An Initial List of Advanced Undergraduate Subjects (AUS's)
for the new SB Curricula

The new SB curricula culminate in two Advanced Undergraduate Subjects (AUS's), chosen by each student from a departmental list in accordance with individual interests. These subjects are intended to meet one or more of the following objectives:

1. provide an opportunity to build, in a manageable and productive way, on material from the Foundation and Header levels, and to develop some expertise in a technical concentration area;
2. provide an opportunity for integration of earlier learning in a design- or project-oriented capstone experience;
3. provide a foundation for specialization beyond the SB, including possible graduate studies and associated thesis work.

A department committee — the Committee on Undergraduate Teaching and Curriculum, or CUTC — has been working to develop the AUS list. The subjects below constitute an initial AUS list, which includes several U subjects, some grad-G subjects, but no grad-H subject. CUTC anticipates adding some more U and G subjects (for instance, some existing undergraduate laboratory subjects) to the list, following additional discussion. Some new AUS subjects are also under discussion, or shortly to be offered in pilot mode.

While a more complete AUS list is being developed, students may petition—using the department's electronic petition process—to substitute other appropriate subjects to satisfy the AUS requirement. Such subjects might be advanced undergraduate labs, senior subjects, or introductory graduate subjects. Petitions must be endorsed by the student's academic advisor. If the petition concerns the use of a grad-H subject as an AUS, it must make clear that the student has adequate preparation for success in the subject. The department may also seek specific approval from the faculty in charge of such a subject before approving its use as an AUS.