What is the Foundations BIOL sequence, and why should I take it?

Biology 101–104 is Yale’s foundational biology sequence: four half‑semester modules that together span the breadth of the field. You’ll explore Biochemistry and Biophysics (BIOL 101), Cell Biology (BIOL 102), Genetics and Developmental Biology (BIOL 103), and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOL 104).

The real purpose of BIOL isn’t just memorizing facts…but rather to strengthen your ability to think critically which is a skill that is vital not only for aspiring scientists and physicians, but for any engaged citizen navigating complex information in today’s world. In fact, medicine and science evolve so quickly that today’s details may be outdated tomorrow. What lasts is your ability to critically analyze and interpret data, ask creative questions, design experiments to test those questions, and build new knowledge. That’s the skill set BIOL 101–104 is designed to introduce to you while simultaneously teaching you Biology, and it’s exactly the kind of thinking medical and graduate schools look for, what the MCAT tests, and and what will serve you well in any career or field where careful reasoning and problem‑solving matter. One of the most valuable parts of the BIOL sequence is learning how to engage directly with science: you’ll begin reading primary research papers, analyze data from landmark experiments, and ask questions like, how do we know what we know?—for instance, how did scientists discover that mitochondria are the cell’s ‘powerhouses’? Alongside this, you’ll strengthen your scientific writing by creating your own proposal in BIOL 1030 or a literature review in BIOL 1040. It’s a sequence where you might begin with little background or confidence, but by the end you’ll have built a solid foundation of skills for navigating academic life at Yale and for engaging deeply with biology.

All five bioscience majors at Yale (MCDB, MBB, EEB, BME, and NSCI) require some or all of these modules, and every upper‑level bioscience course has at least one BIOL module as a prerequisite. So, if you’re considering medical/graduate school or a bioscience major, BIOL 101–104 is a great place to start. It not only fulfills requirements but also gives you a strong foundation for advanced coursework and MCAT preparation.

You can begin with BIOL 1010/1020 in either the Fall or Spring. Both options are equally good. About half of first‑years take BIOL 1010/1020 in the Fall, while the other half wait until Spring to focus first on math or chemistry. To balance enrollment, Fall sections are capped, but rest assured you’ll have the opportunity to start it during your first year; if not the Fall, then the Spring!

Lastly but importantly, BIOL 101–104 is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve taken AP Biology and Chemistry or are brand new to the sciences, the course adapts to your background. Optional enrichment sections provide extra support, while individualized projects starting in BIOL 1010 give you one‑on‑one mentorship with a professor or TF to set goals at the right level for you. Even if you’ve seen some of the material before, you’ll encounter it in new, deeper ways, and the pace quickly moves into territory that’s fresh for everyone.

In short: BIOL 101–104 isn’t just a requirement or prerequisite. It’s where you’ll build the intellectual toolkit that will serve you in upper‑level courses, in medical or graduate school, and on the MCAT.

Hope to see you in class! 🙂