First-Year Discovery Subjects
The subjects listed below were created specifically to help first-year students discover majors, minors, concentrations, and topics of interest.
All first-year students are encouraged to take one or more of these subjects even if they feel that they already know their intended major. These subjects also count towards the 6 units for discovery and related exceptions rather than the normal first-year credit limit, making it easy to fit one or more of them into your schedule.
Spring 2025
3.000 Coffee Matters: Using the Breakerspace to Make the Perfect Cup – 3 units
Uses the Course 3 (DMSE) Breakerspace to delve into the world of materials science through brewing, sipping, and testing several forms of coffee and espresso. Presents cutting-edge materials characterization tools, including optical and electron microscopes, spectroscopy techniques, and hardness/strength testing. Through experiments to analyze the composition and microstructure of coffee beans, grinds, and brewing equipment, students have the opportunity to learn how material properties influence the taste, aroma, and quality of espresso. Equips students with the knowledge and skills to appreciate coffee on a whole new level through application of materials characterization techniques, consideration of relevant physics and chemistry, and sampling. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students.
3.001 Science and Engineering of Materials – 3 units
Provides a broad introduction to topics in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering’s core subjects. Classes emphasize hands-on activities and conceptual and visual examples of materials phenomena and materials engineering, interspersed with guest speakers from inside and outside academia to show career paths. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first year students. Preference to first-year students.
6.9101J Introduction to Design Thinking and Innovation in Engineering – 3 units
Introduces students to concepts of design thinking and innovation that can be applied to any engineering discipline. Focuses on introducing an iterative design process, a systems-thinking approach for stakeholder analysis, methods for articulating design concepts, methods for concept selection, and techniques for testing with users. Provides an opportunity for first-year students to explore product or system design and development, and to build their understanding of what it means to lead and coordinate projects in engineering design. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Enrollment limited to 25; priority to first-year students.
12.12 Nature’s Sandbox: The History of Ancient Environments, Climate, and Life – 3 units
Series of field adventures to survey Earth’s history and landscape through a combination of online and in-person instruction, with virtual field trips to Svalbard, Norway, the Death Valley area and Northern Minnesota. In these key sites, students explore the interactions between Earth’s surface environments and life, and critical transitions in each. Includes weekly in-class paper discussions and experiential exercises. Three optional one-day field trips provide opportunity to explore the amazing sedimentary record preserved close to MIT. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first year students.
20.002 Introduction to Concepts in Biological Engineering – 3 units
Introduction to scientific advances in the field of biological engineering. Topics covered include drug discovery and delivery, applications of genetic engineering, creation and uses of biomaterials, and development of biological technology to mitigate human disease and environmental problems. Discusses each selected topic from different angles, highlighting research conducted from the nano- to macro- level to highlight the breadth of biological engineering applications. Students have the opportunity to select a topic of interest and explore that topic in more depth. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Preference given to first-year students
22.015 Radiation and Life: Applications of Radiation Sources in Medicine, Research, and Industry – 3 units
Introduces students to the basics of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; radiation safety and protection; and an overview of the variety of health physics applications, especially as it pertains to the medical field and to radioactive materials research in academia. Presents basic physics of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, known effects of the human body, and the techniques to measure those effects. Common radiation-based medical imaging techniques and therapies discussed. Projects, demonstrations, and experiments introduce students to standard techniques and practices in typical medical and MIT research lab environments where radiation is used. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Limited to 10. Preference to first-year students.
CC.011 Seminar II – 3 units
Researchers from across MIT join the Concourse seminar to explore the topic of “Thinking Across the Disciplines.” Concourse faculty lead weekly luncheon discussions with our guests from the wider MIT faculty. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first year students. Preference to students in Concourse.
SP.251 How to Change the World: Experiences from Social Entrepreneurs – 3 units
Every week, students meet a new role model who demonstrates what it means to change the world through social entrepreneurship, technology, or policy. Each session covers an aspect of social entrepreneurship, from identifying opportunities for change to innovation within specific topic areas to impact investing. Through these speakers, students gain a greater understanding of how technology-based, impactful solutions can address global challenges. Students learn to identify and address social and environmental problems and understand the relevance of this work for their time at MIT. By the end of the term, students identify what problems are of personal interest, and are connected to resources to continue their journey of social impact during their time at MIT. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first year-students. Limited to 25; preference to first-year students.