Frequently Asked Questions

Biology Advisor

All Biology concentrators are assigned to a faculty advisor. There are approximately 50 faculty advisors from MCB and OEB. The average number of advisees per advisor is eight students. The Undergraduate Office assigns advisees based on student interest and house affiliation. Occasionally, students will ask to switch advisors. The Undergraduate Office willingly accommodates such requests.

The advisor's role is to provide academic advice and guidance to students. Advisors help students map out their schedules for completion of concentration requirements. They direct students to various laboratories and serve as a source of information about research opportunities, guest lecturers, symposia, and other matters. The advisor provides guidance about thesis research and writing, and about graduate and medical schools, and MD/PhD programs. Advisors sign study cards of their advisees each semester as a mechanism to ensure periodic contact between advisor and student.

In the case that a student is conducting research for concentration credit or toward a thesis in a lab outside of MCB or OEB, the student's Biology Advisor becomes the de facto co-sponsor for the research.

The advisor also serves as a watchdog for potential academic or personal problems and alerts the Head Tutor and Undergraduate Office immediately when the situation warrants it. The student's Senior Tutor should also be notified.

The Biology Undergraduate Office is here to help. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

updated 09/12/05