pages comes directly from the student database, which contains approved subjects and the latest schedules. There are also links to subject URLs (where available) and the final exam schedule. Subject evaluations are available to those with MIT certificates.
How do I search?
The MIT Subject Listing & Schedule pages come with two search versions. For simple searches, the home page comes with an input box and a few options. For more complex searching, the extended search page allows you to specify the term, the class meeting times, and the total units of credit. You may also search based on the level of a subject (undergraduate or graduate), and undergraduate subjects are searchable based on General Institute Requirements (GIRs). All searching is case insensitive.
Some example searches:
- subjects with the word "acoustics" in the title or description (simple search)
- subjects taught by a specific professor (e.g. D. R. Sadoway) (simple search)
- subjects requiring a specific prerequisite (e.g. 18.01A) (simple search)
- subjects offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11 AM - 1 PM that are REST (extended search)
Simple search
The simple search allows you to hunt for a particular subject number, a list of words in the subject description, an instructor's name, or a subject required as a prerequisite or corequisite to another subject.
- To find a particular subject, type the subject number, e.g.,
6.002(be sure to include the decimal point). Sometimes, you will retrieve more than one class because a number is mentioned in another subject description.
- You can look for a particular phrase in a subject by typing that phrase (excluding surrounding quotation marks). The search program will look for that exact phrase (case insensitive) in subject titles and descriptions. If instead you would like to find classes that simply contain the words you typed in any order scattered through the description, select the button marked "with all of the words" before hitting the Search button.
For example, compare the results of
quantum physicsin the "with the exact phrase" mode andquantum physicsin the "with all of the words" mode. You can also use the "with all of the words" mode to do interesting searches such as finding all the new subjects in Course 6.
- You can look for a particular instructor's name by selecting the Professor (last) name button. This will shield the rest of the text from the search. Be careful about names -- many professors share last names.
For example, a search for a professor's last name of
Smith, for the current term returns J. L. Smith, Jr., K. A. Smith, and M. R. Smith. Use the Whole words only button to separateSteinfrom all those people whose names end with "stein".
- To find subjects that require another subject as a prerequisite or corequisite (see What are prerequisites and corequisites?), enter a subject number and select the Prereq/Coreq button. By default, the Whole Words only checkbox is turned on for prereq/coreq searches.
In situations where subjects in the Science Core are prerequisites or corequisites for other subjects, you can search by entering a GIR name (e.g., Search for subjects requiring
Calculus I). You may also search for non-subject prerequisites and corequisites, such as permission of instructor, by typing the appropriate text in the search field.Note that the Prereq/Coreq search takes into account joint and equivalent subject numbers. For example, if you enter the joint subject number
10.702J, into the search field, the results will include subjects that list7.02as a prerequisite in addition to those that list 10.702. Similarly, if you search for18.440as a prerequisite, the results will include subjects that list equivalent subject6.041as a prerequisite.Advanced search
The advanced search page allows you to restrict the subjects found to specific criteria. Use this in conjunction with the text search to focus your search.
- The first option available on this page is the keyword search. This works exactly the same as the simple search described above.
- The second option relates to the term in the Academic Year when the class normally is offered. You can plan your schedule in advance by looking for classes planned to be offered during a particular term by selecting the appropriate button.
Want to take a class in energy systems in the Spring? Select Spring and type
"energy systems".Note that the IAP Guide and Summer Session Catalog are the definitive sources of information on subjects scheduled those terms.
The last button is labeled Classes offered and scheduled...only. When this button is checked, only subjects that are actually scheduled for the coming term are listed. Note that this mode is checked when you first load the page and whenever you reset. If you would like to remove the restriction, select the Anytime button or use the simple search.
- The third option allows you to choose subjects based on whether they are taught over the full length of a term or for part of a term. The default selection is "any length", but you may also search specifically for full-term subjects, subjects taught during either the first or second half of the term, or subjects that are taught during some other part of the term.
- The fourth option allows you to use the pull-down menus in the Meeting Times section to specify the times you would like to take a class.
For example, if you want to find a class for anytime Wednesday morning, select
"Wed"from the Days Offered, pull-down menu,"8:00 AM"from the Start Time, pull-down menu, and"4 hrs"from the Length of Class, pull-down menu. The search will return subjects that include the lecture(s), and/or lab(s), and/or recitation(s) that occur only on Wednesday morning.If you enter a value for "Days Offered", be sure to enter "Start Time". "Length of Class" is one hour if left unspecified.
If you have built up a selection of classes and you would like to see what's still available, select
"open"from the Start Time, pull-down menu. Use this option with other constraints to limit the search results.- The fifth option allows you to specify the Total Units of Credit. If you need a 3-unit subject, select "
1-3 units" from the Total Units of Credit menu. Most subjects are offered for 9-12 units of credit. You can use the unit option with other constraints.
- The sixth option allows you to limit your search to undergraduate subjects and to subjects that satisfy undergraduate General Institute Requirements (GIRs). The GIR icons (see the Symbols Help page) appear in the descriptions of the subjects.
For example, to find out which HASS Arts subjects also satisfy the Communication-Intensive HASS Requirement, select the Arts button (
), in the HASS Category group and the CI-H button in the Communication-Intensive group; then click Search.
- The seventh option allows you to search for graduate subjects. You may also combine these options with other search constraints (keyword, term, meeting times, and/or units) as described above.
If there are seven or fewer subjects that match your search, you will receive the entire subject listing. If there are fewer than 30 matches, you will receive the title and a one-sentence description that will link you to the correct subject listing page. If there are more than 30 matches, you will see a list of the subject titles, each of which includes a link to the corresponding catalog description.
For assistance with the subject listings, write to registrar-www@mit.edu This e-mail address is monitored weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM, excluding official Institute holidays.
How do I make a URL to a specific subject?
If you'd like to create a link on your own page to a particular subject description, please use the following URL:
http://student.mit.edu/catalog/search.cgi?search=numberThe number should be something like
6.01or21L.448J(be sure to include the decimal point).
Where is the finals schedule?
The final exam schedule for each term is published by the end of the third week of the term. At that time it is available from the header link: Final Exam Schedule.
What are the icons underneath the Subject Title?
Icons represent the terms a class is offered, and the categories to which a class belongs. See the Symbols Help page to find out what the icons mean. As an example, here is a totally fictional sample subject description:
21W.999 Writing Pages for the World Wide Web
(
,
)
Prereq: 21W.730
Units: 4-0-8LIMITED ENROLLMENT Lecture: MWF10 (14N-313) or TR10-11:30 (14N-313) Lab: M EVE (7-10) (14N-301) +final
Covers HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, XSL, JavaScript, PHP, ASP, Perl, AJAX, JSON, jQuery, Flash, and Silverlight. Students are required to build a dynamic web site and sucker large companies into advertising on them. Alternate years.
A. P. Hacker
This class is for
The
.
Why are there no icons to identify the communication-intensive subjects in my major (CI-Ms)?
Subjects that count toward fulfilling the CI-M Requirement are specific to each major. Thus, a subject that is a CI-M in one program is not necessarily a CI-M in another. The description of a communication-intensive subject includes language that calls attention to communication component of the subject.
For more information about CI-M subjects in your program, visit the website of the Subcommittee on the Communication Requirement (SOCR).
What are the three numbers listed beside "Units"?
Credit units, which indicate a subject's time distribution, are represented by three numbers separated by dashes. First is the number of units assigned for recitation and lecture; second, the number of units for laboratory, design, or fieldwork; and third, for preparation. Add the units together to obtain the total credit for a subject.
One unit represents approximately 14 hours of work. Units arranged indicates that units are specially arranged by the instructor. For more information see: Credit Hours and Designations for Subjects.
What are prerequisites and corequisites?
Prerequisites are requirements that should be completed before a subject is taken. Students who have not completed the stated prerequisites must obtain the instructor's permission to register. Corequisites are subjects that must be taken concurrently with the subject described.
Prerequisites and corequisites are both listed after Prereq: in the subject description. If a subject contains both prerequisites and corequisites, prerequisites are listed first, then corequisites are listed in italics after Coreq:.
Prerequisites are generally separated by commas. A semicolon is used to separate 1) individual prerequisites from one of a series of prerequisites, 2) several series of prerequisites, or 3) prerequisites from corequisites.
Examples
Prereq: 1.010, 1.011, 1.036
Denotes one series: all subjects are required.Prereq: 3.014, 3.032, or 3.044
Denotes one series: students need only take one of the subjects listed.Prereq: Physics I (GIR), Calculus II (GIR); Coreq: 18.03
Denotes two series: students must take both subjects in the first series as well as the corequisite in the second series.Prereq: 17.800, 17.266; or permission of instructor
Denotes two series: students must take both subjects in the first series or obtain permission of the instructor.Prereq: 2.671, 3.014, 5.310, 7.02, 12.335, or 1.106 and 1.107; 10.302; or permission of instructor
Denotes three series: students must take the combination of 1.106 and 1.107 or one of the other subjects in the first series; the subject in the second series; or obtain permission of the instructor.Prereq: Calculus II (GIR); 5.60; 14.01 or 15.010; or permission of instructor
Denotes four series: students must take each subject in the first two series as well as one subject from the third series, or obtain permission of the instructor.Prereq: Biology (GIR), Physics II (GIR), 6.00, 18.03; 2.001, 20.310, or 6.02; or permission of instructor; Coreq: 20.330
Denotes four series: students must take the corequisite, as well as all subjects in the first series and one subject from the second series, or obtain permission of instructor.
What is "My Selections"?
You can build a list of classes in which you are interested, by selecting the
This list of selected subjects will appear on your Selection page. To remove a subject, simply select the
button next to the schedule information.
You can use this collection page to select the subjects you find interesting, and then print the page (using your browser's print function) to keep a permanent reference.
How do I submit my selections to Pre-registration?
If you are a registered MIT student, you may automatically submit your subject selections for fall or spring terms to pre-registration. On the page that displays your selections, click on the button, "Pre-register these classes" to be taken to the pre-registration site. Certificates required.
How do I read the schedule chart on My Selection page?
You will see a chart on your selection page with your current schedule filled in. Each color corresponds to a different subject. You can select the color or the key to jump back to the description. Lectures are shown in a plain color, while recitations and labs are shown with a dark border. See the Sample Selections Chart for more detailed information.
Why can't I pick the recitation options I want?
Recitation sections are assigned by MIT's scheduling system. This method is used to minimize conflicts on each student's schedule as well as to balance the size of the recitations for each class. However, you have the option of changing your initial recitation assignment; consult the department or instructor for further information on how to do that.
I'm a professor. How do I add a URL to my subject description, add a new class, or update a subject description?
To add a link to your class home page, use the URL Update Form. (Certificates required.) The new URL will appear in the subject listing within 48 hours.
To update your catalog description, or to add a new subject, contact your program's catalog coordinator, or write to registrar-www@mit.edu for information. (This e-mail address is monitored weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM, excluding official Institute holidays.)
How do I send suggestions?
If you have any problems with the server or the descriptions, or if you have any suggestions about how to improve the subject listing, please let us know.
What is the difference between a "course" and a "Course" and a "subject"?
From the Bulletin:
A course is a course, of course. Not necessarily! In general, at the Institute, the word Course (capitalized) refers to an organized curriculum leading to a specified degree; otherwise the word course (lower case), or subject, refers to the individual class.
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